This week’s message (Friday 12 March 2021)

Friday 12 March 2021

It’s the end of the first week back. Children have settled very quickly and teachers report they’re really keen to learn, which is great news. We hope the change to your week has been welcome!

Teachers also say the children, especially younger ones, have been tired, which is understandable – you can help with this by making sure they’re getting a good night’s sleep (the NHS recommend 9-12 hours for a 6-12 year old).

A word from Miss Beatson

What a fantastic first week back we’ve had!

It’s been lovely to have St James’ full of children and staff again with lots of smiley faces. It’s been clear to see that they’ve loved seeing their friends, playing games and running around outside- just as it should be! All the adults in school have commented on how focused and eager to learn the children are and they’ve all been engaged in lessons as I’ve walked around to say hello.  We should all be proud of our children- the resilience, positivity and enthusiasm they show is incredible!

Thank you to everyone for making the staggered start and end times of the school day a success and for your continued support to keep the school community as safe as possible by wearing masks and socially distancing in the playground.

Are you claiming income support?

The virus has been tough for us all. Some of you might be claiming income support to tide you over. If you are, please register your child for free school meals, even if…

  • they don’t actually have a school dinner
  • they’re in Foundation 2, Year 1 or Year 2 and so they get a free meal already

This is because for every child registered, we get an extra £1320 this year. Make a claim here.

We can use this extra amount to help pay for all sorts of resources that can benefit your child and their class.

Parent-teacher meetings

Just before February half-term, we’d normally have parent-teacher meetings and provide you with a Learning Update. We’re still planning to have parent-teacher meetings, but these will be in the last week of this term (week beginning 29 March – check the school calendar for the dates) and will be via Zoom, the same as last time. We’ll email you more details shortly.

Red Nose Day

…is next Friday. To mark the occasion, we’re having a non-uniform day and inviting children to wear some red. There’ll be a bucket to collect donations as you enter school. (Even though it’s a non-uniform day, pupils should dress appropriately, so no revealing clothes, high-heeled shoes or make-up – this is in line with our uniform policy.)

Staying safe

In emails from the Department for Education this week, one message is very clear: ‘England is still in a national lockdown. You must stay at home, leaving only where permitted by law, and follow the rules in the national lockdown: stay at home guidance.’ 

Please do keep following lockdown rules – we all so desperately want this lockdown to be the last!

Enjoy your weekend (including Mothers Day!).

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