Dear Parents/Guardians,
Hopefully now you will have read the letter penned by the Local Authority and circulated to all schools late yesterday afternoon. As we have already had a few questions I thought I would answer those that we have had in a message. I am sure I will miss something out in which case there may be follow up messages later on in the week.
What is happening next week?
The school will finish face to face learning for almost all pupils this Friday at the normal time. For the final three days next week (Monday 20th, Tuesday 21st and Wednesday 22nd of December) we will turn to distance learning. This could be in the form of remote online learning or premade packs (or a mixture of the two). Teachers will be available through the normal communications during school hours for those three days should it be necessary. For these three days, the work is provided for those that wish to access it and feel it would be beneficial. Please don’t feel there is pressure to complete it.
The school will be open to provide a provision for the children of critical workers as was the case in the previous lockdown for normal school hours.As the idea for this is to prevent over mixing of the pupils and staff, with one eye on preventing isolation over the Christmas period, we kindly ask that we are used as a last resort. This is for the benefit of all the pupils and their immediate family in the run up to the festive period.If you do need to book a place, please do so by Thursday the 16th December 2pm.
The provision for the critical workers children provided in school will be the same as the provision for the children at home : to complete the remote learning independently.
Are Breakfast club and Playmates still open?
They will be open as usual for those using the provision. Please book in the normal way.
What will happen in January?
As far as the school is aware the pupils will return to school as usual on Monday January 10th at the normal time. There has been no talk of staggered starts or any other changes to the school day. We will, of course, keep you informed and communicate any further news by Friday 7th January.
What about Christmas dinner?
Unfortunately, we have had to cancel Christmas dinner in school for this year. I hold my hands up, when we were asked to arrange a date to order and put on the dinner (late October), I did not think we would be in this position. It isn’t possible to receive our order and cook the dinner by Friday.
Instead we will continue with the Christmas party day food on Friday 17th December. Pupils can wear a Christmas jumper/non-school uniform on that day.
I have already paid for Christmas dinner- how do I get the money back?
The money can be left on the account for another meal in the new year or beyond. If you do wish to get the money refunded please contact catering on 315644 and they will be able to help you further.
What are the eating options for the children of Critical workers using the provision?
We are still waiting to hear from catering for information about this. It could be that all pupils are expected to bring packed lunches for those days. We will let you know when we find out.
What does my child wear for the provision?
The pupils can wear their own clothes. We would ask that they are sensible and that they keep your child warm as windows will be open to provide ventilation.
…and finally
Thank you all for your understanding, patience and continued support. When September started many were hopeful that it may be business as usual. As the term has gone on we have had to alter what we were doing and there has been many elements of disruption. During those moments we have always felt that we were all working together to make the best of this situation for the pupils.
Thank you again. We hope you stay safe and that you have a wonderful few weeks.
Everyone at Gwersyllt CP
Gwersyllt CP 