Dear Parents and Carers
We are looking forward to welcoming all our pupils back starting with our Year 7 and Year 12 pupils on Wednesday 2nd September.
As you might remember from my letter at the end of the summer term we have planned our start of term to allow us to induct our pupils into the new routines that will operate in the year group bubble model.
The full contents of the letter are still available on our website.
A reminder that only the pupils in the year groups specified each day are in school. On their first day all pupils should enter the college site through the main pupil entrance at the front of school and meet on the GRA whilst observing social distancing. Part of each year group’s induction will be for their bubble entrance to the site to be identified for their subsequent attendance.
Wednesday 2nd September Years 7 and 12 only
Thursday 3rd September Years 7, 8 and 10 only
Friday 4th September Years 7, 9, 11 and 13 only
Monday 7th September All pupils to attend
As normal our college day will start at 8.30am and the day ends by 2.50pm. In an effort to support social distancing Year 8 and Year 10 pupils will begin to leave their lessons at 2.40 pm to make their way to their designated exit points. All other year groups will remain in their lessons until 2.50 pm.
Is there food available to purchase in school?
School meals, including a hot food offer, will be available at the child’s designated lunchtime but there is no before school breakfast provision at the moment.
There will be a break offer on some days for some year groups which will be explained to the pupils as part of their induction. In the first instance can I advise that you provide a snack for morning break if that is something that your child normally has.
To minimise the use of cash we would recommend using ParentPay online to pay for school meals. There is a link to this service on our college website. Year 7 will be provided with an activation code letter on their first day and any other pupils who require a code can request this from their form tutor. If a pupil is awaiting activation of a ParentPay account, they will be given access to the top up machines in school to use cash in the meantime.
Can my child wear a face covering?
The full message regarding our current advice about the wearing of face coverings is on our website. In summary the answer is yes but it is currently not compulsory in school but is on public transport.
How can I contact the school?
In light of current circumstances, we would ask that all parents / carers use the telephone as the primary means of contact. To adhere to current guidelines, meetings with staff will be strictly by pre-arranged appointments only.
What extra measures are we putting in place to keep people safe?
Teaching in year group bubble areas
School entrance and exits for each year group bubble
Staggered lunchtimes
Additional seating in the canteen to accommodate year groups
Additional cleaning
Hand sanitising dispensers throughout the building
Extra changing room spaces in PE
Option to wear face masks around the building
Additional pupil toilets
Additional pupil hand washing facilities
Getting back to learning
We are excited about having our pupils returning safely in September and enjoying all the benefits of the great learning opportunities we have planned, the chance to enjoy the return to the routine of school life which so many pupils and parents tell us they have missed. As you will know not attending school in September is no longer an option and we will support families who need help in getting their child to return.
Great exam and degree achievements
Our pupils achieved excellent GCSE and A Level results and we would encourage you to have a look at our college twitter feed where we celebrate the next steps our Year 13 pupils are taking. We also share the many great news stories of former pupils, who stay in touch with their St Mary’s school family, and want us to share in their wonderful degree achievements with a plethora of first class degrees this year. We are incredibly proud of them and the part we have played in their education.
Working together we can achieve great things.
Yours faithfully
Mr A Boyle
Headteacher
