THE END AT LAST?

We come to the end of term and put another foot forward on the road to normality. This term has been a real roller coaster in trying to make head or tail out of the changes we have experienced. 

One of the most significant changes this term has been the way the children have learnt and the content they have been exposed to. Reporting on their progress in the normal way of the past is near impossible. We will be changing for this Semester how we report on your children's progress. With home learning, online tasks and face to face at school all happening at some time this term, it is difficult, nor is it fair to assess the children against the planned outcomes. SO this Semester's report will be a little different. The main difference is the timing. Reports will not be released until the end of Week 2 next term. The reports will only give a basic outline of your child's progress in English, Maths and RE.

Parent/Teacher Interviews will be slightly different also, in that, we are trialing having the children accompany their parents to these interviews to discuss their progress as well.

So, let's take a deep breath for two weeks, get used to a few more freedoms like sport and movies etc, maybe visit some regional areas and come back on Monday  20 July and start all over again.

Thanks to all - parents, relatives, children and teachers - for getting us through this strange period without too much upheaval. WELL DONE EVERYONE!!

TERM 3 AND COVID

At the time of writing this newsletter, there are still some restrictions to access to the school by adults. Because visitors and service providers might be engaged in activities at different sites during the day, our advice is still to restrict access to non-essential services and visitors onto the school site.

These include but are not limited to:

• Volunteers - for reading, canteen, craft etc
• Professional services -  such as Occupational Therapists, Speech Therapists etc
• Tutors - such as music or dance

We will be allowed to allow small numbers of Parents and Friends onto the site to attend liturgies, assemblies etc. It is our plan to invite those parents of children who are presenting their weekly liturgy to attend on that day. Parents should follow the calendar to see when their class is presenting the liturgy.

This could all change for the better during the holidays or shortly afterwards -- let's keep our fingers crossed.

NEW STAFF & PRINCIPAL ON LEAVE

Sadly, Mrs Nicols retired from her position as teacher of our EAL/D children. The children gave her send off and we wish her well as she moves to a new stage in her journey.

We have been fortunate to have secured a very talented teacher to replace her. Miss Gallagher will take on the role of EAL/D teacher 3 days per week for Terms  3 and 4. Miss Payton will fill her place with the Year 2 class on 2 days per week to release Mrs Dunn for Executive duties (REC & Acting Assistant Principal).

Another change will be temporary and involves my taking leave for at least 6 weeks next term. I will be replacing my "dickie" knee with a new one of shiny steel and porcelin. Ms McGann will be stepping up as Acting Principal from Week 3 and Mrs Dunn will fill in as Acting Assistant Principal.

LONG HAIR

Just a reminder that children with long hair need to have it tied up to keep it out of their eyes and safe from being caught on things and out of other's space. Please ensure your child's long hair is tied back. Thank you.

TERM 3 PUPIL FREE DAYS

 Three days are planned next term for Pupil Free Days. Please note these in your diaries. The school will be closed on these days.

• August 7 (Friday Wk 3)  - Parent/Student/Teacher Interviews
• August 24 (Monday WK 6) - Wellbeing and Zones of Regulation
• September 8 ( Tuesday Wk 8)- The Teaching of Writing and Speling

These are significant opportunities for teachers and parents to come together to learn new skills for the betterment of the children's learning and were postponed due the lockdown of this term.