Hello everyone.

I really don’t know where to start this week’s letter!

I cannot believe that this virus has caused so much devastation in our school during the last week. I have changed this letter three times this morning!

Year 3 are also now isolating for 10 days. Year 4 are now back!

We always knew it was still around but who could have predicted this?

The precautions and systems in place have all worked so well up to now and these will certainly continue until the end of term and beyond.

There has been much in the news this week about whole year group” bubbles” being sent home. I agree that this is not the way forward.

I want to minimise the disruption to the children and families as much as possible, while still having safety as my top priority.

Therefore, when the children return on Monday, or when isolation periods are up, the classes will be kept separate at playtimes and lunchtimes so that only a class needs to be at home, should there be further cases. A new plan will be in place for September.

However, if the children are sent home to isolate this means they MUST stay in.

I have had many reports from concerned parents/carers of isolating children playing out or going to the shops. This really is not an extended holiday.

It will be difficult to eradicate this if the children are mixing when they really shouldn’t be and we are doing our best to keep them separate at school.

I understand that it is difficult when another sibling is at school and there is no one to bring/collect. In that case the sibling may need to stay off, as much as that should be the last resort. This is such a difficult time in many ways.

Please contact the office if this is the case.

I ask that when your children do return from isolation that masks are worn at the gate and social distancing is observed. I have asked many times but please DO NOT arrive too early to stand for long periods of time, more than 15 minutes face to face will spread the virus.

I also understand that parents/carers have not wanted to send their children into school this week. I will not be following this up. I do have to make you aware that when school is open attendance is statutory- that is not down to me.

Please ensure that if you are isolating that your children must be logging onto DB Primary to complete their daily tasks. Please let us know if devices are required.

I would like to thank parents/carers for the emails and messages of support for me personally and for the staff. This means so much.

I want to thank class 2 parents/carers again for my lovely flowers too. They are gorgeous.

Many parents/carers are asking about sending in teacher gifts. This can happen this year. I would ask that these are sent into school by Friday 16th July so that gifts can be left in school over the weekend if staff wish to do this.

Throughout this last couple of weeks, I have tried to ensure parents/carers are kept up to date and given information as it is needed. I understand that there have been many texts and emails and that this can be overwhelming.

The advice can at times be conflicting and confusing but I will always follow DfE guidance. Please contact us if you have any questions at all about what is happening.

We are still hoping that the transition week will go ahead, this is so important for all children, to go to their new classroom and spend a good chunk of time with their new teacher. This will be thoroughly risk assessed should it still happen.

Dates for June/July- these are now subject to change

Monday 12th July – Reports and new classes will be sent out

Tuesday 13th July to Friday 16th July- Transition days for all children

Monday 19th July- Colour Run in school

Tuesday 20th July- End of Term

Thank you for your continued support at this time. It really is greatly appreciated.

Take care and stay safe

Mrs Paula O’Rourke