The following message was sent out to parents on Friday 10 December:
We all seem to be getting new COVID measures coming at us from all angles and school is no exception. We have learnt it is dangerous territory to send out COVID messages as usually once we hit send another raft of regulations pings through on a DfE email. Even so, we wanted to give you as an advance a heads up as we can so here we go.
This message will cover the following topics:
* Staggered Return to School
* COVID Testing
* COVID Vaccinations
* Face-Masks
* Y11 Vocational Exams
* PTFA
* Y7 Craft Club
* End of Term
Staggered Return to School
The government have directed us to test children for COVID when they return from the Xmas Break so this means we will need to run with a staggered return.
We expect to see the following students returning on:
Wednesday 5 January – Years 11, 12 & 13
Thursday 6 January – Years 7 & 10
Friday 7 January – Years 8 & 9
All students return for a normal school day and will be tested as the day rolls through.
COVID Testing
We will conducting the testing process in the same way as we did on the return to school in September. We will take parental consent from the last time. If any parent wishes to now provide or withdraw their consent then they should do so by notifying us via offce@friary.greywoodmst.co.uk. We would also urge you to tell your child as this is an extra fail-safe in what is a massive logistical exercise.
We have distributed testing kits via tutor groups and would ask that every child is tested before their return to school – say Sunday 2 January / Monday 3 January – so that we reduce any risk. Equally, the advice is for every child to be tested 3 or so days after their school test – so the weekend of Saturday 8 January / Sunday 9 January.
If any child tests positive then their parents will be called and they should be taken for a PCR test. Please notify us of the result once it is available.
COVID Vaccinations
We are getting a mix of information of when children will be allowed their second vaccination and as yet we have no clear idea on how that process will roll out.
Our advice would be that if you wish for your child to be vaccinated then it would be wise to keep an eye on the news and look to book them into a vaccination centre outside of school. This means you know they will get it and this could help you in terms of family holidays, events, etc.
Naturally, if it did become something to be delivered in school, then we would have the NHS teams come in for those children / parents who consented to the jab.
Face-Masks
Face-masks are being worn in school by the vast majority of students.
The government advice to do so is due to be reviewed at the end of term but we cannot see at this stage their requirement being lifted in the New Year.
It is very likely that a new set of face-masks could be an ideal stocking-filler.
Y11 Vocational Exams
We have Year 11 Vocational exams next half-term which are the real thing and count to the final results. These are:
Monday 7 February – BTEC Enterprise – PM
Wednesday 9 February – BTEC Health & Social Care – AM
More details will come out to those parents whose children are involved but it is a reminder to all of us that assessment in every Year group is an on-going process and always counts to one extent or another.
PTFA
Our PTFA is working hard to raise funds for our school with the big targets being a school garden and a refurbishment of the school theatre.
These efforts have seen Bags2School collections, ‘Chicago’ bars, and the recent Round Table Santa Run. Looking ahead, there is a Quiz Night and a Stand-Up Comedy Night too.
We would appreciate if you could support these efforts as every child benefits from these works: whether it be for new computers, extra canteen space and seating, new school minibuses, new books, etc. Certainly, if you are ready to sign up to help – and we are keen to see some Year 7, Year 8 and Year 9 parents join – then just let us know via office@friary.greywoodmst.co.uk.
Our current Xmas Raffle has seen the PTFA team pull every string they can to get a great prize list: such as a X-Box 3 Series, creates of wine, £250 worth of cookware, and much more besides.
To enter all you need to do is text keyword: FRIARY21 to the number 70970 and you will automatically be entered into our prize draw. Each text makes a £5 donation to our raffle and entitles you to one entry. You can text as many times as you like to make extra entries. The raffle will be drawn on Wednesday 15th December and prize winners will be notified before the end of term.
At the moment we have had 130 different people buy tickets – many of whom are staff – and we are very grateful, especially in these tough times. However, if we saw every child have 1 ticket bought for them we would raise well over £6,000. This would be an amazing effort – and we know a good few parents and staff have already bought more than 1 ticket already.
If you can help, then please get a ticket. If you cannot then no problem – we understand – and rest assured that both the school and the PTFA are doing all we can to provide the best education we can.
Y7 Craft Club
We have offered a Year 7 Craft Club to all Year 7 tutor groups via an external provider which works out at £5 per session. This covers the provider and all materials.
If you are interested then tell your child to sign up with their form tutor and we’ll do the rest. There are limited places so it is a case of first come, first serve.
End of Term
The Autumn Term ends on Friday 17 December and is a full school day.
We would like to thank you for your support in what has been a much better term as regards to student experience – let’s hope the COVID developments don’t undermine that for January 2022.
If you have helped us by signing up to EduLink, attending a Parents Evening, coming to the school show, helping with COVID testing, singing at the Carol Concert, celebrating at the Year 7 Dedication Services, joining in with Oktoberfest, even teasing me about these emails, or simply by encouraging your child each and every day to work hard and do their best then we hugely appreciate it. Two forces for good in your child’s life is a fantastic thing.
Finally – at the risk of having to email you next week to say things have changed again – have a great Xmas and New Year.
