Mrs Finch's Blog 18/5/20

Date: 17th May 2020 @ 6:22pm

My task this week is a simple one - stay safe and stay in touch with friends.

It has been lovely seeing the messages that the little ones have been making for their friends and I am sure that they have been gratefully received by those they have been made for.  This week I'd like you to carry on with this, tell us about messages, calls, facetime or zoom - whatever it is that you are using to keep in touch, we'd love to hear about it.  

I've spent a lot of time this week planning and replanning for the possible reopening of school for some year groups.  I'd like to thank everyone that has taken time to complete the website survey or contact me regarding your thoughts and feelings.  I'm not entirely sure where I should stand on this - as a parent I want my children as close to me as I can get them, I don't even want to think about sending them back to school until I see a rapid decline in the number of positive cases of Covid 19, not to mention the number of deaths.  As a headteacher I understand that the government, and indeed parents, are worried about children falling behind and missing out on their learning. However, this is our superpower, teaching is what we do best and we will make sure that when the time is right for everyone to return to school safely then we will help them start learning again.  Every day we are in school, we cater for individual needs, we identify the gaps and we do something about it.  The whole country is going to be in the same position.  When things return to normal and we can reopen schools properly and safely, for everyone, we need to concentrate on rebuilding those friendships, refining those social skills and protecting and nurturing the mental health and well being of our St Aidan's family.  Only then can we expect the children to become effective learners again.

I know a lot of parents are concerned about what the children will miss out on if they don't come back in June and there are concerns over how we can realistically get the children to socially distance from their friends and teachers.  I can't answer all the questions (and believe me I wish I could) but I can assure you that any children who need to come to school will be kept as safe as we possibly can.  I also want to reassure you that I will wholeheartedly support every parents decision on whether they want their children in school or not.  There will no fines or judgements for wanting to keep your children safe at home with you.  

School is going to look very different over the next couple of months, this week keep an eye on your emails for our reopening plan.  As with anything at the minute this is still subject to change as I haven't had confirmed decisions from all parents yet.  The first plan you receive will outline a worst case scenario - should all children in YR, 1 and 6 return to school.  Class sizes can be no more than 15 and your child may not get their class teacher leading their group or even be in thier own classroom.  Once I have definite numbers, those who are sending their children in to school will receive a more precise plan.  

I'd like to thank you all for your kind words and support during this very difficult time.  You've all been awesome and to those who have been checking in on us to make sure we're ok - I'd like to thank you from the bottom of my heart.  

Finally, here's one for the children - Wednesday May 20th is National Thank a Teacher Day - how lovely would it be to surprise your teacher by posting a special picture on our facebook page that's just for them.  I know it will mean the world to them.

Take care and stay safe, 

Mrs F x