Dear parents/carers,
End of Term
The dust is now settling at the end of what has been an eventful week to say the least. I hope that there will be no more surprises before next Wednesday when we break up for the Christmas Holidays. These last minute decisions and changes really make life so much more difficult for all of us.
Here is a reminder of the end of term arrangements as they now stand:
School closes today, Friday 17th December for the Christmas holidays.
The school will be open on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday next week to children of critical workers and for vulnerable learners. As I shared with you last night, you can send you child to school next week if:
- You need to go to work
- Your child is vulnerable
Breakfast Club
The local authority have directed us not to hold Breakfast Club next week. If this makes things difficult for you, give us a ring.
Learning at home
During these difficult times our primary focus is the health and well-being of all pour learners and staff. This last week of the Christmas break is an opportunity for all of us to reflect on the autumn term that has been and to participate in festive activities and experiences. From Monday to Wednesday next week we will be switching to an online learning model. We have become well used to this model by now so this should not present too many challenges for our learners.
Pupils eligible for free school meals
Parents/carers of learners who are eligible for free school meals will receive payments covering the three days into their bank accounts.
Plans for January
We have received correspondence from the Education Minister, Jeremy Miles, with appropriate guidance, which takes into account the uncertainty regarding the impact of the Covid Omicron variant. We will be closed to all learners on 6th & 7th January as these have been allocated as Planning Days for all schools in Wales. These planning days will allow us time to assess the staffing capacity within our schools and put the necessary measures in place to support the return of learners.
You will be aware that the schools in our cluster were due to hold staff training days on the 6th and 7th January. The local authority have asked us to postpone these until later in the term. We will inform you of the new dates for these training days as soon as possible when we return in January.
In addition to the planning days, as a precautionary approach, the Welsh Government have advised all schools to base plans for their return on the ‘very high’ risk level. You will remember that we have in the past had staggered start and end times to the school day, lunches have been taken at desks in classrooms were two of the measures we put in place to reduce the risk of spreading the virus. If our risk assessment suggests that further measures are necessary we will let you know of the changes before the pupils return on the 10th January.
Many thanks for your continued support and understanding.
Nadolig Llawen a Blwyddyn Newydd Dda!
Yours sincerely / Yn gywir,
The Headteachers of:
Ysgol Ffordd Dyffryn, Ysgol Tudno, Ysgol Craig y Don, Ysgol Blessed William Davies, Ysgol Bodafon, Ysgol San Sior and Ysgol Glanwydden.