What a school year we’ve had! When we returned to school back in September we had hoped that things would return to normal, how wrong we were. The year has continually thrown different challenges at us all but as a school we have worked together and overcome the various challenges.

I am so proud of all the children and how they have responded throughout the year, and continue to do so, to the changes in their usual school routines. They have been amazing in school and it has been incredible to see their happy, smiley faces on a daily basis. Thank you to all the parents/carers who have helped support their child/ren with home learning, bubble closures and getting them used to the ‘new norm’.

I would also like to thank all the staff for their continued hard work throughout this challenging year. St Mary’s has a wonderful staff team who have shown this year just how united and dedicated they are.

I wish all our fantastic Year 6’s and those children leaving us today all the best for the future. The Year 6s have been an outstanding cohort, setting a wonderful example to all the children in school with their behaviour and positive learning attitudes. I know they will all be a great success at their new schools.

We are sad to be saying goodbye to Mrs Walbyoff today. Carol has worked in all classes throughout the school across her two periods with us. We will miss her, her enthusiasm and passion for supporting children to develop.

I would finally like to thank everyone for the most amazing past four years at St Mary’s. You have an incredible school and wonderful community and I am proud to have been a part of it. I will miss everyone, especially the children and wish you all the very best for the future

Have a great summer, stay safe and look after each other.

Mr Verling

Sunday 18^th July 2021

Dear Parents,

We have been advised by Public Health England that there has been a confirmed case of COVID-19 within the school.

We know that you may find this concerning but we are continuing to monitor the situation and are working closely with Public Health England. This letter is to inform you of the current situation and provide advice on how to support your child. Please be reassured that for most people, coronavirus (COVID-19) will be a mild illness.

The small number of children who have been in close contact with the individual who has tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19) have received a letter informing them that their child must stay at home for 10 days.

The school remains open and your child should continue to attend as normal if they remain well.

What to do if your child develops symptoms of COVID 19

If your child develops symptoms of COVID-19, they must not come to school and should remain at home for at least 10 days from the date when their symptoms appeared. Anyone with symptoms will be eligible for a PCR test (the normally available test type) and this can be arranged via https://www.nhs.uk/ask-for-a-coronavirus-test or by calling 119.

All other household members who remain well, must stay at home and not leave the house for 10 days. This includes anyone in your ‘Support Bubble’.

Further information is available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-stay-at-home-guidance/stay-at-home-guidance-for-households-with-possible-coronavirus-covid-19-infection

The household isolation period includes the day the first person in your household’s symptoms started (or the day their test was taken if they did not have symptoms) and the next 10 full days. This means that if, for example, your 10 day isolation period starts on the 15th of the month, your isolation period ends at 23:59 hrs on the 25th and you can return to your normal routine. Household members should not go to work, school or public areas and exercise should be taken within the home.

If you require help with buying groceries, other shopping or picking up medication, or walking a dog, you should ask friends or family. Alternatively, you can order your shopping online and medication by phone or online.

Household members staying at home for 10 days will greatly reduce the overall amount of infection the household could pass on to others in the community

If you are able, move any vulnerable individuals (such as the elderly and those with underlying health conditions) out of your home, to stay with friends or family for the duration of the home isolation period.

Symptoms

The most common symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) are recent onset of:

• a new continuous cough
• a high temperature
• a loss of, or change in, your normal sense of taste or smell (anosmia)

For most people, coronavirus (COVID-19) will be a mild illness.

If your child does develop symptoms, you can seek advice from the nhs.uk website at https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/check-if-you-have-coronavirus-symptoms/. If you are concerned about your child’s symptoms, or they are worsening you can seek advice from NHS 111 at https://111.nhs.uk/ or by phoning 111.

How to stop COVID-19 spreading

There are things you can do to help reduce the risk of you and anyone you live with getting ill with COVID-19

Do

• wash your hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 seconds
• use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available
• wash your hands as soon as you get home
• cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze
• put used tissues in the bin immediately and wash your hands afterwards

Further Information

Further information is available at https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/

Yours sincerely

Guy Verling