We got through it! I cannot tell you how excited we all are to be opening to all children from Monday. I sent out a letter via email on Wednesday with a reminder of our procedures and start and finish times. This is also on our website (along with an updated version of our risk assessment) so please make sure that you have read it.
Our priority, particularly over the first few days, is to allow the children the space and time to catch up with their friends and teachers, to play games, socialise, celebrate lockdown achievements, and enjoy getting back to a routine. Teachers are busy planning sessions to allow this to happen. We are also planning to hold consultation sessions for parents with their child’s teacher before the Easter break (22nd and 24th March for all classes other than 4G parents who will have their sessions on 29th and 30th March) so that families can share their child’s experience of learning remotely alongside teachers sharing how their child has settled back into school life. More details around this will follow on Monday.
I know that many parents may be concerned about this current lockdown and the impact that being taught remotely will have had on your children, but our staff are amazing and highly trained and will tailor learning expertly to support all children to progress from their starting points so please do not worry.
This week we marked World Book day in true Greetland fashion. It was wonderful to link up with the children at home to see their costumes, read them a story and see their window decoration competition entries. Congratulations to Amber Rodd, Alice Walker, 2A and 3G who were the worthy winners and well done to everyone who entered. We also hope you enjoyed our ‘Where’s Wally Hunt’ around the village.
Another piece of exciting news- we recognise that we are now pretty much a year into this pandemic and its restrictions and therefore all of us will have had a birthday either under full lockdown or under some form of limitations. For Comic Relief this year (19th March), we will be holding ‘The Great Greetland Birthday Party’ and will spend the whole day celebrating the birthday that we have missed out on this year with our class bubble. Children and staff will be able to come to school dressed for their ideal party (a sleepover, superheroes, a disco, a football party- it’s up to them). Our staff are busy putting final plans together and a letter will come out shortly with more information including how you can donate to Comic Relief. FOGS have kindly also arranged for each child to receive a ‘birthday gift’ so I would like to say a huge thank you to them. If any of you have any contacts who could help provide decorations for this day (particularly helium balloons) then please get in touch with the school office. Budgets are limited at the moment but we do want to make this day memorable for our children.
I am pleased to announce that Mrs Bakes and Mrs Moran have both had their babies. Mrs Morgan gave birth to little Arlo about a month ago and Mrs Bakes had (not so little) Albie last week. They are all doing well and hope to be able to come into school to visit once restrictions are lifted. They would both like to thank you for the cards and gifts that they received before they left.
Thank you as always for your support over this lockdown period and the kind words of thanks recognising how hard the staff have been working: juggling the demands of teaching both in class whilst also providing remote education is no mean feat and they have all risen to the challenge fantastically. They really are an amazing bunch of people.
Finally, well done to you all- you got through this! Back in January I sent you all this message:
‘What I want to say to you all (parents of children in school and at home) is WELL DONE. Whatever your personal circumstances, we have been blown away with the fantastic job you are all doing. If your child has stayed up late, played too much on their console or not done all their school work……..THAT’S OKAY. We know how much our children are loved and cared for and how they are all kept safe and that is the most important thing at the moment’.
I meant every word of it at the time and still do to this day. We have been blown away with the efforts at home.
Have a lovely weekend and I will see you all on Monday morning. 😊
Mrs Crowther