Following the announcement by the Prime Minister on Monday and further details from Gavin Williamson I can inform you of plans for the remainder of this term and the start of the new school year in September.

Although restrictions are to be lifted on the 19^th July, with only 5 school days left I intend to keep the routines in place that we have currently.

Due to the current number of cases in our community, we will not be allowing parents to attend Year 6 leaver assembly. I know that some parents will be disappointed but we need to make sure that everyone is kept as safe as possible prior to the start of the summer holiday. We will video the assembly and parents will have an opportunity to watch it remotely.

At the moment we are planning to return to full normality in September. However, I would caution that this is totally dependent on any Covid guidance in place at the time.

Therefore, I would like to remind everyone of what the normal routines and rules are as it is a very long time since we opened with full mixing and for some children and families it will be new.

Children can arrive at school between 8.45 – 8.55am and go straight to their classrooms.  All children must be in class by 8.55 am to avoid a late registration mark.  We finish school at 3.20 pm. I am hoping there will be no need to socially distance, wear face masks or use the one-way system.

Friday celebration assembly will resume at 9.00am where parents are welcome to attend.

Full school uniform is expected - grey trousers, grey skirts, grey shorts, white or blue polo shirts or long sleeved shirts and a blue sweatshirt or cardigan. Obviously if the weather is warm sandals and summer dresses can be worn instead.

PE will begin the first week back. Children can continue to come into school wearing their PE kit on their PE day. I have noticed that a lot of children are not currently in PE kit. This will be expected in September.  You will be notified of your child’s new PE days via Class dojo.

Hot meals will be continuing as they have this year. The menu for September is already available and choices MUST be submitted by 9.00 am on Tuesday 20^th July 2021 if you require a hot meal the first week back to school.

After school clubs – we are planning on restarting some of our after school clubs in September. A copy of the clubs that are available have been sent out to all parents.

For the first time in a very long time things are looking hopeful about returning to normal. However, as I said at the beginning of this letter this is dependent on Covid19 guidance for schools and I am prepared for this to not be published until right at the end of the summer holiday. If things have to change I will notify you via ParentMail.

As always, thank you for your patience and support over this year. Yet again, St Cuthbert’s has enabled children to attend school with minimal disruption apart from the national lockdown and to enjoy their learning. We are all looking forward to a full calendar of events from September. May I wish all our families a relaxing and enjoyable summer holiday and I very much look forward to seeing everyone in September.

Yours sincerely,

Helen Mullinger

Headteacher

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