January 2022 Newsletter
Dear Parents/Carers,
Homework
We are now nearly at the half way point in the academic year so I thought that it was a good time to send a reminder about the importance of homework activities. The pandemic has had an adverse impact on children’s learning which has meant that this year, we have focussed on addressing gaps in children’s knowledge and understanding. It would be really beneficial to your child if you could ensure that homework is completed on a weekly basis. This includes completing homework tasks on Google Classroom, reading three times a week, times table practice and learning weekly spelling words. I know that many pupils do this already. Some even go out of their way to complete more revision and practice. However, not all pupils do. We have found that pupils who complete these tasks are better prepared and more confident. Please help us to ensure that your child is successful Thank you for your cooperation.
Covid
As you may be aware, we have seen a rise in the number of positive cases in our school community. It is therefore incredibly important that you monitor your child’s health closely. Many of the children who have tested positive have complained of cold like symptoms, headache or nausea. If in doubt, please administer a lateral flow test to rule out Covid.
If your child has had close contact with someone who has tested positive for Covid, they must complete daily lateral flow tests for ten days. However, as long as they test negative they can continue to come to school.
In school we continue to follow our Covid risk assessment and follow advice from the Local Authority Public Health team. Staff continue to wear masks as do all visitors and contractors. Staff also complete twice weekly testing. Pupils are asked to wash their hands regularly throughout the day. Our site team ensure that air flow in all rooms is maximised and cleaning is thorough.
If you have any concerns regarding our Covid risk assessment, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
Clubs
We sent out invites last week for parents to sign up their children for the next set of after school clubs to start after the February half term. As most of our clubs are oversubscribed could we please request that you only sign your child up for a club that you are sure they want to attend. If your child is allocated a space and then decides that they do not want to attend or is unable to attend for any reason please let the school office know as soon as possible. If your child was unsuccessful in gaining a place in a club this half term and was placed on the waiting list you will be contacted to confirm their place for next half term.
Breakfast Club
We are pleased to inform you that we are continuing to offer our breakfast club provision. We offer one club for Years 5 & 6 and one club for Years 3 & 4 from 7:45am. Currently we have vacancies in both groups. If your child has been attending this half term and you would like them to attend again next half term please complete the Google Form which has been sent out via parentmail to sign them up.
Website
We would like to remind parents that all the information regarding our school, including the calendar, can be viewed on our website www.shj.havering.sch.uk and in addition we also have our school App which can be downloaded. If you require any further information, regarding these forms of communication, please contact the school office.
Mental Health Week
Children’s Mental Health Week is taking place from 7 – 13 February 2022 and is an opportunity to shine a spotlight on and raise awareness for children and young people’s mental health.
On Thursday 10th February we will be having a Dress to Impress Day when we will be encouraging all students and staff to use clothing and colour to express themselves.
Your child/children’s Dress to Express outfit can be as simple or elaborate as they like! Dress to Express is an opportunity for self-expression and celebrating a diverse range of emotions. The day also provides a great opportunity to be open about mental health and start conversations within our school community.
Contact Information
Please ensure that you inform the school office as soon as possible if you move, change your mobile number or e-mail address. It is very important that we are able to communicate information to you, especially in case of emergency.
February Half Term
School will be closed to pupils on Friday 11th February for staff training. Our Half Term holiday is from Monday 14th February to Friday 18th February (inclusive). Children return to school on Monday 21st February.
With all good wishes,
Mrs M Shipton
Headteacher
