The sun is shining, the children have been so happy to see their friends again and the staff are so pleased to welcome you all back to the final term of the year! We hope you all managed to enjoy a special Easter with your families and found that much needed time to ‘just be’ and that you all managed to get some rest and relaxation!
This first week back, we have all picked up where we left off! There was such a buzz of enthusiasm on Monday as children entered classrooms. Once again the children’s laughter and non-stop conversations have been heard all over school (but particularly at lunchtime; as the children will tell you - we are now working on hall voices!!!!) The sunshine has been a complete bonus, giving the children the freedom to really enjoy their play.
Working together…
I know during this period of transition, as the community begins to open up and new opportunities arise, there is a real feeling of excitement and hope. Within school we are still meticulously following our guidance and it is heart-warming to see you all supporting us to keep each other safe. We can only keep thanking you for doing this, and reminding all families how vitally important it is that we continue with our hygiene measures. I have just been on a call with Public Health this morning who have reminded all schools that even though we are beginning to be able to ‘relax restrictions’ that bit more, we must not become complacent and we must all ensure we are sticking to our safety measures as well as we possibly can!
Testing…
A reminder that anyone who has a child who goes to nursery, school or college in their household or bubble, can get peace of mind by taking a rapid Covid test twice using a simple home test kit which gives results in 30 minutes
You can collect test kits from: Yeadon Way Covid testing site 1pm – 8pm, Monday to Sunday
Also, (which has been available from Monday 22 March), you can also collect tests from any of the symptom-free testing hub sessions listed on the council website ⇢ www.blackpool.gov.uk/GettingTested
No appointment needed - just give your name and contact details on arrival. You can also pick up free rapid tests at local test sites and participating local pharmacies.
Find your nearest collection site
The community testing hubs in Blackpool are also available for those with no symptoms to drop-in to get a rapid COVID-19 test done in a few minutes, with a result sent by text message after 30 minutes.
If you are unable to get to a testing site, you can order tests online ⇢ https://www.gov.uk/order-coronavirus-rapid-lateral-flow-tests
Water Safety
As the weather has begun to improve, many of you, like me, may enjoy time down at the beach. Although not quite warm enough yet to go into the water… Blackpool Beach Patrol in association with RNLI have produced a short video to help us all remember some simple rules to keep us safe when we head down to the water!!!
Moving forward as ‘Easter People’.
Well done to all of the classes who produced the most amazing Stations of the Cross on canvas for Holy Week. Fr Jim has them in church and is displaying them on the Sacred Heart and Our Lady altars at either side of the main altar. Next time you visit for mass - have at look at their wonderful work!
As we continue through the Easter season we are reminded of the disciples’ continuous struggle to understand what had happened to Jesus, and we see Jesus repeatedly and patiently trying to explain it to them. Many times, the disciples struggled to believe what was right in front of them. Which is why the Gospels are a message for us too: sometimes we fail to see Jesus even when he is right in front of our eyes. We need the eyes of faith to see and appreciate what He is doing for us.
Lord, the resurrection of Your Son has given us new life and renewed hope. May the Spirit who walks the road with you give you wisdom to understand and courage to share God’s new life for the whole world. Help us to live as Easter people in pursuit of Your grace. Amen.
