Welcome Back! "It's so nice to have you back where you belong!!!"

It has been a delight to be able to welcome all of the children back to Our Lady’s family again this week… although I really don’t believe its been six weeks since we broke up for Summer! Time goes far too fast!!!

I would first like to thank parents and families for your patience in our return these last two days. I appreciate confusion was caused for EVERYONE as we tried to establish our new entrances and routines (not helped that even I forgot some arrangements and was sending parents to the wrong gate - HUGE APOLOGIES for that!) But thank you all for your patience and understanding as we get routines established again and the children are confident in where they come to/line up etc and with which teacher!

I know some parents have expressed their concerns at how busy Thornhill Close is now. I am hoping that as everyone becomes more familiar with their entrance and exit routines (& times) this will alleviate so many parents arriving earlier that they need to and having to wait in one area for a long time. We actually have less pupils arriving at that entrance than we did last year so this issue should rectify itself very soon.

COVID Update

As you know, COVID cases are again on the increase. Unfortunately we must leave arrangements as they are at the moment as all schools must have a contingency plan ready for being able to step back into tighter restrictions if required.

I know I have said this many times over the past year, but thank you… we have got to this point through the actions of every individual and now we need to build on this solid foundation. We all need to learn to live with this virus whilst continuing to keep each other safe. Please if you haven’t read all our updated guidance (available here), please do, as these documents confirm all those little things that we have removed or introduced.

There is a letter which has been produced by Public Health in Blackpool (available here) which presents scenarios and helps to provide answers to the questions you may have. These documents will continue to change as the year progresses and any changes will be communicated with you. Most importantly please always err on the side of caution and if your child develops any of the three symptoms associated with the virus keep them at home and book a PCR test. If we know that your child has been in contact with a positive case within school we will text/phone to recommend you book a PCR test. Both of these actions will help us to minimise the spread of the virus.

It is also worth reminding you that if your child will be absent, due to COVID symptoms - or any other sickness, that you please inform the office by phone (01253 762833) or email (admin@our-lady.blackpool.sch.uk) as soon as possible and not simply report the absence through your child’s class email.

Some sad news…

Members of the parish were informed during the Summer that Fr Jim has been asked to move to another Parish in a couple of weeks time by Bishop Paul, bishop of Lancaster.

We are all devastated at this news as Fr Jim has been a wonderful support to us, not only in his roles as our Parish Priest and Dean of Blackpool, but most especially in his genuine love and care for our school, our staff and our children and families. Fr Jim will not be replaced. Therefore we will not have a Parish Priest at Our Lady of the Assumption from 20th September. We have been informed that Canon Chris Loughran will be overseeing our parish along with the parishes of St Cuthbert’s and St John Vianney, where he will be residing.

On behalf of our whole community we say a huge, huge thank you to Fr Jim. Thank you for your care. Thank you for your support. Thank you for your sharing of your time. Thank you for your science and IT skills. Thank you for your encouragement & most of all, thank you for your love. Our Lady of the Assumption school and parish are forever indebted to you and will never forget you!

School will have a special mass on the Feast of the birthday of Our Lady (8th September) when KS2 classes will celebrate mass with the parish (and KS1 also, through a live link) where we can officially bid farewell to Fr Jim.

We are so sorry to be losing you!

A new Adventure

This morning (and throughout the coming week, our Year 6 children from last year have (and will) all commenced their high school journey. We wish them well and know they will continue to find that inner strength as they meet new challenges and grow into the human beings Christ made them to become.

Finally…

And so… as we head into our new school year we have so much to be thankful for and, at a time when the world needs a warm embrace, our prayers are never more needed.

We especially ask for all of your prayers for Amy - who should have joined Year 4 this year, but unfortunately has had to undergo further treatment in hospital. All our thoughts and prayers are with her and her family. We are all praying for you and wishing you well Amy and we look forward to you joining the Year 4 class when you are strong enough again.

Together, act by act, prayer by prayer, we have the power to slowly bring the Kingdom of God to life…  we have the power to support each other through Christ who strengthens us.

Enjoy a restful weekend

Don't look back to yesterday's... look ahead to God's promises yet to unfold!

Thank you to Everyone

I have few words to express the frustrations, anxiety, fears etc which the past 15 (or so) months have brought. All I can say is, that I am so proud of the way everyone in Our Lady of the Assumption School have taken every challenge in their stride, remained positive, and worked as hard as they could to keep our little school as safe as they possibly could during this terrible time. I am so immensely thankful and humbled by our children and staff and the amazing way they have dealt with every problem which has come their way. In fact, not only dealt with - but remained upbeat and smiling through every challenge which (more often than not) was thrust upon us at the eleventh hour! Our school has worked together and supported one another other, being humble and always learning together. I am truly blessed to be a part of Our Lady of the Assumption.

Sad news and happy news…

As we come to the close of another school year, Our Lady’s has quite a few changes going forward.

We first have to say some sad goodbye’s to some of our most long serving and much loved staff. Mrs Mahoney, who has worked for over 20 years in our KS1 and Reception Classes has announced her retirement as we break for the Summer holidays!

Also taking a well earned retirement is our wonderful cook, Mrs Judy Fawcett. Judy has been with Our Lady’s for many, many years and will be sadly missed (not least for her barbeque chicken and amazing flapjack!!!)

And (as if that wasn’t enough…) one of our Welfare Staff Mrs J Hemstock will also be retiring this Summer!

We certainly owe a debt of gratitude to these ladies, who have supported, guided, loved (& fed) your children for many, many years. I know you will join me in thanking them SO much for all their care and service towards all of Our Lady’s Community through the years and wish them well for their retirements!

We also celebrate the extremely happy news of the marriages of 4 (yes 4!) of our staff this Summer. Firstly that of Miss Slater who will be getting married at Our Lady of the Assumption this Saturday. She will become Mrs Murphy from September.

We also have the wedding of Mr Whetnall during the Summer Holidays (luckily we have no name change there…)

We then have Miss Dixon’s wedding which again takes place during the Summer break. She will become Mrs Holden from September.

Finally (for this year) we have Mrs Murray from Year 6 who also ties the knot during the Summer! She will then become Mrs Owen!

Our Lady’s family wishes each of them every happiness as they begin this new chapter in their lives. (And we all hope we can remember their new names!!!!)

We also welcome a new staff member at this time… Miss Whitehead!

Miss Whitehead will be joining us as our new Year 4 teacher for September. The children have already met her and she will be working alongside them all to get to know them well over the next 2 weeks. We ask God to bless her and welcome her into the wonderful family of Our Lady of the Assumption!

School Uniform

With the summer holidays fast approaching parents and carers may be looking to purchase school uniform for the new school year. One of our uniform suppliers, 1st Class Kids have sent us details of how you can purchase uniform from them. Please click here for the latest from them.

Our other uniform supplier is The Uniform and Leisurewear Company who are on Clifton Street in the town centre. Their website is: https://www.ualonline.uk/

A reminder of our school uniform requirements, including hairstyles, will be re-issued along with your child’s report. Please, please ensure that you read this carefully and avoid any unnecessary mistakes when your child returns in September. Governors, staff and myself want to ensure that we start this new school year as we mean to go on, so will be ensuring that this is adhered to. We thank you, as always for your support with this.

September Timetable:

We break for the Summer holidays on Friday 16th July at our usual time (1.05pm/1.15pm). There will be After School Club on this afternoon.

From September we will return to a more ‘normal’ school timetable BUT will start the year with our staggered starting and finishing times so that we can still avoid large crowds of parents having to wait together in the playground: We will also remain using both of our school entrances.

Our new starting & ending times will be closer together with the first family groups entering at 8.45am and the second groups entering at 8.55am. Therefore final register and start of school will be as soon as second groups of children enter at 8.55am - so anyone arriving after 9.00am will be recorded as late.

The school day will end at 3.15pm & 3.25pm Monday to Friday.

Timetable including the groups & entrance for your child will come out in a letter with your child’s report.

We all must remain alert.....

Coronavirus Update

As you will be aware we are devastated to have had to close 3 class bubbles over the past few days due to 3 confirmed positive cases of coronavirus.

This has saddened us all tremendously.

It is something which has made all of us very anxious, but is obviously something we must take very seriously and ensure that we are following guidance and keeping ourselves and others safe. It is incredibly frustrating, especially when we were expecting restrictions to be lifted and also when we see crowds of people at sporting events such as Euro 2021 and Wimbledon!

I have had a letter from Dr Arif Rajpura - our Director of Public Health for Blackpool who has written to all families reminding us all to remain alert and rigidly stick to the guidance in light of the rapidly spreading Delta variant in the North West.

Read his letter HERE

As you can see, Dr Rajpura is asking us all to keep to the guidance, keeping our distance from others when collecting and dropping off children, wearing masks and continuing our strict handwashing practices.

This variant is spreading extremely rapidly which means our R rate is higher than the rest of England:

Latest R number range for England -

Range for England                1.2 - 1.4 

Range for the North West    1.3 - 1.5

Last updated on Friday 18 June 2021

Current symptoms - Delta Variant

As more and more people are contracting the virus due to this new variant - we in schools are being asked to take notice of children who are exhibiting slightly different symptoms from the 3 which we are used to (Persistent cough / high temperature / loss or change in taste or smell) and now included for children are “…cough and loss of smell or taste as less common symptoms for people who have contracted the coronavirus Delta variant. Meanwhile, sore throat, runny nose, fever, upset stomach and headaches are more common among young patients.”

I have already texted parents with children currently in school to be on your guard for these, or any strange symptoms in your child. As you will be aware, children are strictly in bubbles within school, so, if any child is presenting with any symptoms above, we are contacting parents and urging you to book your child for a PCR (lab) test.

A few parents have expressed that they are regularly undertaking the rapid lateral flow tests with the family (LFT test) While this is useful if showing no symptoms - if symptomatic, the PCR test should be undertaken. There may also be problems accessing a PCR test. if this is the case and you have been asked by school to undertake a lab test, please let us know and we can forward you information to take to the test centre to identify that we have sent you for this.

The NHS website identifies this:

Getting a PCR test if you have no symptoms

You can also use this service if:

• you’ve been in contact with someone who’s tested positive

• you’ve been asked to get a test by a local council or someone from NHS Test and Trace

• a GP or other professional has asked you to get a test

• you’re taking part in a government pilot project

• you’ve been asked to get a test to confirm a positive result

• you’ve received an unclear result and were told to get a second test

• you need to get a test for someone you live with who has symptoms

So please let us know if you have any difficulty in booking a test.

Have Faith….

As I said at the beginning of this blog - I completely understand how frustrated parents must be at being unable to join in with the usual lovely events at the end of a year. Believe me when I say, no-one feels more upset that your child’s class teachers. They are working so, so hard both in school to keep your child’s learning planned and delivered and not to let your child miss out on any of their usual school activities; and also at home, where they are trying to ensure they are isolating, not visiting busy places - sometimes not even seeing their own families, mindful that they HAVE to keep themselves as safe as possible to come into school to teach their class bubble each day. Our teachers love your children very much and they are trying their very best to keep them happy, safe and sheltered from so much that is happening in our community.

At this frightening time, have faith in our teachers: They are doing their very, very best; many times at personal expense! Have faith in each other: We are all doing what we can to stop the spread of this awful virus and of course… as the Gospel told us this weekend, have faith in Christ: No matter how much we worry, falter, and make mistakes; He is always there loving us.

What more can we ask for?

Faith as small as a mustard seed.... can move mountains!

School Events

We have all missed so many things with regards our school community this year. In particular in being unable to get together to share our end of year events. Some of you have already shared your feelings with me. This reflects just how we all feel inside the building too. I know being able to gather once again and to share those precious moments of prayer and celebration will remind us all not to take them for granted in the future; I certainly will not.

Year 6 - Our Year 6 children have auditioned and been rehearsing for an end of year performance over the past week (a lovely reminder of what the children love about Year 6, and definitely a little piece of normality) We cannot have large groups in our hall and therefore cannot share this ‘live’ with the rest of the school or parents, but the children are excited about filming and editing the performance so that school and families can see them perform. We can’t wait to share special times again with all our families.  There are lots of special events prepared for the children and Miss Slater, Mrs Murray and I want to ensure we prepare and undertake each one with everyone’s safety at the forefront of all of our minds. Miss Slater will be sending out a letter next week to detail some of the exciting things planned to celebrate our Year 6’s time at Our Lady’s and wish them well for the next stage in their lives.

Y6 Transition - As parents will be aware, all transition visits to high schools have been cancelled due to the rising infection rates in our area. However, I do want to reassure you all that the High Schools are working really closely with us so that the children will receive videos, calls and a variety of information from their prospective high schools and they will certainly be given all the information they need in order to begin Y7. Miss Slater is personally meeting with, or speaking to, teachers from each of the destination schools in order to pass on as much information as she can.

Sports Days - All our children will enjoy their own bubble sports afternoon, with stickers, medals (and ice lollies at the end). We know this is normally an event which you love to watch and as this isn’t currently possible we promise to provide you with a real taste of your children competing and will be taking lots of photographs for you to see - and of course we will report on the winning Houses from KS1 & KS2! . (Keep an eye on your child’s class blog)

End of year reports - are being completed by your child’s class teacher and will be sent home for you 9th July.

Keeping Safe - Making decisions which impact on a whole community has been so difficult at times for the governors and I: as we all know, it is rarely possible to meet the needs of everyone, and we do our utmost to make the best possible choices taking into account the prevailing advice and our school circumstances. At the heart of every decision has been first and foremost the safety of each individual and the aspiration to keep children engaged in learning. The unpredictability of this year and the changing guidance, often published at the eleventh hour, has made the position of schools close to impossible at times. I have been so fortunate throughout the pandemic to work with an experienced, informed Governing Body, a wonderful staff team and trusting families who have supported each other as difficult decisions have had to be made.

Current Covid situation - Can I begin by thanking every family who has contacted us immediately if they have had to self-isolate for whatever reason; your actions are helping to keep us all safe. Many of you are also erring on the side of caution and keeping children at home if exhibiting any of the familiar symptoms (cough, sore throat, fatigue, headache) This is a very sensible thing to do and ensuring that the rest of the class bubble remains safe and can continue with their learning.

With the growing transmission numbers, we are even more aware that we all need to be extra vigilant and exercise the same caution. Public Health for Blackpool have also sent the following reminder for school and parents:   

You will have read and heard about the rise of cases of Covid-19 in Lancashire, and across the North West, driven by the variant first identified in India, now known as Delta. We know that this is far more transmissible than previous strains. The Prime Minister has announced that the full lifting of COVID-19 restrictions is to be delayed until 19 July due to this variant.

Until then, current restrictions still remain in place. You should continue to work from home if you can and limit the number of people you come into contact with, remembering to stay 2 metres apart from people you do not live with where possible, or 1 metre with extra precautions in place (such as wearing face coverings)

If you suspect your child has coronavirus: Do not send your child to their nursery, childminder, school, college or to an entry test/exam for a selective school/organisation if:

• they are showing one or more coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms

• someone in their household is showing symptoms

• someone in their support bubble or childcare bubble has symptoms and they have been in close contact with them since the symptoms started or during the 48 hours before they started

• they or someone in their household or support or childcare bubble has tested positive for COVID-19

• they are required to quarantine having recently visited a red list travel ban country

Book a PCR test if you or your child develop symptoms. Inform your nursery, childminder, school or college of the results.

Positive PCR test results - If the test is positive, follow guidance for households with possible or confirmed coronavirus (COVID-19) infection, and engage with the NHS Test and Trace process.

If your child is identified as a close contact of someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 and is asked to self-isolate, you do not need to self-isolate unless your child develops symptoms.

This also applies to other members of your household (including any other children in the same school or college).

If your child has been a close contact of someone who has tested positive, and then develops symptoms but has a negative test result, they will still need to self-isolate for the full 10 days from the day after contact with the person who tested positive.

It is really important you support your child to follow this guidance in order to keep our community safe and reduce the risk of transmission. Of course, if at any time your child becomes more unwell or their symptoms worsen, do seek medical advice straightaway.

We therefore have to still take very precautionary measures to ensure that we can keep ourselves and our children safe.

For now, we need to celebrate what we have achieved together. The children are thriving, making progress and enjoying their learning. The staff are still all here, working so hard to pinpoint need and provide the right support at the right time, and although I know you are weary, you are continuing to support us albeit from afar - and through rain and shine!

‘it is in the human heart that the kingdom takes root and grows’ (Pope Francis)

Please all take care and keep safe, being ever vigilant.  

God bless

Miss Haggerty

'Love one another, as I have loved you'

Jesus’ message for the last two Sundays of Easter is simply to love each other as He loves us. It sounds so easy and yet it is a daily challenge for each of us as we strive to open our hearts with true acceptance. Ultimately, this is what makes us kind and, at a deeper level, opens up the possibility of being loving through our just and merciful actions and forgiving words. The more we love others, the more we are truly human and most truly ourselves. Throughout this term we have continued to nurture the virtue of love alongside compassion, supporting the children as they meet their own daily challenges.

It has been a half term of highs and lows however. Lows through hearing many children speaking in a very derogatory manner towards each other which has shocked and deeply upset me and all the staff. I appreciate that there are many ‘fads’ which the children see and hear on a range of different media, and I am not naive enough to know that they want to try things out, however, I have always been so proud of the children’s ability to be kind and respectful here at Our Lady’s. I have talked to all KS2 children about this and reminded them that they should never speak to anyone in a derogatory way and if they hear anyone doing so, they should tell them to stop and tell an adult. I have written a letter to all KS2 parents explaining this.

I do understand from the children that there is also similar ‘game’ going on online where the group openly ‘jibe’ others, which the children refer to as ‘roasting’. With this in mind I would ask parents to check their monitoring arrangements of children’s devices. There is a helpful booklet attached below which may help you in checking devices:

We will also be attaching a monthly online safety newsletter on our news page towards the middle of each month. Look out for this too as it may contain some helpful hints/information about the programs, games and sites which your child may be using. Having a greater awareness of these may allow you to have better conversations with your children about what they are doing online and who they are talking to.

And we have of course been shocked and deeply saddened by the heartbreaking news of the death of little Jordan, the boy struck by lightening on the football field at the end of Common Edge Road last week. Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this terrible time and both our school and parish are offering our prayers everyday for him.

Our highs, and the moments which keep us all inspired, are through the hard work and determination of our amazing pupils. Everyday when I see our Reception class jumping and laughing at the gate, ready to greet their teachers it not only makes me smile, but also makes me so proud of all they, and indeed all the children have achieved this year!

Works on Common Edge Road

You will have been sent a text as a reminder that, as our half-term break begins, so to do some road surfacing works along Common Edge Road. The works are due to take 3 weeks beginning on 24th May. Although the first 2 weeks of the works will not affect us, the third week of works certainly will. Highways inform me that half of the road will remain open, but ONLY FOR TRAFFIC TOWARDS TOWN CENTRE BLACKPOOL. Therefore, if you drive to school coming from that direction, you will be unable to get through. Therefore on the first week back at school (week beginning 7th June) you may need to set off earlier and perhaps expect to park further away and walk the last part of the journey so that you do not get held up for work.

Sunshine is Love shining down on us...

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

Or order tests online

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!!!

Beach Safety Video

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.

"I can do all things through Christ, who gives me strength..."

It is difficult to explain just how different school has felt over the last eight weeks, suffice to say that without all children our family has not really been able to thrive. Over these last two weeks we have all begun to feel whole again and start to regain what had been lost! Settling in was (and still is) the theme of all we are doing and remembering the challenges we face in being such a large group again. We are so proud of all the children and the courage they have demonstrated in ‘picking up’ where they left off in January and it’s a great testament to families and to the children themselves, that they have done so well. It definitely does feel like Our Lady’s once again! We recognise that for some children settling in will take a little longer but we are all here to support and nurture children as they find the confidence and courage that they need.

I can imagine that you as parents will have been filled with mixed emotions; the emptiness of the rooms during the day, the missing, for some of you, of teaching at home, the sadness of not having the daily company and fun, yet the relief that family life can return to some normality and delight that children are back with their friends. Hopefully as routines are re-established and the days lengthen and Spring sunshine lifts our spirits, we will all feel that sense of optimism and renewal that is definitely in the air. We just need to give it time.

Once again it has been lovely welcoming children in the morning at the gate and saying goodbye at the end of the day, despite the rain and wind! Thank you so much for following and implementing our school guidance and continuing to look after each other, keeping the whole community safe; this is the biggest ‘thank you’ you can give to us.

Please could we just ask a few things, firstly, is in continuing to wear your masks/face coverings as you come to drop off and pick up your child/children. THIS IS STILL VITALLY IMPORTANT!!! We cannot yet afford to let our guard down against this virus and must ensure we still keep our families and others safe. It worries me terribly to see people having conversations and NOT wearing masks!!! Please do not let your guard down now and put yourself or anyone else in danger!

Secondly please can everyone leave the perimeter of the school swiftly after collecting your own child(ren) to avoid groups gathering. In line with guidance the school day is arranged to minimise contact beyond class bubbles and we so appreciate your continued support with this too. Children share openly with staff and we do worry when hearing that children are mixing in houses outside or travelling in cars with other families outside their class or family bubbles just because we are trying so hard here to implement guidelines which ensure safety for all. We would never want to interfere with your life beyond the school gate but are just anxious that we all do everything that is possible to keep school safe and open for everyone. Professor Chris Whitty was quoted last week as saying: "A lot of people may think this is all over. It is very easy to forget how quickly things can turn bad." As we see it, we’re all in this together, we couldn’t have done what we have without your fantastic support throughout. There does seem to be progress but we’re entering a dangerous phase, lighter days, the yearning we all have for social contact and more openings and gradual loosening of some restrictions. Please let’s be united and continue to do all we can to keep one another safe. As ever, thank you.

If you are taking a COVID test…..

A plea to families as a reminder that if, for any reason you or a family member have to go for a PCR Covid test; or you are awaiting the results of a test - YOU MUST NOT SEND YOUR CHILD INTO SCHOOL! This could put your child and/or others in danger as they could spread the virus to others unwittingly. As I have stated above - now is not the time to let our guard down. If we are to look forward to restrictions easing over the next few months - we MUST ensure we still take every precaution now to ensure that can happen. Again, thank you for your support in this.

There is also now the opportunity for families to access free lateral flow tests which can be administered at home. These tests are for non-symptomatic people - but may give you peace of mind if you have several people in your family bubble who access various places of work, school nursery etc

Home Testing Kits for Adults

If you have a child who goes to nursery, school or college in your household or bubble, 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 your test kits from:

Yeadon Way Covid testing site  1pm – 8pm, Monday to Sunday

Also, 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

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

Crossing Patrol

As you may have seen, we now have no crossing patrol on Common Edge Road. Hopefully this will not be permanent, but as I stated in a previous post, due to many retirements it has left a shortage of people able to fill these vital jobs. I really do urge anyone who thinks they may be able to spare the time, to consider applying for a crossing patrol post with Blackpool Council… you really could save a child’s life!

Social Media/Gaming/Apps

Unfortunately we have had the repercussions this week of many ‘mis -uses’ of social media sites which has led to friendship issues and much upset between many groups of children. This has really surprised and upset me as when we undertake our weekly programmes of work around online safety, the children all confidently discuss and explain how we should think of others, show respect and be careful with our words and yet many do not appear to be following these guidelines when in the security of their own homes. The teachers and myself are so disappointed in this as we know how kind and thoughtful all of our children can be.

I am hoping that over the last few weeks of Lent we can all try to take stock of what we are trying to do to shape our lives for the better and follow Christ’s example. As a school, we have also been looking at the example of St Joseph (on this - his Feast Day) and the difficult problems he faced in supporting and strengthening the bonds that unite us as a family.

Let us ask St Joseph to protect our families as he did his own. May he help us to discern God’s hand in the ups and downs of family life… St Joseph. Pray for us!

If you would like to access some good support sites for parents regarding advice on online safety I have identified a couple below.

https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/parents/

https://www.saferinternet.org.uk/advice-centre/parents-and-carers

I wish you every health and happiness during these final few weeks of Lent. May St Joseph help us to strive to be the best we can be and to support us in keeping our families safe during these difficult times.

Returning to school - March 8th.

“The best way to get things done… is to simply begin!”

We are so excited to be at the point where we can welcome our whole school family back together again. Finally school can open to ALL on Monday March 8th.

As you all know, these last seven weeks have been challenging, and it has taken a great community effort to enable school to operate on two levels; delivering home learning and providing what childcare we safely could for our vulnerable children and those of critical workers. Throughout this time, we have tried our very best to meet the needs of everyone in the community and we can only thank each one of you for your patience, understanding and kindness. This has not been an easy time for anyone and I know so many of you have had your own battles to fight.

However, we have to thank God that we are now in the position where we can begin to return and start to build on the amazing work and support which has been provided both at school and at home. Like we did in September, once again we will support all the children as they reconnect and re-establish those important relationships. We know it will be hard for everyone. Please give us the time to settle children back into school life and just as you always do, work alongside us to ensure that every child can continue to thrive. We will try to build virtues of love and compassion as the whole school reunites; really trying to ‘listen’ to each other and to God to help us all move forward. This will help us all as we try to understand the experiences and changes we have each been through. Seeing the world through the eyes of another and stepping into their shoes is a challenge for us all this Lent!

Starting school on March 8th

Before entering this third lockdown we knew that all the systems, routines and school guidance which we had implemented had created the safest possible environment. In following these, staff, children and parents were helping to keep everyone safe and well. Therefore, it makes sense to continue to embed these practices. As I stated in my previous blog: This is not the time to relax and forget the importance of protecting each other. I have looked very closely at the guidance updates from government and the key messages remain the same; minimise contact and reduce transition rates.  

Just as we did in the autumn we will continue to teach children in class bubbles and staff movement between bubbles will be minimised. The organisation of our school day will continue to stay the same, with staggered starts and a one-way system at the end of the day. These drop off and collection times in Family groups and specific year groups will continue to make arrival and exit times manageable for families. The same autumn times will be in place (8:40am and 9:00am/3:15pm and 3:30pm). We ask that you continue to wear face masks and follow social distancing protocol. This will mean changes for those families currently attending school provision.

It is crucial that all the guidance set out is followed meticulously to ensure that school remains open for All children. We have to continue to protect each other. If not, then bubbles will have to close and school may not be able to remain open. I have now updated all school guidance and organisation:

Please press the button below to access an overview of school organisation:        

In terms of lunches all Reception and KS1 children continue to be entitled to a free school meal and these are provided daily by our Kitchen Team. Lunches for KS2 children can be purchased using ParentPay at a daily cost of £2:00. *NB this will increase to £2.20 after Easter * It would be extremely helpful if accounts can be kept up to date by paying in advance as this really will save Mrs Duffill or Mrs Wilson time during this extremely busy period. The menus will be available at the school office and we can send one home with your child if you let us know.

1st Class Kids Uniforms

Here’s a message from 1st Class Kids for parents and carers who need to purchase school uniforms. Please read their letter here for details of how to order online for either home delivery or click and collect.

We all look forward to our whole school family reuniting and filling our classrooms with love and laughter. We have missed all our children being in their class families and know their special friendships will rekindle and grow as we journey through Lent together. Although we are still unable to gather as a school, just being in the building and following in the footsteps of Jesus our Saviour, will bring a sense of celebration and joy which will lead us to becoming the Easter people we are asked to become.

We can’t wait!

Miss Haggerty