Headteachers Update 20th March 2020

Today’s newsletter is a difficult one to write. As a school community we are worried and panicked as individuals, as family members and as professionals. We are living through a very challenging situation and all our love and thoughts go out to you as families and our wider community.

I’d like to take this opportunity to thank you all for your speedy replies to enable us to create a staffing rota to cover school ratios to ensure we can stay open AND be safe! A separate letter will be going out tonight with more information on how school will function from Monday.

We all met as a whole staff team in our usual way—8:20am Friday briefing, it was emotional for many reasons but mainly due to the overwhelming sense of pride I have for the whole team. We will continue to offer your children a safe and familiar environment during the challenging weeks ahead, and I know you will join me in thanking everyone for responding in a calm, well-measured and proactive way.

Finally, on a personal note, thank you to all those who have contacted me to ensure I’m taking time to keep healthy for my growing baby. As the government are classing those pregnant in the higher risk group, I am working remotely from home when I can to reduce my social contact—but it’s very hard to stay away from HMO! I’m 32 weeks so need to ensure I stay healthy but thankfully with the amount of ‘behind the scenes’ work that needs to take place due to COVID-19 it’s manageable—all because of the amazing team we have at HMO! PLEASE stay in touch if you are self-distancing or self-isolating—by email, tapestry or telephone. We will be in touch next week regarding home learning packs. If you have a moment, check out our website for useful links  – we’ve added some of our favourite bits and bobs to help the children whilst at home.