Parent Update 19th January 2022

19th January 2022

Dear Parents,

 

Face coverings in classrooms and communal areas.

You may have heard in the news this afternoon, as school leaders did at the same time, that nationally face coverings are no longer recommended in classrooms and teaching spaces from tomorrow. What may be less clear is that schools have the autonomy to make local decisions as they need to. I have just come from a joint meeting between Headteachers and Public Health officials to confirm that. We were told that case numbers across the country are dropping, but that they are not dropping as fast in younger people. They are also dropping from an extremely high level. Also, as a school, we have had a larger number of cases reported to us by parents in the last week than before Christmas. As such:

 

We will keep face coverings in both classrooms and communal areas for the rest of this week and next, and will then review at the end of next week. They do not need to be worn outside.

 

Face coverings have been worn well by students with very little complaint. However, I want to remove them as soon as it is safe to do so.

 

Other news

 

Confirmatory PCR tests to be temporarily suspended for positive lateral flow device (LFD) test results 

Confirmatory PCR tests following a positive lateral flow device (LFD) test result have been temporarily suspended from Tuesday 11 January. This will mean that anyone who receives a positive LFD test result will be required to self-isolate immediately and will not be required to take a confirmatory PCR test.

 

Changes to the self-isolation period for those who test positive for COVID-19

From Monday 17 January, pupils who are self-isolating with COVID-19 will have the option to reduce their isolation period after 5 full days if they test negative with a lateral flow device (LFD) test on both day 5 and day 6 and they do not have a temperature. For example, if they test negative on the morning of day 5 and the morning of day 6, they can then return to school that same day.

 

Year 7 Short Reports and Parents Evening

The Y7 Short Reports were due to be sent home on Wednesday 2nd February. These will now be sent home on Wednesday 9th February with your daughter. Parents Evening for Y7 remains on Wednesday 16th February from 4:30pm to 7:30pm. This will take place online through an app called SchoolCloud. Further information about this will follow in due course.

 

For Mums

A course for mums on parenting, looking at dealing with your child's anger, coping with their feelings and feeling better about yourself is available. Please see the FAB Course flyer, attached.

 

Latest HIOW Update

Keep completing saliva tests! The latest newsletter from the saliva testing programme team is attached.

 

God Bless

James Rouse

Headteacher

Telephone: 023 80328200 Email: info@st-annes.uk.com