Parent Update 9th June 2021

9th June 2021

Dear Parents,

 

Welcome to the new half term! It's lovely to see so many students sitting in the sun in the playground. We look forward to the time when we can also remove the year group areas so they can mix, but one step at a time.

 

It's also been fantastic to see our year 11s coming back in for their activities. We had our first self-defence class yesterday and the girls both had a great time and also learnt some important skills (see photo). Our thanks to Mrs Kent and Mr Lucier for running these sessions. Almost all year 11s have signed up for something over the next three weeks. 

 

Next week we are looking forward to our Headstart to A Level Programme which the vast majority of year 11 students have signed up for. Our year 13s have started their university preparation work too and we look forward to seeing what they learn.

 

Keep Testing!

Please do keep testing using the LFD tests that students are bringing home and remember to report on our website and to the NHS. The expectation is two tests a week, and my advice would be that Sunday evening and Wednesday/Thursday evening work well for many families. See our LFD Home Testing page under COVID Adaptations for more information. Testing gives peace of mind to the community and helps keep case numbers low in our region.

 

Face Coverings

We said we would keep face coverings for the first week after half term and then re-evaluate. Although the local rate is lower than elsewhere (perhaps because many Southampton schools are keeping face coverings?) we have decided to keep face coverings in the school for now. We will see what the announcements about the 21st June bring next week. The only responses I have had from parents about our keeping of face coverings beyond the national expectations have been positive ones. If you agree with this decision, or have a different view, I'd love to hear it: consultation@st-annes.uk.com.

 

Saliva Testing Restarting

We have been in discussion with the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Saliva Testing Programme, and they are able to accommodate us rejoining in a few weeks' time. Please can you dig out your test kits and labels from January.

If you and your daughter or son are unable to find them we will be providing a way of getting new ones shortly. For a reminder of how the saliva testing works, see our Saliva Testing page under COVID adaptations.

 

Calendar 2021 2022

We have now released our term dates and INSET days for next year. They can be found on our website under School Life --> Term Dates 2021 2022. Note that new year 7s will be joining us on Friday 3rd September, and years 8-13 will be starting their new academic year on Monday 6th September. Also a reminder that Wednesdays will be 5-period days next year like the rest of the week.

 

Have a great rest of the week.

 

God Bless

James Rouse

Headteacher

 

P.S. If these links don't work, then please go to our website and navigate from there.

 

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