What’s On – Friday 9th July

Dear Parents,

We were so pleased to welcome back our EYFS children and staff today, following their isolation. A positive case at Ducklings has meant they have sadly had to close this week, so we wish everyone well. Please be assured that we are following all public health guidelines with regard to children returning to school after isolation and all families affected in recent weeks have also observed all guidance received from NHS Test and Trace. We very much appreciate your continued cooperation in terms of social distancing, testing and isolation where necessary. We would all be so upset if isolation affected the start of your summer holiday and by working together, we will do everything we can to avoid this.

As you know, there are significant changes on the horizon to lift Covid restrictions. I will write to you next week with further details, but the removal of bubbles means we can plan for a more "normal" academic year to come, including a return to our usual school hours of 8.45 until 3.10. We will also be able to welcome parents and visitors into school and hold extra-curricular clubs again, which will be fantastic. School uniform for Years 1 and 2 will return to normal, please see our school uniform page for full details. Please note there is change to footwear - we will ask children to wear black velcro trainers so that they can easily take part in our daily physical activity and PE lessons. Branded uniform is available from our online supplier, but book bags can be purchased from the school office for £5 (cash or cheque only).

Our Year Two children had a socially distanced visit to the Junior school this week and Mr Taylor would like to pass on to parents how fantastic they were! We celebrated their time with us at their leavers' assemblies this morning and were so delighted that their parents could join us on the playground. Thank you to everyone for being so understanding about the strict limits on the number of spectators. Congratulations to the following children, who were awarded our annual trophies.

Max Meadows Award for Scientific Knowledge – Michael in Sharks, Ted in Dolphins
Graham Gowers Award for Musical Talent – Betsy in Sharks, Bethany in Dolphins
Dick Candler Award for Sporting Achievement – Iris and Harry in Sharks, Iris and Finn in Dolphins
Barry Grainger Award for Knowledge of the World – Prim in Sharks, Samuel in Dolphins
Forest School Award - Oscar in Sharks, Tia in Dolphins
Eileen Thomas School Ambassador Award – Bella in Sharks, Amy in Dolphins

You will have received your child’s report this week and had a call with their class teacher if requested. Thank you for all your comments, which have been so positive and are very gratefully received. Despite the lockdowns, the children's progress is a credit to you and our staff working together in partnership during this difficult time.

Coming home in book bags today are children's class photos if you have ordered them. You will also receive a bookmark with details of the Essex Library Summer Reading Challenge. Owl photo orders were collected today and will be delivered next week. On Monday we welcome back Mrs Espinosa Pardo after her maternity leave, we are looking forward to seeing her. The children break up on Friday 16th July and return on Thursday 2nd September.

The excitement is already building in school due to a certain football match! Enjoy the game on Sunday (or try to - this is from someone who hid behind a chair when Kane took that penalty!). Could it be coming home....?

Kind regards
Helen Castell