Dear Parents and Carers,
I am writing to tell you about the end of term, update you about the work we have been doing about sexual harassment and violence in schools and discuss the implications of the changes to Covid 19 regulations. I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank staff on your behalf for all their hard work during a difficult and stressful year. We are really looking forward to a lockdown free year next year.
Term dates
School finishes for the year on Friday 23rd July 20201 at 12.30pm and starts again for all students on Monday 6th September 2021. Staff will return for two INSET days on 1st and 2nd of September. We will then invite you into school for a meeting with tutors or mentors on Friday 3rd September 2021.
COVID 19 Update
New regulations are coming into place over the Summer that will see the end of many of the Covid 19 restrictions in school. Despite ‘freedom day’ on the 19th, we will be carrying on with our current risk assessment until the end of term due to the steep rise in Covid cases in the area. Changes for next term include:
- Face coverings will no longer be required in school. We will continue to allow students to wear them if they choose to.
- Students will no longer be required to self-isolate if they are in close contact with someone who tests positive in school.
- All students will be required where they can to carry out two lateral flow tests on their return in September. We will organise facilities in school.
- If your child has a positive lateral flow test, they will be required to self-isolate and get a PCR test.
Of course, we are waiting for the final detailed guidance for September but we will be organising testing in school. In the meantime, please make sure that your child continues to test twice a week. We are aware that many schools have had to partially close over the last couple of weeks. We have avoided this but have had positive cases amongst staff so it is wise to remain cautious. I don’t want to have to spoil the end of term by closing.
I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank you for all your support during this incredibly difficult year. The staff at Newhaven have continued to amaze me with the care and effort they put into supporting your children despite many significant personal stresses and tragedies. I hope that next year will be much better. Have an enjoyable and safe Summer break.
Yours faithfully
Jon Kelly
Head Teacher
Newhaven
