The start to the academic year with new arrangements to keep our school community safe has been excellent. Now that we are back to full capacity, there is a palpable air of relief and happiness around the school. The pupils and staff are delighted that we are back to some sort of normal, following all of the additional arrangements that are in place so that we are as bio-secure as possible.

Our attendance is higher than ever and we are making sure that any pupils are making rapid progress and bridging any gaps brought about by the extended closure due to COVID-19.

Whilst we have had a very positive start to the new academic year, we remain vigilant at all times to ensure that all staff and pupils are safe now and remain safe in the future.

Dear Parents/ Carers and Pupils

We hope you are all well and have had an enjoyable summer break.

As you know we had hoped to come together on the 18th November to celebrate and acknowledge all the hard work and achievements of Year 11 2020. However, Rhyl Pavilion has confirmed today that they are not taking any bookings for the remainder of this year.

Whilst we share your disappointment with this decision we understand the need to maintain all Covid-19 disciplines. Even though we have not been able to organise a celebration of your success we are sure that you already hold many fond memories of your time at PHS that you can carry with you throughout your life.

If you would like a copy of your ROA folder please email eathomas@prestatynhigh.co.uk with your address. We will endeavor to post requested ROA folders this half-term.

We wish you well for the future, and we look forward to welcoming many of you back into the Sixth Form.

https://gov.wales/apply-coronavirus-covid-19-test

Before requesting a test you must have at least one of the following symptoms:

1. a new continuous cough
2. a high temperature
3. loss of or change to sense of smell or taste

If you develop one of these symptoms follow the self-isolation guidance.

The test is only effective for those who are experiencing coronavirus symptoms and needs to be taken in the first 5 days of having symptoms. It only checks if you have coronavirus right now and not if you have already had the virus.

Some parents have been directed to phone their GP for a test – the correct process is below.

Parents / Guardians can apply for a test by calling the free number 119 between the hours of 7am to 11pm.  People with hearing or speech difficulties can call 18001 119. This service is available to assist parents / guardians through the process of booking and taking a test but cannot provide clinical advice. If you feel you cannot cope with your symptoms at home or if your condition gets worse, or your symptoms do not get better after 7 days, use the 111 online coronavirus service. If you do not have internet access, call 111. In a medical emergency, dial 999

CYNGOR I RIENI / GWARCHEIDWAID AR SUT I OFYN AM BRAWF COVID

https://gov.wales/apply-coronavirus-covid-19-test

Cyn gofyn am brawf rhaid i chi gael o leiaf un o'r symptomau canlynol:

1. peswch parhaus newydd
2. tymheredd uchel
3. colli neu newid i ymdeimlad o arogl neu flas

Os byddwch yn datblygu un o'r symptomau hyn dilynwch y canllawiau hunan-ynysu.

Dim ond i'r rhai sy'n profi symptomau COVID 19 y mae'r prawf yn effeithiol ac mae angen ei gymryd yn y 5 diwrnod cyntaf o gael symptomau. Dim ond i weld os oes gennych COVID 19 ar hyn o bryd y gellir profi.

Mae rhai rhieni wedi cael cyfarwyddyd i ffonio eu meddyg teulu am brawf – dyma’r broses gywir isod.

Gall rhieni / gwarcheidwaid wneud cais am brawf drwy ffonio'r rhif 119 am ddim rhwng 7yb ac 11yh. Gall pobl ag anawsterau clyw neu lleferydd ffonio 18001 119. Mae'r gwasanaeth hwn ar gael i gynorthwyo rhieni / warcheidwaid drwy'r broses o archebu a sefyll prawf ond ni all roi cyngor clinigol. Os ydych chi'n teimlo na allwch ymdopi â'ch symptomau gartref neu os bydd eich cyflwr yn gwaethygu, neu os nad yw eich symptomau'n gwella ar ôl 7 diwrnod, defnyddiwch y gwasanaeth Coronavirus ar-lein 111. Os nad oes gennych fynediad i'r rhyngrwyd, ffoniwch 111. Mewn argyfwng meddygol, deialwch 999

Face coverings in schools; how to make it work -Download the documentation Face coverings in school

Denbighshire County Council statement:

“In light of the recent announcement, and advice received by the Welsh Government Chief Medical Officer, we strongly recommend the use of face coverings where social distancing cannot be maintained in communal areas in secondary schools. Students/pupils and staff will need to wear a face covering when moving through shared indoor areas of the school where it is difficult to adhere to social distancing measures. This includes corridors, stairways and as previously stated on designated home to school transport. Face coverings will not be required outside or in classrooms.”

Decision taken by the Denbighshire County Council:

• All students/pupils should wear a face covering when accessing school transport.

Corridors and shared areas:

• We have introduced control mechanisms such as one way systems, single file and having teachers move around the school rather than pupils to reduce the number of people on the corridors. However, due to the potential of crowding and the unavoidable mixing of cohort group we advise that students/pupils and staff wear face covering in the corridors.

Classrooms:

• Control mechanisms such as hand sanitising, cleaning of surfaces, no shared materials and all desks facing the one direction are already in place to minimise the spread of the virus. There is no requirement for students/pupils and staff to wear face coverings in the classroom, however they may choose to do so.

Laboratories or other specialist settings:

• Face coverings may represent an additional fire of toxicity risk and therefore face coverings are not recommended.

Sport/dance/exercise:

Face coverings are not recommended whilst undertaking physical exercise.

In the diner:

• Face coverings are not practical during eating, however, students/pupils and staff should wear a face covering whilst they queue to enter the diner.

Frequently asked questions:

What is a face covering?

A face covering principally acts to protect others by reducing airborne transmission of COVID-19. It does not protect the wearer from infection from others.

What is Denbighshire’s policy on face coverings?

The evidence remains clear that the most effective way to protect yourself and others from infection is to follow social distancing rules, avoid touching surfaces and your face, and wash your hands regularly. Face coverings are not a substitute for these measures, but in some circumstances where it might be difficult to stay 2 metre away from others, we are advising Face coverings in schools; how to make it work

the use of three-layer, non-medical face coverings. Students/pupils and staff should wear a face covering on school transport and in communal areas.

What kind of face covering should students/pupils and staff wear?

To provide any protection to others, face coverings need to be made, worn, handled and disposed of in a certain way. Unfortunately, many of the home made masks being worn offer little protection to the wearer or those around them. The World Health Organisation recommends a minimum of three layers in a face covering.

How should students/pupils use their face covering?

• Watch this video from the World Health Organisation with your child so they know how to wear their face covering safely. They will also be shown this video on class. www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Tv2BVN_WTk
• Face covering needs to be appropriate and cover their nose and mouth when they’re wearing it.
• Students/pupil should not touch the front of the face covering or the part that’s touched their mouth or nose.
• If the face mask becomes damp, students/pupils shouldn’t wear it, and they should replace it carefully.

How should I care for my reusable face covering?

• If you are using a reusable face covering, store it in a plastic bag until you can wash it.
• Wash it in line with manufacturer’s instructions at the highest temperature appropriate for the fabric. You can use your normal detergent and you can wash and dry it with other laundry.
• Do not give it to someone else to use.
• You must throw away your face covering if it is damaged.
• Make sure you clean any surfaces the face covering has touched using normal household cleaning products.

How can face coverings be disposed of responsibly?

• Remove the face covering carefully – do not touch the front of the face covering or the part which has been in contact with your mouth and nose.
• Place your face covering in a COVID litter bin or take it home in a plastic bag/school bag.
• Do not put single use face coverings in recycling bins as they can’t be recycled.
• You do not need to put them in an extra bag or store them for a time before throwing them away.
• Please remember to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for 20 seconds or use hand sanitiser immediately after removing your face covering and throwing it away.

What if my child forgets their face covering?

• We’ll have a small supply of spares available at school.
• To be safe in the knowledge that everyone has one, please make sure your child has their own so that we can keep our supply of spares for emergencies.

Content is accurate and up to date, however is subject to change depending on Welsh Government and/or DCC directives. We will notify you of any changes via our social media.

Dear Parents/Carers

I do hope you all had some form of ‘normal’ summer break with your family and managed to get some rest and time for relaxation before we return back to school.

As outlined in my letter sent out in the last week of term, we will be returning to full capacity for all pupils and students as soon as possible. There will be a phased return over the first 2 weeks and we will have all year groups back for education everyday by the 10th September. Attendance to school will be compulsory by the 14th September and we would like to get back to full time teaching of our amazing pupils before this date.

The booklet that accompanies this letter will explain in detail how we will keep pupils and staff safe, how the school will be organised and how we will get back to full capacity. All of the planning is based on the latest guidance from Welsh Government. We have made sure that the health and safety of all pupils and staff is our top priority whilst also developing a system by which all pupils and students can return in September. The arrangements for all aspects of the school are included in this booklet so please read it carefully so that you know when your son or daughter returns to school, where they are to go and how their day will be structured.

We will deliver a full, broad and balanced curriculum to our pupils alongside a pastoral focus on learner wellbeing to help with recovery after the COVID-19 pandemic. School will feel as ‘normal’ as possible with any changes for the pupils kept to a minimum.

This guidance document contains all of the new organisational arrangements on how we will operate in September.

The great response we received from all pupils, staff and parents during the last three weeks in July was exceptional and we will need a similar response for the new academic year so that we can all get through this difficult time without impacting the progress of our young people. The next academic year will bring challenges and difficulties, but if we come together once again as a community, we will not only rise to meet these challenges, we will be stronger when this is over.

If you have any questions please email prestatyn.high@denbighshire.gov.uk or contact the school through the normal channels and we will answer any of your questions or concerns.

I look forward to the new academic year and I am excited of what we can all achieve together.

Best wishes and I will see you all soon

Neil Foley
Headteacher

https://www.denbighshire.gov.uk/en/resident/news/August-2020/advice-for-those-using-public-transport-to-travel-to-school.aspx

Denbighshire County Council is advising parents and guardians of children travelling on public buses that owing to social distancing and reduced capacity on public transport, those using public bus services may be adversely impacted.

Parents and guardians of children and young people using public transport to travel to school or college are being advised to make alternative arrangements during the first weeks of term.

The Council is currently working with bus companies to ensure that extra buses are provided to increase capacity where possible.

Cllr Brian Jones the Council’s Lead Member for Waste, Transport and the Environment, said: “Owing to reduced capacity on public transport to ensure social distancing, wherever possible we are putting on extra services for school and college learners, and we are working to ensure they can travel to school safely, which is of paramount importance.

“We understand this is a very difficult time for parents and we want to assure them that we are working to make sure the return to school runs as smoothly as possible.

“However, owing to a number of pressures associated with Covid-19, we are asking parents who are able to transport their children to school or college to do so for the first two weeks of term or, where possible, to encourage the use of active travel.

“Those parents who can transport their children to school or college are asked to walk where possible or to park further away from school to avoid congestion.

“Parents of all pupils aged over 11 using school buses or public transport to get to school are also reminded they need to wear a face covering while using buses, coaches and where appropriate taxis.”

Some schools are also using staggered times which will impact transport to and from school and parents are being advised to check with their school.

Timetables for public bus services have also been impacted by Covid-19 and parents should check their local provider for the most up to date information.

Denbighshire County Council have recently updated their school transport protocols. Please note that this protocol could be affected by changes to national guidance.

It is the parents’ responsibility:

• To ensure pupils do not travel on school transport if anyone in the household has COVID-19 symptoms.
• To ensure your child has a supply of face coverings before travelling each morning and afternoon. Your child must wear a face covering unless medically exempt. Pupils will not be permitted to board the vehicle if they are not wearing a face covering.
• To acknowledge zero tolerance for poor behaviour on transport. Any pupil who demonstrates poor behaviour, and puts the safety of others at risk, will have transport withdrawn with immediate effect.
• To ensure pupils sanitise their hands before leaving home to board their vehicle.
• Remind learners they must board and alight transport in single file and 2 metres apart.
• Remind pupils they must follow any instructions by their driver and try and minimise the number of surfaces they touch.
• To ensure they have a contingency in places should the transport not arrive e.g. if a driver is unwell at short notice.

Additional information:

• A bin will be made available to dispose of face masks.
• All coaches are to load in the morning and afternoon back to front and unload front to back once at school.

Qualifications Wales estimated almost three-quarters of grades awarded were A* to C, with more than 25% A* and A grades - up from 18.4% last year.

It follows the uproar after last week's A-levels with 42% of moderated grades lower than teacher assessments.

A pupil at Mary Immaculate school in Cardiff said the fallout from A-levels had caused stress for GCSE students.

"But seeing my results today, I'm really happy and proud of myself," said Louis. "The results I got are the ones I wanted."

The exams regulator Qualifications Wales said its "best estimate" was that 74.5% of GCSE grades were awarded at A*-C, compared to 62.8% in 2019.

For GCSE, A-level, AS-levels and the Welsh Baccalaureate, pupils now receive the highest grade, whether that was their teacher's prediction or the standardised grades.

Source BBC Wales - Read and watch the news report

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-53834013

Prestatyn High School is absolutely delighted for all of our pupils who received their GCSE grades today.

The pupils truly deserve their fantastic grades and we are so proud of each and every one of them. This has been a very challenging year, but our Year 11s have risen to meet these challenges head on and we are so happy we got to celebrate their successes today.

I am sure they will all go onto even greater success, with many of them now embarking upon A-levels with us in our 6^th Form.

To the class of 2020, we are so proud of you.

Kieron Small - Is returning to Prestatyn Sixth in September to study Drama, Dance and History.