I do hope the final week of term has been manageable and that all pupils and students have been able to access and progress through online learning. The lateness of the announcement made by the Welsh Government was not ideal and I thank you all for adapting so quickly.
Urgent update:
Today, Denbighshire County Council have made the decision and instructed all schools in the county to continue to deliver online lessons for the first week back after the Christmas break. Due to the two INSET days, this means that all pupils will be expected to continue with virtual learning for 6th, 7th and 8th of January 2021, just as they have this week. Unless we receive further guidance, the plan is for all pupils and students to return to face to face learning on the 11th of January. The school will operate as it has this week and we will still be open to pupils who require additional support. Please contact the school if you have any questions about this latest announcement by DCC.
As this very challenging year draws to a close and we reflect on how difficult it has been for us all, I would like to take time to praise the whole school community. The school never closed during the year, we remained open for key workers and vulnerable children during the initial lockdown and provided online work for the rest of the school. The experience we gained during the first closure has made us better able to react to further enforced measures just as we have done this week. The school continues to collect thousands of pounds for local charities and food banks and we did our best to assist the most vulnerable in our neighbourhood. Our great Technology department made thousands of visors for carers and NHS staff across the county. We worked together as a community to support each other and of that I am truly proud.
Since returning in September we have not been instructed by TTP to send a single year group home, unlike so many of the schools up and down Wales. We did ask the Y13s to pivot to online learning for one week as a precaution, but besides that, we have nearly full attendance. Having all of our pupils in school since September has been a remarkable achievement, an achievement by us all and one that must be recognised and praised. It is only with strict measures in school and full adherence to the government guidance at home that we have been able to control the prevalence of the virus. Due to this vigilance, the associated contact tracing measures have been kept to a minimum. It has been a difficult time but one that has brought the best out of our pupils and the community, we have worked together to ensure that the virus has not spread which has protected the elderly and the vulnerable.
The end of COVID-19 and the restrictions we have been placed under, will hopefully happen sometime in the new year, but until then we must remain vigilant, keep each other safe and follow the rules on stopping the spread. Please make sure that all pupils continue to follow the guidance whilst out of school, especially now they are being asked to work from home for a period of time. The last thing our community needs is a spike in the virus R rate before or after Christmas.
2021 will bring new, fresh challenges. These challenges will be centred around our examination year groups. What will the new system of awarding grades look like? Will it be fair? How can we make sure that our pupils and students are not disadvantaged? I will work tirelessly to ensure that the grades awarded to our learners are the grades they deserve and that they are not discriminated against based upon their postcode. As soon as I receive further information about how the grades will be awarded I will write out to all parents to keep them updated. The information and guidance is not due to arrive until mid-January.
The new year also brings hope that we can return to a normal school sooner rather than later. Pupils moving from class to class rather than spending lots of time in one classroom. More practical activities in some subjects. It will hopefully also mean that we can bring back the amazing extra-curricular activities we pride ourselves on here at PHS. As soon as we are able to, these additional clubs will begin once again. Alongside these extra lessons, the new year will see the start of plans for new school trips to a multitude of destinations. These are essential elements of our school and I cannot wait for them to return.
Our enrolment for 6th Form 2021 is reaching the end of the first stage, and I urge any pupil who has not yet asked for a place to do so quickly as this is on a first come, first served basis and they may not get the course of their choice if they do not apply soon.
After we return in the new year and until we get advised otherwise, face coverings will still be insisted upon in school. This means all members of our school community must wear masks in all areas including outside yards during break and lunch times. Face coverings are not required in a classroom or whilst eating in the diner.
2020 has been hard but I truly believe that it is a test that we as a community have not just survived, we have become stronger by getting through it. The pupils, students and staff now look forward to a well-deserved break and I do hope everyone can have as normal a Christmas as possible.
Best wishes and I hope you all have a restful, safe and wonderful Christmas.
