Dear Parents and Carers,
Download this letter - March 5 return ltr
Download the information booklet - March booklet pupil_V3
I hope this letter finds you well and safe. We are at a time when we can begin to look forward to the future with some amount of optimism. The first stage of returning to normality is to get pupils and students back into lessons as quickly and safely as possible.
As outlined in my letter sent out earlier this week, we will be welcoming back learners from the 15th March. Years 11, 12 and 13 will return to full time education from this date so that they can focus on the critical task at hand, working with their teachers to that we can assess them fairly to determine their GCSE and A-level grades. We will also allocate specific days for other year groups to allow for the “catch-up” days as described by the Education Minister.
Once again, a booklet explaining the procedures and systems in place for their return will be issued to all pupils and students. Our plans are based totally on the guidance from the Welsh Government and we have made sure that the health and safety of all pupils and staff is at the centre of our planning, whilst also making sure we can get back to face to face teaching as soon as possible. We will continue to evaluate and amend our procedures and risk assessments as we review how successful the return to school has been.
Pupils and students will return in the following order from March 15th:
Key points for the 15th March and beyond
Learning
- The main focus will be on exam classes and supporting them to achieve.
- For the 2 weeks before Easter, the emphasis will be on catching up with Years 7, 8 and 9, checking their wellbeing and making sure they are ready for a full return in the new term.
- The curriculum and timetable will return to normal for all pupils on the 12th April.
- All pupils will continue to be taught where possible in the same classroom, with the teachers moving around the building
- All classrooms will still have desks pointing in the same direction to minimise any spread of infection
- PE lessons will take place just as they did before the lockdown.
- Homework will continue to be set on Microsoft Teams reducing the need for books to be shared between staff and pupils
Health and Hygiene
- The same rules apply around not attending school if a pupil shows any symptoms of Covid-19
- The school will work closely with Denbighshire County Council on Test, Trace and Protect
- The same strict hygiene measures will still be in place
- The rules on washing hands and hand sanitisation will still be in place
- Intensive cleaning of the school will continue to happen during the day and after school to reduce any risks
- Where social distancing is not possible for pupils and students, facemasks are now to be worn in classrooms
- Face masks of medical grade quality will be provided for all pupils and students. These will be washable and reusable
- Face coverings are no longer required to be worn in outside areas as long as social distancing can be maintained
- PPE has not been advised in schools except when administering first aid and for our cleaners
Testing
- All members of staff will be tested twice a week using Lateral Flow tests. This testing regime will add an extra layer of protection within the school for all members of our community
- Year 10 pupils and above will be tested twice a week using Lateral flow tests. We are yet to receive these tests so the start date and further information on how these tests will be administered will follow when we get more information. This may not begin until after the Easter break. Testing is not compulsory but we would like as many of our pupils and students to take up this offer to help protect us all
Organisation
- Each year group will continue to have their own point of entry/exit into/out of the school. The pastoral team will be at these doors to welcome each year group
- Each year group will have their own designated toilet area which will be cleaned thoroughly throughout the day
- All pupils will be expected to arrive for registration at 8.40am and school finishes at 3pm
- Where possible, classes will not mix. Where this is not possible, mixing will be kept to a minimum
- There will be a reduced menu at lunch in the diner and no food will be served at break time to Y7 to Y11. Sixth form students will have access to the diner at breaktime only. All payments will be made via ParentPay using the cashless system
- Any pupil wishing to bring in their own food for lunch may do so
- Pupils from different year groups will not mix at break or lunch. Pupils of the same year group will have break and lunch together and be able to socialise whilst maintaining social distancing
- All pupils are to wear full school uniform
- Our in-school hub provision will continue for the 2 weeks before Easter
- Online learning will continue for year groups who are working from home
- Water towers are still switched off. Pupils are asked to bring in their own water to last the day
- Arrangements for 6th form students will be included in the information booklet
- Transport for pupils will return as normal
- We continue to encourage all pupils where possible to come to school by walking or cycling
- Enrichment activities are still suspended for now but they will return at the earliest available opportunity
- No adults can accompany pupils into school. Parental meetings will continue to take place by phone or remotely or by invite only into school
Please be aware that all plans are subject to change based on the infection rates in our community and direction from Welsh Government. The school will continue to be a very safe place when pupils and students return and I look forward to the 15th of March so that we can get back to educating our wonderful pupils. Please contact the school (info@prestatynhigh.co.uk) if you have any questions or concerns and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
Best wishes
Neil Foley - B.Sc. MA.
Pennaeth Headteacher