Important Update Regarding COVID19

As a school, we have worked tirelessly to return our school back to a normal way of working for all pupils, however this is not the information we wish to be sharing on the first day back.

Unfortunately, the borough has seen an increase in infections and school age children have been the main contributory factor to the rate of COVID19 in recent weeks.

The local authority and public health has recommended several temporary measures for schools to reduce transmission of COVID19.

We therefore need to make you aware of the following:

Face coverings – from tomorrow, staff will be asked to wear face coverings when moving around school. We also ask parents/carers to wear a face covering when dropping off or collecting children, also if you need to speak to the office or any staff member.

Hygiene – we will again focus attention on handwashing throughout the day and at key points.

Further changes to our school day, may be necessary, following a meeting with the local authority tomorrow. Any changes will be reviewed in two weeks’ time. We will update you ASAP.

Current Impact

We have a packed schedule planned as we head towards Christmas. Some events may need to be changed, rearranged or cancelled. Many changes will be out of our hands, but where possible, and if safe, we will continue to provide our enhanced curriculum activities. We will update you as soon as possible.

2/11/21 (Tuesdays) – After School Choir with Miss Middleton – CANCELLED until further notice

3/11/21 – House Captain’s Climate Change Film Visit – CANCELLED no alternative date given

4/11/21 – Y5/6 Cross Country – CANCELLED no alternative date given

Due to the current situation, we will not be introducing any additional school clubs at this time. We will review this as and when we are able.

1. Wear Red Day
2. Mental Health Peer Network
3. Morrison’s Good to Grow
4. Cauliflower Cards
5. In-service day closure
6. Leave of absence
7. Parents Evening
8. Diary dates

Children can wear something red to mark the day. If you are able, we ask that a small donation be made via Parent Pay. Football tops containing red are suitable.

During the day, activities will promote cultural diversity. More info https://www.theredcard.org/news/2021/8/9/wear-red-day-21

Please see the attached document with the latest group details. For parents and carers who are supporting a child struggling with emotional or mental health. To be heard, supported and to share stories with others.

The 2^nd session runs tonight. We hope you found/find it useful to meet with your child’s teacher. It has been a long time since we have been able to do this. This was our first time using an automated booking system, so we hope that you found it user-friendly.

We’ve had a lovely Harvest Festival morning with Father Mark, cauliflowers were fluffy and the singing was just perfect! It is great to have some normality returning and being able to connect school with the community once more. The donations of food were gratefully received with Hospitality & Hope and The Key Projects taking our school harvest off to help many others.

The end of the half term is nearing and then thoughts will turn to Christmas!

Thank you for your continuing support.

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Just a few things to keep you up to date on:

1. Flu Nasal
2. DEAR (Drop Everything And Read)
3. Morrison’s Its Good to Grow
4. Leave of Absence
5. School Facebook Page
6. Parents’ Evening
7. Diary Dates

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1. Flu Nasal

Flu Nasal Vaccinations will be administered by NHS Team on Monday 11th October 2021.  This is for all children from Rec to Y6 who have returned a consent form.

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2. DEAR (Drop Everything And Read)

Tomorrow we are celebrating reading with the National Literacy Trust. At 10 o’clock, thousands of people across the country will join together to Drop Everything And Read. We will all be stopping what we are doing to enjoy reading together in our classes for ten minutes. Why not join us from wherever you are? Take time out of your day to stop and read for just ten minutes. Happy reading!

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3. Morrison’s Its Good to Grow

FREE gardening equipment for our school

For every £10 you spend (in store or online) at Morrisons, you’ll get a Grow Token to help our school get everything we need to get growing. Download the MyMorrisons app today to start collecting Grow Tokens and choose Mortimer Primary School to donate them.

We will be able to exchange the Grow Tokens for FREE gardening equipment to get kids growing. How it works…

1) Morrisons customers download the MyMorrisons app.

2) You sign in or register to MyMorrisons and select Mortimer Primary School.

3) Then scan the app at checkout or use online when shopping.

4) For every £10 spent you will receive a Grow Token to donate to our school.

5) We can exchange your Grow Tokens for free gardening equipment after the collection period.

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4. Leave of Absence (LOA)

As you are aware, a LOA will only be granted under exceptional circumstances. After half term, following your written request (which must be completed 1 month prior to the planned absence) you will now receive an email informing you of the school’s decision.

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5. School Facebook Page

We have moved away from our closed group and now run an open positive and promotional page. Please like and follow the page to see some glimpses into our school life.

https://www.facebook.com/Mortimer-Primary-School-273525164461401

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6. Parent’s Evening

We hope that you found the booking system easy to use. You can reuse the link to check the time you have booked or make changes. We look forward to seeing you on Monday 11^th or Monday 18^th October.

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7. Diary Dates

• 08.10.21 – 6KM Parent Assembly
• 11.10.21 – Flu nasal
• 11.10.21 – 14.10.21 Year 6 Bikeability (1 and ½ classes)
• 12.10.21 – Choir Practice resumes Y3-Y6 pick up at 4:30
• 15.10.21 – 4AS Parent Assembly
• 18.10.21 – 21.10.21 Year 6 Bikeability (1 and ½ classes)
• 22.10.21 – Show Racism the Red Card – Wear red day
• 22.10.21 – 3JDa Parent Assembly
• 22.10.21 – School closes for half term

Thank you to everyone who has provided feedback regarding our changes.

This can still be completed at https://forms.gle/SMgtMv8jb3ysXtkm8

Update for Monday 4^th October – Friday 8^th October

Please note the trial changes for next week:

• The turning circle will be open on the morning only.
• Parents can enter school grounds via vehicle to drop off only using the turning circle.
• Parents should not exit their vehicle.
• Cars will be unable to ‘pull in’ or ‘wait’.
• Please stop opposite the school steps to allow your child(ren) to exit the vehicle.
• Staff will be on hand to guide.
• The staff car park will remain closed.
• No access will be granted for pick up times at the end of the school day.
• Pedestrians must use the paths.
• We ask that all parents using the turning circle stick to the speed limits and only use if necessary.
• The safety of pupils, parents and staff remains our highest priority.

We continue to work with stakeholders to find the best solution.

Many thanks for your continued support.