Communication 11.12.20

11th December 2020

Dear parents/carers

COVID update 11.12.20

Precautionary measures to avoid self-isolation over the festive period

As you know, we break up from school at 1pm on Friday 18^th December. Precautionary measures are continually being taken in school to avoid contamination and I’m sure that is the case at home too as we have managed to avoid closure of any bubbles. Although being in Tier 1 gives us more flexibility than most of the country, please remember to follow government and PHE guidelines at all times, especially over the next week when Christmas shopping, visiting attractions etc. Please adhere to Hands-Face-Space and Rule of 6. If we have a positive case in the next week it could mean self-isolation over the festive period and none of us want that. This is not only a reminder from school but also from the Local Authority and Public Health England. The DFE have announced the following six day guidance for the Christmas holidays. Please read the instructions carefully:

For the first 6 days after this term ends, if a pupil or staff member tests positive for coronavirus (COVID-19), having developed symptoms within 48 hours of being in school, the school is asked to assist in identifying close contacts and advising self-isolation, as the individual may have been infectious whilst in school. (If this applies to you then you must contact me on head@germoe.cornwall.sch.uk in order for me to inform staff and parents anonymously).
Where a pupil or staff member tests positive for coronavirus (COVID-19), having developed symptoms more than 48 hours since being in school, the school should not be contacted. Parents and carers should follow contact tracing instructions provided by NHS Test and Trace.
Where pupils are required to self-isolate due to contact with a positive case after the first 6 days following the end of term, schools do not need to be informed about their absence until the first day of the new term.
If you develop symptoms at any time over the Christmas period, please order a test and follow the NHS test and trace instructions.

Punctuality

Please try to be as punctual as possible – it can really affect a child in a negative way when they arrive late and all of their classmates have begun learning, they feel embarrassed and uncomfortable and it can lead to anxiety. Persistent lateness will be monitored and individuals contacted should it continue. If you are running a little late and staff members have gone inside to start the day, allow your child to go to the class on their own but please wait at the gate until they have entered the classroom and a staff member has given you a wave to let you know they have greeted them (Early years and KS1 only).

School meals

I am presently arranging vouchers for free school meals over the festive period. The local authority have recognised that some families who are not eligible for free school meals may be in significant need of support for food over this period also. If you feel you need extra financial support for food and would consent to me sharing your details with the designated person at the LA then please email me with your child’s name and date of birth and a brief summary of the reasons why you feel you need the extra support eg. single parent, low income, redundancy etc. I will then pass the details on and you will hopefully receive a voucher.

Water bottles

Please could you ensure that your child’s water bottle is filled with water only. Flavoured water is fine but not squash, cordial or fizzy drinks. These can get very sticky and are difficult to clean up if spilt.

Reminders

Details on how to access and watch the Christmas production will be sent to your personal email address next week.

Christmas lunch is Wednesday 16^th, children can wear Christmas attire.

Monday 14^th is the last day for children to bring in their Christmas cards.

First day of Spring Term is Monday 4^th January. We will be sticking to existing start/finish times and bubbles.

Have a lovely weekend

Paula Blackburn