School Newsletter

This weekend is the 26th Sunday of Ordinary Time and Mark’s Gospel asks us to explore the idea of jealousy. During collective prayer this morning the childnre heard the story of a sister being jealous of her brother and we explore the consequences of her actions. The children were able to explain where her choices were wrong and then how she aimed to put them right. Please chat with your children about this exploring how they can celebrate everyones abilities and characteristics without negative consequences.

Mark 9: 38 – 43, 45, 47 – 48

After the disciples had been with Jesus for some time and had learned from Him, they began to
heal people themselves.
But one day there were so many people, there were still lots of people waiting for help and comfort.
Out of the crowd came an ordinary villager who came to help the sick. He put his hands on them, prayed for them and they were healed.
But the disciples were not happy. They went to Jesus, saying, “Come and stop this man! He’s not one of us, but is curing the sick like you asked US to do.”
But Jesus calmly said, “Do not stop him. Anyone who is not against us, is for us.”
Jesus was telling the disciples that anyone could do good works and they should encourage others to do the same, whoever they are.
But the disciples didn’t understand just yet.

Illness

There have been a number of absences due to illness during the first three weeks back in school. Thank you for continuing to inform us of your child’s health during this time. It is important that you contact school if your child cannot attend with the reason.

If your child does develop symptoms, they should get a PCR test and remain at home at least until the result is known. Get a free PCR test to check if you have coronavirus (COVID-19) - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk). The child should isolate until at least 10 days after their symptoms appeared.

If you are concerned about your child’s symptoms, you can seek advice from NHS 111 at https://111.nhs.uk/ or by phoning 111.

If your child has a positive test result but does not have symptoms they should stay at home and self-isolate for 10 days from the date the positive test was taken. This isolation period will be extended if they go on to develop symptoms by counting 10 full days from the day following their symptom onset please ensure that they are tested as soon as possible and they must isolate until a negative PCR result or their isolation time is completed.

Members of your household no longer need to isolate if they have had two vaccines and also the other children in their class can go about their normal school day unless they themselves show signs of covid 19. We continue to keep close hygiene measures in place in school and ventilate rooms so that the risk of transition is reduced. Thank you for your continued support through this time.

Reminder for children attending breakfast club.

When children attend breakfast club it is a requirement that parents bring them to the hall door and wait for the member of staff to welcome them into school. This is not age dependent; children from Nursery up to Year 6 all have to be dropped off. This is a safety measure so that both parents and school staff know that they are safely in the school building. Some children have been coming to the club without an adult.

We are in the process of improving our behaviour policy in school including the ‘House’ System that has been in place for a number of years. Our philosophy is very much that we want the children to learn that intrinsic rewards (the feeling of self-accomplishment) is much more valuable than extrinsic rewards (getting something material for what you have done). We have explored what we have previously done and why we did these things. From this we have then reflected and come up with a plan for moving forward. We would like your thoughts on the proposals. Please use this link to a Google form where you can share your views. Thank you. https://forms.gle/8z3HBMg4Pjj2p5Rj7

School Medication

Please could all medication come through the School Office not via the classrooms. Children are not allowed to have medication in their bags at school for safety reasons. If you require your child to have medication in school, a medication form must be filled in & handed to the School Office. Thank you.

Year 6 - Application for Secondary Schools

If you haven’t done so already, you can apply now for your child’s Year 7 place at Secondary School. You have until the 31st October to apply. Please click on the link below:

https://www.northumberland.gov.uk/Education/Schools/School-admissions-places-appeals-1/Yr-5-Middle-Yr-7-Secondary-Yr-9-High-entry-applica.aspx