Head Teacher update – 26/1/2022

Dear families, We are looking forward to seeing our school community come together on Friday to enjoy a Bacon Butty on the school yard. Due to the guidance over the past couple of months, we have been unable to have parents in school, which whilst frustrating and disappointing, was a necessary step to try and ensure the safety of children, staff and parents. I am fully aware that from tomorrow, the national guidance is changing and a more relaxed approach is being taken across the country. However, as you can appreciate, this cannot happen overnight and I feel a more gradual approach needs to be followed for our children and staff. Despite following risk assessments meticulously, we have still had a number of children and staff test positive for COVID-19 in the past two months, so you can understand why a more graduated, cautious approach needs to be taken. It would not sit comfortable with me if, as a school, we went from having no parents in school, to all parents coming into school so soon after the guidance has changed and whilst we still have positive cases in our school and community. Currently, we are having Collective Worships via Zoom, so our first priority will be having all of the children together again in the hall, which I have planned to begin from next week. Then going forward, the plan is to begin integrating the classes and reintroducing activities such as House Team afternoons, school trips etc. and getting back to normal school life in a smooth and safe manner. Following that, our next step will be inviting families back into school after the half term break. This will begin with Family Friday on the 4^th March, followed by parents being invited in to Celebration Worship on Friday 1^st April. There will also be lots of other wonderful events planned for next half term, which will be shared via our weekly newsletter and School Facebook page in the coming weeks. We are truly excited to welcome families back into school again. It is a huge part of our ethos and one of the many reasons why our school is so special. As Head Teacher, I am extremely proud of the relationship school has with our families and the wider community. We are hoping 2022 will be a year to remember for different reasons, and we look forward to celebrating our wonderful children and school by creating more happy memories together. Thank you for being part of our Easington C of E family and your continued support. My very best wishes as always. Mr Appleby