Dear Parents and Carers,
What a tough year 2020 has been – one like never before! There have been so many challenges for everyone this year and, sadly, some suffering. However, we have all coped so far throughout this pandemic, and we are determined to continue the fight and work hard throughout 2021…whatever that may bring!
Normally, I would be writing about all of the sporting achievements, accomplishments across the ‘Create term’ and all of the trips and special events this term. However, we have had to abandon some plans and very much shift to working virtually wherever we could. This has included Parents’ evenings, workshops and visits with external providers and training events. We had our first virtual pantomime ever and today we have had a virtual party with Captain Chris.
The country and the world have never been through anything like this before, and I can honestly say we have done everything we could to keep your children safe. The necessary measures and restrictions in place have meant that the school day, assembly times, break and lunch arrangements have been a little different, but the children have done us proud and understood why it was needed (and will still be needed when we come back in January).
We have had some Covid-19 cases this year, and I know how hard that is as a parent (as well as a leader). We have dealt with this well as a school, and I have been very proud of our families and children during home learning. When things are out of your control, all you can do is your best with what you are faced with. Every day we continue to do our best for those who are in school or are working online from home. This is a value and belief that was instilled in me as a child and I still believe in this today. We cannot control the uncontrollable, but we try to manage day-by-day, with what we are faced with.
By reinforcing our values, promoting the importance of education and adjusting to the new systems and policies, you as parents and carers have played your part in a difficult year and should be very proud as well. This will no doubt be required into the New Year, especially if we see an increase in cases after Christmas. The government is giving signs that they intend to bring in testing for primary schools later in the spring term and more about this will be explained as we get further details throughout the new year. It is thought that this will reduce the number of children isolating, due to a positive case, as they could be tested and have a result back very quickly. More details to follow in the new year.
I wanted to end the year by saying that, although we have had a difficult year, I would like to thank all of our parents and wider community who have continued to support Greasley Beauvale Primary School every step of the way. Some of the positive and encouraging emails have been heart-warming and have really supported staff. Whatever you have decided to do this Christmas, I hope you manage to have a peaceful and safe time. We are being told that the consequences of our actions over Christmas will be seen in the New Year, but we are being given the freedom to make difficult choices. It is appropriate to reflect on the importance of family at Christmas, whilst keeping you and yours safe! I genuinely hope that you have a wonderful time and make different memories this year (ones that we are likely never to forget!)
Sadly today, we say goodbye to Mrs Jamson as she takes her first post as Head Teacher. Mrs Jamson joined us in June 2018 and her two and a half years here has brought so much to the school. She has developed a curriculum that we are incredibly proud. She has developed middle leaders across school and been exceptionally pro-active about teaching and learning. She is a phenomenal teacher and leader, and we will miss her incredibly. We are delighted for her though as she enters into Headship and wish her well in her new post. Goodbye and good luck, Mrs Jamson.
Merry Christmas everyone from all of us at Greasley Beauvale primary School
Yours sincerely,
Mrs Bates