Dear Greasley Beauvale Whole-School Community,

WOW, what a year! In fact, the second academic ‘WOW’ year within this pandemic! A year of bubbles working from home, personal isolations, national school closures and with many new ‘norms’ to deal with.

Last year, I wrote in my final communication update that we had better times ahead. However, it has taken longer than expected to get there! This time, we certainly have hope. I really do believe that beyond isolating, in September, we can hopefully regain the old norm and get back to many things we have missed so much.

I would like to thank all of you who have supported us in our decisions over the last 16 months and to those who have sent emails, messages and gifts to support both myself, the senior team and the rest of the staff over the past year. Overall, you have continued to show perseverance, understanding and patience (whilst no doubt feeling incredibly frustrated at times and tired of the challenges that COVID-19 has thrown at you).

Once again, this year has been hard for many. However, I have the utmost respect for the staff and children, who have got through another tough year and delivered expectations every day to an admirable standard. Thank you to each and every one of you for tuning into learning every day and doing the best that you possibly can on a daily basis. Everyone in school has stuck together and despite the pandemic, has worked on keeping spirits high and driving the school forwards.

At this point, I would like to give a special mention to our Year 6 children. Like last year’s cohort, they have had a very different end to primary school. We are very proud of them and wish them all the very best for the future in their new secondary schools. I hope that they take many great memories with them of their 7 years with us.

To everyone, I would like to take this opportunity to say that you have shown incredible strength, helped in the fight against coronavirus, followed numerous pieces of guidance and continued to be dedicated participants of school life. This has been a tough time for everyone, but I repeat what I said last year … in later life, we will look back with pride and understand the role we have all played in helping others as well as yourselves.

Last week, I sent guidance out about our new plans for September; what we have learnt and what we will change. This was a refreshing change to COVID news and I cannot wait to get back to business with you all in September.

From me to you, I wish you a safe and happy summer. We will be back together again soon on Wednesday 1st September 2021, after the INSET day. The main thing now is to relax over summer and have a proper rest.

Have a safe holiday, keep positive and never forget to smile!

Yours sincerely,

Mrs Bates : )