20th April 2020
Hi all,
I thought I would take the time to write to you as it has been over a month since our school closed. It seems like ages since I saw most of you last. I hope that you have completed some of the home learning work from your teachers, whilst you have not been at school, but that you also had a super Easter. We have had some amazing weather, and I hope that you all managed to get out into the garden and have some fun with your families making very special memories. School is still open for some children and we are seeing some of your friends. Everybody is missing each other, but we manage to stay connected through Class Dojo and seeing some of your fabulous work being posted by your parents and carers.
If you are finding this all very strange, that’s because it is. It’s not only children, but adults as well, who are trying to work out a different way of living and working at the minute. Remember that you are not alone, you are part of the Greasley community and things will eventually get better and get back to normal.
I am working in school some days, and the other days I am working in my office at home with my laptop and phone. My dog Bella is being lazy and interrupts some working with her barking. The hamster, Giovanni, continues to provide us with company and cuteness. My daughter, Maisie, is trying to work on her own through her secondary school work (some of it is too hard for me!). My husband can’t go to work at this minute as he too needs to stay home and keep safe. We are all good most of the time, but sometimes we all get a little bit grumpy with each other…the next minute we are all laughing and joking. This is all perfectly normal, and I am sure you have ‘up’ and ‘down’ days in your household too! That’s ok, and you will get through it together.
Although it is frustrating and a little bit crazy at the moment, it is what is needed to help everyone stay safe and protect the NHS. By following the rules, we are all playing our part and reducing the risk to others and ourselves by keeping safe. Keep strong everyone and work it through with your family together.
At the start of the year, I reminded you all of our Rainbow Values and how important they are for life after Greasley (and not just your time in school from Reception through to Year 6). I have placed them below as a reminder. Have a read though them and think about how important they are right now to society, the community, you and your family:
Respect and acceptance – “Everyone is equal, everyone is unique”
Active body and active mind – “Take ownership over your health and well-being”
Inclusive yet individual – “Embrace diversity and be proud of who you are”
Nurture, develop and grow – “Persevere and take risks with your talents and potential”
Believe in yourself – “Be confident in your choices”
Overcome your obstacles – “Be brave, show resilience and challenge yourself”
Wonder and curiosity – “Ask questions and seek answers”
Personally, when we worked on the values three years ago (by talking to staff, parents, governors and children), I think we got them just right! Please think about which one you are doing really well with right now, but which one you may need to work harder at.
If you are in Year 6 at the moment, you need to understand that the staff really feel for you right now. We all know how hard you had worked and how well you were preparing for the final push before your SATs. We found out that the tests were not happening at exactly the same time as you did. We are also aware that you leave school in the summer and may miss out on some things you were looking forward to. Myself, Mrs Jamson, Mrs Clarke and Miss Manson will continue to think about how we will be able to prepare you for secondary life over the coming weeks.
On a personal note, I am really missing you all. Visiting your lessons, looking at the work you have produced, talking to you at lunch, giving out Head Teacher Awards and seeing you all in assemblies really has been missed. I am really looking forward to having the buzz back in our school. However, for the moment, we all need to make changes to stop coronavirus and keep everyone safe. If you can, take a moment to think about how precious life really is. If you look hard enough you will see lots of community spirit and kindness around the world. Look at the fantastic gesture the public make towards supporting our NHS every Thursday night. Personally, I clap for the school staff and you every week too.
Finally, try to stay calm. There will be a time when things are much better and you can return to Greasley. Life is full of challenges and some are bigger than others. The important thing is how you respond to those challenges. I can tell you from experience, challenges are easier to conquer when you work together to overcome them. Keep strong children! I am so proud of you all and I can not wait to see you all again soon.
Keep safe and well,
Mrs Bates
“Paint Your Own Rainbow”