Dear Parents and Carers

How unfortunate that our Year 1 class were unable to attend school today. We continue to follow all of our safety arrangements to the best of our ability but this just goes to show that although the numbers per 100,000 in Sefton continue to slowly fall this virus is still very much in our community. The good news is that no one has been badly affected, but we are legally bound to follow the governments protocol should anyone test positive. All the children are enjoying school, and I am pleased that we have been able to safely provide as much of their normal school routine as is possible. We are hopeful that there may be some good news to share when we return on 12^th April following the government’s next announcement. A big thank you to everyone in Year 3, for the effort that you have put in this week, and we certainly hope and pray that this can be avoided in the future.

After school clubs will remain the same for your convenience, as will your child’s PE day. Year 4 shall continue to enjoy swimming each Wednesday afternoon and we shall be making arrangements for an after school sports club for our reception children later in the summer term.

Many thanks to our Year 4 parents for returning their First Holy Communion documentation, I am sure that Fr Grant would like to pass on his thanks to you and we shall keep you fully informed of any further arrangements as soon as is possible.

From my observations it is clear that the number of parents leaving both schools at the end of the day with their children is less than ideal, however, I have been pleased with the positive way that you have left the school site quickly and sensibly and ask that you continue to keep your children with you until you leave through the gate at the Round Meade. I know that we have traditionally enjoyed our lovely grounds as the weather improves, but I must insist that we maintain the strict rules about leaving at the end of the day until we are given permission from the government and Public Health England to relax these measures. I know that it is a natural thing for children to want to play and it saddens me that I have to be the one to deny them this but as we have seen the virus is still in our community and I can think of no other sensible way than continue our current arrangements. I would like to thank you as parents and your extended families that have helped support you and your children, and I have had nothing but support from you even though I very much feel your frustration and pain. This is a most sincere and heartfelt thank you for everything you have done throughout the past year from me to you.

I am pleased to be able to inform you that after discussions with St James’ Parish Council Committee I have secured the use of the car park for our parents dropping and picking up at the front of the school. This will not unfortunately help those of you with infant children who must continue to use the Round Meade gate. Parents using the Church car park will be able to allow their children to enter the junior playground via the gate which will be supervised by junior staff. I have promised the PCC that I will take personal responsibility that their goodwill is not abused and must stress that this remains a temporary measure, but one that I hope will help as we move towards more normal arrangements.

I have twenty food vouchers which can be exchanged for food packs available from Tuesday 30^th March at Maghull Methodist Church between the hours of 10.00am-12.00pm. I appreciate the sensitivity of this, but if you know of anyone within our school community who you feel needs a little extra help please come and see me on Monday morning when I shall be in school and most happy to help in anyway. I shall be in school throughout the Easter break and will pick up any emails if you feel I can be of any help. Please remember to inform us via school mobile phone or school email if your child test positive during the Easter Break.

As you well know I could talk about our wonderful school, staff and children forever, but I would simply like to sign off by wishing you a Peaceful Easter and a genuine message of thanks for all that you do as we celebrate the Easter Message of New Life and New Hope.

Yours sincerely

Mr D MacAreavy - Headteacher