Parent Bulletin No.16
Dear Parent/Carer
Arrangements for the New Term
Blwyddyn Newydd Dda! I hope you and your families have had a pleasant Christmas break and are looking forward to a healthy, and happy 2022. Despite the foreboding end to the last term, I am pleased to announce that, we are open as usual to all students from Monday 10 January. We have updated our operating guidance in line with the latest information from Welsh Government and I will outline the key information below. I will also hold an assembly for all pupils on Monday morning to explain to them how school will work.
Whilst we are open as normal from Monday, we have been asked to prepare to switch to online learning should the need arise. This may be due to a staffing crisis or if advised to do so by Public Health. Should this happen we will prioritise keeping Key Stage 4 pupils in school to support their preparation for GCSEs and keep the time pupils are not in school to a minimum.
Staff have been updating our online platforms this week, so while I hope we do not have to revert to online learning, I am confident it would be a seamless process. Should one or more year groups have to learn from home then we would still offer a place in school for vulnerable and Critical Worker children. I will endeavour to give parents as much notice as possible should this occur.
Identifying children of critical workers: guidance | GOV.WALES
Measures to ensure school is safe for students and staff
The best way to ensure school is safe is to prevent Covid coming into the building in the first place. Regular LFD testing will help support this and it goes without saying that any child displaying symptoms should isolate immediately and book a test. Further guidance can be found on the links below:
Get tested for coronavirus (COVID-19) | GOV.WALES
In school we will continue to prioritise good hygiene practices, social distancing, ventilating classrooms and the use of face coverings. Year groups will remain
separate at all times and there are enhanced cleaning routines. Key information is summarised below and I hope as parents you will support these measures, to keep all members of our community, including parents and grandparents safe.
Lateral Flow Device Tests (LFDs)
All pupils should take a test before returning to school on Monday. Following that, testing should take place three times per week on Monday, Wednesday and Friday in the morning before leaving the house. If more convenient then it is also acceptable to test Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday evenings. Please report positive cases to school as soon as possible. Guidelines have recently changed to the following – if you record a positive LFD result but have no symptoms then isolate immediately and there is no need to book a PCR test. If your child has symptoms, then book a PCR test. There have also been updates to the length of isolation periods depending on vaccination status. Please refer to advice given by TTP.
Face Coverings
As in the last few weeks before Christmas face coverings must be worn in all indoor areas, including classrooms. They can be removed when taking part in PE or physical activity and when eating and drinking. Please let us know if your child is exempt.
Ventilation
As per WG recommendations, all classrooms have been fitted with CO2 monitors to help manage ventilation. Windows and doors will be open to improve air circulation so students may wish to add layers under their uniform during the cooler weeks ahead.
Break Times and Dining Arrangements
Food and drink will be available from the Food Hut outside and the canteen at both break and lunch time. Students are welcome to bring a packed lunch. Water fountains are available should students wish to bring a bottle to refill.
Arrangements for free school meals
Students who qualify will be able to collect their meal as usual. Any student who has to isolate due to Covid should receive direct payment from the Local Authority. Provision will also continue during school holidays this year.
Breakfast and Homework Club
These are available as normal from 8:15 and until 16:15 after school. Can parents please email contact@argoedhs.co.uk if you wish to request a place. Please put “Breakfast / Homework Club” as the subject of the email.
GCSE Exam Arrangements
At present, the summer exams are still going ahead. We will continue to gather assessment information from Year 11 should we need to issue CDGs. In the meantime we will prepare our students for external exams. The English Literature Exam for Year 10 will go ahead on Tuesday January 11. It will be held in the sports hall to enable social distancing to be maintained. Best wishes to Year 10 students for this.
Parents Evenings and Contacting School
Until further notice, all scheduled Parents Evenings will be held virtually via Microsoft Teams. Year 11 are due to have theirs on 18th January. If you need to contact school, please do so via phone or email. We will not be accepting visits without an appointment.
School Transport
The School Transport Team have asked me to remind parents that unless medically exempt, face coverings must be worn in all school transport vehicles. A copy of the school transport protocol can be accessed via the following link https://www.flintshire.gov.uk/en/PDFFiles/Schools/School-Transport-Protocol-September-2021.pdf
If you have any queries in relation to this matter, please contact school.transport@flinthsire.gov.uk
Uniform, PE Kit and Extra-curricular Activities
Full uniform is to be worn and students are not to come to school in PE kit on the days they have PE lessons. Changing facilities will be available. We will do our best to continue offering clubs and extra-curricular activities as normal but will be guided by staff availability and latest health and safety advice.
Apologies for the lengthy communication but I hope it gives you some assurance that we are doing all we can to ensure school is a safe environment for your children. I will communicate these messages to students on Monday but I hope I can count on your support with these measures. I can confirm that the school day remains the same, 8:50 – 15:10 and can I ask that students do not arrive before 8:40 unless attending breakfast club. Next week is Week 2 on their timetable so they know which books to bring.
I look forward to working with you to ensure your child has a happy and successful 2022.
Yours faithfully
Mr P Smith
Headteacher