Parent Bulletin No.19
Dear Parent/Carer
I hope you and your family are well. Unfortunately, we have seen a rise in Covid positive cases this week, mainly in Year 11. Given that the Government’s current intention is for pupils to sit exams this summer, it is vital that we keep as many students in school as possible. I have spoken to students today about following the guidelines as best they can to ensure we minimise the risk of spreading the virus and have repeated a summary of the latest advice and guidance in this letter. We have taken a few calls this week from parents asking for advice regarding LFD Tests, etc. Hopefully, the information below will be helpful.
There will be further information regarding exams announced on February 7 and I will pass that on to parents when I receive it. In the meantime, I have reassured Year 11 that we will support them through the exams and they do not need to worry. The majority of our students worked very hard throughout the lockdowns and they are in a favourable position compared to other students across Wales. Staff will be providing targeted support and intervention to any students who we identify as needing it and your child’s subject teachers may contact you to give you more information regarding this and to ask for your support.
The Young Enterprise Team have held a cake sale today to raise money for their business plan. I look forward to seeing their entrepreneurial skills developing. A big thank you to Mr Heywood and his company Yearsley for donating the cakes.
Parent Governor Vacancy
Thank you to the parents who have put themselves forward as Governors. As we have had more than one application a vote will be held. Information has already been sent out and can I ask that ballot papers are returned by Tuesday 1 February. Once the successful candidate has been confirmed I will announce it in the newsletter.
Please see the attached sheet regarding the latest advice on self-isolation or click the link below for further information:
Lateral Flow Device Tests (LFDs)
Pupils have received a fresh supply of test kits this week. Please support this by ensuring your child uses them as planned. 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. Public Health Wales have asked that all LFD Test results are reported to the NHS Portal. Further information on this is included with the test kit.
Face Coverings
Many students continue to attend school without a face covering. Please check they have one before leaving the house. We do have a limited supply at school but it is dwindling quickly due to the number of students not bringing their own. All students will receive re-usable face coverings from us next week. Please encourage them to remember them.
Hey Girls Sanitary Products
A new initiative has been launched whereby students attending a Flintshire school, can order sanitary products to be delivered direct to their home address for free. All students need to do is complete the online form which can be found using the following link: Flintshire Home Packs – Hey Girls
FCC will then verify that they are on roll at school and post the products out – initially as a three month supply. I have attached a flyer and further communication from the council with this letter and have emailed the information direct to students today.
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.
Parents Evenings and Contacting School
Until further notice, all scheduled Parents Evenings will be held virtually via Microsoft Teams. If you need to contact school, please do so via phone or email. We will not be accepting visits without an appointment.
I hope you all have a pleasant weekend.
Yours faithfully
Mr P Smith
Headteacher