New Year letter
9th January 2023
Dear Parents,
Happy New year everyone. I hope you all enjoyed the Christmas holidays and got to spend time with family and friends.
There are a couple of reminders staff have asked me to send out, and also a note about staffing that I need to share with you.
Times of the Day.
As per my newsletter in December, you will know that we are starting the transition to a slightly longer school day. From EASTER this year the start of the school day will be 8.50, not 8.55. This means children should be in class at 8.50, so they need to arrive in school before this time. For now the time remains 8.55 , but many of you are taking advantage of the gate being open from 8.45 to get your children in on time.
Remember all gates close promptly at 8.55. If you are late after this time, children should be brought to the main office entrance. The prompt closing has caught a few people out last week, so I wanted to make sure I reminded you.
Staffing.
We are continuing to experience quite significant staff absence rates this term, and whilst school is still functioning reasonably well, and safely, I need to ask you to bear with us. We may need to cancel some after school activities, or other extra curricular events, and it may mean your child talks about different staff being with them in their room. Please try to also be patient at home time, as with younger children, getting 30 children out of the door on time, with coats and bags etc without support staff can be a challenge! Staff will always discuss concerns with you, but you may need to wait whilst they see other children out safely.
Contact Details.
We continue to have difficulties contacting some parents / carers, emergency contacts, mainly because phone numbers appear not to be working. It is vitally important that you inform the office if your phone number has changed, or your address, and if your child’s emergency contact details have altered. Please let us know straight away if anyone else is picking your child up, or we will not allow them to leave. If we don’t have your permission, we will not let a child go with any other adult. Parents can be quick to criticise for lack of communication, but we often find, newsletters have not been read, website not consulted and text messages have gone to an old number. We know how important good communication is, and we are trying very hard to keep improving this- please help us by keeping your details up to date.
Uniform.
I went in to assembly on Friday morning and looked at our smart, attentive pupils. The whole school came back looking amazing and part of the Kingsley family in their uniform, thank you all so much for helping us in this matter. We really appreciate it!
Remember, this is a short half term. Spring half term holiday is from 13th – 17th February. School closes at normal time on the 10th.
Kind regards,
Alison Whittaker, Head Teacher.