A belated Happy New Year to one and all! Here is the latest information bulletin:
From Mr Hillier: Thanks to all who have asked after me (Mr Hillier) during and since my Covid-enforced absence. To be honest, I was only ill for a day and have been fine after that. I’ve worked through worse colds! I know it takes people differently (even within my own household), so am glad I am triple jabbed and thankful to have avoided the worst of it.
More Covid updates: Thanks from us to all who are supporting by wearing a face covering when entering the building. It’s much appreciated. We are experiencing a sharp rise in the number of cases, which is putting enormous pressure on us staffing-wise. Anything that can be done to reduce the risk of infection is worth sticking with. Current absentees include our Site Manager, Pastoral Lead, a teacher, two Teaching Assistants and two Midday Supervisors. Staff are still testing at least twice weekly, trying to distance as best they can, wear masks in communal spaces and are reducing face-to-face meetings.
INSET Day – a reminder that there is an INSET Day on February 21st. Apologies for this having been omitted from the calanedar until recently. This leaves us with just one INSET Day to set for the Summer Term.
1 Chestnut teacher Mrs Stafford would like to announce that she is expecting and her due date is in late May. We are delighted for her and we are sure you will join us in sending her best wishes.
Earlier this week, we had a very intense quality assurance visit from senior exectivies of the Transform Trust, plus a serving Ofsted inspector. This visit, known as a Partnership Review, actually goes a lot deeper than an Ofsted inspection and is forensic in its detail. A report will be forthcoming and we will share a summary of the outcomes with you in due course. The review looks in depth at Safeguarding, equality, provision for Special Needs, quality of the curriculum, quality of teaching, pupil results, behaviour, attendance, everything! The review feedback is very positive and supports our self-evaluation, which is that we would be expecting and pushing for an Outstanding grade in an Ofsted inspection. What was also very reassuring is that the leadership and staff in school did such an amazing job in what is a very challenging process in the absence of Mr H. We have an incredible team here.
Next Thursday is Census Day, which is always really important to our finances. It makes a massive difference to us if we can have as many children as possible taking a school dinner on that day. Of course, the better our budget, the more we can spend on educating and supporting your children. Aspens have put on a different menu for the day. Your support with this would be really appreciated.
The online shop for Year 6 Leavers’ hoodies is now open. Parents of Y6 should have received a letter (or a link to one) yesterday. Please contact Kelly in the office with any enquiries about this, The shop is open for a period of two weeks: https://www.leavershoodies.com/parkdale-primary-school-2022-leavers
Year 3 enjoyed an exciting trip to The Deep up in Hull this week. You can see lots about this on their page of the website: https://parkdale-primary.co.uk/year-3-trip-to-the-deep/
Year 1 have another trip booked! This time they are off to Birmingham Sea-Life Centre on Monday 7th February. Letter with more details coming home ASAP.