Ripon Cathedral School Update
Week ending Friday 12th June 2020
Welcome back to Reception and Year 6
Natural Crowns
Year 6 Enjoy forest schools
Super learning from home
As always, we really enjoy receiving work and pictures from all members of our school family. It was lovely to see how some children have taken advantage of the changes in lockdown to meet together and have a socially distanced picnic!
Worship and Friendship
School Wider Opening Update
Dear Parents and Carers,
This week we were delighted to welcome back our first Reception and Year 6 groups. I have been hugely impressed with children from across the school and how well they have adapted to the changes that we have made. It was particularly lovely to see children using the full extent of our grounds engaging in play, socialising and learning.
You may have heard in the media that the Government has now scrapped their plans to have all primary children back at school before the end of the term. It is pleasing that the government has now finally realised that there is not the capacity within schools to allow all children to attend; however, I am disappointed that this ‘false hope’ was shared and publicised, as it has built up children and families expectations for something that was highly unlikely ever to happen.
The Secretary of State has stated that the Government is ‘working to bring all children back to school in September.’ I am hopeful that the improving national picture will continue and that we will have timely guidance with regards to how learning will be organised in the autumn term so that we can support all our children as they transition back into school.
What has gone well this week
- Groupings are working effectively and children have responded well to instructions and guidance.
- We have been really impressed with the way children have demonstrated positive attitudes and transitioned back into school.
- Children are doing their best with social distancing and have really managed well in the circumstances.
- Children are in on time and lessons are starting promptly.
What do we need to improve?
- We need to ensure that key worker families book places in advance and let us know as soon as possible when sessions are not needed.
- Parents and carers should arrive at communicated start times and not too early to avoid long periods of queuing.
- Although we have stated that children do no need to come in uniform, children should not be wearing jeans.
What’s next?
- Next week we are really looking forward to welcoming children back to our second Year 1 bubble. These parents have already been contacted and can access information about the organisation for their year group by visiting our wider opening page on the school website. https://riponcathedralschool.org.uk/Wider-Opening/
- Over the next week we will be contacting parents in Reception, whose children are not currently at school regarding their intentions and thoughts about sending their children back to school in the week beginning 22ndJune. We do understand that this is a significant decision and want all parents to know that there is no pressure on them to conform to the government’s expectations. It is for every family to consider what is right for them and we do appreciate that many parents and carers may wish to wait at this time.
- In line with government guidance we are prioritising the return of Reception and Year 1 children; however, next week we will also be exploring the options for potentially increasing the number of children in our Year 6 bubbles.
From the week beginning 22nd June, if we do increase our intake further, staff within the school will be fully deployed. Many bubbles will be taught by class teachers, although some will need to be led by support staff under the direction of a class teacher. If there are instances of sickness within staff, or changes within our staffing capacity, this may mean that the school will be unable to provide education and care for specific bubbles. In such circumstances we will communicate with parents and carers to make them aware of the situation.
We do try to ensure that there is regular communication with all our families, however if you do wish to speak to myself or a member of staff about anything please do email admin@riponcathedral.n-yorks.sch.uk or call the main office on 01756 602335 during opening hours and we will be very happy to have a chat.
Thank you again for all your support
Keep safe.
Steven Holmes
Headteacher
Friends of the School - Summer Fair
We hope this finds you safe and well.
A small update from the Friends.
We are busy planning from behind the scenes a VIRTUAL SUMMER FAIR.
There will be all the fun games we play like: pass the pea, balance 20p on a lemon in water and the bucket game. We have an amazing raffle, virtual duck races, guess the names of the cuddle toys and lots more!
The virtual summer fair will taken place over a week - Monday 29th June to Sunday 5th July.
Head over to our Facebook page: @RiponCathedralPrimarySchoolParentsAndFriends where more details for the virtual summer fair will be announced soon.
We hope everyone is well and we hope to see you all soon!
Community Announcements
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Email: admin@riponcathedral.n-yorks.sch.uk
Website: www.riponcathedralschool.org.uk
Location: HG41LT, United Kingdom
Phone: 01765 602355
Facebook: facebook.com/riponcathschool
Twitter: @riponcathschool