So, we're back to business and it's like we never had the break.

I'd like to formally welcome Mrs. Jo Ling (EYFS/Class 1 Teacher) and Mrs. Maxine Mason, who is our school's new SENDTA - this is a new role for the school and we are already reaping the benefits of Mrs. Mason with support for our children...not to mention our wonderful new Nurture Room.

Salvete omnes - 'Hello everyone' in Latin (our curriculum language).

Our Early-help Clubs can be seen below.

After School:

Monday - Ball games with GVTSSP

Tuesday - Target games with GVTSSP

Thursday - Multi-sports with Mr. Hurkett

Friday - Lego Club with Mr. Hurkett

Clubs will restart in the week of 10th January and are bookable in Arbor. Please ensure you pack a healthy snack for your child to have during After School Club and - as ever - let the office staff know if you don't need your place so they can free it up for someone else.

If you have a new mobile number please ensure you have informed the School, you can do this via Arbor or let a member of office staff know.

Please ensure we have contact details for everyone in your family that has parental responsibility for a pupil.

As you will all be aware the government advice for isolation changed over the Christmas period:

Information on the changes to the self-isolation period for individuals who test positive for COVID-19

Since Wednesday 22 December, the 10 day self-isolation period for people who record a positive PCR test result for COVID-19 has been reduced to 7 days in most circumstances, unless you cannot test for any reason.

Individuals may now take LFD tests on day 6 and day 7 of their self-isolation period. Those who receive two negative test results are no longer required to complete 10 full days of self-isolation. The first test must be taken no earlier than day 6 of the self-isolation period and tests must be taken 24 hours apart. This also applies to children under 5, with LFD testing at parental or guardian discretion. If both these test results are negative, and you do not have a high temperature, you may end your self-isolation after the second negative test result and return to your education setting from day 8.

Daily testing for close contacts of COVID-19

People who are fully vaccinated, or children and young people aged between 5 and 18 years and 6 months, identified as a close contact of someone with COVID-19, should take an LFD test every day for seven days and continue to attend their setting as normal unless they have a positive test result or develop symptoms at any time.

Children under 5 are not being advised to take part in daily testing of close contacts. If a child under 5 is a contact of a confirmed case, they are not required to self-isolate and should not start daily testing. If they live in the same household as someone with COVID-19 they should limit their contact with anyone who is at higher risk of severe illness if infected with COVID-19, and arrange to take a PCR test as soon as possible. They can continue to attend an education or childcare setting while waiting for the PCR result. If the test is positive, they should follow the stay at home: guidance for households with possible or confirmed COVID-19 infection.

The Framework developed by local Public Health colleagues remains in place with some updates to reflect the latest government guidance including secondary pupils wearing face coverings in lessons. All updates are listed in the version control table on page 2.

All schools and settings start the term on Level 1.

The flowcharts have also been updated to reflect the change in isolation guidance from 10 days to 7 days if there is a negative LFT on days 6 and 7.

We are very proud of being such an active, outdoorsy school but we would like you to ensure your child is fully prepared for the wintry weather. We are noticing quite a few chilly fingers and cold noses outside!

Please make sure that your child *always* has layers on - a vest, with a long-sleeved cotton T-shirt under a school logo'd sweatshirt is ideal, with warm jogging bottoms - thin leggings are not warm enough in this weather. If your child likes to wear shorts throughout the year, this is fine but do consider wearing sports skins underneath. I'd also suggest thick warm socks or tights instead of school ankle socks. All children need comfortable sturdy shoes/trainers as well as a pair of wellies. Please also ensure your child has a coat, hat, gloves, and scarf each day, as well as a change of clothes that can be held in school.

Don't forget to label all items - ask the office staff if you need to borrow a permanent marker pen.

Thank you for your help with keeping us active and outdoors!

Your child may be eligible for free school meals throughout primary school. This could save you approximately £437 per year.

​To check or apply online, visit: https://www.suffolk.gov.uk/children-families-and-learning/schools/school-meals-uniforms-and-trips/apply-for-free-school-meals/

​

Check if you're eligible

Your child will get free school meals if you receive any of the following:

• Income Support

• Income-based Job Seeker’s Allowance

• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance

• Guarantee element of State Pension Credit

• Child Tax Credit but no element of Working Tax Credit and have an annual income (as assessed by HM Revenues & Customs) that does not exceed £16,190

• If you are supported under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999

• Working Tax Credit during the four-week period immediately after your employment finishes or after you start to work fewer hours per week

• Universal Credit (provided you have an annual net earned income of no more than £7,400 (£616.67 per month), as assessed by earnings from up to three of your most recent assessment periods).
  

To check if your child is eligible, apply online for an immediate response or call 01473 260989.

We encourage you to apply because the school receives additional funding (Pupil Premium) for all children on income-related Free School Meals.

The mindfulness for parents course is for parents who;

• Care for a child with additional needs
• Care for an adult family member or friend

The care given may be formal or informal, and it may be care that is no longer given. We know that current or previous caregiving can deplete the people who provide it, and this course is designed to provide support to all wherever they are in their caregiving journey.

The next course starts in January, but others will be run throughout the year.

Further details and an application form can be found here.

If you require any further information, please email me at annabelksmindful@gmail.com

Monday 10th January

- Collective Worship at St.Mary's Church

Tuesday 11th January

- School nursing team - height and weight

Wednesday 12th January

- SGC meeting

Thursday 13th January

- Rock Steady

Friday 14th January

- Green Light Trust Eco Club meeting

Monday 17th January

- Collective Worship at St.Mary's Church

Wednesday 19th January

- Census

Thursday 20th January

- Rock Steady

Monday 14th January

- Collective Worship at St.Mary's Church

Thursday 27th January

- Rock Steady

Monday 3rd February

- Collective Worship at St.Mary's Church

Thursday 6th January

- Rock Steady