November 2020

KEY DATES

Friday 18 December – school closes at

12.20pm for Y1&2;

12.40pm for Y3-5 and

1.00pm for Y6&7

Monday 21 December – Monday 4 January (inclusive) – Christmas Holiday.

Children return to school on Tuesday 5 January 2021.

All key dates are available on the school website (www.gibsonps.co.uk – under Parents - School Closures).

Breakfast Club - We are continuing to review our provision on a monthly basis. At present Breakfast Club and After School Club are not open. I will be providing a link to a survey regarding the demand for Breakfast Club and After School provision. Once I have this information we will be in a position to outline if and when these services will be returning.

School Dinners still cost £2.60 per day / £13.00 per week. These must be booked and paid for via School Money. This also applies to those entitled to free meals. Please note bookings must be completed by midnight each Sunday for the week ahead. The new dinner menu has been sent home and is on the school website.

Poppy Appeal – As in previous years we will be supporting the RBL Poppy Appeal. This year however, we have arranged for each bubble to have access to their own class pack which consists of slap bands, badges, wrist bands etc. These are available to purchase from tomorrow, Tuesday 3 November. All items cost 50p except for Slapbands which are priced at £1 and Metal Badges which are priced at £2. These are extremely challenging times for all charities, your support is therefore greatly appreciated.

We have some pupils with a severe NUT ALLERGY in school. It is essential that no nuts or products containing nuts are sent into school at any time; this includes conkers which are not permitted in school.

DE Guidance – We have been informed that it is essential for all adults in school to observe social distancing. Parents are therefore required to stay 2 meters apart when collecting children at the school gates.

Emergency Closures – Hopefully we will not need to close the school or send pupils home, however, if a child or a member of staff tests positive, we will be required to advise all close contacts to self-isolate for 14 days. If you are contacted by school, this effectively means that your child will have to be collected immediately and remain at home for two weeks. I would therefore encourage all parents to have an emergency childcare plan in place.

COVID 19 – If your child has any symptoms (high temperature; a new continuous cough; a loss of taste or smell) they must stay at home and get tested. We are aware that lots of pupils are suffering from a head cold. If this is their only ailment and they are otherwise capable of attending school, please send them as normal. If you are unsure, please consult our Quick Guide or contact the school.

Policies – A number of our policies and procedures have been amended slightly to take into account Covid-19. All are included on the school website. Copies are available from the school office if required. Please look through these carefully. If you’ve any queries, please contact Mr Sterritt (Designated Teacher) or Mrs Irwin & Mrs Shortt (Deputy Designated Teachers).

Flu Vaccination – This took place on Thursday 8 October, however, a number of pupils were absent from school and unable to receive the vaccine. Henceforth an additional session is being organised by School Health which we hope will take place in December. Further information will be provided to those children who missed out once details are available.

School App – Thank you to all those who have already downloaded the app. We will be sending letters, newsletters and permission slips via this in the coming months. It is therefore essential that all parents download this. If you require assistance or further details, please contact the school.

Charity Fundraiser – We still hope to raise money for a variety of charities this year. Our first planned day will be a Christmas jumper day. More details will be provided including dates and charities chosen.