covid 19 Updates
Sunday 13th September - Message from Mr Gray:
Dear All,
We have been informed that one of our children in Year 4 has 2 of the symptoms of Coronavirus. As it is so difficult to access testing at the moment, they were unable to be tested until today. With transmission rates so high in Birmingham, as a precaution. I have decided to close Year 4 until we know the outcome of the test. If the test is negative and no other child in Year 4 develops symptoms, we will welcome the class back as soon as we hear. In the meantime, we pray for the child and the child's mother who are both poorly.
I realise that the decision to close a year group causes a great deal of inconvenience and it is never a decision we will take lightly.
Please keep as safe as possible and keep reminding your children to wash their hands thoroughly, frequently. If your child develops a new persistent cough, temperature or change in taste/smell, please inform us straightaway. If your child has a runny nose, sore throat or headache, they do not have COVID symptoms and do not need a test. If your child or someone in your household has symptoms, there are now walk-in centres open in different parts of Birmingham but it is important not to go unless symptoms are present. Parents have informed me of centres open in Woodgate Valley, Winson Green and Smethwick.
Kind regards
Mr Gray
Dear All,
We have been informed that one of our children in Year 4 has 2 of the symptoms of Coronavirus. As it is so difficult to access testing at the moment, they were unable to be tested until today. With transmission rates so high in Birmingham, as a precaution. I have decided to close Year 4 until we know the outcome of the test. If the test is negative and no other child in Year 4 develops symptoms, we will welcome the class back as soon as we hear. In the meantime, we pray for the child and the child's mother who are both poorly.
I realise that the decision to close a year group causes a great deal of inconvenience and it is never a decision we will take lightly.
Please keep as safe as possible and keep reminding your children to wash their hands thoroughly, frequently. If your child develops a new persistent cough, temperature or change in taste/smell, please inform us straightaway. If your child has a runny nose, sore throat or headache, they do not have COVID symptoms and do not need a test. If your child or someone in your household has symptoms, there are now walk-in centres open in different parts of Birmingham but it is important not to go unless symptoms are present. Parents have informed me of centres open in Woodgate Valley, Winson Green and Smethwick.
Kind regards
Mr Gray
Friday 11th September - Message from Mr Gray:
Dear All
At the end of a very challenging week, we can draw breath and reflect upon how brilliant your children have been. Reception began on Monday and have settled in so well you would think that they had been here for years. Mrs Llewellyn, Mrs Brewer and Ms McArdle are undertaking the baseline assessment which will be shared with parents before half-term.
All our other classes have been really focussed on their work and their behaviour has been all but impeccable. Attached to this email is the study plan for this term; please do take time to read it so you can discuss the learning with your children. The children will have received homework today for the week which is due in next Friday.
Year 3 have been very patient with technology this week as we have piloted video lessons for them during their self-isolation.
Well done to the stars of the week:
Reception - the whole class
Year 1 - Abu Bakr and Ereshva
Year 2 - Poppy
Year 3 - Ismail and Livia
Year 4 - Scarlett and Kassim
Year 5 - Ayaan and Nevaeh
Year 6 - Havana
For our Catholic Pupil Profile, we are focussing on the virtues of being curious and active this half-term. Well done to Insha (Y1), Yusuf Ahmed (Y5), Muhammad (Y6) and Subhaan (Y6) for the curiosity they have shown this week.
Good luck to: the Year 6s taking the 11+ examination this weekend; to William and Edie who are playing cricket for Moseley Ashfield CC and to you all whatever endeavours you are undertaking. Please stay safe.
Mrs Symons is delighted to have received contact forms for 84 families - thank you. Obviously these forms are crucial at anytime but particularly in the context of the coronavirus. Well done to the Reception parents who have already signed up to Squid. If you have any questions about Squid, please email Mrs Symons d.symons@st-martindeporres.bham.sch.uk
At some point over the next 2 weeks, Mr Coley is going to dig up the treacherous path from Oakland Road to the office. We will give you plenty of notice of which day he is going to do this.
Further restrictions are coming in on Tuesday from when we will not be able to visit other people's houses or mix with other households outside of school. This will also mean that we cannot share lifts with other households. With Hall Green and Springfield being the two worst affected areas in Birmingham this week, we all have a responsibility to keep safe and be very careful.
Remember if your child has a new and persistent cough, a temperature or a change to taste/smell you must get them tested even though tests are proving difficult to access. I am attaching a useful table one of my colleagues created to show the different scenarios and actions that are taken.
God bless
Mr Gray
Dear All
At the end of a very challenging week, we can draw breath and reflect upon how brilliant your children have been. Reception began on Monday and have settled in so well you would think that they had been here for years. Mrs Llewellyn, Mrs Brewer and Ms McArdle are undertaking the baseline assessment which will be shared with parents before half-term.
All our other classes have been really focussed on their work and their behaviour has been all but impeccable. Attached to this email is the study plan for this term; please do take time to read it so you can discuss the learning with your children. The children will have received homework today for the week which is due in next Friday.
Year 3 have been very patient with technology this week as we have piloted video lessons for them during their self-isolation.
Well done to the stars of the week:
Reception - the whole class
Year 1 - Abu Bakr and Ereshva
Year 2 - Poppy
Year 3 - Ismail and Livia
Year 4 - Scarlett and Kassim
Year 5 - Ayaan and Nevaeh
Year 6 - Havana
For our Catholic Pupil Profile, we are focussing on the virtues of being curious and active this half-term. Well done to Insha (Y1), Yusuf Ahmed (Y5), Muhammad (Y6) and Subhaan (Y6) for the curiosity they have shown this week.
Good luck to: the Year 6s taking the 11+ examination this weekend; to William and Edie who are playing cricket for Moseley Ashfield CC and to you all whatever endeavours you are undertaking. Please stay safe.
Mrs Symons is delighted to have received contact forms for 84 families - thank you. Obviously these forms are crucial at anytime but particularly in the context of the coronavirus. Well done to the Reception parents who have already signed up to Squid. If you have any questions about Squid, please email Mrs Symons d.symons@st-martindeporres.bham.sch.uk
At some point over the next 2 weeks, Mr Coley is going to dig up the treacherous path from Oakland Road to the office. We will give you plenty of notice of which day he is going to do this.
Further restrictions are coming in on Tuesday from when we will not be able to visit other people's houses or mix with other households outside of school. This will also mean that we cannot share lifts with other households. With Hall Green and Springfield being the two worst affected areas in Birmingham this week, we all have a responsibility to keep safe and be very careful.
Remember if your child has a new and persistent cough, a temperature or a change to taste/smell you must get them tested even though tests are proving difficult to access. I am attaching a useful table one of my colleagues created to show the different scenarios and actions that are taken.
God bless
Mr Gray
Wednesday 9th September - Message from Mr Gray:
Dear Parents
With the number of cases rising, the Prime Minster has announced simplified restrictions this evening with no more than 6 people allowed to gather socially. The aim of the restrictions is to prevent another national lockdown so it is essential that we all follow the guidance.
We are working hard in school to keep classes separate and reduce the risk of transmission. The children have responded brilliantly.
For the Year 3 class self-isolating, we trialled a video lesson today. Thank you to all those who took part. We will continue to develop this provision within the limitations of technology.
Reception continue to impress everyone with their maturity and wonderful manners as indeed do all the children.
Please do keep checking the website for information including lunch menus -I see we have fish, samosa or hot dogs in the hall tomorrow
God bless
Mr Gray
Dear Parents
With the number of cases rising, the Prime Minster has announced simplified restrictions this evening with no more than 6 people allowed to gather socially. The aim of the restrictions is to prevent another national lockdown so it is essential that we all follow the guidance.
We are working hard in school to keep classes separate and reduce the risk of transmission. The children have responded brilliantly.
For the Year 3 class self-isolating, we trialled a video lesson today. Thank you to all those who took part. We will continue to develop this provision within the limitations of technology.
Reception continue to impress everyone with their maturity and wonderful manners as indeed do all the children.
Please do keep checking the website for information including lunch menus -I see we have fish, samosa or hot dogs in the hall tomorrow
God bless
Mr Gray
Tuesday 8th September - Message from Mr Gray:
Dear All
Thank you for your messages, kind words and questions since we discovered yesterday evening that a child in Year 3 has tested positive for COVID19. The family of the child who has tested positive had followed all the guidance and this shows how difficult it is to control the virus even if we all stay alert.
I have had a number of questions as to why siblings of Year 3 children are able to continue to come to school and the answer is that the guidance states the household should continue to go to work or school unless the child develops symptoms.
The impact on the year 3 families is significant as their children need to stay in the house for 2 weeks and therefore cannot go and play with friends and nor can they have visitors. Please remember all of them and their teachers in your prayers.
We are trialling video lessons with year 3 starting tomorrow. There are lots of issues to overcome to make video lessons a success so we will keep you posted as to how we get on because, sadly, I fear this will happen repeatedly even where everyone follows the guidance which at the moment states that we should not:
My advice to everyone is if you are in any doubt, do not do it. Testing is getting more and more difficult to access and isolation has a huge impact on families' lives.
It is important that, however frustrating the situation, we do not judge others (especially on social media) but support everyone in our community to keep safe.
For children in years other than Year 3 who are not in school, we are looking at possible ways to support and in the meantime the Oak National Academy materials are excellent https://classroom.thenational.academy/.
Aside from COVID19, we continue to be delighted by your children's maturity and hard work. They are a great credit to you. We have welcomed Reception this week and they have settled in remarkably well especially as they had no induction in the summer.
God bless
Mr Gray
Dear All
Thank you for your messages, kind words and questions since we discovered yesterday evening that a child in Year 3 has tested positive for COVID19. The family of the child who has tested positive had followed all the guidance and this shows how difficult it is to control the virus even if we all stay alert.
I have had a number of questions as to why siblings of Year 3 children are able to continue to come to school and the answer is that the guidance states the household should continue to go to work or school unless the child develops symptoms.
The impact on the year 3 families is significant as their children need to stay in the house for 2 weeks and therefore cannot go and play with friends and nor can they have visitors. Please remember all of them and their teachers in your prayers.
We are trialling video lessons with year 3 starting tomorrow. There are lots of issues to overcome to make video lessons a success so we will keep you posted as to how we get on because, sadly, I fear this will happen repeatedly even where everyone follows the guidance which at the moment states that we should not:
- "socialise indoors in groups of more than two households (anyone in your support bubble counts as one household) – this includes when dining out or going to the pub
- socialise outdoors in a group of more than six people from different households; gatherings larger than six should only take place if everyone is from exclusively from two households or support bubbles
- interact socially with anyone outside the group you are attending a place with, even if you see other people you know, for example, in a restaurant, community centre or place of worship
- hold or attend celebrations (such as parties) where it is difficult to maintain social distancing and avoid close social interaction – even if they are organised by businesses and venues that are taking steps to follow COVID-19 Secure guidelines
- stay overnight away from your home with members of more than one other household (your support bubble counts as one household)
My advice to everyone is if you are in any doubt, do not do it. Testing is getting more and more difficult to access and isolation has a huge impact on families' lives.
It is important that, however frustrating the situation, we do not judge others (especially on social media) but support everyone in our community to keep safe.
For children in years other than Year 3 who are not in school, we are looking at possible ways to support and in the meantime the Oak National Academy materials are excellent https://classroom.thenational.academy/.
Aside from COVID19, we continue to be delighted by your children's maturity and hard work. They are a great credit to you. We have welcomed Reception this week and they have settled in remarkably well especially as they had no induction in the summer.
God bless
Mr Gray
Monday 7th September - Message from Mr Gray: COVID-19 Positive Test Result
Dear Parents/ Guardians,
We have just been informed that a Year 3 child who was in school on Friday has tested positive for Covid 19. The pupil had no symptoms when in school, the family concerned were asked to get tested as they had had contact with a positive case. The child concerned received a positive test result.
Following Government advice, our Year 3 class are self-isolating for 14 days from when they last had contact with the positive case.
If your child’s class is asked to self-isolate due to a positive test result, household members (and siblings) of pupils who are sent home do not need to self-isolate themselves unless the pupil who has been asked to self-isolate develops symptoms. If someone in a class that has been asked to self-isolate does develop symptoms within their 14-day isolation period they should follow guidance for households with possible or confirmed coronavirus (COVID-19) infection. They should get a test, and:
The main symptoms of coronavirus are:
What to do if you have symptoms:
If you or anybody in your household have any of the main symptoms of coronavirus:
Go online (click here) to get a test to check if you have coronavirus.
Use the NHS 111 online coronavirus service if:
Latest government advice for parents: What-parents-and-carers-need-to-know-about-early-years-providers-schools-and-colleges-during-the-coronavirus-covid-19-outbreak-in-the-autumn-term
Typical symptoms of a cold, such as a runny nose or sneezing, are not considered symptoms of coronavirus, and as such, children do not need to be kept off school.
Thank you all for your understanding.
Mr Gray
Dear Parents/ Guardians,
We have just been informed that a Year 3 child who was in school on Friday has tested positive for Covid 19. The pupil had no symptoms when in school, the family concerned were asked to get tested as they had had contact with a positive case. The child concerned received a positive test result.
Following Government advice, our Year 3 class are self-isolating for 14 days from when they last had contact with the positive case.
If your child’s class is asked to self-isolate due to a positive test result, household members (and siblings) of pupils who are sent home do not need to self-isolate themselves unless the pupil who has been asked to self-isolate develops symptoms. If someone in a class that has been asked to self-isolate does develop symptoms within their 14-day isolation period they should follow guidance for households with possible or confirmed coronavirus (COVID-19) infection. They should get a test, and:
- if the test delivers a negative result, they must remain in isolation for the remainder of the 14-day isolation period. This is because they could still develop the coronavirus (COVID-19) within the remaining days.
- if the test result is positive, they should inform school immediately, and should isolate for at least 10 days from the onset of their symptoms (which could mean the self-isolation ends before or after the original 14-day isolation period). Their household should self-isolate for at least 14 days from when the symptomatic person first had symptoms, following guidance for households with possible or confirmed coronavirus (COVID-19) infection
The main symptoms of coronavirus are:
- a high temperature – this means you feel hot to touch on your chest or back (you do not need to measure your temperature)
- a new, continuous cough – this means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or 3 or more coughing episodes in 24 hours (if you usually have a cough, it may be worse than usual)
- a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste – this means you've noticed you cannot smell or taste anything, or things smell or taste different to normal.
What to do if you have symptoms:
If you or anybody in your household have any of the main symptoms of coronavirus:
- Get a test to check if you have coronavirus as soon as possible.
- Stay at home and do not have visitors until you get your test result – only leave your home to have a test.
Go online (click here) to get a test to check if you have coronavirus.
Use the NHS 111 online coronavirus service if:
- you're worried about your symptoms
- you're not sure what to do
Latest government advice for parents: What-parents-and-carers-need-to-know-about-early-years-providers-schools-and-colleges-during-the-coronavirus-covid-19-outbreak-in-the-autumn-term
Typical symptoms of a cold, such as a runny nose or sneezing, are not considered symptoms of coronavirus, and as such, children do not need to be kept off school.
Thank you all for your understanding.
Mr Gray
Friday 4th September - Message from Mr Gray:
Dear Parents
The children this week have been brilliant and surpassed all our hopes for them with their maturity and hard work - thank you so much for sending them.
It is an incredibly difficult task to choose stars of the week from a school full of well-behaved children focused on learning however congratulations to:
Year 1 - Lillian and Safa; Year 2 - Umar and Tye; Year 3 - the whole class; Year 4 - Jaydam and Maryam; Year 5 Wol and Aidan; Year 6 Omoruyi.
This half term we are focussing on the Catholic virtues of being curious and active. Well done to Sami (Year 5) for his curiosity about words, Harry (Year 4) for his range of questions; Ismael Khan (Year 6) for his interest in World War 2 and Zakariyah (Year 1) for the thoughtfulness of his questions.
Aamna (Year 6) kept physically active throughout the lockdown by engaging with the activities from Bishop Challoner Sports College and posted on our website by Ms Haydon. I was delighted to receive this message from Ms Haydon:
"In your next assembly could you please mention Aamna Zafar and her brilliant achievement of being the most engaged pupil across the whole of Birmingham. For 7 weeks she participated in different virtual physical activities competing against other children which was organised by Sport Birmingham and Bishop Challoner. For her efforts she was awarded a brand new tablet. We are all very proud of this achievement. "
So many of our children participate in sports outside of school and it is great to be able to start PE lessons again in school. With children coming to school in tracksuits/jogger/t-shirts/sweatshirts/trainers on their day for PE, you need to know which day that is so:
Year 1 & 2 - Monday
Year 3 & 5 - Thursday
Year 4 & 6 - Wednesday
You'll still see Reception children with PE bags because getting changed is part of their curriculum. If you have an older child who finds getting changed difficult, please support in becoming independent - including doing up laces and ties.
If your child has a birthday and you would like to send chocolates (it's very generous of you, but you don't have to) please send a sealed packet or box eg Celebrations etc. and we will hand them out carefully to reduce risk of virus transmission.
God bless
Mr Gray
Dear Parents
The children this week have been brilliant and surpassed all our hopes for them with their maturity and hard work - thank you so much for sending them.
It is an incredibly difficult task to choose stars of the week from a school full of well-behaved children focused on learning however congratulations to:
Year 1 - Lillian and Safa; Year 2 - Umar and Tye; Year 3 - the whole class; Year 4 - Jaydam and Maryam; Year 5 Wol and Aidan; Year 6 Omoruyi.
This half term we are focussing on the Catholic virtues of being curious and active. Well done to Sami (Year 5) for his curiosity about words, Harry (Year 4) for his range of questions; Ismael Khan (Year 6) for his interest in World War 2 and Zakariyah (Year 1) for the thoughtfulness of his questions.
Aamna (Year 6) kept physically active throughout the lockdown by engaging with the activities from Bishop Challoner Sports College and posted on our website by Ms Haydon. I was delighted to receive this message from Ms Haydon:
"In your next assembly could you please mention Aamna Zafar and her brilliant achievement of being the most engaged pupil across the whole of Birmingham. For 7 weeks she participated in different virtual physical activities competing against other children which was organised by Sport Birmingham and Bishop Challoner. For her efforts she was awarded a brand new tablet. We are all very proud of this achievement. "
So many of our children participate in sports outside of school and it is great to be able to start PE lessons again in school. With children coming to school in tracksuits/jogger/t-shirts/sweatshirts/trainers on their day for PE, you need to know which day that is so:
Year 1 & 2 - Monday
Year 3 & 5 - Thursday
Year 4 & 6 - Wednesday
You'll still see Reception children with PE bags because getting changed is part of their curriculum. If you have an older child who finds getting changed difficult, please support in becoming independent - including doing up laces and ties.
If your child has a birthday and you would like to send chocolates (it's very generous of you, but you don't have to) please send a sealed packet or box eg Celebrations etc. and we will hand them out carefully to reduce risk of virus transmission.
God bless
Mr Gray
Thursday 3rd September - Message from Mr Gray:
Dear Parents
The end of the day went well yesterday despite the rain. Thank you for your support with this.
We have been really impressed with the children's focus in class yesterday and today. We hope all our families are doing well. There are a number of initiatives in Birmingham that offer extra support. The Active Well-being Society are involved in providing food through Community Cafes across the city. Our nearest Community Cafe is at Balsall Heath City Farm and is open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 12 til 1.30 pm.
Other initiatives include:
Online parenting course. Every parent in Birmingham can access a parenting course paid for by the City. Just enter the access code “COMMUNITY” at the top of the page to claim. There are courses for parents, carers and grandparents of children from bump to 19. Learn about how your child develops, and get tips to manage their behaviour.
Mental health support. In these difficult times we have to look after our mental health. For young people aged 11-25 there are forums, guides and counselling available at Kooth. If your child 0-25 needs support, get in touch with Pause by calling 0207 841 4470 or email. Adults can get support from MIND by calling 0121 262 3555. Or for urgent help call Forward Thinking Birmingham on 0300 300 0099.
Financial help. If you’ve lost your job, or are struggling for food or rent there are services that can help. Local welfare provision can make a big difference if you are in a crisis and need food, fuel or basic white goods. Discretionary Housing Payments may be able to help with rent. And there are food banks across Birmingham that are here to help.
Domestic abuse. For women and children affected by domestic abuse please see guidance or confidentially contact Birmingham and Solihull Women’s Aid. For Men, please contact Respect.
Problems with drugs or alcohol. A new, discrete app called Staying Free is available on Android or Apple. Use the code “birmingham11” for pre-paid access. To speak to someone call Change Grow Live.
Bereavement support. It’s a terrible time to lose a loved one — you can get help by calling 0121 687 8010 or from Cruse.
Early help for families. If anyone in your family needs more help, from public services or community groups, then please contact our voluntary sector local leads. We have ten areas which can connect you to support across the city.
Our Family Support Worker, Mrs Dowling, has a wealth of expertise and can sign post you to support so please do not hesitate to contact her on Thursdays and Fridays on 0121 464 5500.
God bless
Mr Gray
Dear Parents
The end of the day went well yesterday despite the rain. Thank you for your support with this.
We have been really impressed with the children's focus in class yesterday and today. We hope all our families are doing well. There are a number of initiatives in Birmingham that offer extra support. The Active Well-being Society are involved in providing food through Community Cafes across the city. Our nearest Community Cafe is at Balsall Heath City Farm and is open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 12 til 1.30 pm.
Other initiatives include:
Online parenting course. Every parent in Birmingham can access a parenting course paid for by the City. Just enter the access code “COMMUNITY” at the top of the page to claim. There are courses for parents, carers and grandparents of children from bump to 19. Learn about how your child develops, and get tips to manage their behaviour.
Mental health support. In these difficult times we have to look after our mental health. For young people aged 11-25 there are forums, guides and counselling available at Kooth. If your child 0-25 needs support, get in touch with Pause by calling 0207 841 4470 or email. Adults can get support from MIND by calling 0121 262 3555. Or for urgent help call Forward Thinking Birmingham on 0300 300 0099.
Financial help. If you’ve lost your job, or are struggling for food or rent there are services that can help. Local welfare provision can make a big difference if you are in a crisis and need food, fuel or basic white goods. Discretionary Housing Payments may be able to help with rent. And there are food banks across Birmingham that are here to help.
Domestic abuse. For women and children affected by domestic abuse please see guidance or confidentially contact Birmingham and Solihull Women’s Aid. For Men, please contact Respect.
Problems with drugs or alcohol. A new, discrete app called Staying Free is available on Android or Apple. Use the code “birmingham11” for pre-paid access. To speak to someone call Change Grow Live.
Bereavement support. It’s a terrible time to lose a loved one — you can get help by calling 0121 687 8010 or from Cruse.
Early help for families. If anyone in your family needs more help, from public services or community groups, then please contact our voluntary sector local leads. We have ten areas which can connect you to support across the city.
Our Family Support Worker, Mrs Dowling, has a wealth of expertise and can sign post you to support so please do not hesitate to contact her on Thursdays and Fridays on 0121 464 5500.
God bless
Mr Gray
Wednesday 2nd September - Message from Mr Gray:
Dear Parents
Thank you for everything you did this morning to support your children and the school. We had 95% attendance which was fantastic. The new system at the gates went very smoothly. The only hold ups were when children were carrying things in their hands which delayed sanitising and therefore please could we ask that you put everything in your child's bag - water bottles are best inside a plastic bag first in case they leak. If the children wear their bags over their shoulders, their hands are free to be sanitised on the way in without delay. The way parents moved away from gates as soon as they had handed children really helped us - thank you.
The end of the day may be chaotic today with 7 gates in operation but we will all get used to where we need to be. Read below for more details.
The children have been brilliant in class and it is so good to have them back. We will send timetables and study plans so you know which lessons are when.
At lunchtime we had a couple of glitches caused by me. It was Year 4 not Year 3 in the hall today (this matters because each class have a different number of meals prepared) along with Year 1, Year 2 and Year 6 over a staggered lunchtime. Year 3 and Year 5 had sandwiches with a choice of cheese, jam and tuna. Year 3 and Year 5 will be in the hall next week. All the menus are on the website (click here) with the hot meals today being fish, cheese pastie or jacket potatoes with tuna, beans or cheese fillings. The children also had a doughnut for pudding today.
God bless
Mr Gray
Dear Parents
Thank you for everything you did this morning to support your children and the school. We had 95% attendance which was fantastic. The new system at the gates went very smoothly. The only hold ups were when children were carrying things in their hands which delayed sanitising and therefore please could we ask that you put everything in your child's bag - water bottles are best inside a plastic bag first in case they leak. If the children wear their bags over their shoulders, their hands are free to be sanitised on the way in without delay. The way parents moved away from gates as soon as they had handed children really helped us - thank you.
The end of the day may be chaotic today with 7 gates in operation but we will all get used to where we need to be. Read below for more details.
The children have been brilliant in class and it is so good to have them back. We will send timetables and study plans so you know which lessons are when.
At lunchtime we had a couple of glitches caused by me. It was Year 4 not Year 3 in the hall today (this matters because each class have a different number of meals prepared) along with Year 1, Year 2 and Year 6 over a staggered lunchtime. Year 3 and Year 5 had sandwiches with a choice of cheese, jam and tuna. Year 3 and Year 5 will be in the hall next week. All the menus are on the website (click here) with the hot meals today being fish, cheese pastie or jacket potatoes with tuna, beans or cheese fillings. The children also had a doughnut for pudding today.
God bless
Mr Gray
Tuesday 1st September- Message from Mr Gray:
Dear Parents
We hope you are well. If you have any doubts about your child's health tomorrow (and in the weeks ahead), it is essential to keep him or her at home.
Beginning of the day
Click here for details on how and where to drop your children off.
Staff will be on the gates and in the playground to direct your child into school. It is important that we keep socially distanced at the gates and avoid congestion so once you've handed your child over, walk back to your car or wherever you need to go. If you have any messages or questions rather than passing them on at the gate, please email me j.gray@st-martindeporres.bham.sch.uk The first thing we will do is sanitise hands so please ensure everything is in a bag and your child's hands are free.
Please wear face masks at the gate. Your child does not need to wear a face mask. If you do send a mask, you will need to send a plastic bag for them to keep it in during the day.
PE Kit
Your child will discover his/her timetable this week. On the day s/he does PE, s/he will come to school in tracksuit/jogging bottoms and trainers so that there is no need for PE bags to go back and forth.
At the end of the day
Click here for details on how and where to pick up your children.
Please arrive in plenty of time, park away from school if driving, keep socially distanced, wear a face mask and, as soon as your children are collected, move away from the gates.
God bless
Mr Gray
Dear Parents
We hope you are well. If you have any doubts about your child's health tomorrow (and in the weeks ahead), it is essential to keep him or her at home.
Beginning of the day
Click here for details on how and where to drop your children off.
Staff will be on the gates and in the playground to direct your child into school. It is important that we keep socially distanced at the gates and avoid congestion so once you've handed your child over, walk back to your car or wherever you need to go. If you have any messages or questions rather than passing them on at the gate, please email me j.gray@st-martindeporres.bham.sch.uk The first thing we will do is sanitise hands so please ensure everything is in a bag and your child's hands are free.
Please wear face masks at the gate. Your child does not need to wear a face mask. If you do send a mask, you will need to send a plastic bag for them to keep it in during the day.
PE Kit
Your child will discover his/her timetable this week. On the day s/he does PE, s/he will come to school in tracksuit/jogging bottoms and trainers so that there is no need for PE bags to go back and forth.
At the end of the day
Click here for details on how and where to pick up your children.
Please arrive in plenty of time, park away from school if driving, keep socially distanced, wear a face mask and, as soon as your children are collected, move away from the gates.
God bless
Mr Gray
Friday 28th August - Message from Mr Gray:
Dear Parents,
I hope everyone is well. We are very excited to be seeing the children next week.
Please find below a letter with further details for next week.
I am also attaching the list of countries from which, if you have travelled, you must quarantine for 14 days. If your family have returned from any of these countries, please inform us of the date that your quarantine finishes.
God bless
Mr Gray
Dear Parents,
I hope everyone is well. We are very excited to be seeing the children next week.
Please find below a letter with further details for next week.
I am also attaching the list of countries from which, if you have travelled, you must quarantine for 14 days. If your family have returned from any of these countries, please inform us of the date that your quarantine finishes.
God bless
Mr Gray
Friday 28th August - Message from Mr Gray:
Dear Parents
I am writing to add further detail so you know what to expect on Wednesday 2nd September when children return to school.
Before school
If you have any doubts about your child’s health, do not send them to school. Any sense of a high temperature, persistent cough or change in taste/smell will need your family to self-isolate until tested.
Dropping off and Collecting
Click here for details on dropping off and collecting.
During the School Day
There will be no assemblies or mass in the first few weeks nor will there be after school sports clubs.
Children will be taught in rooms with the windows open and will wash their hands at least six times every day. We will make as much use as possible of the outdoors especially our new garden area and the improved key stage 2 seating area. Equipment will be sanitised between use by different classes. Additional cleaning of surfaces in classrooms and corridors will go on through the day. Playtimes and lunchtimes will be staggered.
There will be assessments of the children’s learning in the first two weeks and this will be used to plan to catch up any learning missed since March.
Playtimes
Playtimes will be staggered and equipment sanitised when used. To begin with there will be no toast in Key Stage 2 so please send in a piece of fruit.
Lunchtimes
All Reception and Key Stage 1 children will have a meal in the hall. To enable us to stagger the lunches, Key Stage 2 children will be on a rota in the hall and classrooms.
Uniform
Initially, do your best with uniform but please do not worry as we have seen the queues at the shops. Tracksuit bottoms instead of trousers are fine and plain top if your child’s jumper no longer fits. The important thing is that your child is healthy and in school.
Kind regards
Mr Gray
Dear Parents
I am writing to add further detail so you know what to expect on Wednesday 2nd September when children return to school.
Before school
If you have any doubts about your child’s health, do not send them to school. Any sense of a high temperature, persistent cough or change in taste/smell will need your family to self-isolate until tested.
Dropping off and Collecting
Click here for details on dropping off and collecting.
During the School Day
There will be no assemblies or mass in the first few weeks nor will there be after school sports clubs.
Children will be taught in rooms with the windows open and will wash their hands at least six times every day. We will make as much use as possible of the outdoors especially our new garden area and the improved key stage 2 seating area. Equipment will be sanitised between use by different classes. Additional cleaning of surfaces in classrooms and corridors will go on through the day. Playtimes and lunchtimes will be staggered.
There will be assessments of the children’s learning in the first two weeks and this will be used to plan to catch up any learning missed since March.
Playtimes
Playtimes will be staggered and equipment sanitised when used. To begin with there will be no toast in Key Stage 2 so please send in a piece of fruit.
Lunchtimes
All Reception and Key Stage 1 children will have a meal in the hall. To enable us to stagger the lunches, Key Stage 2 children will be on a rota in the hall and classrooms.
Uniform
Initially, do your best with uniform but please do not worry as we have seen the queues at the shops. Tracksuit bottoms instead of trousers are fine and plain top if your child’s jumper no longer fits. The important thing is that your child is healthy and in school.
Kind regards
Mr Gray
If you have travelled from any of the countries on this list you are required to self-quarantine for 14 days:
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Afghanistan
Albania Algeria Andorra Angola Anguilla Argentina Armenia Aruba Austria Azerbaijan Bahamas Bahrain Bangladesh Belarus Belgium Belize Benin Bhutan Bolivia Bonaire/St Eustatius/Saba Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana Brazil British Virgin Islands Bulgaria Burkina Faso Burundi Cameroon Cape Verde Central African Republic |
Chad
Chile China Colombia Comoros Congo Costa Rica Côte d'Ivoire Croatia Czech Republic Democratic Republic of the Congo Djibouti Dominican Republic Ecuador Egypt El Salvador Equatorial Guinea Eritrea Eswatini Ethiopia France French Guiana Gabon The Gambia Georgia Ghana Guatemala Guinea Guinea-Bissau Guyana Haiti Honduras |
India
Indonesia Iran Iraq Israel Jamaica Jordan Kazakhstan Kenya Kiribati Kosovo Kuwait Kyrgyzstan Lebanon Lesotho Liberia Libya Luxembourg Madagascar Malawi Maldives Mali Malta Marshall Islands Mauritania Mauritius Mayotte Mexico Micronesia Moldova Monaco Mongolia Montenegro |
Montserrat
Morocco Mozambique Myanmar (Burma) Namibia Nauru Nepal Netherlands Nicaragua Niger Nigeria North Korea North Macedonia Oman Pakistan Palau The Occupied Palestinian Territories Panama Papua New Guinea Paraguay Peru Philippines Pitcairn Island Qatar Romania Russia Rwanda São Tomé and Principe Saudi Arabia Senegal Serbia Seychelles |
Sierra Leone
Solomon Islands Somalia South Africa South Sudan Spain Sudan Suriname Sweden Switzerland Syria Tajikistan Tanzania Timor-Leste Togo Tonga Trinidad and Tobago Tunisia Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu USA Uganda Ukraine United Arab Emirates Uruguay Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela Western Sahara Yemen Zambia Zimbabwe |
Friday 10th July - Message from Mr Gray:
Dear Parents
I hope that everyone is well.
We have heard this week that a member of the household of one of our children who has not been in school has had a Covid test and today that a household member of one of our staff has had a test following sinus pain (not a Covid symptom but you cannot be too cautious and therefore that member of staff has also taken the test). We pray for all those in our community who are ill at this time and for anyone waiting for test results. As the restrictions on everyday life are eased, please remain vigilant in order to keep us all safe. If there is any change in the health status of anyone in your household, please let us know.
Thank you for the response to the last email. As well as extending our opening to the children of the Year 2 parents who responded, we are also looking forward next week to hosting six Year 3s on Tuesday afternoon; eleven Year 4s on Wednesday afternoon and six Year 5s on Thursday afternoon.
If your child is learning at home, try and keep to a routine including bedtimes and make use of the excellent materials on our website, the Oak National Academy programme https://www.thenational.academy/ and the BBC. Most of all, read with your children everyday.
Mrs Braggs, one of our governors, spoke to Father Dominic on the phone last week and he sends his best wishes and prayers to everyone.
The reports will be arriving over the next week. In the envelope, you will also find school dates for next year which are as follows
Dear Parents
I hope that everyone is well.
We have heard this week that a member of the household of one of our children who has not been in school has had a Covid test and today that a household member of one of our staff has had a test following sinus pain (not a Covid symptom but you cannot be too cautious and therefore that member of staff has also taken the test). We pray for all those in our community who are ill at this time and for anyone waiting for test results. As the restrictions on everyday life are eased, please remain vigilant in order to keep us all safe. If there is any change in the health status of anyone in your household, please let us know.
Thank you for the response to the last email. As well as extending our opening to the children of the Year 2 parents who responded, we are also looking forward next week to hosting six Year 3s on Tuesday afternoon; eleven Year 4s on Wednesday afternoon and six Year 5s on Thursday afternoon.
If your child is learning at home, try and keep to a routine including bedtimes and make use of the excellent materials on our website, the Oak National Academy programme https://www.thenational.academy/ and the BBC. Most of all, read with your children everyday.
Mrs Braggs, one of our governors, spoke to Father Dominic on the phone last week and he sends his best wishes and prayers to everyone.
The reports will be arriving over the next week. In the envelope, you will also find school dates for next year which are as follows
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Autumn Term
Autumn 1: Wed 2nd Sept - Thurs 22nd Oct Autumn 2: Monday 2nd Nov - Fri 18th Dec |
Spring Term
Spring 1: Tues 5th Jan - Fri 12th Feb Spring 2: Mon 22nd Feb - Thurs 1st April |
Summer Term
Summer 1: Mon 19th April - Fri 28th May Summer 2: Tues 8th June - Tues 20th July |
Teacher Days: 1st Sept, 23rd Oct, 4th Jan, 7th June, 21st July
Please be aware of the Quarantine Regulations as there are a lot of countries where if we visit we have to self-isolate for 2 weeks upon our return including the USA. It is very important next academic year that children are not having to self-isolate and miss even more school because they have been taken to a country where Quarantine Rules apply.
Keep safe and God bless
Mr Gray
Please be aware of the Quarantine Regulations as there are a lot of countries where if we visit we have to self-isolate for 2 weeks upon our return including the USA. It is very important next academic year that children are not having to self-isolate and miss even more school because they have been taken to a country where Quarantine Rules apply.
Keep safe and God bless
Mr Gray
Please read below our school's plan for re-opening to Rec, Year 1 and Year 6 children:
Please read below the latest Risk Assessment for our school that has been carried out just before the half-term break, prior to the planning for the re-opening to 3 classes in June:
This document on the right explains in very simple and child-friendly terms what the coronavirus is. Put it on full screen and watch it with your children to help them understand
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For more information, visit https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-information-for-the-public
