Message from the Principal: Back to School!

Message from the Principal: Back to School! A message from the Principal, Mr. Patrick Horne. I don’t think I can overstate the joy that everyone at school has felt this week! It has been such a pleasure to be able to reopen our school and to welcome children back to their classes and to their lessons.

Before a quick update on where we stand with the various year groups, can I firstly just extend our deepest thanks to all parents for their support throughout this time. It has been a tremendous job to undertake everything that has been required to reopen school and your assistance in preparing the children and having them ready to learn has been greatly appreciated.

As a reminder, these first two weeks are just to get students settled in and to enable parents and students to understand the new processes. Our continued intention is that all students will be able to return for full-time face-to-face learning every day from Week 3 if they wish.

Students in FS2 to Year 6 have returned to school. Half the students are in class while the other half tune in from home so they can keep up with their learning. The two groups swap during the week so every student can get used to being in school again.

Secondary has a delayed opening of 4 weeks and virtual learning is operating during this time. We expect the required COVID testing process to commence soon prior to students returning to school.

We have had very good news recently regarding Nursery (formerly FS1). ADEK will be undertaking compliance checks in the coming days and we expect to be able to open Nursery very soon and welcome these young children to starting their school experience.

Parents’ Choice

Parents still have the option of undertaking face-to-face learning or virtual learning this term. We know that a large majority of parents are keen for their children to return and I hope everyone has been able to see all the features that are now in place to keep children safe. It does of course remain entirely parents’ choice what style of learning they wish to choose for their child.

During the coming week teachers in FS2 to Year 6 will be confirming with parents whether they will be choosing face-to-face learning or virtual learning. This decision will remain until the mid-term break in October so we can know exactly how many students will be in each year group and plan accordingly.

My thanks again to everyone for a wonderful start to term. Above all, our thanks are to all the students and their smiles and their commitment which make it such a joy to be part of our school!

Patrick Horne

Principal