9/10/2020

Another busy and productive week where our students constantly amaze us by their good nature and their resilience.

We almost got to the weekend when…

As I’m sure many of you will know, today we had our first case of a student who has tested positive for Covid 19.  49 students who were identified as close contacts have been sent home to isolate for 14 days. This has not affected any staff due to the social distancing measures in place for all adults working in school. Whilst this is unfortunate, it is a pattern that is being repeated up and down the country.

Please remember that we have a policy in place that says that students should wear face masks in communal areas in the school and during lesson changeovers. It’s a great idea to get some re-usable masks that can be washed each day and these are now available quite freely in most stores and pharmacies.

The key message for those who are at home is that it is really important to make every effort to keep up with the work that your teachers set for you on Google Classroom; those GCSEs will be here before you know it.  Siblings can attend school as usual and other household members do not need to isolate.  All other students are expected to attend school as usual.  Finally, stay safe and remember that by isolating, you are also protecting others.

World Mental Health Day 

Please see attached two entries by Yr11 students to support World Mental Health Day.

Bupa, who are running a creative project, support a number of charitable projects that support young people's mental wellbeing and will donate £3.00 for every entry they receive. It’s great to think that our students' creativity is actually raising money for an excellent cause.

Joy

By Thalaya Quinn

This year, I’ve felt more myself than ever before.

The room of my feelings on my walls - well, they look like joy – to be their one true self.

My feelings taste like the Sunday dinner you have been waiting for forever.

My feelings smell like the fresh country breeze, breaking free from the polluted air.

My feelings sound like birds chirping freely on a hot summer’s day.

My feelings feel like freedom and glad to finally be me.

Sadness

By Lois Gale

I used to be out all the time

But now I’m at home on my phone.

I used to be in school

But now I am on my computer doing work.

I used to go shopping with my friends

But now I Facetime them all the time.

I used to go out on Thursdays

But now I’m clapping for the NHS.

I used to sit and watch TV

But now I sit and wait for the new news.

Now I am back to school

But trying to get my grades for GCSEs.

Now I get to see my friends

But I have to stand 2 metres away.

Now I get to go shopping

But I have to wear a mask when on my way.

Now I have my life back

But is it going to be for long?

If you want to know more about the project, please follow the link below:

https://www.bupafoundation.org/beyond-words-young-people-resources/

Also, in support of World Mental Health Day, students across all year groups completed a variety of creative activities. Unfortunately, these students were happy to share their work but were a bit camera-shy.

Other students completed the Hello Yellow Challenge

Outdoor Education

Our commitment to outdoor education continues as the Year 8 Orion group head to Delamere Forest.

The focus this week was being aware of the environment and students were involved in an introduction to orienteering as they learned some basic map-reading skills.

Finally, in a supervised, responsible way, students learned how to build a campfire. This helped the students learn about safety and the need to be conscious of the impact of their actions on their surroundings.