Headteacher Update 09/09/2020

Birkrig, Skelmersdale, Lancashire WN8 9BN. Telephone: 01695 724730.

www.bishopmartin.lancs.sch.uk Headteacher:

Mr IJ McDonald

09/09/20 Dear Parents Carers, Dismissal Times Reminder PLEASE ONLY COME AT THE ALLOCATED TIME FOR YOUR CHILD’S CLASS TO ALLOW FOR SOCIAL DISTANCING:  2:55pm (Years 1 and 2 at the main gate. Years 3 and 4 at the top gate)  3:05pm (Years 5 and 6 at the top gate)  3:10 (Nursery and Reception at the main gate) If you have multiple children in the school they will all be dismissed at the latest sibling classes time so that you only need to come once and not be made to wait (eg: a family with children in Y5 and Y1 would collect both children from the main gate at 3:05pm).

Conduct Around the School Gates I would like to remind parents of the expectation to carry out the school run in a calm and sensitive manner for the benefit of the children. Many pupils are returning to school for the first time since March and need to feel reassured and safe coming into school and when going home. I am trying to re-open school safely under extremely challenging circumstances and parents arguing or using foul language or showing aggressive behaviour around the school gates will not be tolerated. I will issue one warning then follow with an outright written ban on attending the school gates (which will mean making alternative arrangements for dropping off or collecting their children). As a last resort I reserve the right to inform the police if aggressive/abusive behaviour continues around the school gates.

Virtual Meetings Reminder Thank you those attending the Virtual Meet the Teacher Meetings on Zoom. This week we have held meetings so far for Year 5 (Tigers) and Year 2 (Owls). The meetings still to come are for: Thursday 10th September @3:45pm: Friday 11th September @3:45pm: Monday 14th September @3:45pm: Tuesday 15th September @3:45pm: Wednesday 16th September @3:45pm: Thursday 17th September @3:45pm:

Year 3 (Giraffes) with Miss Rankin Year 1 (Rabbits) with Miss Rowat Year 4 (Koalas) with Miss Casey Reception (Butterflies) with Miss Noon Year 6 (Lions) with Miss Bond Year 1/2 (Hedgehogs) with Miss Johnson

If you are still unsure how to access these meetings please don’t hesitate to ring the school and the office can help.

Government Clarification around isolating with symptoms In light of new guidance I need to let parents know the following slight change to the isolation procedure if a child is sent home showing symptoms of Coronavirus: If a child is sent home showing symptoms to take a Test then if they have siblings in other classes these siblings will need go home too and self-isolate pending the test result. The official Government guidance states:  If you have any of the main symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19), get a test as soon as possible. Stay at home until you get the result.

Main symptoms 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  Most people with coronavirus have at least 1 of these symptoms.

What to do if you have symptoms If you 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.

Anyone you live with, and anyone in your support bubble, must also stay at home until you get your result.

Many thanks for your ongoing support

Mr McDonald Headteacher