Dear Parents/Carers,
The staff at Blockley School would like to express our thanks to all parents and carers for the support that you have given to your children and the school during this lock down period. It has been a difficult and challenging period for many reasons and we really appreciate all that you have done during this time.
Once again, the bulletin cannot list all of the school news as many of the great activities that the pupils are engaging in are taking place at home but we have welcomed hearing about these through the class emails.
We are really looking forward to welcoming all the pupils back into school in September and helping everyone settle into school life once again.
Music
Children in the KWVE bubble took part in a BBC Ten Pieces: Connecting the dots, singing workshop on Tuesday, 7th July. Jess Gillingwater, a member of BBC Singers, explained to the children why she is an ‘alto’ singer. The children were then guided through fun warm up activities before singing a simple song. Jess then sang a range of songs in different languages demonstrating the full range of her voice. One of the children commented; ‘her voice is amazing, I want to sing like that!’
Reception
Class One have had a fantastic term with lots of activities going on. The children have made paddling pools out of trays, created chalk paint, made a variety of boats to float on the water along with lots of daily outside fun. This term we have used the Forest area to explore our senses and to search for magical creatures. To celebrate the end of term the children have had a party where we played games and danced along to our favourite songs all in their party clothes.
Year 6 Leavers
We have said a sad goodbye to our Year 6 group of pupils. Despite the restrictions in place they managed to have Year 6 leavers photographs offsite and outside, with social distancing and a group Year 6 montage photo. Leavers hoodies have been worn in school this week and t-shirts signed by all the staff with appropriate protocols followed. They were able to choose their own menu for a leavers meal in school and have a leaving presentation. Unfortunately, we could not invite parents to a leavers assembly but we have been able to create a leavers film that they could watch.
New Reception Pupils
We are looking forward to welcoming our new reception pupils to school in September. Miss Overton-Short was able to meet with each child and parent over Zoom so that the staff could get to know the pupils before they enter school. Normal taster days have not been able to take place but, in small groups, we have been able to welcome each child with a parent/carer to the school site to visit the outside area, meet the teacher and have a practice at hand washing in our outside sinks! They were then able to head onto the field to draw some wonderful pictures and get to know each other a bit before they start in September.
FOS
As many of you are aware FOS have been busy during this period and are continuing to help school. Currently they are fundraising to repair and refurbish the outside classroom area between the forest and playground. This space will be a valuable resource in the next academic year as the virus is less easily spread outside. We are grateful for all of your support during this economically challenging time.
Free School Meals
If you think that you may be eligible to apply for Free School Meals due to your financial circumstances please visit the Gloucestershire County Council Free School Meal Portal to register www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/freeschoolmeals Registering will provide free meals at school and enable your child to be supported financially in school.
Pupils starting in Year 3
Unless you are registered for FSM, pupils moving from Year 2 to Year 3 will now need to pay for their school meals as they will no longer be eligible for Universal Free School Meals. Meals will be logged onto Parentpay the week after they have been eaten the food and money owed accordingly but we ask that you pay in advance for your meals by placing money onto ParentPay.
ParentPay
Please ensure that all balances are cleared on ParentPay. Meals eaten this week will be put onto ParentPay by the end of the week so log on next week to see the final balance. We ask that ParentPay accounts are kept in credit at all times to ensure that school funds are not diverted to ParentPay.
Uniform
If your child needs new uniform prior to September please order this early. Our suppliers are My Clothinghttps://myclothing.com/blockley-church-of-england-primary-school/6246.school and Brigade http://www.brigade.uk.com/direct/index.php
Like most other businesses, the COVID/Lockdown situation is having an effect on their lead times. My Clothing state on their website that orders will be delivered in 14 working days. For Brigade their current cut-off date for orders to be delivered before the new term (Sep 2020) is 7th Aug 2020.
September Snacks in School
We have been informed that the Government free fruit and vegetable scheme will start again in September for EYFS and KS1 pupils. All pupils are welcome to bring a healthy snack into school to eat during break time.
Before and After School Care
Following current guidelines, we anticipate that these will run in September. We will be asking parents/carers to book in advance so that appropriate plans can be made for the sessions. If you wish to use these facilities in the first three days of the term please email the school office to book your child/ren in.
Class Email
As we are now entering the summer holidays, and then all pupils are due to return to school in September, the class emails will become dormant. In September please email queries to admin@blockleyschool.gloucs.sch.uk and they will be forwarded to the appropriate member of staff.
Governors
Our Governors have been working tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure that all Government guidelines and practices are followed. We thank Hilary Thornburgh for leading the Governors for the past few years, for her time and commitment to the school. She is due to step down from the role in September and we will inform you of the new Chair of Governors at the start of the new academic year. Thank you, Hilary, for all that you have done.
Thank you again for all your support during this challenging time and we wish you all a happy and relaxing summer. Blockley School Staff