Dear Parents and Carers,

Welcome back to the last half term of this school year. We hope you all enjoyed the lovely weather over the half term break – long may it continue!

 

This half term before the summer break is always a busy one and this year we must undertake our activities working within the operational guidance. Though restrictions are relaxing in the wider country, schools are still adhering to strict guidance that means we are unable to invite parents to end of term events. However, as last year, the plan is still to hold these events with the needed measures and changes in place.

 

Upcoming Dates: new dates in bold

 

Thursday 17^th June: PC Lisa to run workshops for Y5 and Y6 (socially distanced in the ventilated hall)

Tuesday 29^th June: Visit from Maindee Fire Station for Y2 (outside)

Monday 19^th July: School closed for staff training

Tuesday 20^th July: School closed for staff training

 

Sports Day

Each class bubble will be arranging a Sports Day Session for the children before the term ends. Class teachers will let you know of the date for your child to wear their house colours as part of their PE kit. Unfortunately, due to Covid19 restrictions, we are unable to invite parents to these events.

 

Staff Training Dates for NEXT YEAR

We have currently allocated the following days for staff training:

Thursday 2^nd September

Friday 3^rd September

Friday 24^th September

Friday 3^rd December

Friday 17^th December

School will be closed to pupils on the above days. We have one more day for staff training and will let you know as soon as we have allocated it.

 

Crossing Patrol Opportunity

Over the next week our Newport LA Road Safety Officer is going to be undertaking recruitment for the Crossing Officer Patrol role at the bottom of the hill. If you would be interested in this post, do let us know so we can pass on the needed contact details.

 

When your child is ill

We know that when your child is poorly, and consequently absent from school, there are many things to organise. However, please do remember to text, email or leave a phone message.

In normal times, as part of Welsh Government attendance tracking, we need to know within which category to mark the absence.

In current Covid19 times, this becomes more pressing as we need to account for all absences and to know if we are prepping for a class isolation.

Please do help us by informing us of the reason if your child is not in school including whether or not any Covid19 symptoms are being displayed.

 

LOCAL AUTHORITY UPDATE ON COVID19 TESTING

Covid testing for 3 cardinal symptoms

If you identify one or more of the three cardinal symptoms-

• New continuous cough
• High temperature
• Change or loss of sense of taste or smell

You must book a PCR test and you and your family must isolate immediately until you receive the test result, which is usually within 24 hours. If the result is positive, you and your household must self-isolate for 10 days from the date your symptoms started. You will also be contacted by the local Tracing Team. However, if your result is negative, you can end your self-isolation, when you feel well enough to do so.

 

Covid testing for wider symptoms

The Health board in Gwent is now making testing available for those who identify with one or more of the wider symptoms-

• Flu-like symptoms including aching or painful muscles, excessive tiredness, persistent headache, runny nose or blocked nose, persistent sneezing, sore throat and/or hoarseness, shortness of breath or wheezing

If you consider that you or your family need to book a PCR test for wider symptoms, The Aneurin Bevan University Health Board are operating fourteen testing facilities across the region and getting a test is now quick, easy and convenient with results in most cases returned within 24 hours.   Tests can be arranged by phoning 119 or book online: https://gov.wales/getting-tested-coronavirus-covid-19.

 

If you have one of the wider symptoms then you should stay away from school until receiving your result, which is usually within 24 hours.

If the result is positive, you and your household must self-isolate for 10 days from the date your symptoms started. You will also be contacted by the local Tracing Team. However, if your result is negative, you can return to school or work when you feel well enough to do so.

Asymptomatic testing (no symptoms)

Rapid lateral flow tests are for people who do not have coronavirus symptoms.

In Wales, you can get lateral flow tests for you and your household if:

• you are a volunteer
• you cannot work from home
• you are an unpaid carer

 

Order rapid lateral flow home test kits on GOV.UK. You can order 1 home testing kit (7 tests) at a time. Delivery takes 1 to 2 days.

 

You can also collect testing kits in person. Find your nearest collection point and opening times (on nhs.uk). You can collect 2 home testing kits (14 tests) at a time.

 

You should test twice a week, 3 to 4 days apart. Please report rapid lateral flow test results (on GOV.UK) the day you or someone in your household takes the test.

 

If your test is positive you should book a PCR test within 24 hours of the positive lateral flow test result.

 

If you develop any symptoms you should book a PCR test even if your lateral flow test result was negative.

 

 

Term Dates FOR THIS YEAR

End of Summer term: Friday 16^th July 2021 (as Monday 19^th and Tuesday 20^th is Staff training)

 

For the term dates for the next two years please follow this link: http://www.newport.gov.uk/en/Schools-Education/Schools/Term-Dates.aspx

 

Yours sincerely,

 

Mrs M Harris

Headteacher