Newsletter 16.7.21

Dear Parents and Carers,

 

I can hardly believe it is the end of the year – and what a challenging year indeed. The phrase ‘unprecedented’ has been frequently used but it is no less applicable to the circumstances that surround us. My thanks go to all staff who have worked tirelessly to support our pupils both in school and with home learning and also to all those staff for all the work that is behind the scenes to keep our school community safe.

 

On behalf of the staff and Governors of St. Gabriel’s, I would like to thank all our school families for your continued support – we really do appreciate the cooperation and understanding you have shown as school processes have changed in line with the operational guidance.

 

Year 6 – you have come through this year and you are still smiling. Your hard work and efforts have made us all proud and we look forward to hearing of your achievements in High School. Remember, you will always be a part of St. Gabriel’s.

 

Important Information

Following the Education Minister’s announcement last Friday and the update this week, an information letter has been sent home with each family and will also be available on our website (link will be texted) and through ParentPay. Please do read carefully as it outlines the systems, as they currently stand, for our return in September.

 

Parish News – First Reconciliation

Recently, All Saints Parish has been proud to support Nicolas, Eric, Jack, Eva, Kori, Sophie, Jack, Kornel, Giuseppe, Lilly-Rose and Seth as they have made their First Reconciliation. Thank you for sharing such a special step in your faith journey with us.

 

Farewell

Miss Dando joined our Year 2 team at the height of lockdown but that did not deter her from providing exciting learning experiences and getting to know the learners in her class. As she moves on at the end of this year, we give our thanks for the commitment and enthusiasm she has shown and wish you all the very best.

 

Walk-in Vaccination Opportunity

A walk-in vaccination clinic for Newport residents is being held at Pill Millennium Centre this Sunday, 18th July between 11am and 3pm.

No appointment is required and anyone over the age of 18 will be able to get their 1st vaccination dose. Both Astra Zeneca and Pfizer vaccinations will be available.

Those attending will need to bring ID (British or other) and proof of address if not stated on their ID (e.g. a utility bill).

Support is available to anyone who may have issues in providing such documentation.

 

Opportunity to Support – Friends of St Gabriel’s School Lottery

Don’t forget that in these current times where we are unable to hold our usual fundraising events such as the Summer Fayre, please consider signing up to the Friends of St. Gabriel’s School Lottery. It is £1 per ticket and you can set up a direct debit. It is a great way for parents and wider family to support our school when support must happen from a distance.

Please follow this link: https://www.yourschoollottery.co.uk/lottery/school/st-gabriels-r-c-primary-school

Each week there is a guaranteed winner from the St. Gabriel’s ticket holders – the amount goes up depending on how many tickets are sold!

 

There is also the opportunity for a wider prize draw, across the whole school lottery, which includes an option for a jackpot (£25,000) plus the possibility for fruit and vegetables box for a year.

 

We would really appreciate your support. The money raised by the Friends of St. Gabriel’s is invaluable to our school as it provides many resources that benefit the children.

 

 

REMINDERS FROM PREVIOUS NEWSLETTERS ARE BELOW:

 

 

Staff Training Dates for NEXT YEAR

We have currently allocated the following days for staff training:

Thursday 2nd September

Friday 3rd September

Friday 3rd December

Friday 17th December

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

 

Please note that Friday 24th September is no longer a training day and children should be in school on this date.

 

 

 

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.

 

Term Dates FOR THIS YEAR

End of Summer term: Friday 16th July 2021 (as Monday 19th and Tuesday 20th 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

 

 

 

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.

 

 

Yours sincerely,

 

Mrs M Harris

Headteacher

 

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