Life as we know it seems to be rapidly changing! Who would have thought at the beginning of the school year, that six months later, we would be encouraged not to visit museums, cinemas or restaurants; told not to spend time with our friends and family; and that toilet paper would be such a sought after treasure! And now we have the closure of schools across the country.
But here we are…
Today is the strangest of days! During celebration assembly, I did not know whether to laugh, cry, say ‘goodbye’ or say ‘see you Monday.’ All slightly surreal. As usual, however, the best of Bowmansgreen was standing tall and proud at the front (and in the case of Y6, at the back!) of the hall, being celebrated as the fantastic children they are.
We are currently collating the information about our critical key worker parents so that we can organise our provision from next week. Later this afternoon, we will be contacting the families of all pupils who will be able to attend school from next week. It is all a bit of a minefield, with new information and guidance being delivered to schools, at very short notice. Please bear with us so that we can gather the information we need and get these decisions right. We appreciate your patience and understanding.
In the midst of the turbulence, we have some very happy school news to share. Miss Golding is expecting a baby later this summer! She is currently working from home, supporting staff from afar, in preparation for our school closure later today. Mrs De’ath is also expecting a baby next term and will start her maternity leave very shortly. I know that you will wish them both well for the remainder of their pregnancies and look forward to seeing them again in the not too distant future, with their new additions.
Sadly, we also have a couple of goodbyes to announce. Miss Hicks will be leaving us this term, after five years of teaching at Bowmansgreen. It has been a difficult decision for Miss Hicks to leave the school that she attended as a child and where she has so many fond memories. Miss Minardi will also be leaving us this term, in her role as reception teacher and EYFS Leader. Both Miss Hicks and Miss Minardi are leaving Bowmansgreen to work closer to home and in the best interests of their families. I would like to thank them both for their hard work and commitment to the children of Bowmansgreen and I know that you will join me in wishing them much luck and happiness for the future.
School is very much still in operation after today – until we are told otherwise – and we will ensure that we maintain steady communication with you, to support you and your children during the next few weeks and months. We will be sending home additional curriculum activities and resources with your children today – packs are ready to collect from the school office if your child is not at school today. The year group pages on our school website will be developed to publish curriculum content and resources to continue to support your child’s education and wellbeing whilst they are at home. We will also, of course, keep you fully up to date with relevant news and information as we receive it.
The FOBS Mothers’ Day sale is currently in full swing in the school hall and I have already seen some very proud children waving their secret gifts excitedly through my door. Thank you to Nicola for organising this event which has brought some school normality to a very unusual day.
What has remained a constant throughout these last couple of weeks, is how fantastic our school community is. Everyone has pulled together to react quickly and positively to such significant change. Pupils continue to be our best asset, adapting to changes in routine and showing resilience, thought and care for each other. They have amazed me! My poor staff have suffered me moving them into different classes and year groups, changing their timetables and asking them to magic planning and resources out of thin air! I could not wish for a more hard working, positive, caring staff to help me look after the pupils of Bowmansgreen. School governors and parents have offered help, kind words of support and messages of appreciation – thank you everyone. I am immensely proud of our school community.
Thank you to Mrs Hanly for taking the beautiful photo (yes, it is genuine!) of the rainbow over Bowmansgreen. A perfectly fitting photo for today!
Take care of yourselves.