It has been an incredibly busy, often uncertain, seven and a bit weeks but overall it has been a positive start to the school year. Pupils are motivated to learn, working hard and enjoying being back in the school environment. Somehow, we have made it to the end of the half-term with all year groups in attendance. So far this year, we have been fortunate not to have had any confirmed cases of COVID-19 amongst staff or pupils which is quite an achievement, considering the local and national picture. This is a really positive situation for our school community and suggests that our system of controls and protective measures to reduce the risk of the spread of coronavirus are having some success. With national statistics showing the number of positive cases, hospital admissions and deaths rising significantly in the last month, we must all continue to be careful, adhere to guidance and legislation and be proactive about keeping ourselves and loved ones safe and well.

What parents and carers need to know about early years providers, schools and colleges in the autumn term – updated guidance.

Take a look at the coronavirus map for schools site to see the latest Covid-19 infection rate in our local area.

Despite not being able to offer pupils the usual range of enrichment and extra-curricular activities, we have still been able to sneak in a few fun and fundraising events. Mrs Stanley managed not to blow away or get too soggy during her take-away coffee and cake event, to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support. Nicola and the FOBS committee organised the bags2school collection and the Crazy Hair Day, both of which were well supported by our school community and raised much welcomed funds for school. Today, pupils were treated to a spooky surprise at lunchtime, with a Halloween themed lunch organised by the kitchen staff from Herts Catering Ltd. Thank you to everyone who has helped to organise and support these events and bring some much needed laughter during this last half-term.

Today, we should have been holding our first curriculum evening of the year. Unfortunately, due to government guidance around social distancing and to comply with our risk assessment, we cannot currently invite families into school to enjoy such events. Pupils have been working hard during their history lessons this half-term and we would still like to share their learning with you. We will be making the work available to families and publishing examples from across the school on the website for you to enjoy. Parents will be notified and links provided, when the work is published.

Year 5 have been learning about Harvest and would like to invite the school community to share in their celebration and help collect items that can be donated to the local Food Bank. If you are able to contribute to their collection, please ensure that non-perishable food items are sent into school by Friday 6th November, 2020.

Please can I remind everyone to stay informed about travel advice and quarantine rules, if they are planning to travel during half term. The list of travel corridors (places you can go to where you may not have to self-isolate) is continuously changing. Check the latest travel exemption list on gov.uk. Any families who travel to a location outside of the approved travel corridor will need to self-isolate at home for 14 days on their arrival back into the UK.

Remember that school is closed tomorrow, as it is an INSET day.

Take care of yourselves during half-term.