Headteacher's Newsletter 05/01/21

Dear Parent or Carer,

As a result of the announcement made by the Prime Minister last night, all secondary schools, including Gateacre are closed to most students with the exception of children of critical workers or vulnerable children.  Parents whose work is critical to the coronavirus (Covid-19) and EU transition response, including those who work in health and social care and in other key sectors, are specified in the linked GOV.UK document of 31^st December 2020.

Please click here to access the document.

These students will receive face to face teaching, on site here in school until February half term.  Those students should attend in full school uniform and school will operate as a normal school day.  Sandwiches will be provided for those students attending school.  Parents who are not critical workers, as defined by the highlighted document, will be asked to keep their child at home where they will receive remote/home learning.

As of Tuesday 5^th January 2021 schools will provide remote/home education for students in Years 10 to 13 this week and all year groups (Years 7 to 13) receiving remote/home learning from Monday 11^th January 2021.  This will be provided in a similar way as in previous weeks, when bubbles were isolating at home and information will be communicated electronically.   Government guidance states that the work provided by schools should last a minimum of 4 hours per day with more for students working towards formal qualifications.

In addition, please be aware of the following:

• Students who are due to sit public examinations please presume that they are taking place until told otherwise. 
• Students who are due to sit mock examinations; these are now postponed. 
• Year 9 Parents’ Evening will continue as scheduled and information regarding the Year 9 Option Process will be shared with you after Year 9 Parents’ Evening.
• Questions regarding work should be directed to your child’s class teacher, via email.

Direct communication with yourselves and further updates, during school closure and afterwards, will be sent out via the EDULINK ONE app.  If you have not already downloaded it then please could you, so that you do not miss important updates.  User details can be obtained via the email address admin@gateacre.org

Please remain safe. 

Yours faithfully,

Gareth Jones