Friday 19 March 2021

Dear Parents

It has been a lovely week in school as we all settle back into the routine of a normal school day The children have clearly enjoyed both the academic and social aspects of school life. They have impressed us so much with their enthusiasm and hard work.. We look forward to discussing your child's return to school as well as their academic progress next week at Parents ' Evening. Meetings will be held virtually via a website named School Cloud. Your child will have brought home a sheet that explains how you can book virtual appointments. Please follow the link for the availability of each class teacher. The booking form for appointments can be found via the following link: https://stwulstans.schoolcloud.co.uk. If you have not yet booked your meeting then please do so this weekend.

Thank you to everyone who has supported us by adhering to the arrival and departure time slots. This has enabled us to welcome and dismiss the children calmly and safely. It is a very complex operation to manage and we do need everyone to continue to be so supportive. Many thanks to everyone.

A reminder than under current restrictions all Masses from St. Wulstan's Church are live streamed. To view, use the following link. https://camstreamer.com/redirect/17b20f4f2905d01/S-46088. As congregation numbers are presently restricted you may attend any of the weekend Masses by pre-booking a place by texting 07853 120971. All the Easter Triduum services and Masses in the Parish can be found on the school calendar and in the parish newsletter.

As has happened in previous years we are once again organizing an Easter egg competition for the children. There is no charge for entering and the children are just asked to use their imaginations and any materials available to them to decorate a hard boiled egg. The entries need to be brought into school on Thursday 1 April (the last day of term) and they will be judged by one of our Academy Committee with chocolate prizes awarded!

After Easter we will welcome Mrs Tara Hulbert to the school staff as full time teacher for Year 1. The children met their new teacher on Monday and Mrs Hulbert hopes to be in school again before the Easter holidays to spend some time with the children.

Families of school children can now access free lateral flow tests Please see the school website for important information of how to access to lateral flow COVID-19 testing for all families of school-aged children. Please see the link below.

It was with great sadness that last week we learnt of the death of Deacon Pat Duffy. Deacon Pat was a great friend and tremendous support to the children and staff of St Wulstan's for many, many years. Serving both as a Governor and Parish Deacon, Pat's kind and gentle demeanour impacted on hundreds of children over the years and we were all privileged to know him. May he rest in peace.

Though it is hard to believe, the Easter break will soon be upon us. When they return the children are able to wear summer uniform of red checked dresses for the girls and red polo shirts with shorts or trousers for the boys. Please note checked shorts/skirts or all in one ‘jumpsuit’ style are not part of our uniform. Red sandals are permitted but please do not send your child in open toe sandals. Summer uniform is not obligatory if your child prefers to carry on wearing white shirt and tie.

I know many parents will take their children for haircuts when hopefully hairdressers reopen in the holidays. Again we remind you that extreme haircuts, shaved or dyed, are not acceptable. Several parents have asked what is the permitted cut and we request a Grade 3 is the shortest. Several children have returned with extreme haircuts and once grown out we request that you adhere to our uniform policy. Thank you for your support, I am sure we are all looking forward to non essential shops and businesses reopening.

Wulstan’s Lodge are running ‘Holiday Club’ over the Easter holidays. Activities include Easter crafts, treasure hunts, baking, ‘Bring your Wheels’ days, Easter bonnet parade ,to name a few. There is an Early Bird Offer – book and pay for your child’s place by Friday 19th March 2021 and pay just £22 per child per day- bookings made after this date will be charged at the normal price of £25 per child per day. There is a sibling discount available.  Contact Sally Bache either on 01299 829032 or info@wulstanslodgechildcare.co.uk

Parents of children starting school in September 2021 will shortly be receiving offers of school places. If you know of any family who may be doubtful of their school offer please encourage them to contact me. Similarly if any parent has applied for St Wulstan’s and has any queries or would like to visit please do not hesitate to ring or email me.

If at any time you have any concerns at all about your child, be they educational, social or emotional, please do not hesitate to contact their class teacher or myself.

We hope you enjoy a lovely weekend

K E Savage

Today we celebrated the Feast of St Joseph. The children took part in some beautiful liturgies and made prayer cards and floral tributes. We ope you enjoy seeing just a few of them. Conngratulations to all the children in St Joseph's House .