Message from the Headmistress
Dear Parents,
We are now in the ‘new lockdown’ and you will have already seen the restrictions from the government about what is and is not open, and what you can and cannot do. The government have stated clearly that this is just for the month to 2nd December after which local tiers will resume. It is pleasing to see the confirmed case numbers dropping in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire from the horrendous highs just before half term, but we are mindful that the impact on the NHS of the more serious cases are being felt now and will continue to for weeks to come. The figures are still alarming out there and I urge you all to ensure that you follow the rules to do all you personally can to protect yourselves and your families. We are delighted that schools have been permitted to remain open and we are all working hard to ensure safety at school.
To further help our endeavours:
- We request that parents wear masks on the Avenue and around the fringes of the school. Thank you for not entering our site.
- Pupils in Junior School may elect to wear masks around the buildings, or indeed in class if they wish to. This is not a requirement. In the senior school masks are worn by all pupils in all public places, and again if they wish to in classes as well. We were 6 weeks ahead of the guidance on this so there is nothing new for us here.
- We are striving to keep up the levels of ventilation (and as I type this in my gloves I know it can be chilly, especially in big rooms, first thing in the morning). We would like to advise that pupils layer up underneath their shirts, jumpers and blazers. It’s fine if there are t-shirt edges visible at the neck.
- Can I remind you that if anyone in your household is symptomatic and seeking a test, the children should not be in school. They may return if a negative test is received – or after the period of isolation if it is positive. This does not mean that following a positive pupil test they have to be retested negative before they return. We must help to stop the spread of the virus in our community to protect all the pupils and staff.
- The school uniform shop (Schoolwear Solutions) is closed to the lockdown period. Further details are on the flier attached here. We have second hand uniform available so if you are urgently requiring something, please contact Mrs Bamber with any requests (andreabamber@hollygirt.notts.sch.uk).
The updated Parent Handbook can be read and downloaded here. There have been changes for Tier 3, then changes for lockdown, then further information received mid this week from the government. Whilst you are already aware of all of it from the weekly communications, it is now collated in this document for your ease of reference. Anything recently added is highlighted in yellow.
We have our ‘season of mists’ today, and now the clocks have gone back we are experiencing darker nights, we recommend that you ensure your children’s coats have visibility strips on them for safety.
We are looking forward to resuming our stretch and challenge projects as soon as it is possible. We have two separate projects in the pipeline, the ‘History of a World War Two Bunker’ project and the ‘Street Art’ project for the Broadmarsh development area. These are paused but not forgotten.
Year 11 parents, please note the change in date for the virtual Parents’ Evening. This will now be held on the evening of Tuesday 17th November. We will be sending you more details on the platform we are using shortly.
School is feeling very positive and surprisingly calm and this half term has started off brilliantly. We are looking forward to Children in Need next week, when the pyjamas and onesies can come to school. I have already bought my yellow-eared headband…. (I missed out last year). Children in Need sponsorship forms have been given out today for the Senior School pupils to raise charity by doing additional chores at home.
Next week our Remembrance Service will be live on teams 10.45am – 11.05am, this will be available for all those at home as well.
I hope you have a lovely weekend, take a walk, enjoy the Autumn sun then sit by the roaring fire and watch a good film.
Mrs Hutley
Headmistress
Message from the Head of Juniors
Click here to view this week’s Stars of the Week
Dear Parents,
Welcome back to KS2; we are missing EYFS and KS1 and really looking forward to welcoming them back on Monday. I know that they have had some great online lessons this week and this has given you the chance to catch up with their teachers and friends.
There are a few changes in school this week. Firstly, we have reintroduced some hot lunches for three days a week; the children seem to be really enjoying these. We have further split our bubbles into EYFS, KS1, Year 3 and 4, Year 5 and 6 so that these are smaller groups. From next week, EYFS and KS1 will have a different start and end time to the day. We would like these children in school for 8:30am and picked up at 3:15pm on Elm Avenue. Children of all year groups can, of course, still arrive from 8am and attend our After School Club which resumes next week.
Christmas cards have arrived and will be sent home next week; if you still need to pay for these, please could you do this at your earliest convenience.
Each year, Charlotte from Nottingham City Library Service comes into EYFS to read the three nominations for the Nottingham Children’s Book Award. This will not be possible this year but instead, we are going to do this in the classroom via TEAMS. This is always a really enjoyable occasion and I am sure the children will look forward to it.
It is Children in Need on Friday 13th November and children are invited to dress up in their pyjamas or something yellow on this day. There will also be a competition to design their own Pudsey bears.
Have a good weekend,
Mrs Wright
Head of Juniors