18th May

Dear Shacklewell community,

I can safely safe that this half term has been the most surreal in my career. I can not quite believe that the whole summer 1 term is behind us. I know that many of you will share these feelings of disbelief. However there is light at the end of the tunnel as we plan for a phased reopening of school from June 1st. I have already circulated a letter from Ms. Reid and I about our current plans for reopening. I would like to stress that all of the plans are still provisional based on the government's advice.

Whilst this term has been surreal in many respects, a constant throughout, is the staff's desire to ensure the children have the very best experiences at home. I have been inspired to see how the teachers have created exciting new ways for children to access learning; some of the amazing work is shared below. I am sure that whilst you may have found a rhythm with home learning you share in my admiration of what the teachers do each and every day.

Increasingly as a team, we are recognising the role we will play in supporting, not just the children's academic progress, but nurturing their emotional wellbeing, when school reopens. All teaching and support staff are receiving training from Aspace this week to equip them with tools to address the children's worries about returning to school. We have also reached out to our partners at WAMHS to further enhance the teacher's abilities to create safe spaces to discuss some of the events that families may have experienced during school closure. Whilst it is undoubtedly a difficult time for everyone, I know that this renewed focus on positive mental health will support our learners to transition back to school as successfully as possible.

This weekend is another bank holiday and the weather looks to be great. Please be careful and encourage your children to observe social distancing as much as possible- I want everyone to return fit and well to school when the time comes.

I hope you all continue to stay well,

Rory