Dear Parents and Caregivers
As we approach Christmas 2020, a very different Christmas, we look back upon the year. The challenges of this year have tested the quality of Leadership as never before. This is Leadership at every level and we will all have our own opinions on the success, or otherwise, of Leadership across the world.
As Governors of Elmhurst we are absolutely certain of the quality of Leadership at every level in the school. As we meet with the Heads each fortnight we hear about the incredible number of decisions, from very small to life changing, that the Heads are having to make on a daily basis. Sometimes they are given support from outside bodies, but many times they are having to make those decisions with little or no support in very short time scales. And they are exhausted. But still they continue, always with your children’s best interests at the very centre.
We are so proud of them and through them, we are proud of the Leadership shown throughout the school. The staff have taken on every new responsibility and made things work. They have managed the worries and heightened emotions of the children, the practicalities of social distancing and the behaviours that the stress of the situation brings. AND they have continued to ensure that the children are moving on in their learning, that the school is continuing to develop and improve, and that the children have fun while doing this.
I am sure that sometimes you find things difficult and wonder why decisions are being made, but you can be assured that Elmhurst is still the caring nurturing environment that we all cherish. As Governors we are so proud of the school and we would like to thank all you families who have supported and helped in every situation.
We hope that all the staff will be able to have a rest and a real break over Christmas – they desperately need it, and deserve it.
We hope that you families have a happy time within the boundaries we have all been set. And we hope that 2021 will bring many more positives and light to look forward to.
With very best wishes
Claire Axten and Andy Shepherd, Co-Chairs of Governors
Important dates next week:
See you again on the 5th January 2021. Monday 4th January is, and always has been, a planned INSET day.
Attendance for the week beginning: 7th December: Well done, everyone! Attendance has been a huge success this term. Thank you!
Whole school – 96.0%
Year 3 – 96.9%
Year 4 – 96.6%
Year 5 – 97.6%
Year 6 – 92.8%
News items and updates
The Christmas Elf
The vast majority of children have, quite rightly, been fascinated with the Christmas Elf video we have shown them in school. The naughty Elf visited all sorts of places in the school!
Just imagine the look of pure joy on your child’s face when they receive a personal message from the Elmhurst Elf. For the small fee of just £2.00, this can be arranged! You will also be helping to top up much-needed funds for the ESA, funds which benefit all children in the school.
If you would like a personalised message from the Elmhurst Christmas Elf, please follow the link.
The ESA Christmas Elf – alternatively contact Kate Willis, the Elfs PA, via her email: Kwillis@ejsch.co.uk
Christmas tracing – a reminder
Whilst we hope that everyone has a safe Christmas, we still need to have a plan in place should a child have a positive test result in the first week of the Christmas break.
The guidance says that, where a pupil or staff member tests positive for coronavirus, having developed symptoms more than 48 hours since being in school, the school SHOULD NOT be contacted.
In this instance, parents and carers should follow contact tracing instructions provided by NHS Test and Trace.
If this is the case, you will need to inform the school. We have set up a Google form for parents to complete:
We will check our emails twice daily. Tracy in the morning and Mike later in the afternoon. We will only be responding to test result emails during this time. All other emails can wait until we return to school.
We will then contact any parents and staff who are “direct contacts” in order to inform them of the need to isolate over the Christmas break. We really hope, for everyone’s sake, that we don’t have to make those calls! It is not our wish to have to tell people that they can’t meet up with their family bubbles over Christmas.
STREET LIBRARY REOPENS!
On Wednesday 16th December our newly refurbished library opened in its home at the Parish Rooms. It is completely COVID secure with much more space and lots of new books.
Opening times are:
10.00 – 4.00 Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays
10.00 – 1.00 Saturdays
Come and look at the new Children’s section!
If you prefer not to come into the library you can still use Click and Collect. Just look on Somerset Libraries website for details.
Why not get some new books to read during the Christmas Holidays!
You may like to get involved in these:
I really hope he doesn’t!
Have a lovely Christmas!
Tracy, Mike and the whole team at Elmhurst