Message from Mr R McClelland March 6th 2020
The COVID19 virus has now meant school is now suspended under the current restrictions. Much of the emphasis must be on learning from home under the supervision of parents and guardians.
This week would have normally meant a cessation of lessons and children given a two week break before the final term. I am aware , through the feedback , that many of the homes are now hubs for learning and a lot of effort is being put in by pupils and parents to continue the progress the children have made during this school year. I encourage you to give yourself and children mental break from the new home based setting you have established and commence again after the holidays. This quality time and break might provide some sense of normality amidst the current uncertainty. Do talk to the children about the virus outbreak and explore and calm underlying worries of fears they might have at this time.
Pupils need a consistent schedule in the home and this gives them a chance to plan their work ,focus on a limited number of tasks and see progress in the activities planned. This time away from school can be used to consolidate the work to date. I advise parents and teachers to focus on literacy and numeracy and especially provide reading opportunities for the children. Teachers will provide some support in how you do this through the email and website links which have been established. Staff are already aware of the efforts you as parents are making at home and we have seen some great examples of the work that the children are doing . Keep it up everyone, but yet recognise the limitations of what remains possible in a home setting. The sessions on a one to one setting can be quiet intensive and should be sprinkled with variety and active breaks. We will continue to post suggestions and ideas online. Give the pupils projects to study in a variety of subjects or topics they enjoy. Give them an audience for their work and share their presentations with staff ,other pupils and relations.Take some of the pressure off and enjoy teaching them, other important life skills such as cooking, baking, sewing, painting or gardening.
Teacher will be in touch by email to direct you to suggested learning activities they have posted online for your child. Other online resources are coming daily and we will also direct you towards these links to support you.
School is very empty without the pupils at present and we really wish that this closure would end and we could get back to normal. The restrictions will end and we will get through it.
You can contact school via the email link below and we will answer your query as soon as possible. Please continue to stay safe and avoid social contact as much as possible so we can battle this pandemic together. Despite all the difficulties we face at present we as a staff, wish all families a safe and Happy Easter .
R McClelland
