As we approach the final half term of this academic year, I am pleased to be able to inform you that there have been no positive COVID cases reported in school. Can I remind you that your son/daughter should continue to:

• complete two lateral flow tests on a weekly basis for your child. 
• remember to record the result for your child online. 
• book a PCR test and inform the school If you record a positive lateral flow test result for your child, please. Your child should then self-isolate until the result of that PCR test. You should inform the school upon receipt of your result and wait for additional advice.

It is also very important to continue following the necessary guidance regarding symptoms. Please do not send your child to school if they are ill or have any of the symptoms associated with Covid-19. This helps us to protect the school community and your family and relatives too. 

Next term, students in Years 10 and 12 will be taking trial examinations in formal conditions. With wellbeing in mind, we will be building up students’ confidence and resilience and ‘training’ them in good exam and study routines. Each student will have an exam timetable with time for study skills, revision and exam preparation built in so that they are able to perform at their best and we can provide them with diagnostic feedback on what they need to do to improve. Students in Years 7, 8 and 9 will also be completing formal assessments in class and I will inform you of the dates and arrangements in due course. 

Every week, we celebrate ‘Hot Chocolate Friday’ with two pupils from each year group. This is a time when we recognise those students who have gone over and above in their attitude to learning, making a positive contribution and difference to the school community and always being ready, respectful and safe. We come together to share a hot chocolate (and other treats) and recognise students’ achievements. Please look out for the photos on the College Twitter account.

Thank you for ensuring that uniform and appearance standards are maintained. Please note that full school uniform including school shoes is expected at all times as well as when they are travelling to and from school. Make up is not permitted in Years 7 to 11, this includes nail varnish, false eyelashes and false tan. Can I also ask for your cooperation in ensuring that your children do not bring energy / fizzy drinks into school. If your child has one of these drinks, they will be confiscated. 

I would like to draw your attention to our updated Behaviour, Anti-bullying and Safeguarding Policies which are published on our College website. Our aim is always to support all students in school in order to maximise their full potential. Following discussions with parents and students, we have recently updated our Anti-bullying Policy, I trust that you will find this policy extensive and informative, it also includes a pupil friendly version. Our child protection and safeguarding policy has been further updated with additional procedures and guidance following the recent Ofsted review into sexual abuse in schools and colleges. 

I would ask you to take some time to review these documents and please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions/suggestions. All policies are available from:

https://www.stjohnplessington.com/policies

We will continue to share information from these policies throughout the summer term. 

Finally, I would like to say a huge farewell and thank you to Helen Caul who will be leaving us after 16 years of service to SJP. During this time, Helen has been Headteacher’s PA and Clerk to the Governing Body as well as being an integral part of the ‘engine room’ of the school. We wish Helen well as she moves on to a new chapter.

Thank you for your continued support and cooperation. Enjoy the half term break!

Yours sincerely

Ms Maria Sharratt

Headteacher