As you will expect, arrangements for the safe return of all pupils in September are well under way and there are a number of pertinent points that I would like to draw to your attention to:

We are starting the new school year with two staff development days on Wednesday 1 September and Thursday 2 September (a day on which only staff attend). Year 7 and Year 12 students will begin to return on Friday 3 September. We are expecting students to return in full school uniform including correct footwear (please see website for specific details). As year 7 students were unable to have a face to face induction, we are going to stagger students’ return to allow us to spend more time with the new members of our SJP community to support their transition and help them settle into their new school environment. Year 7 will start on Friday 3 September at 08:30 and Year 12 at 12:30.

Other year groups will return to school on the following dates and times and then remain in school:

Year 8 - Tuesday 7 September 2021 - 08:30

Year 9 - Tuesday 7 September 2021 - 11:00

Year 10 - Monday 6 September 2021 - 12:30

Year 11 - Monday 6 September 2021 - 08:30

Year 13 - Monday 6 September 2021 - 10:30

From Wednesday 8 September 2021 all year groups will be in school

The government guidance for the return of students in September has been released this week as part of step 4 of the roadmap. As a response to this, we will be testing all students twice over a five day period as they return to school. If you have not previously provided consent for testing and would like to do so please complete this form. Please ensure that we have up to date consent for your son/daughter. It would also be good practice if your child were to bring their own paper tissues and a small hand sanitiser with them to minimise risk of spreading any bacteria. Can you please check that your son/daughter has all the necessary equipment on a daily basis to ensure that they are ready to learn and that they minimise the risk to themselves and others.

Please make certain that you top up your child’s account (on ParentMail if possible) so that they always have sufficient funds to be able to purchase food and drink. Of course, we will always ensure that no child goes hungry during the day should it slip your mind to top up.

A reminder of our uniform list and PE kit list can be found here.

I will write to you towards the end of next week but in the meantime, a reminder that school finishes on Friday 16 July at 12:00. Students will have brunch during the morning. If this early finish causes a problem for you, please let your child’s Head of Learning know.

Thank you very much for taking the time to read this letter and thank you in advance for your support. I am determined to do the very best for SJP, I will always put students first when making decisions. In the words of Pope Francis, “Teaching is a beautiful job; as it allows you to see the growth day by day of the people entrusted to your care”. We are truly blessed with such wonderful students.

I hope you have an enjoyable and safe summer and I look forward to meeting you in the coming months. Please keep checking our website and social media accounts and do not hesitate to get in touch if you have any concerns.

Yours faithfully

 

Maria Sharratt

Headteacher