Wash Hands – Cover Face – Make Space
Dear Parents and Carers
I write to you at the end of another very successful week in which we have been blessed with glorious weather that has given the students the opportunity to spend their lunchtimes outdoors in the warm sunshine. The conduct and attitude of all our students continues to be excellent and classes are making superb progress since face to face teaching resumed in September.
Virtual Open Evening
We are disappointed that this year we will be unable to welcome families into school for our traditional Open Evening event or for individual tours and meetings. However, in these unusual times, we will be putting together a virtual open evening so we can provide the required information for all prospective students who wish to join our wonderful community. Please check our school website and social media platforms for further information regarding the exciting launch of our online materials.
Tameside SEND Survey
Tameside Local Authority have asked me to share an important survey with the parents/carers of young people with additional needs including Special Educational Needs and disabilities.
The survey can be found on the Tameside Local Offer Home page at https://www.tameside.gov.uk/Education/Tameside-Local-Offer
The survey will commence on Monday 21st September and will be available for families to complete until Friday 9th October.
If you need any additional support in completing the survey don’t hesitate to contact the SEN department in school.
Coronavirus
I am now hopeful that all schools can continue to remain open, if all members of society work together to limit the transmission rates of the virus in the wider community. I have been asked to share with you by Tameside posters attached to this letter which set out in clear guidance the restrictions that are in place across the borough to help ensure that schools can stay open for as many students as possible.
Please remember it is very important that our students follow the advice regarding self-isolation when they show any sign of symptoms or if there is a positive case inside the household. I understand it can be frustrating when an individual, needs to self-isolate for a period of time but this is far preferable to the whole year group or whole school having to isolate for an extended period of time due to an ongoing circulation of the virus within school.
Please find attached with this letter guidance from Greater Manchester Authority regarding self-isolation advice for parents/carers.
It is obviously very pleasing thus far that we have had NO positive confirmed cases of coronavirus in our school since September among both students and staff. Please rest assured that should the school community have a confirmed case there is a robust plan of action to follow which will include writing to all parents to keep you fully informed.
Thank you again for your ongoing support and kind thoughtful messages in these first few weeks.
It is a pleasure to welcome your sons and daughters through the school gate each morning and I am so proud of the whole community in the way they have adapted to the return to school.
God bless and stay well.
H Brophy
COLLEGE MISSION & ETHOS
St Thomas More RC College is a group of believers, united heart and soul in a Community which recognises the worth and dignity of all people. St Thomas More RC College is committed to developing fully the talents of all its members, in Communication of the Gospel values of peace, love, truth and justice; in Communion with Our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.
Aims : There is a friendly and experienced teaching staff in the college that work together to support our Christian Ethos and ensure that each student is enabled to achieve their full potential. Our recent Ofsted report (February 2017) stated that all staff and pupils work harmoniously together to create a calm, purposeful and warm atmosphere. We are listed in the Good Schools Guide . The curriculum management structure in the school supports National Curriculum subject areas, Religious Education and Whole School Development. All staff are supported by a Senior Management team. There is a strong team of support staff including teaching support staff, secretaries, librarian/reprographics assistant, ICT, ADT and Science technicians, caretakers, lunchtime assistants, cleaners and kitchen staff. The collective strength of our staff ensures that the ethos and values in our Mission Statement provide all our pupils with high quality teaching and learning within a supportive environment.