Dear Parents and Carers
This week marks the last week of this half term and in school we are all very hopeful that next half term will see the return of all students through the school gates at some point in the future. We are obviously eagerly awaiting any Government announcement regarding the reopening of schools, with March 8th 2021 still being discussed by the Department of Education as a key date.
Well done to all staff, students and parents and carers over the last few weeks, I believe that we have all supported each other with great success and kindness during these difficult times. I am aware that online learning has presented opportunities and challenges for staff, students and families alike over the last weeks, but the level of engagement from students and the positive comments from parents/carers/staff indicate how effectively the whole community has embraced this new way of working.
I know that many families continue to be touched by the serious and long-term effects of the pandemic and I continue to keep all of you in my thoughts and prayers. As always if families do need any additional support don’t hesitate to contact school as we may be able to provide additional services or signpost to external agencies that can provide help.
National Apprenticeship Week (Monday 8th February to Friday Sunday 14th February)
This week is National Apprenticeship Week!
To highlight this important week and the vital role that apprenticeships play in the lives of so many young people there are a number of online form time activities throughout the week from 8:45am. There are also many additional excellent resources on our social media channels that provide further information on this exciting and engaging career choice in a wide range of industries. Many thanks to Mr Wright for arranging our Virtual Apprenticeship week.
The twitter thread for the week can be found at: https://twitter.com/stm_cpshe/status/1357671294305714181
Live Online Lessons
In the open dialogue between school and home a number of parents/carers have raised the following regarding remote learning.
“Sometimes when my son/daughter has a number of “live” lessons back to back they can be in-front of their computer, laptop or electronic device without a convenient opportunity to have a short comfort break or get a quick drink from the kitchen if they are thirsty etc.”
We welcome all feedback from parents/carers and in order to address this matter I have asked all staff to finish “live” lessons 3-5 minutes early so that students can always have a quick pause before their next lesson. This should hopefully replicate the pause that students have when they are attending school normally, when they move from one lesson to another when the bell rings.
I hope this small change is helpful.
YEAR 9 Students: Tetanus/Diphtheria/Polio and Meningitis ACWY Booster Vaccinations
Year 9 students from St Thomas More RC College should have received their booster vaccination injection (Tetanus/Diphtheria/Polio and Meningitis ACWY) during this term, obviously the closure of schools to most pupils during the pandemic has made the administering of these vaccinations impossible on site.
As an alternative a local drive through vaccination clinic has been scheduled so that Year 9 students can receive their vaccine dose.
The dates of the clinic are: Thursday 11th February & Monday 22nd February 2021
Time: 09.45 hrs- 14.00 hrs (2pm).
Venue: Aldwinians Rugby Union Football club, Audenshaw Park, Droylsden Road, Audenshaw
M34 5SN.
An appointment is not necessary you just need to turn up on the above dates, between the hours listed.
A consent form has been included with the email copy of this letter. If you have already completed the form and handed into school, you don't need to complete again. This form must be signed by the individual who has Parental Responsibility for the year 9 student and brought to the vaccination session on the day.
There will be spare copies available on the day if you do not have access to a printer or have not managed to complete prior to attending session.
If you don't have a car please contact us on 0161 366 2139 so you can be booked into a local clinic. The phone line can also be used for any queries.
These vaccinations are just for Year 9 students and are not related in anyway to the COVID Vaccinations.
Reminder February Half term Holidays/Holiday Clubs
Last day of term: Friday 12th February.
School will be closed to all pupils from Monday 15th February to Friday 19th February (inclusive). There will of course be no online remote learning provided during the half-term holiday so that students and staff can have a well-earned rest.
Remote learning and the on-site supervision of keyworker and vulnerable students will recommence on Monday 22nd February.
Active Tameside are providing holiday clubs for the children of keyworkers and vulnerable children during February half-term if childcare or supervision is required. Parents/carers who are keyworkers can email Helen Wilson (Helen.Wilson@activetameside.com) at Active Tameside for a booking form and for details of any additional requirements or costs.
Parents/carers of vulnerable children may also be able to access a place at Active Tameside Holiday Provision but will require a referral from school or social services, therefore families of vulnerable children who would like to apply for a place should contact school in the first instance by emailing admin@stmcollege.org.uk. Please note that places are limited due to COVID restrictions and priority will understandably be given to the most vulnerable families across the borough.
Thank you for your ongoing support, please do remember that you can contact school each weekday Monday to Friday either by calling 0161 336 2743 or emailing admin@stmcollege.org.uk during normal school hours.
I hope everyone has a well-deserved rest over the February holiday.
God Bless and Stay Well
H Brophy