Weekly Newsletter 22nd January 2021

Dear Parents

It’s hard to believe that we have only been back at school for two full weeks – the holidays seem a dim and distant memory! The management team has been busy compiling governors reports on how the last term ended and this one has begun in such different circumstances. Looking back on the memories of the end of term events in the build up to Christmas help to balance the more negative situation now as we are unable to come together for communal activities or truly be able to take advantage of the wonderful school site alongside our friends.

The marketing and admissions team have also been working on a new prospectus for Barrow Hills. It has been somewhat delayed as we had planned photo shoots that have not been possible. We have instead looked through and used photos that we have accumulated over the years. This has been a long but rewarding job. It has made us focus on what an amazing place Barrow Hills is and we are even more determined to do whatever we can to ensure the soonest possible return to school for everyone.

This week, my spirits have also been lifted by being in the background of some of the children’s lessons whilst I have wandered around the school and helped with supervising the older children. It is so encouraging to see how engaged the children are and that they are continually adapting to the remote learning. Those on site are attending the same lessons as their peers and in the same format using their devices to access the worksheets and links to suggested resources and we have noticed that their independence is improving on a daily basis.

It was also wonderful to see how many children have been recognised by their teachers for their hard work and creativity in their studies. Mr Crisell collates the awards and works with the senior children at school to record them reading out the list of accolades for the Friday Assembly. This week they found it harder than usual. There were a lot of giggles and many retakes required; we need to formulate our own ‘outtakes’ video!

The majority of the week on the operational front has seen us trying to keep up with the shifting directives from the DfE regarding Lateral Flow Testing. This is causing some problems as we do not fall easily into the category of primary or secondary because we have children in Years 7 and 8. Additionally, we have been advised to double the staff testing programme. As soon as we implement a system, it needs modifying or completely changing – hey ho!

I wish you all a wonderful weekend. My weather app indicates that Saturday seems good for a dog walk and I’m looking forward to some fresh air and time away from my screens.

Kind regards

Philip Oldroyd

Head