Headteacher’s Letter – 01.12.21
1st December 2021
Dear parents and carers,
As we now find ourselves entering the months of winter and colder weather, I would like to offer my continued thanks for your support in ensuring high levels of student attendance and smartly worn school uniform. There are a number of updates I want to bring to your attention this week some of which capture the great work underway this term as well as promoting some events in the run up to Christmas.
Covid-19 Update
You will be aware from recent news coverage that on Saturday 27th November, the Prime Minister announced new temporary measures following the emergence of the Omicron variant of Covid-19 in the UK. The new measures have been introduced as a precaution to slow down the spread of the variant.
As a result, from Monday 29th November face coverings were implemented in schools across the UK in communal areas for staff, visitors and students, unless they are exempt, upon which the school’s Medical Coordinator should be informed.
A reminder was also issued to all students to complete lateral flow device (LFD) testing at least twice a week. LFD tests can be collected from form tutors as required, and we will also be distributing test kits to students during registration periods so that they can continue to test over the Christmas holiday.
Upon return to school in January, we will be conducting lateral flow device testing for all students on-site. If you do not wish for your child to participate in LFD testing is school, please complete the following form by Friday 17th December 2021 – https://forms.gle/3FVuvBBaM8zQL9Lw9
Reverse Advent Calendar
Advent started on Monday 29th November and to mark this we are running a Reverse Advent Calendar in aid of the St Dunstan’s Food Bank, which is supporting over 200 families. The idea is for students to bring in donations for the food bank over the 17 days of advent. Donations should be non-perishable foods.
Full details of the food bank can be found on the following link – http://www.stdunstanstepney.com/food-bank.html
Year 13 exams
I would like to remind our Year 13 students that, whilst we expect them to enjoy the Christmas holiday, it is essential they also make time to study and revise as they prepare for exams in the New Year, which start on 5h January. We know that many have been applying for university places and their hard work now will help them be successful and secure the places they deserve. Students in Years 13 and 11 must also be using their time productively to prepare themselves for the demands ahead. I would like to congratulate these students on the efforts so far and remind them to remain focused on study for the final few months ahead.
Enrichment Activities
Our enrichment programme is updated each half term and a wide range of activities is on offer There is a dedicated section of our website listing the clubs and activities that are running. Please encourage your child to participate.
Key Events for this Academic Year
The term dates for 2021-22 are listed below. Please check our website and social media feeds for regular updates.
Year 11 Parents’ Evening: Thursday 16th December
Christmas Holiday: 22nd December 2021 – 3rd January 2022
Spring Term: 4th January 2022 – 1st April 2022
Half Term: 14th – 18th February 2022
Easter Holiday: 4th April – 18th April 2022
End of term 1 arrangements + start of the term 2
School will close for the Christmas break on Tuesday 21st December. Arrangements for the 21st are as follows:
Periods 1 and 2: Lessons
11.00am: Students return to their form room for tutorial time
11.15am: From 11.15am onwards the students will be dismissed by their Head of Year
It is anticipated that all students will have left the school premises by 11.45am. Full uniform must be worn as normal.
Students eligible for free school meals are able to order a packed lunch form their form tutor by Friday 17th December. These will be distributed to students during form time at 11.00am on Tuesday 21st December.
Please note that we return to school on Tuesday 4th January 2022 and this will be a school week 2. I will, however, be writing to you again before the end of term.
Yours sincerely,
Paul Woods
Headteacher