You may be aware that we have had four children who have tested positive in the week commencing 6^th September. Under the old regulations every child in the year group would have had to self-isolate and have remote education. Under the new rules, the rest of the children (and staff where double vaccinated) are now able to continue to come to school for 'normal' lessons providing they don't have any symptoms. They need to get a PCR test carried out but can carry on coming to school until the results come through. Providing the results are negative they can continue to attend.

In order to continue to protect our school community, you MUST make sure that if your child is unwell in any way, that they do not attend school.  If they have the top three symptoms of a temperature OR a new continuous cough OR a loss of taste or smell, they must self-isolate until they have taken a PCR test and got the result. If the result is negative they can return to school when they are feeling better. If the result is positive they will need to self-isolate for 10 days. If your child is unwell in any other way, we ask that you keep them off school, and if in any doubt, please get a test for your piece of mind and ours. Other possible Covid symptoms include tiredness, shortness of breath, headache, sore throat, muscle ache, blocked / runny nose, diarrhoea and vomiting. 

If your child is a close contact of someone with Covid at school or anyone else in the household has Covid, there is no longer a requirement for them to self-isolate unless they have symptoms. They need to have a PCR test as soon as possible and if this is negative they can carry on coming to school.

After a disappointing evening with England missing out on European glory in a dreaded penalty shoot out, at least we at Moat House were able to announce a winning team of our very own! Each class was able to randomly select three teams to follow, support and collect points for. As well as managing to select Belgium, Denmark and Italy, 4SG (otherwise known as Gilmour’s Galactagoes) also won points for their year group football tournament. So after totalling all of the points from the school and official tournaments, Gilmour’s Galactagoes were the overall winning school team. Well done 4SG!

On Tuesday 13^th July, Year 6 were lucky enough to have their end of year celebration! Lots of different inflatables were hired for children to play on, including: a bouncy castle, a bungee run, sumo suits, inflatable basketball hoops and an inflatable football arena. The children all thoroughly enjoyed themselves and had a brilliant day. A big well done to Vasni, who managed to reach the end of the line on the bungee run! The afternoon was spent eating pizza and watching a movie. Well done Year 6 and good luck for your new journey at secondary school. 

On Tuesday 13^th July, 4KG took part in a resilience workshop and they loved it! They enjoyed learning about uncomfortable and comfortable feelings. They explored relaxation techniques to support them with any anxieties that could cause them to feel upset and were given ideas to enable them to respond positively to negative events. It was insightful for the children. They were even provided with a home activity booklet to practise these techniques at home, if they feel they need them.

During the Summer term, as part of their Highly Sprung sessions, Year 3 became detectives to solve a ‘Hidden in plain sight’ mystery. They learnt all about William and Ellen Craft, who were born into slavery, in America during the 1800s and their fight for freedom. The children explored the journey the couple went on and performed amazing monologues in the role of both William and Ellen. Over the term, the children learnt about racial inequality in the past and significant figures, such as Martin Luther King Jr, who helped change the world that we live in today, for the better. They thoroughly enjoyed their Highly Sprung sessions this term and loved being able to express themselves through drama.

I had hoped to be able to share our plans for September but with the prospect of a 'third wave' we are expecting a few changes to the advice for schools that was issued recently so I will wait until I've seen these before saying any more. The one thing I can say for certain is that school starts again on Monday 6th September. When I am able to, I will let you know what we are doing with regards to face masks on the playground and bubbles etc. This might not be until the end of the holidays. In the meantime, have a great summer!