Dear Parents and Carers,

Thank you all for a wonderful start to the new school year!

We hope you all had a really good summer break and it was great to see all the children this week looking smart in their school uniforms and with most children arriving at school by 8.50am, ready for learning.

Doodle Maths

Well done to all of the children who went onto Doodle Maths and English during the holidays. Mrs. Buckland has awarded wristbands to the children who completed their learning at least three times per week.  

Year 2:

• Damian

Year 3: 

• Fritzhie
• Summer
• Victor

Term Dates 2021-22

• Term 1 ends on Friday 22 October 2021
• Term 2 - Monday 1 November 2021 to Friday 17 December 2021
• Term 3 - Tuesday 4 January 2022 to Friday 18 February 2022
• Term 4  - Monday 28th February 2022 to Friday 8th April 2022
• Term 5 - Monday 25 April 2022 to Friday 27 May 2022
• Term 6 - Monday 6 June 2022 to Thursday 21 July 2022

After School Care and Activities

Chill Time Klub (CTK) is back to normal for children in Reception - Year 6. with games, snacks, drinks and most importantly loads of FUN! We are also looking into, hopefully, being able to offer a variety of different after school clubs. Chill Time Klub runs from 3.15-4.30pm. The cost remains £3.50 and parents and carers need to pay using the School Gateway app - we cannot access cash payment.

Later this term we are hoping to launch a “Mini Chill Klub” for any parents that struggle to collect their children on time but do not need a full Chill Time Klub session. This will run from 3.15-3.45. The children can wait and read a book until they are collected at a charge of £1, this will need to be booked. WE WILL LET YOU KNOW WHEN THIS IS AVAILABLE.

Unfortunately we cannot yet offer Chill Time Klub for nursery children. This is because of the need for a higher level of staff supervision needed.  We are planning to welcome nursery children very soon. Please let the nursery team or office know if you would use this childcare when available.

Attendance

Well done to the following classes who had attendance at over 97% this week:  

• Year 2 with 97% attendance.
• Year 6 with 98% attendance.

Leave of Absence During Term Time

We must remind all parents that the Headteacher CANNOT authorise any leave of absence during term time unless for exceptional circumstances.  Any requests must be made in writing on a form available from the school office and must be made at least ten days before the leave is due to commence.  Any leave taken that has not been considered exceptional will be recorded as unauthorised.  There will be two unauthorised absences recorded for each day - morning and afternoon.  If there are eight or more unauthorised absences recorded within a ten week period, the school can issue a penalty notice.  This will be £60 per child for each parent, meaning a possible penalty charge of £120 per child.

We appreciate that holidays taken during term time can be much cheaper than those taken during the school holidays but we have a legal responsibility to ensure that every child is attending school and receiving their education.

Breakfast Club - some updates

Breakfast Club is back, for children in Reception - Year 6.

The cost of Breakfast Club back to £1 per session, which includes breakfast (please note that children will not be given breakfast if they arrive after 8.20am).  Parents and carers will need to pay using the School Gateway app - we cannot access cash payment.

Due to the new system, we are asking for parents and carers to make a minimum payment of £7 (covering 7 sessions) which will avoid the school paying additional fees.

To access the School Gateway App the office needs your email address on the system All sessions must be booked online using the School Gateway app by 7.30am at the latest, for each day being booked. If you have any difficulties accessing the School Gateway app, please contact the school office after 10am.

Unfortunately we cannot yet offer a Breakfast club for nursery children. This is because of the need for a higher level of staff supervision needed.  We are planning to welcome nursery children to a breakfast club as soon as possible. Please let the nursery team or office know if you would use this childcare when available.

Places Available

The school is almost full but we do have some space available in Reception, Year 1, Year 2 and Year 5. If you know somebody who might need a school place, please ask them to contact the school office.

Headteachers Awards

The following children will receive an award in next week’s Celebration Assembly. Videos of Celebration Assemblies are now shared on our Facebook page. 

Reception - 

• To all the children for having a brilliant first week and settling so well into their new Reception Class.

Year 1 -  

• Lillie B - Producing an amazing first piece of writing, using her sounds confidently and independently!
• Evie - For trying her best and producing some fantastic work throughout the week.

Year 2 -   

•   Tyron - For being absorbed in his work and producing sentences using adjectives independently.
•   Bella - For being a very kind and helpful friend.
•   For all of Year 2 for having a fantastic start to the school year.      

Year 3 - 

• Fritzhie. Victor, Summer and Matty for showing their independence by regularly using Doodle Maths and reading during the holidays.

Year 4 -

• Reggie- For being so positive towards all aspects of learning this week. Reggie has been a great class friend by always supporting and praising others. 

Year 5 -  

• Benji HH- For a fantastic attitude to his learning and coming into school with a big smile on his face. What a wonderful start to year 5! 

Year 6

• Adi - For fantastic questioning and reasoning skills throughout the week.
• Archie - For his incredible use of vocabulary to describe the opening of our story. 

Dates for Diaries

• Thursday 16th September - Year 3 and 4 at Barton Camp
• Friday 22 October 2021 - End of Term 1
• Monday 1 November 2021 - Start of Term 2
• Friday 17 December 2021 - End of Term 2
• Tuesday 4th January 2022 - Start of Term 3
• Friday 18 February 2022 - End of term 3
• Monday 28th February 2022 - Start of Term 4
• Friday 8th April 2022 - End of Term 4
• Monday 25 April 2022 - Start of Term 5
• Friday 27 May 2022 - End of Term 5
• Monday 6 June 2022 - Srat of Term 6
• Thursday 21 July 2022 -  End of the school year

Yours sincerely

Matt Condon

Headteacher

Dear Parents and Carers,

I hope you have all had a relaxing and happy summer. We are all in school preparing for the new school year and looking forward to seeing you all on Monday.

You will be aware that the government has significantly changed their guidance on how schools are managing, in relation to COVID. We are also all ware that the infection rate remains high in Bristol and we must remain careful. 

This newsletter will explain how we will manage a safe return on Monday and what changes will happen:

Start and end of day procedures

From Monday we will go back to our normal start and end of school day. All children (except Nursery) will be welcomed into the school from 8.40am and must be in school by 8.50am. The school day will end for all children (except nursery) at 3.15pm.

WE WILL HOWEVER CONTINUE TO USE THE FRONT AND REAR CAR PARK ENTRANCE, TO KEEP EVERYBODY AS SAFE AS POSSIBLE.

So from Monday:

• Reception, Years 1 and 2 and 6 will enter and exit via the front entrance.
• Years 3, 4 and 5 will enter and exit the school from the rear (car park) entrance.

We appreciate that some parents may have to collect children from both entrances, so staff will do their best to release siblings first so that all children can be collected as close after 3.15 as possible. We appreciate your support in collecting children on time. 

Equipment

As before, on PE days, children can wear their PE clothes into school, teachers will confirm which days these will be.

Children can bring bags in as before, however it would be appreciated if children do not bring in big bags as they are more difficult to store.

After School Care and Activities

Starting Monday Chill Time Klub (CTK) is back to normal for children in Reception - Year 6. with games, snacks, drinks and most importantly loads of FUN! We are also looking into, hopefully, being able to offer a variety of different after school clubs. Chill Time Klub runs from 3.15-4.30pm. The cost remains £3.50 and parents and carers need to pay using the School Gateway app - we cannot access cash payment.

Later this term we are hoping to launch a “Mini Chill Klub” for any parents that struggle to collect their children on time but do not need a full Chill Time Klub session. This will run from 3.15-3.45. The children can wait and read a book until they are collected at a charge of £1, this will need to be booked. WE WILL LET YOU KNOW WHEN THIS IS AVAILABLE.

Unfortunately we cannot yet offer Chill Time Klub for nursery children. This is because of the need for a higher level of staff supervision needed.  We are planning to welcome nursery children very soon. Please let the nursery team or office know if you would use this childcare when available.

Breakfast Club 

From Monday Breakfast Club will resume, for children in Reception - Year 6.

To support families at this difficult time, we are changing the cost of Breakfast Club back to £1 per session, which includes breakfast (please note that children will not be given breakfast if they arrive after 8.20am). 

Parents and carers will need to pay using the School Gateway app - we cannot access cash payment.

Due to the new system, we are asking for parents and carers to make a minimum payment of £7 (covering 7 sessions) which will avoid the school paying additional fees.

To access the School Gateway App the office needs your email address on the system

All sessions must be booked online using the School Gateway app by 7.30am at the latest, for each day being booked.

If you have any difficulties accessing the School Gateway app, please contact the school office after 10am

Unfortunately we cannot yet offer a Breakfast club for nursery children. This is because of the need for a higher level of staff supervision needed.  We are planning to welcome nursery children to a breakfast club as soon as possible. Please let the nursery team or office know if you would use this childcare when available.

School Crossing Patrol

Carina (our School Crossing Patrol Officer) will remain at the main gate to help families safely cross the road. Please encourage your child, if they are walking themselves home, to cross with her. 

If your child has COVID symptoms

The main main symptoms associated with Covid remain:

• Temperature
• New or persistent cough
• Loss of taste or smell

If your child has these symptoms please do not send them into school - contact the school office and we can give you advice on isolation and PCR testing.

If your child has come in contact with a confirmed COVID case, can you also contact the school before sending them into school. We want to remain vigilant, especially over the next few weeks when infections may rise.

Additional Guidance

We will continue to ensure that good hygiene is practiced in school, key areas are cleaned regularly and that learning areas are well ventilated. 

As always, thank you for your support and understanding. We cannot wait to see the children’s smiling faces on Monday at 8.40-8.50am. 

Yours sincerely

Matt Condon

Headteacher

SURVEY: Play and Recreation Spaces (and Facilities) In Knowle West

In response to the potential loss of some of our local play areas, Knowle West Alliance invited a group of nurseries, schools and youth groups to come together.  This group would like to find out what children and young people (and their families) in Knowle West think about the play spaces that are available now, and what we might collectively work towards in the future.

By filling in this questionnaire you are helping provide important information that will be used to respond to development proposals as they arise.  This questionnaire should take about 5-10 minutes and is entirely voluntary.  Your responses are anonymous.  Please complete this as soon as possible, and no later than 6th August.  Thank you for your help. 

https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=0GPbPbXkN0KBRD0yXFP60XS-6BdCxDRCuVAKAvYgqqhUOFdZSlNDQ1gyQzNBOEFRR1JZV0EzTVdRMS4u

https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=0GPbPbXkN0KBRD0yXFP60XS-6BdCxDRCuVAKAvYgqqhUOFdZSlNDQ1gyQzNBOEFRR1JZV0EzTVdRMS4u

Dear Parents/Carers of children in Year 5,

As you will all know, Year 5 were asked to isolate as a positive COVID case had been reported in this class. I wrote to you on Tuesday explaining that:

• NHS Test and Trace will work with the positive case to identify close contacts. Any close contacts will be contacted independently of the school and then given guidance on any isolation needed.

Since Tuesday a second confirmed case of COVID has been reported in Year 5. 

I have been told that everybody in the class on either Friday or Monday could be considered a close contact under government guidelines.

Test and Trace have not yet contacted us for more information, and we are now closed - but as the positive case has been asked to isolate up to midnight on 28th July, it would be reasonable to assume that any child who was in school on Friday,  16th July or Monday, 19th July would need to self-isolate until at least then. 

This is not official guidance, but as I am concerned that Test and trace may not get the contact information that they will need, it seems sensible to share this with you all. I will keep trying to get some clarification and inform you all if I do. 

In the meantime, official government guidance on isolating in these circumstances can be found on their website: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-for-contacts-of-people-with-possible-or-confirmed-coronavirus-covid-19-infection-who-do-not-live-with-the-person

Additionally, if you or a family member develops symptoms, please follow the government guidance here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/covid-19-coronavirus-restrictions-what-you-can-and-cannot-do#get-tested-and-self-isolate

I know that you will all do everything you can to keep each other safe.

Have a great summer

Mr Condon

 

Dear Parents and Carers,

Welcome to the last newsletter of this school year. This has been another challenging year for our whole community. Again, can I thank you all for your support and friendship. We all look forward to a new school year in September, ready to learn with those amazing Christ the King smiley faces!

Reading during the summer

Bristol Library Service and  summer reading 

Please follow  Book Sorter | Summer Reading Challenge to collect your ‘Scratch and Sniff’ sticker chart for their Wild World Heroes reading activities. These are available at any local library.  Libraries are open and back to their previous opening times.

CTK Reading Challenge

We have our own challenge too ! A beautifully illustrated chart by the author Karen George. Children have the sheet in their book bags ready to start. Just note down any books read over the holiday and return to the new teacher in September.

Karen George will also be visiting us in September. Look out for the adaptation of her book, ‘What Happened to you' on Cbeebies in August.

Reading Links

Research shows that children who read for 10 minutes a day during the summer holidays make better progress in school than those who don't read. Here are some websites to give ideas and free resources to keep your children reading through the summer, and make a start back in September easier for them:

• https://summerreadingchallenge.org.uk/
• www.readongeton.org.uk
• http://www.literacytrust.org.uk/free-resources
• https://www.clpe.org.uk/clpe/library/booklists
• https://www.scholastic.co.uk/piecorbett/resources

Summer Activities

There are lots of brilliant summer activities taking place in the local area this holiday:

https://sites.google.com/a/ctk.education/www/safety-at-ctk/families-parents-carers-and-young-people-bulletin.

Have a great summer everybody.

Dates for Diaries

Start of 2021-22 school year - Monday 6th September

Yours sincerely

Matt Condon

Headteacher

Dear Parents/Carers

CHANGES TO CONTACT TRACING IN EDUCATION AND CHILDCARE SETTINGS

As you know, the Prime Minister announced on 12 July that Step 4 of the roadmap would go ahead on 19 July. One of the key changes took place from the 19 July is that education and childcare settings will no longer be asked to conduct routine contact tracing. As with positive cases in any other setting, NHS Test and Trace will work with either the positive case – or in the case of children – the parents, carers or guardian of the positive case to identify close contacts. NHS Test and Trace already manages the contact tracing process for the rest of society – including children who have recorded a positive PCR test – and has expertise in supporting people to identify close contacts.

This letter sets out in more detail below how that process will work and what you need to do if your child tests positive for COVID-19.

Self-isolating and taking a test

If your child has symptoms, they and other members of the household should self-isolate – and you should inform the education or childcare setting. You should immediately order a PCR test for them. If the PCR result is negative, they and other members of their household can stop self-isolating (unless instructed to self-isolate for other reasons). If the PCR result is positive, they, other members of their household and any close contacts identified by NHS Track and Trace must self-isolate until 10 days after the onset of symptoms.

If your child has a positive result from a lateral flow device (LFD) test, they and other members of the household should self-isolate – and you should inform their education or childcare setting. You should immediately order a confirmatory PCR test. If the confirmatory test is taken within two days and the result is negative, they and other members of their household can stop self-isolating (unless instructed to self-isolate for other reasons). If the confirmatory PCR test is positive (or is taken more than two days after the LFD), other members of their household and any close contacts identified by NHS Track and Trace must self-isolate until 10 days after the LFD test.

PCR tests can be booked online through the NHS Test & Trace website or by calling 119.

PCR test results will be recorded with NHS Test and Trace automatically, but you should also communicate the result to the education or childcare setting during term time or summer provision.

Contact tracing

If your child gets a positive PCR test result, NHS Test and Trace will contact you, using the details you registered when ordering the PCR test. You and/or your child will be asked a series of specific questions designed to identify who your child has been in close contact with. Being in an education or childcare setting with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 will not necessarily mean a person is identified as a close contact.

You will be asked to provide the contact details, if you know them, of any of the individuals – or their parents or guardians – who have been identified as close contacts. NHS Test and Trace will then get in touch with these close contacts and provide appropriate instructions or advice (see below).

Self-isolation and/or testing of close contacts

At present, anyone identified as a close contact is legally required to self-isolate and must not attend their education or childcare setting (the only exception is if they are participating in a daily contact testing trial). Anyone identified as a non-household close contact by NHS Track and Trace must self-isolate until 10 days after the date of their most recent contact with that person. If they live in the same household, they must self-isolate until 10 days after the date of that person developing symptoms (see point 1 above) or, if that person was asymptomatic, the date of their test (see point 2 above). NHS Test and Trace will notify you of the day on which the self-isolation period ends.

Close contacts are also advised to take a PCR test. If the test result is negative, they must still complete the full self-isolation period, as the test will not detect all positive cases. If the result is positive, they will need to self isolate for a further 10 days – and NHS Test and Trace will contact them to identify any close contacts.

From 16 August, if the close contact is under 18, they will not have to self-isolate (in line with the policy for fully vaccinated adults) but will be asked to take a PCR test immediately, other than for very young children identified as non-household contacts, and they will not need to self-isolate while awaiting the results of the test. If the PCR test is positive, they will be required to self-isolate for 10 days from the date of the test. NHS Test and Trace will then get in touch to identify close contacts (see points 5 and 6 above). Further guidance on these changes to self isolation will be provided shortly.

We recognise how difficult the past 18 months have been and the sacrifices that all families, education and childcare settings

have had to make. This has been an enormously challenging time for everyone and we would like to take the opportunity to

thank you for everything you have done.

Stay safe.

Yours sincerely

Matt Condon

Headteacher

Dear Parents/Carers of children in Year 5,

As you will all know, Year 5 have been asked to isolate as a positive COVID case has been reported in this class. Although government guidance for COVID test, track and isolation changed yesterday, Bristol City Council have advised that all schools follow established guidelines until the end of this term. There will however be some changes that will affect isolation at home. For children and staff affected by this Year 5 COVID case, this means:

• All children and staff contacted this morning will not come into school today or tomorrow. We are really sorry that this means they will miss the end of term.
• NHS Test and Trace will advise the person with a positive COVID result, on what action and isolation is needed.
• NHS Test and Trace will work with the positive case to identify close contacts. Any close contacts will be contacted independently of the school and then given guidance on any isolation needed.

I will be sharing an overview of how these new arrangements will affect the wider school later. I will then share any more updates prior to the new term starting in September.

Can you please let the children know how much they will be missed over the last two days of term and how we are looking forward to seeing them, as our new Year 6 class, in September.

Stay safe.

Yours sincerely

Matt Condon

Headteacher