Hi everyone,
I can’t believe we are at the end of another school year and what a year it has been!
We are planning on the basis of ‘normal’ school arrangements in September and I have outlined the main points below. If these arrangements have to change over the summer holiday, I will let parents know via the website/in an email but this is the plan at the moment.
- Nursery and Willow children enter through Nursery metal gate from 8:45. Willow children need to be in school by 8:55 and Nursery children by 9:00.
- All other classes enter through blue wooden gate between 8:45 and 8:55.
- Staff will be on both gates to welcome children.
- Nursery finish at 3:00 and children leave through metal gate.
- Willow finish at 3:10 – blue wooden gate will be open for parents to come on to the infant playground and wait for their child to exit their classroom. Please wait on the infant playground and DO NOT enter the Early Years play area.
- All other classes finish at 3:15 and will exit classrooms on to infant playground.
- If the school car park is full, please park at the Village Hall and we thank you for your support with this.
- Please click here for a reminder of school uniform expectations for September.
Important letter from DfE and message from Shropshire Council
DfE letter 16.07.2021
Please see an important letter issued by the Department for Education last night. If your child starts to display symptoms over the weekend, you must let me know by emailing head@bicton.shropshire.sch.uk
As schools break up and as restrictions are eased, we all want our Shropshire residents to enjoy summer safely.
COVID-19 rates in Shropshire have been climbing over the last month so it’s important to remember that the virus is still in our communities and there’s lots of things you can do to stop the spread.
- Get both vaccines if you are eligible
- Test twice a week using a Lateral Flow Test
- Get a PCR test if you develop symptoms or are a contact with a positive case
- Follow the 10-day isolation rule
- Quarantine according to national guidelines when you travel
- Wear a face covering – especially indoors or in crowded places
- Minimise the number of social contacts and leave space where possible
- Meet friends outside where possible
- Work from home if you can
If you do have to self-isolate during the summer holidays, support is available. If you have been told to self-isolate by the NHS Test and Trace Service but you are on a low wage and worried about how you will manage, you may be eligible for a support payment of £500 to help you.
For more information about this grant and to apply online, click here or call 0345 678 9002.
And finally, please be kind and considerate to others. Although easing of restrictions will be welcomed by most, it will be a very anxious time for others, particularly those more at risk.
For local advice and support, call Shropshire Council’s COVID-19 Helpline on 0345 678 9028 (lines are open Monday to Friday 8am-6pm, but some service options on the line may operate for shorter periods) or visit our website at www.shropshire.gov.uk/coronavirus.
Love and Greetings from Bicton Church
Dear children, caregivers and staff,
Well done reaching the end of term! As I write this on a weekday morning, I’ve just noticed a large group of children leaving the school nearby- a bubble has (once again) burst and pupils are heading home to self- isolate. It’s a reminder of the sacrifices these times demand, and the profound ways in which it affects our young people. We know this year has been so very hard in so many ways, but the resilience of all of you is amazing- we salute you! Please know that you are all regularly in our thoughts and prayers when we gather for worship each week, and that whilst we’ve loved being able to offer Open the Book in YouTube format, we can’t wait to be with you in person again!
We hope that September will bring new possibilities. With that in mind, we’re really pleased to announce that Forest Church is back! It will take place on Sunday, 12th September, 3pm at The Isle, Bicton (by kind permission of Edward Tate). The format will be to bring your own picnic and enjoy an afternoon of outdoor activities, food and worship. Since our Lockdowns, Forest Churches have grown around the country as people have once again recognised the beauty of creation and our part in stewarding it wisely. All are welcome, and more details will be given nearer the time- but for now, do save the date!
In the meantime, whatever the future holds for holiday possibilities, we hope and pray that you are able to find fun, rest and restoration during the summer break.
With love,
Hannah and all at Bicton Church
And finally…
The end of term is always a very sad time when we have to say goodbye to our Year 6s and to their parents, and often grandparents, who we have got to know over the years. Personally, I dread this day every year but we are all immensely proud of the wonderful young people they have become and we feel honoured to have been part of their journey.
Thank you for all your support this year – we couldn’t have got through it without you! We hope that you all have a safe and healthy summer.
Love Mrs Johnson and staff x
