HEADTEACHER UPDATE 1/4/21

Dear Parent/Carer

It has not been the end of term that we planned but I would once again like to say a big thank you to staff and pupils who have jumped back into home learning with ease (although tinged with a great deal of understandable frustration and disappointment at not being together in person).

Class Organisation for 2021-2022

Please can parents/carers of any pupils who are planning on not attending Hermitage Park next year inform us by email as soon as possible.  The organisation of classes is dependent on the numbers of pupils in classes across the school and as such it is really important that we have a clear idea of expected numbers for August 2021.

Dates for Your Diary

I have outlined some key dates for your diary below.  Please be aware that as guidance is amended we may need to adapt planned events.

20^th April 2021 – All pupils Nursery – P7 return to school.

3^rd May 2021 – BANK HOLIDAY (School closed for pupils and staff)

4^th May 2021 – IN SERVICE DAY (School closed for pupils Nursery – P7)

6^th May 2021 – ELECTION DAY (School closed for pupils Nursery – P7: A home Learning pack will be sent home to be completed on the day)

24^th May 2021 – BANK HOLIDAY (School closed for pupils and staff)

1^st June 2021 – PRIMARY ONE TRANSITION VIRTUAL INFORMATION MEETING

4^th June 2021 – PRIMARY ONE VIRTUAL MEET AND MAKE

7^th -16^th June 2021 – HERMIE OLYMPICS (Classes will complete Olympic challenges as classes which will go towards our annual Sports Day House Cup)

14^th June 2021 – FINAL REPORTING COMMENTS PUBLISHED ON ONLINE LEARNING JOURNALS

16^th June 2021 – HERMIE OLYMPIC CEREMONY (Announcement of Sports Day House Cup)

17^th June 2021 – P7 EPIC DAY (Primary 7 will attend an outdoor activities day at Bonaly 9am – 9pm – more information to follow)

18^th June 2021 – P7 LEAVERS EVENT (2-4pm in the Playground TBC – P7 Pupils Only – This celebration event is dependent on further guidance from Edinburgh Council/Scottish Government)

23^rd/24^th June 2021 – HERMIE HOOLIE FOR NURSERY – P7 IN THE PLAYGROUND (Further information to follow)

25^th June 2021 – P7 LEAVERS ASSEMBLY (This will be virtual or outdoors dependent on guidance)

25^th June 2021 – NURSERY GRADUATION EVENT (This will be virtual or outdoors dependent on guidance)

25^th June 2021 – SCHOOL CLOSES AT 12 O’CLOCK FOR THE SUMMER HOLIDAYS

Please see attached letter from NHS Lothian regarding the importance of continuing to follow the measures over the holidays to support the smooth and full reopening of schools after Easter. If you or a family member test positive during the school holidays please report this to the council contact centre on 0131 200 2000 and they will inform the school.

I hope that you all have a restful Easter break  and we can’t wait to see everyone back and learning together on the 20^th.

Best wishes,

Faye Calder-Kelly

Public health COVID19 information to parents carers and staff 290321

Support for Families NE Spring 2021_

Worrying about money

Dear Parent/Carer

Unfortunately, a number of new positive cases have been reported over the weekend.  The individuals have been asked to self-isolate, together with others who are identified as their close contacts. 

Following further consultation with the Health Protection Team, NHS Lothian & City of Edinburgh Education and Environmental Services we have had to make the difficult decision to return to remote learning for all pupils for the final 4 days of term.  This will replace the plan for Blended Leading (2 days of which would have been in school) that I shared with you on Friday.  We recognise that this will be very challenging for many families and I can assure you that it is not a decision that has been taken lightly.

REMOTE LEARNING PROVISION
Live lessons will take place on TEAMS and learning tasks/resources will be posted on Learning Journals in the same manner as during lockdown.  Further information on lessons times will follow.  Should you need to borrow a digital device to access the online content please email or call the school and we will make arrangements for you to collect this tomorrow.

FREE SCHOOL MEAL PROVISION
Pupils in P1-3 and Pupils in P4-7 (who meet free school meals entitlements) will be able to collect their meal from the dining room entrance in the front playground. If your child is entitled to free school meals and their class have been asked to isolate we will contact you to arrange delivery.  Please only attend at the times noted below to allow us to distribute meals safely.  You will receive a refund should your child be in P4-7 and you have paid for their meal.

Primary 1 – 11.45-12.00

Primary 2 – 12.00-12.15

Primary 3 – 12.15-12.30

Primary 4-7 (with free school meal entitlement) 12.30-12.45

 

KEY WORKERS
The return to remote learning is a response to the number of cases and the lack of sufficient staffing due to staff having to self-isolate.  Unfortunately, we are therefore unable to offer key worker provision.

 

AFTER SCHOOL PROVISION

As a result of the return to remote learning after school provision will also not be available Monday – Thursday.

 

I have been immensely proud of how the Hermie community has worked together to face the difficulties of the past year.  I am confident that we will meet this latest challenge with the Hermie spirit, and I look forward to seeing the children back in the building after the Easter break.

Yours sincerely,

Faye Calder-Kelly
Headteacher