This week saw one of our school Governors and the CEO of SAND Academies Trust visit the school to monitor teaching and learning, curriculum and talk to the pupils about their learning. They were both really happy with the things they saw and how hard your children are working. The children were definitely showing our school PRIDE values when completing their work and participating in lessons. I was a very proud Headteacher!
COVID updates
The South West region is experiencing the impact of national rising case rates and there has been an sharp increase against the national average in the region and these rates are still expected to rise. The majority of these cases are in school age groups and this is now translating into adults of parent age. This has therefore triggered thresholds for additional action. We have now reviewed our school’s risk assessment in light of this to help minimise the spread of infection and maintain good quality face to face education.
In school we will continue to ensure there is good prevention control (ventilation, regular cleaning of surfaces etc), including staff areas; continue to promote twice weekly asymptomatic testing amongst staff; and encourage everyone to stay at home if they feel unwell.
Colds and other non-COVID 19 symptoms are circulating but in the first instance cardinal symptoms (high temperature, cough, loss of taste/smell) should be treated as possible COVID 19 and should trigger isolation and PCR testing. If negative for COVID 19, individuals should still wait until 24 hours post fever to return to school.
If someone in the household tests positive for COVID 19 then it is advised that other household members take daily Lateral Flow Tests while awaiting PCR results, but continue to attend school if they have no symptoms. For primary school aged children this is at the discretion of the parent/guardian.
If you are in any doubt as to whether you should send your child to school then please do contact the school office for further guidance. We really appreciate your ongoing support in making sure that our school stays as protected as possible against COVID 19.
Staffing updates
Miss Jodie Sanwell will be returning from maternity leave on Friday 19th November. Miss Sanwell has been a class teacher at Willow Primary for many years and was the Reception class teacher before going on leave and is very excited about her return.
Mrs Heather McIlwaine is also currently on maternity leave and she will be returning on Monday 13th December. Mrs McIlwaine has been a teacher and SENCO for over ten years and has been at Willow for 5 years. She is also very excited about returning to work.
Miss Sanwell and Mrs McIlwaine will be taking over the teaching of Acorn Class on their return. Mrs McIlwaine will teach the class on a Monday and Tuesday and Miss Sanwell will teach the class on a Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
Unfortunately, this means that Mrs Hill will be leaving the school on Friday 19th November and I’m sure you will join us in wishing her the best of luck for the future and thanking her for giving some of our children a brilliant start to their school life.
Remembrance/Poppies
The whole school observed a minutes silence yesterday to mark Remembrance Day. Many children have purchased poppies and other remembrance items over the last two weeks and all of your kind donations have been collected today by the British Legion. Well done to the Year 6 PRIDE council members for their super organisation in distributing the poppies each day.
Admissions – September 2022
Paperwork for primary/infant admission will be posted out early November. If you have not received a letter by December please contact GCC directly on 01452 425407 or by emailing school.admissions@gloucestershire.gov.uk.
Willow Primary Open Afternoon for new starters – September 2022
Our open afternoon for next year’s school starters will take place on Tuesday 30th November from 1:30pm. This will involve a tour of the school with a member of the Senior Leadership Team. Please spread the word!
Stay, Read and Relax sessions
We held our first session with Acorn Class last week and our second session with Ash Class today. We have had an excellent turn out so far and we thank you for your support in these events.
Future sessions are as follows:
Birch Class – Friday 26th November 9 – 10am
Oak Class – Friday 14th January 9 – 10am (This session may include information on end of Year 6 tests too)
Elm Class – Friday 21st January 9 – 10am
Chestnut – Friday 28th January 9 – 10am
Dates for your diary
Term 2: Monday 1st November 2021 – Friday 17th December 2021 (2pm finish)
Term 3: Wednesday 5th January 2022 – Friday 18th February 2022
CHRISTMAS
Nativity – EYFS/Year 1/Year 2 – Thursday 9th December 1:45pm and Friday 10th December 9:30am
You should attend one of the performances.
Please note that this is organised by the year group your child is in, not by their class. Do check with your child’s teacher if you are unsure.
Christmas Jumper Day – Friday 10th December
This year is the tenth year for Christmas Jumper Day that raises money for Save the Children charity. Willow is taking part again and will be asking everyone to come to school in their jazziest Christmas jumper and donate £1-2 to help raise money for the charity.
KS2 Christmas Concert – Year 3/4/5/6 – Tuesday 14th December 2pm
Christmas Lunch – Wednesday 15th December – details will be given nearer the time
Christmas Discos – Wednesday 15th December
EYFS/Year 1/Year 2 – 3pm – 4pm Year 3/4/5/6 – 4:15pm – 5:15pm
Tickets will not be required for this. Friends of Willow (PTA) are kindly holding this event for free. Everyone is welcome to come and join in the fun.
Hope you all have a wonderful weekend
Carly Tonks