This week's message (Friday 12 March 2021) - Moortown Primary School, Leeds

It’s the end of the first week back. Children have settled very quickly and teachers report they’re really keen to learn, which is great news. We hope the change to your week has been welcome!

Teachers also say the children, especially younger ones, have been tired, which is understandable – you can help with this by making sure they’re getting a good night’s sleep (the NHS recommend 9-12 hours for a 6-12 year old).

A word from Mrs Weekes

At the end of the first week back, with all the children back in school, I can definitely say it’s been busy, exciting and – in many ways – like we’ve never been away. After working at home during lockdown, it was lovely to be back at the gate seeing everyone coming in. On Monday, the children literally skipped in with smiles on their faces (and then all the parents skipped out – literally in some cases!). I think everyone in my house has already noticed a change in my mood as I’m so glad that we’re fully open again.

Thank you for continuing to follow our guidance and routines in school. The staggered beginning and end of the day is working well, particularly when everyone is punctual and keeping to their allocated times. Please remember that only one adult does the ‘pick up’ and ‘drop off’ so that we reduce the amount of people on site as much as possible.

I’d also like to say a huge thank you to the children – their behaviour has been excellent and the atmosphere around school has been calm but with a healthy buzz of excitement!

Are you claiming income support?

The virus has been tough for us all. Some of you might be claiming income support to tide you over. If you are, please register your child for free school meals, even if…

they don’t actually have a school dinner
they’re in Reception, Year 1 or Year 2 and so they get a free meal already

This is because for every child registered, we get an extra £1320 this year. Make a claim here.

We can use this extra amount to help pay for all sorts of resources that can benefit your child and their class.

Parent-teacher meetings

Just before February half-term, we’d normally have parent-teacher meetings and provide you with a Learning Update. We’re still planning to have parent-teacher meetings, but these will be in the last week of this term (week beginning 29 March – check the school calendar for the dates) and will be via Zoom, the same as last time. We’ll email you more details shortly.

Red Nose Day

…is next Friday. To mark the occasion, we’re having a non-uniform day and inviting children to wear some red. There’ll be a bucket to collect donations as you enter school. (Even though it’s a non-uniform day, pupils should dress appropriately, so no revealing clothes, high-heeled shoes or make-up – this is in line with our uniform policy.)

Staying safe

In emails from the Department for Education this week, one message is very clear: ‘England is still in a national lockdown. You must stay at home, leaving only where permitted by law, and follow the rules in the national lockdown: stay at home guidance.’

Please do keep following lockdown rules – we all so desperately want this lockdown to be the last!

Enjoy your weekend (including Mothers Day!).