Latest News
Latest News
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Message from Will McClean (MCC)
Fri 11 Dec 202011th December 2020
Dear Parents and Carers
I am sure you will be aware of the rapid escalation in the COVID-19 pandemic that we are experiencing across Wales. Monmouthshire is no different and we are experiencing significant increases in the rates of infection in many of our communities. As of today, the seven-day incidence rate across Wales is over 400 per 100,000 and in Monmouthshire, it is c.325; these numbers are having a material impact on our schools. In light of this fact and alongside the Minister for Education’s announcement regarding secondary schools we have reviewed the provision for face-to-face education in our primary schools in the week commencing the 14th December.
Following discussions with school leaders, Monmouthshire’s primary schools will move to a model of blended learning from Wednesday 16th December. Thursday 17th and Friday 18th will be blended learning – this is not an early start to the Christmas holiday. This is not a decision that we have arrived lightly but with an increasing prevalence across the county and a material impact on staffing levels in schools we believe that this step will allow us to reach the end of term safely for all.
We will continue to provide face-to-face provision for our vulnerable learners and we will make provision for childcare for NHS and social care workers. Your schools will be in touch early next week to set out these arrangements.
All of our school staff have worked tirelessly this term to keep our schools safe environments for our children and I am hugely grateful for their efforts.
Will McLean
Chief Officer Children & Young People Monmouthshire
Lead Director for SE Wales
Additional information from Archbishop Rowan Williams Primary School
Blended/home learning will be for one day only as we have a staff training day on
Friday 18th December.
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Key dates for next week
Fri 11 Dec 2020- Monday 14th December 2020 Flu Vaccination
- Monday 14th December 2020 we welcome Year 4 and Year R/1 KB back
- Wednesday 16th December 2020 -School as usual
- Thursday 17th December - Home learning
- Friday 18th December- School closure as staff are on training
Letter from Will McLean (MCC) to follow
Have a wonderful weekend and I shall post the Ambassadors on the Ambassadors page shortly.
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Whole school team effort
Sun 06 Dec 2020Dear Parent, Carers, Families,
As I am sure you are aware, we have had two positive cases of Covid 19 reported to us via Environmental Health, and both Year 4 and Year R/1 Miss Burton are completing their period of self-isolation.
I am now looking at how we can collectively minimise any further cases. This is going to be very challenging, as Environmental Health has confirmed that the Caldicot area is a ‘hot spot’.
We know that from the day of onset of symptoms, the Environmental Health Team count back 2 days, and consider them to be part of the persons infectious period.
I was therefore wondering that as we have just had 2 days apart for the weekend, we could be extra cautious and vigilant for symptoms to maximise the usefulness of the 2 day break. If you think that your child may be unwell, air on the side of caution, and do not send them. Monitor them carefully and send them back as soon as you feel that they are well. If you are concerned at all, contact 119 for further advice.
This may allow us to capitalise on the 2 day break that the weekend has given us and keep any spread to a minimum.
Your children are absolutely welcome at school, and we are not asking you to keep them away unnecessarily, only if they are unwell.
I will try to keep you as informed as I possibly can, and below are some links to further advice,
Kind regards,
Caroline Swann
Symptoms of COVID-19:
- a new or continuous cough
- a high temperature
- a loss of or change to sense of smell or taste
If your child develops any of these symptoms, even if they are mild, you need to:
- Book a test for them by phoning 119 or through the online portal: https://www.nhs.uk/ask-for-a-coronavirus-test
- Inform Archbishop Rowan Williams CiW Primary School that they are unwell with Covid 19 symptoms and that you have requested a test
- Ensure your child self-isolates for 10 days from when their symptoms started
- All other household members isolate for 14 days from when your child developed symptoms
- Do not visit a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital but if you require medical advice, please contact NHS 111 or telephone your GP; if there is a medical emergency, phone 999
To reduce the risk of COVID-19 spreading, there are things that everyone in your family can do to help. These include:
- washing hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 seconds
- using hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available
- washing hands as soon as they get home
- covering their mouth and nose with a tissue or sleeve (not their hands) when they cough or sneeze
- putting used tissues in the bin immediately and washing hands afterwards
Further information on symptoms and self-isolation can be found here:
https://gov.wales/symptoms-and-self-isolation-contact-tracing
Further information on NHS Wales Test, Trace, Protect can be found here:
https://gov.wales/test-trace-protect-coronavirus
For general information on COVID-19: https://gov.wales/protect-yourself-others-coronavirus
The COVID-19 online symptom checker can tell you if you need medical help and advise you what to do: https://gov.wales/check-if-you-need-coronavirus-medical-help
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Covid 19 Update
Sat 05 Dec 2020Dear Parents/Carers/Families,
I am sure that you will be feeling concerned regarding the 2 confirmed cases of Covid 19 at our school. I will try to keep you updated quickly and with as much information as possible throughout this time. We now have 2 classes affected: Year R/1 KB and Year 4. All families within these groups have been contacted. No spread has occurred within school that we can see.
We’re working closely with the NHS Test, Trace and Protect (TTP) team based in Monmouthshire County Council to ensure all appropriate measures are in place to protect pupils, staff and the wider community.
The school remains open and it is not necessary for any other child to self-isolate, stay away from school or to be tested, unless advised to by a TTP team or they develop symptoms of Covid-19.
As soon as I get chance I will create a’ Covid 19 Update’ page in ‘News and Events ‘on our website to try and make it a bit easier to find relevant information.
Do take care everyone and we will collectively make every effort possible to minimise spread.
Very kind regards,
Caroline Swann
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A mixed bag.
Fri 04 Dec 2020Well,
It’s been quite a busy news day today.
Firstly, can I apologise to our Ambassadors and our Platinum pupils!
We were unable do have our usual celebrations today because of time constraints, so…
Monday morning… we will do both!... Woo hoo
As you know, we have had our first confirmed case of Covid-19 today. Everyone has pulled together to respond quickly and effectively, Environmental Health have answered all of our queries, ensuring that we have been well informed and thorough, and our families have been very supportive and we are very appreciative of this.
One class has been affected, and because of our ‘bubble’ system, no other staff or pupils outside of this bubble are required to self-isolate. This is testament to the staff following our Risk Assessment Procedure with such diligence and I am very proud of their professionalism and care.
We send our thoughts and prayers to all who are feeling unwell, and wish them a very speedy recovery.
Following on the ‘proud’ theme, I would like to announce that after a thorough assessment, we have retained our platinum Eco-Schools status!
What is truly impressive is that we achieved this status through our sustained and embedded eco ethos.
We were not aware that this assessment was taking place due to the current pandemic, so when asked for evidence, we did not have a portfolio on hand! In response, the teachers pulled together the ‘everyday’ learning experiences taking place across the school to submit as our evidence. Some of the comments from the assessor are below:
‘I have really enjoyed reading about the projects undertaken during lockdown and it is so heartening to know that the pupils have driven the learning in this area and are keen to find out more. It is so important to be able to take this knowledge and interest and turn it into positive actions to make a difference to plastic use, carbon emissions and other issues that they have learnt about.’
‘I am delighted to confirm that you have retained your platinum Eco-Schools status and wish you every success with your projects for the coming year. Maintaining the Eco-Schools Platinum status is a fantastic achievement. The school, staff and pupils, should feel proud of their hard work and commitment.’
Well done ARW staff for listening to and following the interests of the pupils…and well done ARW pupils for being Eco Warriors; being interested in and caring about your world.
Congratulations to you all.