Isn't Science clever?
Isn’t Science Clever?
A Science and Technology theme to this week’s blog; with news on Lateral Flow Tests for staff and dates for the next round of Zoom meetings.
I pride myself in being a rational person: a person who considers all the facts, who tries to keep perspective. More significantly, I try to be positive, to think of solutions rather than dwelling on problems. I have to admit that running a school in a pandemic, has tested my positivity at times, and the sheer enormity of organising the logistics has certainly been a challenge.
However, as I mentioned last week, there is light at the end of the tunnel. This “light” in the main, has been created by clever people, working behind the scenes, researching new medicines, new vaccines, new treatments, so that one day life can return to normal. In the past, we would not have been able to have had the testing kits available or indeed a vaccination in such a short time. We should be thankful to the scientists’ hard work, and hope that their work sees an end to restrictions sooner rather later.
Technology has helped us remain in contact with friends and loved ones. Technology has enabled children to access their school work and helped many adults to work from home. 10 months ago, most of us hadn’t used Zoom, or TEAMs, or video called, and now it is part of the new normal. As someone who hasn’t seen their family in person for over 6 months - technology has been a life line.
So, with my positive head back on - although life is difficult at the moment - we are lucky to live in a world, where Science and Technology have helped to improve our lives and helped us to cope. Isn’t Science clever?
Lateral Flow Tests for Staff
You may have heard in the news that primary school staff will be regularly tested for Covid 19 using Lateral Flow Tests. From next week (week beginning 25th January) the staff at Winshill Village will be tested twice a week using the Lateral Flow Tests. The tests will be completed at home, and the results are available after 30 minutes. The tests are specifically designed to identify positive cases in asymptomatic people.
Winshill Village Primary and Nursery School has been very fortunate not to have burst a bubble so far. The tests are an additional precautionary measure, so that we can continue to keep the children and staff as safe as possible. However, we must be prepared, that with increased testing in school, comes an increased risk of a bubble closure. We will, of course, keep you informed.
Covid Lockdown Rules Reminder
It has been brought to my attention that some families are breaking the rules of lockdown. A few children in school have mentioned birthday parties and sleepovers that happened last weekend. One of the rules of lockdown is no household mixing. By breaking the rules, you are increasing the risk of transmission between your family and friends; but it also increases the possibility of a member of staff becoming poorly. Please consider the whole community, through this difficult time. You can find a reminder of the rules here. I have a responsibility to report any breaches to the appropriate authorities.
Communication with School
If your child is working at home, then school will be contacting you every week, to check in and make sure everything is okay, both in terms of the child’s learning and their wellbeing. This communication will take several different forms: a zoom meeting, a phone call or email. Over the last couple of weeks, there have been some families that have been difficult to contact. We have a duty of care, to contact the children regularly. Please respond to contact made by school. If you are working, or a specific time is better to contact you, please let us know. If we do not have communication with the child, you may receive a home visit from me! (socially distanced obviously)
Funimate
Warning! There is a new APP/website that encourages children to video themselves and upload onto the internet. It is called Funimate (Funny Mate). Although, initially it appears harmless, there have been incidences where the website has been used for grooming. Any videos that are uploaded onto the site, are accessible by anyone on the internet. I know a few children have used Funimate. I highly recommend that you monitor your child’s use of this website , and discourage them from uploading any material onto the site. https://funimate.com/ The police are aware of this website.
Next Zoom Meetings
Next week, there will be more Zoom meetings for the children who are working from home. It is important that the children take part in the Zoom meetings, as it helps them to still feel part of the school community and it is a great opportunity for them to see their class mates and their class teacher. Please encourage your child to take part. Thirty minutes before the meeting, you will be texted the passcode to access the meeting. Any problems with the technology, please let us know. Next week’s Zoom meetings are taking place at the following times:
Nursery: Wednesday 27th January at 1pm
Reception: Tuesday 26th January at 1:30pm
Year 1: Monday 25th January at 10am
Year 2: Tuesday 26th January at 11:15am
Year 3: Monday 25th January at 1:15pm
Year 4: Thursday 28th January at 11:15am
Year 5: Friday 29th January at 10am
Year 6: Friday 29th January at 11am
FSM Hampers
There has been some confusion regarding the delivery of Free School Hampers, apologies. From Tuesday 26th January, those who are receiving benefit Free School Meals (and who are not in school) will receive a fortnightly food hamper. We have worked with Chartwells to improve the quality of the hampers. Many thanks for your patience.
RSE Parent Consultation
In my previous blog, I have outlined the plans for the implementation of Winshill Village’s “Relationship and Sex Education” scheme of work. Please read carefully, and feel free to contact me if you have any questions or comments. My blog regarding the Parent Consultation can be found here.
Mental Health
The lockdown, the Covid pandemic and the lack of routine, has impacted on everyone’s mental health - including our children’s. Please have a look at the link, where you will find 10 tips to help support your child’s mental health. https://ssscpd.co.uk/education/parentsandguardians/child-mental-health-10-tips-for-parents/-/pj==s
Scientific Inquiry by Susan Blackaby
Scientists are like explorers,
using what they know and see
to blaze a trail that, step by step,
will lead to new discoveries:
Formulate, distill and focus,
narrow down, define the gist,
determine scope and pinpoint locus -
this is your hypothesis.
Gather all the stuff you need
to put in place the machinations.
Document the happenings -
these comprise your observations.
What things change and what things stick?
Record the outcomes and effects.
Don’t presume and don’t predict -
collect the data: just the facts.
Combine the concrete things you see
with what you know and trials you test.
Interpretation is the key
results are where you end the quest.
Remember, we are here if you need us.
Stay Safe… and help keep others safe
Miss Goodson
