Latest News Updates

Lateral Flow Device (LFD) and PCR TESTS - Wednesday 28th April 2021

We have been made aware by a number of parents that LFD tests (the ones you can order to do at home), are being carried out on primary age children when they have corona virus symptoms. The government guidance states that LFD tests are only to test on ASYMPTOMATIC people - those without any symptoms of corona virus - and are to prevent people who are carrying the virus without knowing it, spreading it. They should be completed twice a week by people who do not have symptoms. The advice also states that the LFD tests are not to be used on children under the age of 11.

If your child has any symptoms of corona virus, even if your instinct is that it is something else, PLEASE book them a PCR test by calling 119 or visiting the website below. An appointment for a test is usually available very quickly - often within the hour.

Please let me know if you have any questions regarding this. Thank you for your ongoing support.

https://www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test

UPDATED GUIDANCE ON TESTING USING LFDs - COMMUNITY TESTING - Tuesday 23rd March 2021

Following the success of the asymptomatic testing programme on the return to school and college, it is vital to keep testing at home throughout the Easter holidays and into the summer term.

· Test twice a week at home

· Report results online as positive, negative or void. This information is critical in helping us to understand the prevalence of the virus across the country

· Continue to test twice weekly over the Easter holidays

· Test before returning to school or college for the summer term, either the night before, or morning of, the first day back, to find and isolate any positive cases

The following people in England will have access to regular rapid lateral flow testing made available to them:

Secondary school pupils and college students
Staff of primary and secondary schools, nurseries and colleges
Households, childcare and support bubbles of early years children, nursery children, primary and secondary-age pupils and college students
Households, childcare and support bubbles of staff of nurseries, primary and secondary schools, and colleges
Anyone who works in an occupation related to a childcare provider, school, nursery or college, and their household, childcare and support bubbles

Children of primary school age or younger will not be asked to test at this current time.

It is, however, your discretion if you would like to test your child or not as part of the household testing. At school, we are encouraging as many people within our school community to be tested as regularly as possible, as you know.

Community testing kits (LFDs) can be collected from Doncaster airport, the Mary Woollett Centre or alternatively you can order these to be delivered to your home.

This guidance was taken from gov.uk and can be found by following the link below:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/rapid-lateral-flow-testing-for-households-and-bubbles-of-school-pupils-and-staff

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Miss Marsden

UPDATED SCHOOL RISK ASSESSMENT - Saturday 20th March 2021
 
Please click here to find attached the latest version of the school's risk assessment with any further updates in yellow.

COVID 19 TESTING - Saturday 20th March 2021
 
There are two types of tests for COVID 19. I want to share with you a reminder of what these are and when they should be used.
 
LFD - lateral flow device
These tests are used regularly (usually twice a week, 3-4 days apart for asymptomatic individuals (those that do not display any of the COVID 19 symptoms of a new, continuous cough, high temperature or change in taste or smell). If the result of this test if positive then a PCR test should be taken to confirm a positive case of COVID 19.
LFD's can be collected from Doncaster airport or be delivered to your home as part of the community testing programme.
 
PCR - polymerase chain reaction test
These tests are conducted at testing sites and are booked through the NHS. These tests are for individuals who are displaying symptoms of COVID 19 described above. There are many test centres across Doncaster, with the airport being one of them.
 
Therefore Doncaster airport is now operating as a testing site for PCRs and a collection site for LFDs.
 
If someone in your household begins to display symptoms of COVID 19 they should arrange a PCR test as soon as possible and the household should isolate until the test result is back. If the test result is positive then the household will begin a 10 day isolation period from the day the symptoms began. If the test result is negative then the isolation period can end providing no other household members have any COVID 19 symptoms.
 
We are encouraging as many families as possible to take part in LFD testing as we know as many as 1 in 3 people now carry the virus and are asymptomatic. This action will help prevent the spread of the virus and allow restrictions to ease.

ANOTHER UPDATE - Thursday 18th March 2021
 
The government has announced that shielding guidance is being paused.
 
From Thursday 1 April, clinically extremely vulnerable (CEV) people are no longer advised to shield. CEV people must continue to follow the national restrictions that are in place for everyone.

UPDATED DFE GUIDANCE -  Thursday 18th March 2021
 
The guidance has been updated to include content on:
 
Returning to boarding school from overseas, including information on arrangements for pupils to quarantine on arrival in the UK in their boarding house.
 
Additional information to support parents considering elective home education for their child.
 
You can read the guidance, if you wish to, by following this link below.
 
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/what-parents-and-carers-need-to-know-about-early-years-providers-schools-and-colleges-during-the-coronavirus-covid-19-outbreak/what-parents-need-to-know-about-early-years-providers-schools-and-colleges-during-covid-19?utm_source=17%20March%202021%20C19&utm_medium=Daily%20Email%20C19&utm_campaign=DfE%20C19

MESSAGES TEACHERS OUT OF SCHOOL HOURS - Tuesday March 16th 2021
 
Dear parents and carers,
 
I would just like to remind you about the expectations on teachers to respond to messages on Class Dojo out-of-school hours. Teachers are finding parents are often messaging late in evenings or at weekends and expecting a response back before the teacher is back in school and at work the following working day. Of course we actively encourage communication between home and school and understand you may message at a time which is most convenient for yourself but please can I remind you that it is not an expectation for teachers to respond unless they are at work, in school. We are encouraging you to get in touch, regardless of the time or day, to report a possible positive case of COVID 19 to ensure we respond swiftly and take appropriate action to keep our school safe. Therefore, we do not want these messages to get mixed in with others that are less urgent during out of school hours.
 
Thank you for your understanding.
 
Miss Marsden

COMMUNITY TESTING FOR FAMILIES WITH PRIMARY AGED CHILDREN - Tuesday 9th March 2021

Lateral flow testing kits are now available for collection for families who have primary aged children. Lateral flow testing is regular testing of people without any COVID 19 symptoms. Staff at school take part in this twice each week with the test only taking a few minutes and results shown in half an hour.

I have put together a 'how to' guide which shares with you the website link.

Doncaster Airport is open 1 - 8pm 7 days a week for collection of these testing kits for your family. I have also been advised by Public Health that you can check using this link how much stock they have.

https://find-covid-19-rapid-test-sites.maps.test-and-trace.nhs.uk/

Yesterday I spoke to Year 3 - 6 children about this resource available to raise awareness and explain the purposes of doing this.

As many as 1 in 3 people now have the virus with no symptoms so taking part in regular testing at home using these kits will help eliminate the potential spread of virus.

I am encouraging as many families as possible to take up this opportunity so that we can help to keep our school community and Doncaster as safe as it possibly can be.

Please click here for the NHS community testing guide.

#Let'sdoitforDoncaster

KEY MESSAGES FOR PARENTS READY FOR NEXT WEEK - Thursday 4th March 2021
 
Staggered starts and drop offs will stay the same:
 
Nursery - set times already in place
Reception - 8.45am/3.15pm
Year 1 - 9am/3.30pm
Year 2 - 9am/3.30pm
Year 3 - 8.45am/3.15am
Year 4 - 9am/3.30pm
Year 5 - 8.45am/3.15pm
Year 6 - 9am/3.30pm
 
Parents will continue to use the one-way system for drop off and pick up and wear a face covering unless exempt.
 
Children will now be asked to wash their hands on arrivals and at set times built in across the day with hand santisier used frequently during lessons in addition to this.
 
Children who develop symptoms whilst on the school site will be moved to the isolation room until they are collected with staff wearing PPE who stay with the child. Both the isolation room and any area the child has accessed in school will be deep cleaned.
 
Additional cleaning will take place across the school day including the wiping down of desks, door handles, equipment and cleaning of toilets.
 
All shared equipment is cleaned, such as play equipment boxes (one per bubble) and children have their own sets of equipment as much as possible.
 
School uniform will be required with additional layers, such as fleeces/jumpers, allowed to ensure pupils feel warm with windows and doors open to ventilate classrooms.
 
Bubbles (classes) will be kept separate at all times across the school day through systems in place, such as a one-way corridor/walk way, staggered breaks and lunchtimes, only one child per gender per class using shared toilets using a toilet pass and lunches delivered to classrooms.
 
Active involvement with NHS Track and Trace through staff asymptomatic testing twice per week and close tracking of attendance by Mrs Yates our COVID coordinator.
 
Breakfast club will continue to run with bubbles kept separate through systems in place.
 
Commando Joe club for Y5 bubble only on Wednesdays.
 
Science club for Y1 and Y2 pupils (kept separate) on Mondays.
 
All staff have been briefed through meetings on the updated risk assessment.
 
Please let me know if you have any questions or would like to discuss the risk assessment further.
 
Miss Marsden

RISK ASSESSMENT FOR THE FULL RETURN ON PUPILS ON 8TH MARCH - Thursday 4th March 2021
 
As you know we will be opening our doors to all of our pupils on Monday next week and to help us prepare for this I have created an updated risk assessment which follows the guidance provided to schools from the DfE.
 
The guidance can be found by clicking here if you wish to read it in full yourself.
 
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/964351/Schools_coronavirus_operational_guidance.pdf
 
The risk assessment is attached.
 
I will share a separate message which has the key messages on from the risk assessment to summarise it for you.
 
Miss Marsden

FAMILY TESTING FOR COVID 19 - Thursday 4th March 2021
 
Families are now being encouraged to test themselves twice a week as part of the asymptomatic (no symptoms) lateral flow tests.
 
This is to support the safe reopening of schools next week with as many as 1 in 3 people carrying the virus without any symptoms.
 
Testing kits are available through a variety of ways, including ordering online or going to a rapid testing site, with more details about these on the attached flyer.
 
Together we can all play our part to keep each other safe and stop the spread of the virus.
 
Let's do it for Doncaster.

SNOW - ONLY OPEN TO CRITICAL WORKERS WHO HAVE NO OTHER CHILDCARE - Tuesday 2nd February 
 
If you look out of the window this morning you will find snow and it is forecast to continue snowing across the day. Many of our teachers travel in from outside of Doncaster; Barnsley, Chesterfield, Sheffield and Rotherham and these places seem to have more snow currently than Doncaster itself. I am therefore asking staff who live local or who live in walking distance to attend work only and others to teach and work from home for their safety and the safety of others. Please can I ask that only children of CRITICAL WORKERS WITH NO OTHER AVAILABLE CHILDCARE to attend school today and others stay at home. This will help to reduce numbers of children in school so that we can supervise those who are sufficiently.

This also includes Nursery who are closed and only open to critical workers with NO OTHER CHILDCARE ARRANGEMENTS.
 
Thank you for your understanding.
 
I will keep you updated across the school day about tomorrow.
 
Miss Marsden

STAFF COVID 19 TESTING - Tuesday 26th January 2021
 
The NHS have now supplied school with lateral flow testing kits for staff. These tests will be conducted twice a week on Sundays and Wednesdays starting tomorrow (27th January). Please click here to view the letter that explains the testing programme further and identifies what would happen if a staff member tested positive.
 
To summarise, there is the need for parents who are critical workers or those with vulnerable children who are currently attending school to:
 
Check class dojo on Sunday afternoons and Wednesday evenings for any bubble closures following test results of staff.
 
Arrange, if possible, alternative childcare at short notice if your child's bubble closed.
 
If you have any further questions then please message myself on dojo or phone the school office.
 
We feel reassured that this is another safety measure now in place, alongside the risk assessment, to ensure school is kept safe for everyone in our school community.

SCHOOL RISK ASSESSMENT - Sunday 24th January 2021
 
Please click here to find the school's most updated risk assessment FYI. If you have any questions about the content please do not hesitate to get in touch.
 
Miss Marsden

SCHOOL CLOSURE - FRIDAY 15TH JANUARY 2021
 
Due to the heavy snowfall today and the ice-cold conditions overnight, I have made the decision to close school tomorrow (Friday 15th January).
 
I apologise for the inconvenience this causes parents who are critical workers, but the health and safety of our school is a priority, especially during this current time. I feel this is the most sensible option to ensure we are all kept safe and do not make a hazardous journey in the morning which puts safety at risk.
 
Remote learning will still take place tomorrow through Microsoft Teams and teachers will be in touch about any changes in arrangements for this.
 
Thank you in anticipation for your support and understanding.
 
Take care and stay safe,
 
Miss Marsden

SNOW - SCHOOL CLOSURE - Thursday 14th January 2021
 
We have made the decision that school will close at 1pm today due to the weather forecast and the risk this presents for everyone getting home safely. If you can collect your child before 1pm then please do so. If you are unable to collect your child then please phone the school office so that we can make further arrangements.

FREE SCHOOL MEAL VOUCHERS - WONDE - Tuesday 12th January 2021
 
Dear parents and carers,
 
We have issued Wonde vouchers this morning for those children who are eligible for Free School Meals in school. Please give these a few hours to come through and check your junk box in email.
 
These vouchers are the same as those used previously in the first lockdown where they are text and emailed to your phone with a code to redeem.
 
The DfE have agreed to fund £3 per day totaling £15 per week. Last week, with school open Monday, the total for children is £12 maximum. If your child has been in school as a vulnerable or critical worker then you will not receive a voucher for those days.
 
We will track attendance across this week and issue the next set of vouchers at the beginning of next week.
 
Miss Marsden

CRITICAL WORKER PARENTS - Wednesday 6th January 2021
 
Currently we have fairly low numbers of children in school whose parents are critical workers. This means we have not had to explore other options which we may have to do if these rise. This includes:
 
Both parents required to be critical workers for a place.
 
Categories for the critical worker roles with specific roles being a priority, such as NHS staff, over others.
 
Applying a rota system of places.
 
This also might apply for some classes where numbers are higher than others.
 
If you have any concerns or your circumstances change then please contact the school.

GOVERNMENT GUIDANCE - Monday 4th January 2021
 
Following the Prime Minister’s announcement we have been notified by Doncaster Council that we now have to move to remote learning immediately. St Joseph's will be in contact tomorrow morning with details of the remote learning provision and we will outline the booking system for key workers and vulnerable children as required by the Department for Education. We will send further details out about who will be able to access this provision from Wednesday 6th January 2021. Thank you for your ongoing support and understanding during these difficult times.
 
Therefore to clarify no children will be attending school tomorrow in Reception to Year 6. The nursery will remain open until I receive further guidance.

UPDATE ON THE SCHOOL NATIVITY - Wednesday 15th December 2020
 
Due to technical difficulties and restrictions on using zoom, we have decided to pre-record our St Joseph's Nativity on Teams instead to ensure this runs as smoothly as possible. The final performance was this morning and the children were AMAZING! The video will be shared with you all tomorrow. Being a recording, this now also means that you can share and play the performance with other family members over Christmas.
 
Thank you for your understanding. Despite the given circumstances, the children performed brilliantly in their classes virtually and I am sure you will all agree when you watch it.

PARENTS EVENING - JANUARY - Wednesday 15th December 2020
 
We are due our second parents evening in January 21 and this time we are going to schedule phone calls between parents and teachers for 10 minute slots to share your child's progress, attainment, behaviour and any other areas you may wish to discuss.
 
A letter will be sent out in the first week back with your call time slot for your child's appointment.
 
The days of these calls for each class are as follows:
 
Monday 11th January - Year 6
Tuesday 12th January - Year 5
Wednesday 13th January - Year 4
Thursday 14th January - Year 3
Friday 15th January - Year 2
 
Monday 18th January - Year 1
Tuesday 19th January - Reception
Wednesday 20th January - Nursery
 
These calls will take place in the afternoon and after school.
 
Please can I ask you to message the class teacher on dojo if you have a preferred time and also if you wish to have two separate phone calls for any parents who live in different households.
 
Miss Marsden

SCHOOL TRACK AND TRACE - Thursday 10th December 2020
 
As part of the DfE announcement earlier this week, they have asked schools to support a track and trace type system for COVID 19 over the Christmas holidays. Due to schools closing, there is not the usual form of communication through the school office telephone number to inform us if a child has developed symptoms or tested positive. If this is the case, it is important other families are made aware so that they can isolate and reduce contact with other family members over the festive period, preventing the potential spread of the virus any further.
 
Please can I therefore ask you to send a direct message to myself, Miss Marsden, through class dojo if your child becomes unwell with symptoms or tests positive for COVID 19. I can then make the contact I need with other families who this may affect as soon as possible. The virus incubation period is between 2 and 14 days so this will cover the Christmas holiday up until 1st January.

SAFE TRAVEL - Tuesday 24th November 2020

Please click here to find attached a easy read guide on safer travel for passengers and a link to the Government guidance which was updated on 20th November.

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-safer-travel-guidance-for-passengers

HOW TO TAKE A TEST SWAB - Sunday 22nd November 2020

This video is really useful to watch to prepare you for if you or your child need to take a COVID 19 test with step-by-step demonstrations.

UPDATED DfE GUIDANCE - Friday 6th November 2020
 
Please see below updated guidance released 05.11.20 on children and the clinically extremely vulnerable category:
 
Children
More evidence has emerged that shows there is a very low risk of children becoming very unwell from coronavirus (COVID-19), even for children with existing health conditions. Most children originally identified as clinically extremely vulnerable no longer need to follow original shielding advice. Parents should be advised to speak to their child’s GP or specialist clinician if they have not already done so, to understand whether their child should still be classed as clinically extremely vulnerable.
 
Those children whose doctors have confirmed they are still clinically extremely vulnerable are advised not to attend childcare or nursery during the period this advice is in place.
 
Children who live with someone who is clinically extremely vulnerable, but who are not clinically extremely vulnerable themselves, should still attend education or childcare.
 
Parents of clinically extremely vulnerable children will be receiving a letter shortly confirming this advice.
 
The link to this guidance is:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/education-and-childcare-settings-new-national-restrictions-from-5-november-2020?utm_source=5%20November%202020%20C19&utm_medium=Daily%20Email%20C19&utm_campaign=DfE%20C19

SCHOOL RISK ASSESSMENT - Thursday 5th November 2020
 
Our school risk assessment is both robust and rigorous and I believe that it has been highly effective in keeping our children, staff and community safe since the reopening of school. Please click here to find  attached a copy of our latest school risk assessment for any parents who wish you see in further detail the safety control measures we have in place. Our school risk assessment has been updated fortnightly since it's creation and will continue to be reviewed on a regular basis as and when needed. If you have any further questions about the school's risk assessment, please not not hesitate to get in touch.
 
Miss Marsden

WRAPPING UP WARM - Tuesday 3rd November 2020
 
The DfE guidance has noted that classrooms will be colder due to the drop in temperatures as we head towards winter. As a safety measure we are required to ventilate the classrooms and corridors through opening windows and this is one of the system of controls set out by the government. We will continue to have the school heating on however this will not fully substitute the cold air from the ventilation. I therefore want to reassure you that the pupils can come to school with additional layers such as fleeces and hoodies and therefore may not be wearing full school uniform. This can take immediate affect from tomorrow.

FREE SCHOOL MEAL VOUCHERS - 23rd October 2020
 
MPs have voted against extending free school meal vouchers into the October half term holiday however the Chief Executive and Major of Doncaster Council have taken the urgent decision to fund schools to provide vouchers.
 
Therefore, children registered for free school meals will receive a Wonde voucher for 1 week to either the parent's email address as an email or to their phone as a text message.
 
Please inform the school office if you do not receive your voucher. These are being organised today so they should be sent out over the weekend.

MOVING DONCASTER INTO THE VERY HIGH CATEGORY - Please click here to view a letter to schools from Doncaster Council 21st October 2020

CORONAVIRUS CONFUSION - Wednesday 7th October 2020
 
Many of us are feeling unsure about all of the different rules and for how long to self-isolate for in given situations with the ever changing guidance and developments from the Government. Please click here to view a parent guide which clearly explains when to keep your child off school and for how long for. I hope you find this useful.

CHANGE OF DATE - Monday 5th October 2020
 
Parents evening forms will now be sent home on Wednesday 14th October rather than Wednesday 7th October. With wellbeing week and lots of other activities, some teachers are still finalising all of their assessments for the class so that they can share with you their findings.
 
Miss Marsden

MICROSOFT TEAMS - Thursday 1st October 2020
 
Tomorrow your child (Reception to Year 6) should be bringing home a letter which contains your child's personal email address and password.
 
The school has invested in Microsoft Teams as a learning platform for children who need to self-isolate.
 
I have put together a parent guide (click here) for you to follow so that you can become familiar with the software and support your child to access it at home if needed.

Important - Friday 25th September 2020
 
Please click here to view the DfE LETTER TO PARENTS AND GUARDIANS; WHEN TO BOOK A CORONAVIRUS TEST FOR YOUR CHILD
 
Please read the attached letter which explains in more detail about testing your child for COVID 19. I have been asked to share this with you from the Department of Health and Social Care.

WHAT HAS CHANGED 22 September - Wednesday 23rd September 2020
 
Please read the following document, if you have not done so already, to ensure you are familiar with the changes happening from today and tomorrow related to COVID 19.
 
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/coronavirus-covid-19-what-has-changed-22-september?utm_source=23%20September%202020%20C19&utm_medium=Daily%20Email%20C19&utm_campaign=DfE%20C19

WEEKEND CONTACT - Wednesday 23rd September 2020
 
COVID 19 doesn't operate Monday - Friday and neither do we at school! Please message myself (Miss Marsden) on class dojo if your child or a member of your household develops symptoms, is being tested or if you have received a positive test result. The DfE have released a phoneline for schools to ring for advice on Saturday and Sunday so that they can act both quickly and effectively. Thank you for your continued co-operation and understanding.

PARENTS WEARING FACE COVERINGS - Tuesday 22nd September
 
School has made the decision following on from recent Government announcements and the rise in COVID 19 cases that from Thursday all parents and carers will be required to wear a face mask when on the school site for drop off and pick up. This will be added to our school risk assessment and is another precautionary measure we are taking to protect the children, staff and community at St Joseph's. Please inform school if you are exempt from wearing a face covering for medical reasons so that we are aware of this.

COVID 19 SYMPTOMS - Monday 14th September 2020
 
We have seen an increase in the number of children who are absent today as they are displaying symptoms of being unwell. Most of these symptoms are linked to a common cold rather than COVID 19 however we understand that the choice whether to send them to school or not can be difficult.
 
Doncaster Council have shared this useful poster with information on what parents should look out for in children displaying COVID 19 symptoms.
 
If you are unsure if your child has cold symptoms or COVID 19 symptoms, it is always best to keep your child off to monitor them for 24 hours and call 111 for further advice.
 
Thank you for your continued support and understanding.

ONLINE SAFETY - Tik Tok - Monday 7th September
 
If your child or yourself use Tik Tok then please remove devices for 72 hours in order to safeguard your children. There is a video going around on the 'for you page' which contains disturbing content linked to a suicide. Please make other parents aware if you can.

SOCIAL DISTANCING - Monday 7th September
 
Today we have received feedback that not all parents are adhering to the 2 metre social distancing rule on the playground at drop off and pick up times. As a school we have put in place all that we can with a one-way system, staggered start and end times, signs around school and entrances and exits spread out across the school building.
 
I think the main area of congestion in a morning is at the bottom of the playground where Reception and Year 1 are dropped off as it is a tighter space before the playground widens out.
 
Please can I ask for you all to be mindful and find a space further up the playground if you notice this area becoming busy.
 
Our responsibility is for the safety of the children and adults are responsible for their own actions.

SYMPTOMS AND TESTING FOR COVID 19 - Monday 7th September
 
It has come to my attention that there are a number of children absent from school today. Many children have developed symptoms of a cold with a runny nose and cough over the weekend. I would like to thank the parents for following our guidance, ensuring their child is kept off school to allow further monitoring of their health and for booking a COVID 19 test informing us of the outcomes.
 
I would like to assure you that there are NO positive cases of COVID 19 at school.
 
Parents are following this as a precautionary measure and this is extremely important for the safety of everyone in school.
 
We will be approaching the winter months shortly and the usual bugs will still occur so please remember to distinguish between these symptoms and those of COVID 19.
 
I am sure you will all agree being over cautious rather than under cautious is better during these times!

FRUIT AND TUCK SHOP IN SCHOOL - Thursday 3rd September 2020

From Monday (7th) tuck shop will be starting for Key Stage 2 pupils only (year 3, 4, 5 and 6) where they will have the opportunity to purchase a snack for breaktime. Pupils need to keep their money in their class draw or school bag. Please click here for a price list.

Pupils will have the tuck shop trolley brought to their classrooms and a member of staff in the teaching bubble will administer this.

Infants (Nursery, Reception, Year 1 and year 2) will have daily fruit and this will begin on Tuesday when we get our first delivery.

Miss Marsden

JACKET POTATOES DINNER OPTION - Thursday 3rd September 2020
 
From Monday next week (7th), children will also have the option of a jacket potato with beans, tuna or cheese as part of the dinner menu we are offering.
 
Many thanks
 
Miss Marsden

DfE LATEST GUIDANCE FOR FULL OPENING OF SCHOOLS - Saturday 29th August 2020
 
On 28th August (yesterday) the DfE released updated guidance to schools on the full reopening for Autumn term.
 
The measures set out in the guidance provide a framework to put in place proportionate protective measures for children and staff, which also ensure that all pupils receive a high quality education that enables them to thrive and progress.
 
The system of controls provides a set of principles and if schools follow this advice and maximise the use of control 

measures, they will effectively minimise risks. All elements of the system of controls are essential.
 
Please click here to find attached a document which has the system of controls on along with responses in red which outline what St Joseph's are actioning specifically to address these areas. It also clarifies information on new subjects, such as face coverings and has added information on responding to infection.
 
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to get in touch.
 
Miss Marsden

USEFUL INFORMATION - Thursday 27th August 2020
 
Doncaster Council have created a specific place on their website on returning to school for parents and carers. The link is below:
 
www.doncaster.gov.uk/schoolopening

HOW ARE WE KEEPING OUR CHILDREN SAFE? - Thursday 27th August 2020
 
I thought I would summarise the main safety measures we have in place to ensure safety of everyone in school is paramount when we re-open next week.
 
We are using the 'protective bubble strategy' where all pupils will be kept separate in their year group 'bubbles.'
 
Pupils will have staggered break times and allocated areas with their own set of play equipment. This equipment will only be used by the bubble and will be cleaned daily.
 
Pupils in Years 1 - 6 will eat their lunch in class and have this brought to them. Lunchtime has been split into two with KS1 and KS2 so that all children have the opportunity to play outside safely and away from other bubbles.
 
Any resources that will be shared between bubbles, such as PE equipment or ipads, will be cleaned thoroughly between uses.
 
Only one boy and girl from each class bubble will use the toilet at any one time unless it is an emergency! Toilets will be cleaned twice throughout the school day and once before school totalling three times per day.
 
Lidded bins are in each classroom and toilet area to promote the 'catch it, bin it kill it' approach.
 
Classrooms will be cleaned across the school day (desks, door handles and equipment) by a member of staff in the teaching bubble.
 
Children in Year 1- 6 will be seated in rows facing forwards and children will have the same seat each day. Children in Reception and Nursery will be spread out across the provision and will wash their hands or use hand sanitiser before moving to another area. Equipment in the provision is cleaned across the school day by designated members of staff within the bubbles. Only one bubble - either Nursery or Reception - will use the outdoor area at any one time and this will be cleaned between uses.
 
Children will have their own individual sets of equipment - pencil, ruler, pen etc.
 
Children will wash their hands as they enter the school building, at break time, before and after lunch time and at other planned intervals across the school day.
 
All classrooms have a supply of hand sanitiser, tissues and cleaning equipment.
 
Any child who feels unwell with COVID 19 symptoms will be isolated and staff will wear PPE whilst looking after the child. Parents will be contacted immediately and the child will need to be tested before they can return to school. Depending on the outcome of the test, or if anybody else in that bubble becomes unwell with COVID 19 symptoms, different actions will be taken following the Public Health Team advice.
 
If a member of staff becomes unwell with COVID 19 symptoms then they will be sent home immediately and they will need to be tested. Again, depending on the outcomes of the test different actions will be taken.
 
There are staggered start and end times with designated areas for drop off and pick up. There is a one-way system in place for parents to follow.
 
All staff have received PPE training and they will also wear PPE to deliver first aid or provide intimate care needs.
 
Please do not hesitate to get in touch if you have any further questions.
 
Miss Marsden

RETURN TO SCHOOL - Thursday 27th August 2020
 
Dear parents and carers,
 
We are excited to welcome back our pupils next week so that they can return to their essential learning, play with their friends and get some routine back.
 
Click here to see the September re-opening parents guide for those of you who may have missed this at the end of last half term. The guide goes through new systems we have in place and the safety measures we have taken in school. Please do not hesitate to contact me through class dojo if you have any further queries - I am more than happy to answer them and help in any way I can.
 
I thought I would summarise key points below:
 
Pupils in Years 1 - 6 will all return back to school on Wednesday 2nd September.
 
Pupils in Reception have a staggered start will new starters on Wednesday 2nd then a split of either Thursday 3rd or Friday 4th before all the children join together on Monday 7th.
 
Nursery children will start back on their day and nursery hours from Wednesday 2nd.
 
All children are required to now wear school uniform.
 
Children are allowed to bring in their water bottles and book bags. They will also need to bring their PE kits on the days in which they have PE. Teachers will be sharing information with you next week on which days this will be for each class. There will be no PE in the first week back.
 
Each year group has a set start and end time for the school day and a designated entrance and exit in to and out of the school building. This is in the guidance attached and there will also be signs around school and staff to help direct you.
 
A one-way drop off and pick up system is also in place for parents to follow.
 
We advise parents who have children in multiple year groups to wait on the playground between the staggered start and end times, keeping themselves socially distanced from other families.
 
If you have any questions or want to speak to the teacher we advise you to contact them through class dojo or ring the school office for them to call you back. No parents are allowed into school except for Nursery parents to settle their children on drop off.
 
The only club running is breakfast club each morning before school. The children will be kept in their year group 'bubbles.' Children will be dropped off at the school office for this club as usual.
 
I think I have covered most points! If I think of anything else I will let you know.
 
Take care and see you all next week,
 
Miss Marsden

RESPONSE TO THE PARENT SURVEY - Wednesday 29th July 2020

Thank you to those parents and carers who have completed the online survey on the school's response to COVID 19, including plans for September reopening.

I have created a document (click here) to respond (in red) to answers in the hope that this provides further clarity in any areas of uncertainty.

If you have any other queries please do not hesitate to get in touch through class dojo where I can answer any further questions or provide any more information you may require.

If you have not completed the survey then I would really appreciate it if you could, it only takes around 2 minutes.

The link to follow is:

https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/B98BXDP

Thank you for your continued support.

Miss Marsden

DARTS - Sunday 26th July 2020
 
As part of the Doncaster Summer Staycation, darts is collaborating with lots of great partners across Doncaster to deliver a massive programme of amazing summer activities for children and young people to get involved in. There is plenty to spark young imaginations over the summer holidays from dancing to drumming to DJing - and all inclusive!
 
Find out more information by following this link below and looking at the attachment.
 
https://wearedarts.org.uk/doncaster-summer-staycation/

PARENT QUESTIONNAIRE - Thursday 16th July 2020
 
As this term draws to a close, I would like to provide the opportunity for you to complete a survey and provide us with your invaluable feedback. This year has been very different to usual and I have therefore adapted the end of year parent questionnaire to reflect COVID 19. The survey focuses on school's response during lockdown and the September plans which have been put in place and shared with you earlier this week through the parent guide.
 
Please click on this link to complete the survey, it will only take a few minutes of your time.
 
https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/B98BXDP
 
Thank you in advance for your time and feedback.
 
Miss Marsden

DONCASTER SUMMER STAYCATION - Wednesday 15th July 2020

This Summer, Doncaster Local Authority have arranged a range of free activities which are either virtual or face-to-face. There are some bookable activities which you will need to book places for (these are limited) and some activities you can just drop into.

Bookings open from tomorrow - Thursday 16th July 2020.

More information on this is available on the website www.doncaster.gov.uk/summerstaycation

You can also watch this promotional video below.

PUPIL QUESTIONNAIRE - Monday 13th July 2020

Please click here to find a pupil questionnaire on wellbeing. We are really interested to find out how COVID 19 has impacted on our children's mental health as well as their education. In September, wellbeing will be an important part of the 'recovery curriculum.' It would be really helpful if your child could complete the questionnaire attached (with your help) so that we can use this feedback as part of our September planning.

Please can you send any responses back to the school administrator email address which is:

admin@st-josephs.doncaster.sch.uk

or bring these back as paper copies when you collect your child's reports and books from the school office.

TRANSITION- Saturday 11th July 2020
 
We know that transition is a little different this year and this has brought with it understandable worries and anxieties  due to limited opportunities. However, at St Joseph's we want to ensure that we do all we can to make our children feel  happy and confident about their return to school in September.
 
Therefore we have decided to do the following:
 
New nursery starters have the opportunity to visit the nursery setting by appointment and have received a transition  booklet through the post.
 
New reception starters have the opportunity to attend school on Wednesday 2nd September before other reception  children start back. They have also received a transition booklet in the post.
 
Nursery and reception children who are not new starters have a transition booklet within their end of year report.
 
Miss Goodwin will teach Reception next week as their new teacher.
 
Mrs Robinson will teach Year 1 next week as their new teacher.
 
Year 2 to Year 5 have transition letters within their end of year report from their new teacher.
 
Year 6 have completed separate transition work with their new high schools virtually and through transition booklets  posted out.
 
New class teachers will be in touch very soon on class dojo to answer any questions you may have.

BROOKLANDS INSTITUTE PARENTAL SURVEY - Friday 10th July 2020

PROCEDURES - IMPORTANT INFORMATION - Monday 22nd June 2020
 
Dear parents/carers,
 
Please find below four important procedures that you need to know if the situation was ever to arise. Information packs have been printed and prepared to give out to parents for each of these containing NHS testing information as well as the procedure for the bubble to follow. We hope that we will not need to use these but we want everyone to be as prepared and informed as possible.
 
Miss Marsden

Procedure for if somebody in your child’s bubble is contacted by the test and trace system.

Procedure for if somebody in your child’s bubble is sent home with covid-19 symptoms.

Procedure for if your family is contacted by the test and trace system.

Procedure for if your child is sent home unwell with covid-19 symptoms.

KEY WORKER DROP OFF/PICK UP UPDATE - Sunday 21st June 2020

Thank you to those parents who have provided useful feedback last week on our new systems in place. I have attached a update for parents/carers who drop off and pick up from the school office to make the one way route clearer. A member of staff will be around to guide you and answer any questions you may have. Please click here to view the attachment.

Thank you

Miss Mardsen 

CORONA VIRUS - BOOKING A TEST - Wednesday 17th June 2020
 
If you need to book a test for anyone in your household who displays COVID 19 symptoms then this is the link you will need to follow.
 
https://www.nhs.uk/ask-for-a-coronavirus-test
 
If anybody in your household has been contacted by the test and trace system then school must be informed as soon as possible. The 'bubble' they are in will self-isolate until results from the person contacted are back as a precaution.
 
Please click here to find a document which provides more information from the NHS website on testing.
 
If a child/staff member was sent home with COVID 19 symptoms or from a 'bubble' where a child/staff member had COVID 19 symptoms then this information will be provided. Everyone will go into self-isolation until the results are confirmed as a precautionary measure.

FAQs
 
Please click here to find a document containing FAQs on testing which you may find useful.

PROCEDURE FOR IF A CHILD OR STAFF MEMBER BECOMES UNWELL - Tuesday 16th June 2020

Please see below for your information a flowchart which we will be following school as a procedure.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS - Friday 12th June 2020
 
Please click here to view a document containing FAQs which you may find of use.
 
Thank you to all of those parents who have informed class teachers in Reception, Year 1 and Year 6 on whether their child will be returning to school next week.
 
If you haven't done so already then please do this by the end of today (12th June).
 
If you have any further questions then please do not hesitate to get in touch.

DROP OFF AND PICK UP SYSTEM - Friday 12th June 2020

Please click here to view the drop off and pick up system for key workers.

Please click here to view the one way drop off and pick up system for Reception, Year 1 and Year 6.

RETURN TO SCHOOL INFORMATION PACKS - Friday 12th June 2020

For Reception please click here

For Year 1 please click here

For Year 6 please click here

REOPENING LETTER FOR PARENTS - Thursday 11th June 2020
 
Dear parents and carers,
 
Please click here to find a letter which outlines our reopening plans for next week.
 
The 'return to school information packs' will be shared with you tomorrow and these will contain more detailed information for you to share with your child.
 
Decisions on whether your child will return if they are in Reception, Year 1 and Year 6 will need to be given to the class teachers via dojo by the end of tomorrow (12th June).
 

JOINT STATEMENT FROM THE MAYOR AND PUBLIC HEALTH - Thursday 11th June 2020

LETTER FROM DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC HEALTH - Thursday 11th June 2020
 
Dear parents and carers,
 
Please click here to find a letter from Dr Rupert Suckling explaining the latest updates on the reopening of schools across Doncaster. Shortly, I will be sending out another letter explaining further how this will work more specifically for our school.
 
Many thanks
 
Miss Marsden

LETTER FROM THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC HEALTH, DONCASTER - Saturday 6th June 2020

Please click here to find a letter which was sent out to Headteacher's earlier in the week from Dr Rupert Suckling. This letter is now being shared with the public. Inside, it clearly explains the reasons why Doncaster schools are not in a position to reopen safely as yet.
 
We have the provisional date of 15th June for reopening school to Reception, Year 1 and Year 6 as well as key worker children depending on the outcomes of further meetings held this week. As soon as I know more information, I will share this with you so please keep checking for updates.
 
Thank you for your continued patience and understanding.
 
Miss Marsden

IMPORTANT UPDATE - SCHOOL REOPENING - Tuesday 2nd June 2020
 
Please click here to find a letter detailing the latest information about our school reopening.
 
Many thanks for your continued patience, support and understanding during these uncertain, ever changing times.
 
If you have any queries then please do not hesitate to get in touch.
 
Take care and stay safe.
 
Miss Marsden

UPDATE ON SCHOOL REOPENING - Friday 22nd May 2020
 
Dear parents and carers,
 
Please click here to find a letter from the Mayor of Doncaster, Ros Jones.
 
This morning, school was asked to join all of the other educational settings to unite together in a 'Doncaster approach' whereby we all feel that it is not safe to open our schools on the 1st June unless we hear more information based on a number of unanswered questions from the Government which are stated in the letter.
 
As you aware, we are on half term during the week beginning 1st June and have not planned to reopen until the 8th June for Reception, Year 1, Year 6 and key worker/vulnerable children.
 
The situation is everchanging and developing. We will keep you as updated as we possibly can and thank you for your understanding and patience during this uncertain time.

SCHOOL HALF TERM DATES - Tuesday 19th May 2020

Dear parents and carers,

As you know we had a two week half term holiday planned from Monday 25th May until Friday 5th June. As a school, we  have thought carefully about the best way to prepare school for the reopening (in line with Government guidance) and to continue providing provision for key worker and vulnerable children as well as providing the opportunity for our hardworking staff to have a well earnt break.

We have therefore decided that we will close on Bank Holiday Monday (25th May) and we will remain open for the rest of this first week for key worker and vulnerable children only. The school will then be closed fully for the second week (1st to the 5th of June). Therefore, we will reopen the school for children in Reception, Year 1, Year 6 and  key worker/vulnerable children on Monday 8th June.

This will give parents and carers more time to consider their choice on whether they would like their child/ren to return  to school and more time for Government guidance to confirm information on reopening.

If you are a key worker and you need provision during the school closure week then please follow this link below for  contacts to other schools in the area.

https://www.doncaster.gov.uk/services/schools/coronavirus-schools-information

SCHOOL REOPENING - Friday 15th May 2020

Dear parents and carers,
 
Please click here to view a letter which informs you on the school's response to the latest Government guidance. At the moment, we have planned amendments and changes from what we know. This may change as further guidance is released and we will be in touch with more information nearer the time.
 
Thank you for your parent questionnaire responses. Please continue to send these in as we value your feedback and use this to help us plan in school.

PARENT VIEWS - Wednesday 13th May 2020
 
Dear parents,
 
As you are aware, the Government made an announcement on Sunday evening about the possible phased return to school on 1st June for Reception, Year 1 and Year 6 with a plan for all year groups to return for 4 weeks of education before the Summer holidays.
 
At the moment, this is all we know as a school and we are receiving daily updates from the DFE on how we can ensure social distancing is kept whilst the children are at school. This is in the very early stages so please be assured that once we know anything, we will contact you with further information as we begin to plan.
 
In the meantime I would appreciate if you could complete this questionnaire and send it to our email: admin@st-josephs.doncaster.sch.uk
 
We truly value your views and hope that these will help us plan a return to school which everyone feels part of, comfortable and happy with.
 
Many thanks for your support and patience during these uncertain times. We are want our children and staff to be safe and this is absolutely paramount to any decisions we will make as a school.

Key Worker Support 

If a place is required for your child(ren) at short notice for a key worker then please contact school on our email below.

admin@st-josephs.doncaster.sch.uk

Safeguarding during COVID-19

safeguarding@st-josephs.doncaster.sch.uk

Please click here to see Information sent on behalf of South Yorkshire Police if you are worried about anyone!

THURSDAY 19TH MARCH

SCHOOL UPDATE - COVID-19 (CORONA VIRUS) - SCHOOL CLOSURE and EMERGENCY SCHOOL Planning NOTICE

Please click here to view social distancing guidance for parents and carers March 2020

Please click here to view information on the update of free school meal vouchers.

Please click here to be taken to our 'Home Learning Resources.'