25 January 2023

Dear Parents/carers and students,

Thank you for all your feedback and support as we return for this term.

I have a few updates for you this week and important information regarding the Teachers strike, which I have sent in a separate email to you.

School Show – Matilda

We intend to continue with all evening performances of the show, which runs from Tuesday 31 January to Thursday 2 February.

Tackling online misogyny

Many of you will be aware of the concerns surrounding Andrew Tate, and other similar ‘influencers’ who are promoting a view of the world which is very much anti-women.

As a school we are keen to challenge the ideologies which are being offered (particularly to boys) by these men. As well as working with students in school, we believe it is important that parents/carers speak to their children about the dangers of being exposed to these online influencers.

We have recently explained the issues of Hate and Hate Crime to our students in our Respect Assemblies and this will be followed up in Tutor time and PSHE lessons.

We would appreciate your support and if you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact us.

General advice about managing ‘winter bugs’

As children returned to school this term the government issued some advice about ‘winter bugs’ for all parents/carers of school aged children.

In essence, it says that there remains a high level of COVID, flu and scarlet fever (caused by Strep A bacteria) infections amongst the general population and that we can all take simple steps to reduce the risks of these infections spreading more widely.

Two key pieces of their advice are:

1. It is important to minimise the spread of infection in schools and other education and childcare settings as much as possible. If your child is unwell and has a fever, they should stay home from school until they feel better and the fever has resolved.
2. Helping children to learn about the importance of good hand hygiene is also key, so practice regular handwashing at home with soap and warm water. Catching coughs and sneezes in tissues then binning them is another simple way to help stop illness from spreading.

We will be working in school to reinforce the second point in particular but your support would be appreciated in ensuring that you do not send your child to school with a fever.

Guidance in relation to Covid-19

Children and young people aged 18 and under with a positive COVID-19 test result, should try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people for 3 days, as this is when individuals are most infectious. Students are more than welcome to return to school on day 4, provided that they no longer have a high temperature and are well enough to attend. Children and young people who feel unwell and have a high temperature, should stay at home and avoid contact with other people. Students are welcome to return to school when they no longer have a high temperature, and they are well enough to attend.

This will help us to control the spread of these infections within the school community. Thank you.

Cost of living support from West Sussex

We have been asked to make all of our families aware that West Sussex County Council has set aside some funding this year to support families who are struggling with the cost of living. Details of the support available can be found on their website here. https://www.westsussex.gov.uk/leisure-recreation-and-community/cost-of-living

Alternatively you can call 0330 222 7980 to speak to someone about what they can offer.

Visits to the school

I would like to remind you that visits to the school should be by appointment only.  We have had quite a few occasions recently, when parents/carers have arrived at the school demanding to be seen by staff.  This is not always possible, due to staff prior and teaching commitments.  Please do contact the school in advance so that your query can be dealt with appropriately.  I would like to refer you to the Parental Code of Conduct, which is available on the website.

With thanks for all your support

Yvonne Watkins
Head teacher