22.10.21

Please note that today is the last day of this half term.

Next week is a break from school until we return on Monday 1^st November.

Happy Half term!

 

Change of Risk Level

Gwent Incident Management team met yesterday and have made a decision for schools to move to the ‘very high’ risk level of the schools framework.

For our school, as we have already been operating to mitigate risk, this means that physical distancing to reduce close interaction will take place to the lowest practical level and face coverings should be worn by staff and visitors in all indoor areas, including classrooms, where physical distance cannot be maintained.

 

Please could we respectfully request that parents / carers that drop off, pick up and have queries at our school office all wear masks (unless medically exempt).

 

Friends of St. Gabriel’s Meeting

A massive thank you to those parents / grandparents that were able to give up their time to support our first ‘Friends’ meeting of the year. If you were hoping to attend the virtual meeting but you were not able to, please don’t let it stop you getting involved in future meetings or supporting future events.

 

Due to the restrictions that COVID 19 response guidelines impose, it is impossible to run our traditional Christmas Fayre in the way we have in the past. Therefore, the raffle is a key fundraising event for us.

Please do start thinking about if you are able to provide or facilitate a prize for our raffle through a business contact.

 

Non Uniform Day – Friday 5^th November

We will be holding a Non Uniform day to begin supporting our Christmas Raffle – in exchange for wearing non-uniform, we ask you to contribute £1 via ParentPay. This will be used to purchase items for luxury Christmas hampers which everyone has a chance to win through our Christmas Raffle.

 

Parent Consultations

Our Autumn term Parent Consultations will be taking place during the week beginning 8.11.21. They will be taking place as phone calls.

Specific dates and times for your child’s class have been released and are available to book, if you haven’t already!

 

 

 

Latest COVID 19 Update from Welsh Government

New Guidance Around Testing and Isolating

On Tuesday 5th October, Welsh Government released a statement with new guidance on COVID-19 testing for children and young people and for staff working in special schools and colleges. The changes will formally come into effect from Monday 11^th October.

• Where a close contact is established, primary school children will continue to be advised to take a PCR test on Day 2 and Day 8.
• We will no longer recommend that children under 5 years of age take COVID-19 tests without symptoms.
• Where children under 5 have symptoms, we would not routinely recommend tests – unless directed to do so by a doctor or if parents believe a test is absolutely necessary and in the best interests of the child.
• Guidance about self-isolating: https://gov.wales/self-isolation
• You can book a test at https://gov.wales/apply-coronavirus-covid-19-test
• You should continue to isolate while waiting for a test result. 

 

Dates to be aware of:

18.10.21 6pm Virtual Friends of St Gabriel’s meeting – see above in the newsletter for information

HALF TERM WEEK: MONDAY 25^TH TO FRIDAY 29^TH OCTOBER.

4.11.21 Applications open for Reception school places 2022

W/B 8.11.21 – Parent Consultation Appointments

3.12.21 School closed to pupils for staff training

16.12.21 Last day of Autumn term for pupils

17.12.21 School closed to pupils for staff training

 

 

Reminders and Information from Previous Newsletters:

Planned Training Days

SCHOOL IS CLOSED TO THE PUPILS ON THE FOLLOWING DAYS TO ALLOW STAFF TRAINING TO TAKE PLACE:

Friday 3^rd December

Friday 17^th December

Tuesday 4^th January (Note Monday 3^rd January is a Bank Holiday)

 

Registration for 1^st Holy Communion 2021-22

Registration for preparation for the sacraments of Reconciliation (Confession) and Holy Communion in 2022 is now open. This online registration First Holy Communion Registration – All Saints (allsaintsrcnewport.org.uk) is for pupils Year 3 or older, who are baptised Catholics and wish to receive the sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Communion for the first time.

Please be aware that registration closes at 5pm on 1.11.21 when the registration link will be taken offline.

 

School Lottery

The reality of getting closer to holding school based funding raising events in these times is still challenging. However, if you or a family member or even family friends, are looking for a way to support our school, then the St. Gabriel’s School lottery is an easy way to do so! Once it is set up, it can run each month if you choose the direct debit option. There is a prize for the people that are part of our lottery each month and the more people that participate the bigger the prize!

https://www.yourschoollottery.co.uk/lottery/school/st-gabriels-r-c-primary-school

 

 

 

 

TIMINGS REMINDER:

Thank you for supporting us as we returned to normal school start and end of day procedures as directed by the Welsh Government.

Breakfast club (for those who have places) arrival begins at 8:15. Last entry at 8:35 am.

Gates open for school day between 8:45 and 8:55am. Your child should be through the gate by 8:55am.

Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 end the school day at 3:05 pm

Year 3 end the school day at 3:10pm. Pick up on the yard.

Year 4 end the school day at 3:15pm. Pick up on the yard.

Year 5 and Year 6 end the school day at 3:15pm and exit through the hall doors.

 

 

Current COVID Guidance to Schools from Welsh Government:

Anyone with symptoms (excluding the under 5s – see above) – a new continuous cough, fever or high temperature or loss of, or change in, sense of smell or taste – should book a PCR test and remain in self-isolation until the test result is known. You can find the latest information on self-isolation arrangements at www.gov.wales/self‑isolation.

 

Those who are under 18 or fully vaccinated are no longer required to self-isolate if they are identified as close contacts. But they will be contacted to let them know that they’ve been in close contact with someone who has tested positive. They will also be offered two PCR tests and provided with information and advice on how to minimise the risks of onward spread. If your child is identified as a close contact, they can still attend school unless they develop symptoms or are advised otherwise by TTP. Please continue to let us know if your child tests positive.

If a child tests positive, only a minority of their classmates will be identified as close contacts. But if there is a pattern of cases TTP may ask us to update you on the situation and remind you of key steps, including advising you to keep an eye out for new symptoms your child may develop, and to stay away from vulnerable family and friends in the short-term.