Dear Parents

As lock down continues to ease it is looking more and more likely that things will be as near normal as they can be in September.  I know that you have been looking forward to this time as much as we have, so fingers crossed that things continue to move forward in a positive way.    As yet we have not received any new guidance from the Department for Education as to what this may look like and what remaining protective factors will still have to be in place. When we receive the guidance we can move into the planning stage and will let you know the details as soon as we can.

At the end of this year we will be wishing a fond farewell to a number of members of staff. After working at St Mary’s for over 13 years Mrs Hillyard has made the decision to retire, we would like to thank her for her hard work, especially in developing sport at the school.  Mr Rimell and Miss Shaw have also made the decision to retire from education and we would like to thank them both for all they have contributed to the school.  Finally, we also say goodbye to Ms McGregor who is off to explore pastures new. I am sure that you will join with us in wishing them all the very best for the future.

In September we will be welcoming: Mrs Stephens, Miss Cummings and Miss Luck to our teaching team, Mrs Quintella, Miss Whittingham and Mrs O’Beirne to our team of Learning Support Assistants and Mr Kent-Jordan as our new Sports Coach. I am sure that you will make them really welcome as new members of our St Mary’s Family.

Reminders

Over the last week, we sent out a number of emails:

• Virtual Sports Day 30.6.20 for those not in school. Please check the email for the slots for those in school so they can come in dressed in their bright sports clothing. Please spread the word and let’s see how much we can raise for the Ark, Cancer Charity here in Basingstoke.

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/st-mary-s-junior-school-old-basing1

• Meeting with their current teacher for those children in Years 3,4 and 5 who are not currently in school – week commencing 6.7.20 (Please check the timings for your child’s visit on the original email)
• End of Year reports – these will be coming home with your child during the week commencing 6.7.20. Those not taken home will be available from the reception area on 10.7.20

 

With more of you walking or cycling to school at the moment, you may have noticed some issues along your routes. These can be reported to the County or District Councils by using the following routes:

Any maintenance matters such as overgrown vegetation, damaged footpaths, potholes, blocked drains, broken or damaged street lights or signs can all be reported online using a form. www.hants.gov.uk/roads.

Issues with dog fouling, broken glass, or fly tipping can be reported to your local district council https://www.gov.uk/find-local-council

It would be great if we could solve any of the above issues, encourage more people to walk or cycle in the long term and really work together to reduce the traffic issues in the village.

 

Ready Reads: We Select You Collect - a safe and easy way to borrow books from Hampshire Libraries

Hampshire Libraries are able to lend children's and adults' books again with the launch of  Ready Reads: We Select, You Collect.

 This is a new book collection service where library teams select handpick paperback and hardback books for users to collect from their local library. 

Users can sign up for Ready Reads by calling 01962 454747 (local rate charges apply) or by visiting the Hampshire Libraries website. They will be asked to complete a short form to help libraries understand their preferences and needs. 

The library staff are experts at choosing good books and they are looking forward to using their experience and knowledge to help borrowers get the most from their local library, even while the library buildings remain closed. They hope that users who sign up for Ready Reads will get a chance to try something new. Who knows - a young reader may just discover their next favourite author.

The library service has also relaunched its reservations service, where borrowers pay a small fee to reserve a book. This service can also be accessed through our online catalogue or by calling 01962 454747. 

Many borrowers have been asking questions about returning books and fines on overdue books. Most library branches can accept returns but are not operating usual opening hours and borrowers won't be able to enter the building. Fines for books that were due to be return while libraries are closed will be frozen until early August, to give everyone time to return their books safely. 

As the weather looks set fair for a time, with a slight blip on Friday, please remember to follow all of the guidance for sun safety. Children who are coming into school need to have sun screen applied before they arrive and ensure that they wear a hat and have a good sized water bottle in school every day.

 

Thank you once again for all of your support throughout this period.

 

Best wishes

Caroline Welch

Headteacher