Liphook Community Magazine Summer 2020

NEWS FROM THE FEDERATION OF
Liphook Infant & Junior School
Learning Carried on as
the Country Entered Lockdown!
We are, of course, all affected by this terrible pandemic. At the
Liphook Federation we watched from afar the situation that
was emerging in China and across Europe and quickly
realised that it was heading our way. We met with staff daily
to discuss ways to protect our children and staff. Sanitiser
was placed in every classroom and all public school areas and
children started washing their hands much more vigilantly.
All teachers explained to their classes in ‘child speak’ what
the corona virus is and how we had to all take care to keep
ourselves safe from this virus without trying to panic the
children. Very early on we stopped all assemblies and large
gatherings to minimise the impact. It became apparent that
schools were likely to close so staff started preparing ‘home
learning packs’ for every child. The photocopiers churned
out thousands of sheets so that all 630 children had their
own pack to take home the day the school closed its doors. It
was a sombre day for everyone. There wasn’t the usual joy of
breaking up from school but instead a general feeling of ‘we
will miss you,’ from children, staff and parents alike.
We were thrilled that we had a remote learning platform
already set up, where staff could contact children and their
families daily through videos, reading stories and setting
learning activities. Children and families sent through work
and comments also videos via this system so that we could
all keep in touch. Parents have been amazing in supporting
their children and supporting the school in encouraging
their children to do all the different activities that we set. One
of our governors, organised a family quiz via zoom on Easter
Friday which was great fun. But throughout this time we
have recognised that some parents have had to navigate their
way through teaching their children, working from home
and trying to continue to run their home life. This has been
no easy venture for anyone and there have been many ups
and downs but together everyone has been remarkable. Staff
at the school have been incredible, working so hard to support
families. We have had so many lovely comments from families
which has meant the world to us. Whilst writing this we are
still in Lockdown and we are praying for everyone to keep
safe and for us to return back to school as soon as it is safe
for everyone. A message from the school - Thank you to all
of our parents for your support and remarkable resilience
during this unprecedented time.
We arranged for families to have a school laptop or iPad so
that they could access learning on line. We quickly established
our children whose parents were key workers and
needed their children to come to school and if any vulnerable
child would also benefit from being at school. These children
have been remarkable, they have brought their daily packs
into school and settled to work. Their ages have ranged from
4 years old to 11 year olds. They all spent their days together
in the Infant hall with a rota of staff across both schools.
Like, at home we have been flexible in our approach to teaching.
The day starting off with Joe Wickes, a little bit of learning,
a play out on the field and play equipment, followed by
David Walliams stories at 11 and then different activities
throughout the day. We have been so proud of their attitudes
as they even came in all over the Easter Holidays—no moaning,
no whining just acceptance that their parents are doing
a key job to keep the rest of us safe.
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