Summer Newsletter 2020

A MESSAGE FROM THE HEADTEACHER, MR P E MCCULLAGH
Dear Parent/Carer,
As we approach the last few days of this term, despite the fact you might still be feeling buried
in work as well as home schooling, it is worth trying to take a few moments to reflect on what
we should be proud about as a school community during this challenging period: (i) a shared in-
ner strength and determination (ii) resilience we didn’t think we necessarily had (iii) an ability to
navigate through troubling times. Many of us in school are already suffering from decision fatigue
after the organisation of examination grades, remote teaching, supervising students, planning a
wider re-opening from September, virtual meetings, putting Year 6-7 transition arrangements in
place etc. So my advice to staff members is to ensure to have a summer break in the interest of
their own physical and mental wellbeing and I know parents/carers will need this, too.
It has been a wonderful few weeks seeing an increasing number of students back in school
which has required much planning. The work which has had to take place by leaders, teachers
and support staff in the last few weeks and months has been largely around managing logistics
and balancing various demands, much of which is understated and has required a certain level of
grit. The meticulous work behind the scenes has helped our young people from all backgrounds
to reconnect with education in these unprecedented times. Most of us have got used to the
concept of ‘bubbles’ which will continue in the new academic year along with ‘social distancing’.
There are no strict requirements on distancing in the guidance from the DfE or set distances
that must be observed. The principle is that both students and staff should be encouraged to
keep some distance when we return between themselves and others if possible.
‘Aspiring for Academic, Cultural and Sporting Excellence’
‘Nurturing young Catholic gentlemen
Aspiring for Academic, Cultural and Sporting Excellence’