We have now completed the first set of tests for all students whose families consented to being part of this process. Over two days this has amounted to 1430 tests, well over 80% of the entire student population. Tomorrow is a rest day in terms of testing but on Thursday and Friday each student will receive the important second test to confirm the outcome of the first. As ever I really appreciate the support we are receiving from families.
To further support the back to school planning for Monday please find attached what I hope families will find to be an easy to understand ‘Guide for Students and Parents’. If anyone has any further questions please do of course contact school.
AHS Returning to School – Guide for Students and Parents
Return to school – Uniform
Please ensure that your child is ready to return to school with regards to uniform – you can access the link to the school uniform guidelines by clicking HERE.
Please be aware that we do expect that students return to school in full uniform, and we will be monitoring this as part of the return to school process. The website outlines places where non-AHS branded items of uniform can be purchased, and many of these places (particularly supermarkets) are open during this period of lockdown. Furthermore, Keal Teamwear (105 Walmgate, York, YO1 9UA) has opened as of 1st March from 10am to 1pm where you can purchase specific AHS uniform (e.g. ties and jumpers)
If you are having significant issues with acquiring uniform for your child’s return to school, please contact us as soon as possible and we will as ever offer support to families.
Unity Fund
A reminder as we approach half term that through the Unity Fund the school can offer confidential and discrete support to families who are struggling financially. If you are struggling in any way please contact us and we will do our best to help:
krobinson@archbishopholgates.org
gstainsby@archbishopholgates.org
Return to school – Face Coverings
A reminder to families about the letter we sent home before half term about the importance of wearing face coverings when inside the school building and when transitioning between lessons. Families will also be aware that until Easter the government have announced that face coverings should also be worn in lessons. As we know face coverings are an essential method of helping to minimise the risks from COVID-19 and when students return on the 8th March the wearing of face coverings will be something that we will be insisting upon and I very much appreciate families support with this.
We will continue to require every student to bring their own face covering to school. Form tutors and Heads of Year will check each morning that every student has a face covering. Re-useable face coverings will continue to be available for students to buy from reception however, a disposable mask will be provided to the students should they forget theirs. Students without a face covering will be issued an “M” code and persistent failure to do so will result in an appropriate sanction.
We do have a very small number of students who are medically exempt from wearing a face covering. We will be providing all those students with a lanyard to wear so we can easily identify who should and should not be wearing a face covering. As such we now require a letter from your child’s medical professional to confirm exemption.
Year 12- 13 Homework
Following on from the main school information yesterday I can confirm that homework will continue to be set for Post 16 students, following the normal expectations of the Sixth Form. It is important students are set homework and independent work to enable them to make strong progress through their courses. Students will also receive an appropriate level of Easter revision homework, in preparation for the Year 12 in class assessments and final assessments in Year 13.
Head of Year update – Mr Avery and Year 9
I am really looking forward to welcoming Year 9 back to school from next Monday. Despite their excellent engagement in live lessons, there is no substitute for the high standard of teaching and learning that can be delivered in a classroom setting. I know many students have missed the social aspect of school as well, and I hope the chance to see friends and take part in extra curricular clubs will be of great benefit to them. I was delighted to see so many Year 9 students in school during today and yesterday, to receive their Covid tests. The response to this measure has been excellent, with the vast majority of the year group taking part. This will hopefully give students and parents peace of mind upon the students return to school.
I was delighted to hear how so many of them were looking forward to coming back, even if this means leaving behind some of the home comforts they have had while remote learning! I am hoping that the improvement in the weather and a lift In the lockdown restrictions will see a more positive feel in the community, and lead to a very successful summer. At this point I would like to reiterate the message from the Headteacher around the measures we have put in place to keep students safe upon their return to school. For the time being, year 9 will be taking in their ‘bubble’ in order to adapt to their return to school. Handwashing once again becomes extremely important, and students will be expected to wash their hands upon their arrival to school each morning, and throughout the day (particularly before and after eating). Wearing face masks is also extremely important for the protection of themselves, their peers and the school community. As we know face coverings are an essential method of helping to minimise the risks from COVID-19. This is why we will be insisting that all students wear a face covering whenever they are moving between lessons and anytime they cannot appropriately socially distance (including outside).
We will continue to require every student In Year 9 to bring their own face covering to school. Form tutors and Heads of Year will check each morning that every student has a face covering. Re-useable face coverings will continue to be available for students to buy from reception however, a disposable mask will be provided to the students should they forget theirs. Students without a face covering will be issued an “M” code and persistent failure to do so will result in an appropriate sanction. We do have a very small number of students in Year 9 who are medically exempt from wearing a face covering. We will be providing all those students with a lanyard to wear so we can easily identify who should and should not be wearing a face covering.
I understand that change can be difficult for a number of students, and some may be worried about returning to school. If your child is in this position, please feel free to contact either myself or Miss Clark, and we would be happy to arrange a meeting with the student to ease their worries about returning to school.
On a final note, I’d like to once again reiterate how proud I have been of the students In Year 9 since Christmas. Their positive attitude and commitment to live lessons put s them In an excellent position coming back to the classroom. I know the students will continue with this, and carry on their school journey and transition to becoming excellent GCSE students.
Wellbeing – Wonderful Wednesday
Eco Club update from Mrs Deacon
Collective Worship
As we move through this half term and the Christian season of Lent we are continuing with our Pilgrim Pathways theme.
Going on a journey can be a great transforming experience, but it can also be difficult. It can be physically tough and sometimes even difficult mentally and emotionally. The key item on our pilgrimage this week is a first aid kit.
Wednesday – Jesus looked hard at them and said, “No chance at all if you think you can pull it off yourself. Every chance in the world if you trust God to do it.” – The Bible, The Gospel of Matthew 19: 26