15 December 2021

Dear Parents and Carers

Thank you for continuing to support your children’s education, especially with all the worries of the Covid pandemic. This week we have seen new rules come into place to help us all deal with the Omicron variant.

The main ways to reducing the risk of Covid, including Omicron, are to wash hands frequently and to wear face coverings in crowded areas. Remember to socially distance if possible and to keep indoor areas well ventilated. This is especially important during the holiday period when families get together.

If you or your child feels unwell with any of the Covid symptoms, please get a PCR test. If the test is positive you will need to self-isolate for 10 days. If you or your child is a close contact of a positive case and you are fully vaccinated, you will need to take daily lateral flow tests for 7 days. Please remember to report all test results.

Vaccinations remain our best defence to protect ourselves and our families against Covid. If you have not yet had your vaccinations or your booster vaccination, please do book an appointment. This local NHS webpage gives options for booking your vaccination appointment in Leicester: leicestercityccg.nhs.uk/my-health/coronavirus-advice/coronavirus-vaccine/

If your child is 12 years old or over and has not yet had their first vaccination, please use the link above to book a vaccination appointment for them. If you know your child had their first vaccination 12 weeks ago you are now able to book their second vaccination. Check the link above for the local centres that offer vaccinations for 12-15year olds. This term many children in secondary schools have had Covid and missed a significant part of the term. Vaccination will reduce the spread and support children’s attendance at school.

During the Christmas holiday, the Holiday Activity and Food (HAF) programme for children eligible for free school meals will be going ahead with limitations at some venues. Food should still be made available. Please check with your venue.

We hope you have a relaxing and enjoyable break over the Christmas period.

Please support your primary or secondary age child to do a lateral flow test before their return to school in the new year. This will help to reduce the risk of anyone coming back to school with Covid without realising it. Secondary pupils will also be offered onsite testing at their school at the beginning of term. Please do give permission for this testing.

Thank you for all the support you have given to the work to reduce the risk of COVID-19 in Leicester.

Yours sincerely

Ivan Browne - Director of Public Health and Sports Services

Martin Samuels - Strategic Director Social Care and Education

Friday 17^th December 2021

Dear Parents/ Carers,

I wanted to say again thank you so much for the support that you have shown me over the past 4 years as Headteacher. St Mary’s Fields has developed into an inspiring school for the children and I will miss them all greatly; they have made me promise to come back for a visit soon!

As I have said previously, I am in no doubt that Mrs Nott and Miss Haycock will continue to lead the school brilliantly and I wish them and the whole school community good luck.

Family Homework Project prizes

Congratulations to Filip (yr5), Yuvraj (yr4), Mia (yr3), Dominiks (Yr2) and Sukhpreet (yr1) for winning the family homework project prizes. They have each received a £5 book token for their amazing efforts. I love seeing how creative our families are.

Reminders

• Children return to school on Wednesday 5^th January
• If any children develop Covid symptoms and then subsequently test positive, please email the school office so that staff and parents can be informed that they are close contacts
• School will contact parents if covid guidelines change for schoosl. For example if the school are asked to return to bubbles (hopefully not!)

Lastly I want to wish you all a happy and safe Christmas. Enjoy time with your family.

Yours Sincerely

Rebecca Dulieu

Headteacher

Children and Staff can come in their Christmas Jumpers on Friday 10th December and pay £1.00 via Parent Pay.

Money is raised for PATCH.

Join us for our 'Pop up Christmas Fayre' on Thursday 9th December at 3pm.

02 December 2021

Dear Parents/Carers,

I am sure that you have seen in the news about the new variant of coronavirus that has been discovered. The Government has issued new guidance to schools this week. In school, staff are now being asked to wear masks in communal areas and we are now asking that parents wear masks at all times when they are in the school building.

We are still planning to hold our Christmas shows and other events but obviously there is a chance that Government guidance will change. If it does, I will endeavour to inform you as quickly as possible.

Kind regards,

Mrs R Dulieu

Head Teacher