Key Notes: 7 January 2022
7th January 2022
Happy New Year!
This week we have had a staggered start to the term in order to carry out Covid-19 testing of all pupils as they return. Years 11 and 7 returned on Thursday, Years 8 and 9 on Friday and we look forward to welcoming Year 10 into school on Monday. Prior to their return, pupils have had lessons on Teams, following their normal timetable. Each pupil will be tested once on their first day back in school and be provided with LFD test kits so that they can resume home-testing twice-weekly (Sunday and Wednesday). Thank you once again to our wonderful group of volunteers (parents) who stepped in to assist with the testing in school.
Earlier this week you should have received an email with an attached letter from Cambridgeshire County Council setting out the current Covid-19 guidance for schools. In accordance with this, we very much appreciate your support in encouraging pupils to do their twice-weekly home LFD tests. Within school we will maintain separation between year groups, our one-way systems and ventilation (please remind children to wrap up warmly), along with wearing of masks in classrooms, hand sanitising, enhanced cleaning, and social distancing. These measures will remain in place until current Plan B regulations expire on 26th January.
If you have a case of Covid-19 in your household, please refer to the diagram below for current advice on how to minimise the spread of infection. You may be aware that the Government is pressing forwards with vaccinations in order to try and reduce days missed at school and work. The school nurses will be returning on 25th January to give second doses to pupils aged 12-15. They will also be able to give a first dose to any pupils who missed the first Covid vaccination session. Further information and consent forms will be sent out shortly.
Attendance remains mandatory for all pupils of compulsory school age. If your child has Covid, the isolation period can be reduced from 10 to 7 days providing they have two negative lateral flow tests on days 6 and 7 and they do not have a temperature. Please provide confirmation about the outcome of the LFD tests if your child returns early to school via this route. We appreciate that some of the changes in guidance aren’t clear, particularly around regular LFD testing shortly after ending isolation – if you have any concerns or queries please contact us and we will do our best to provide you with the appropriate information.
Masks in Exams next week
A number of Yr10 and 11 pupils have exams in Sports Studies and Health & Social Care on Monday 10th. Advice was released today confirming that pupils will be able to take off their masks whilst they are doing these exams – they only need to wear them on the way in and out. If your child is sitting an exam please make sure they have all the appropriate equipment as per the mock exams last term.
New Enrichment Activities for Spring Term
Extra-curricular clubs will be starting again on Monday 10th January. These sessions will take place between 2.50-3.50pm on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. We would encourage all pupils to take part in as many activities as possible. We also run a free bus service home after the activities. This will visit all local catchment areas and Royston, so arrival home times will vary daily. We aim to get all students home by 5pm. To ensure your child is included on the registers for activities and bus travel (if required), please complete the Enrichment Activities form by clicking here. Paper copies are available from Reception.
School Lunch Payment
We appreciate you trying to stay in credit on ParentPay for your child’s lunches. Please check your child’s account balance as we start the new term If you have not activated your ParentPay account yet, please do so, or contact office@melbournvc.org (This message does not apply to FSM pupils).
Science
In this short week in science (and tutor groups) we have been marvelling at the launch and painstaking deployment of the James Webb Space Telescope - the successor to Hubble. The most mission critical parts are now functional, as it travels to the Lagrange2 point in space, about a million miles from Earth. Who knows what we may find out over these coming years? MVC Science Dept are very excited (well, Dr Wilson at least!). Find out where the telescope is now by clicking here.
Physical Education
Date for your diaries: 12th January: Year 8 & 9 Boys Football v Comberton at home 3.45-4.45pm
Have a good weekend,
Simon Holmes
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