13 January 2010

Dear parents/carers

First of all a big thank you once again for your generosity with the collection for the homeless.  The First Step Drop In Centre in Rochester was delighted to receive our support and asked me to pass on thanks.

We have had a rather disjointed start to the term but hopefully now we can get back to some sort of routine.

Snow Closures

This insert is a reminder of our policy on dealing with closures as a result of the weather. 

It is always a difficult decision to decide what to do in snowy conditions. We do follow DCSF Guidance. This requires us to consider the safety of staff and children in both getting to and returning from school. Wherever possible schools will stay open and this has to be judged at a local level. As we are on a main road and have staff within walking distance we can often stay open when other schools cannot.

Our policy at these times is to notify parents as soon as possible whether we are open or not. It is important that you are aware of procedures in the unlikely event of school closure because of bad weather or heating problems.  We will send an e-mail via parentmail by 8.00 am (if possible) and we will try to put a message on the learning platform which can be accessed via our website www.englishmartyrs.medway.sch.uk.  We also notify the following radio stations to get messages to you if we close.  So the advice is “tune in or log on”.

BBC Radio Kent – 1035 KHz or 96.7 FM     www.bbc.co.uk/kent

Heart FM – 103.1 FM    www.heartkent.co.uk

KMFM – 107.9 FM, 100.4 FM     www.kmfm.co.uk

When it comes to making the decision about whether to send children to school we leave that to parents/carers to decide as only you will know what is safest for you and your family. The school is open for those who feel it is safe to send their children to school; there are many too who need to send their children in if they are to get to work. If children cannot attend that is fine, this will not count against them on their attendance record, nor do we record any “lates”: we know that everyone is doing their best and making the decision that is right for them.

Vouchers and Used Stamps

We continue to collect any vouchers for schools.  In addition we can once again collect any used stamps you have, as I have found another charity that would welcome our support. We will all needs to get back in the habit of tearing these off our mail (leaving a border round the outside, thanks).

Dates and Topics

Attached to this letter are a list of dates and class topics for the next two terms.

Lost Property

We continue to accumulate numerous amounts of lost property in particular hats, scarves and gloves.  Please make sure all items are marked clearly with your child’s name.

Let us hope that this new year will be  a peaceful one and that we have God’s blessing as we work together to do our part in bringing peace to our world in whatever way we can.

Yours faithfully

 M Pearson

Headteacher

* Please use link on left hand side of screen to go to "Term Topics" for a list of topics/subjects to be covered this term.

  Also use link on left hand side of screen to go to "Term Dates" for a full list of dates for your diaries!