Parentmail 10.9.21

Dear Parents/Carers,

So we have reached the end of the first week of term, with very mixed weather and probably quite tired pupils as we get back into our school routine. Pupils are very happy to be back at school and the staff are delighted to see them, meet their new classes and get on with this term’s exciting new work and topics.

Covid arrangements

Our Covid measures in school are working well. The children have always engaged with them and are already in the routine of regularly washing and sanitising hands, using the one-way systems and staggered break and lunch times. Windows and doors are kept open to keep the classrooms and halls well ventilated.

Thank you to parents for wearing masks on the school gates and as you come on site to collect your children. We really appreciate everyone helping to keep us all safe.

A reminder of what the guidance now is: where a pupil displays one or more of the three main symptoms of Covid (a new continuous cough, high temperature, loss of smell or taste), they must isolate at home and arrange a PCR test as soon as possible. Track and Trace have advised schools that where a pupil tests positive, the whole year group NO LONGER need to isolate. TTP will advise close contacts and the school of any action they need to take.

Clothing

As the weather starts to cool, please ensure that your child wears enough layers to keep them warm. Covid guidelines require that we have windows and doors open for effective ventilation, so it can get chilly in classrooms. Thank you.

Nut Allergies

Allergies: please do not send your child into school with any food that contains nuts as we have a number of pupils and staff who have allergies. These include muesli bars, some chocolate spreads e.g Nutella and some cakes. Please check the ingredients on food you are unsure about. Unfortunately, if your child does bring food containing nuts into school we will not be able to let them eat it. Thank you.

Medications: in the new school year, we are updating our medical register. If your child needs to take medication in school, please complete the attached form and return to school as soon as possible.

PE Days

Children should wear their PE kit to school on the day they have PE. Please see the table below for each year group’s PE day.

Events

September

• The PTA are again organising their annual Christmas Card fundraiser. For anyone new to this, all pupils create a Christmas card design in their classes. Copies are sent home for parents to order Christmas cards designed by their own child(ren). The cards are printed, returned and distributed to you well in time for Christmas. This is always a popular initiative with children, parents and wider families and a good fundraiser for the school. I always look forward to seeing the wonderful designs on the children’s cards.
• Harvest celebration: week commencing 27^th September: Pupils and families are invited to donate to food banks in larger supermarkets or the Cardiff Food Bank Warehouse at Unit 5, Cardiff Bay Business Centre, Titan Road, Cardiff CF24 5EJ Mondays to Thursdays 9.30-1.30. Cardiff Food Bank also accept online orders to the above address Mondays to Thursdays 9.30-1.30. I’d love to see photos of you and your child donating, please share them with me. Thank you.

October

• Friday 8^th October: Wear Yellow for World Mental Health Day. Pupils and staff are invited to wear as much yellow as possible to school on this day. We will be collecting money to raise funds for Bronwen’s Wish, a cause very close to our hearts here in Lakeside.
• Tuesday 12^th October – Flu Jabs (more details to follow)
• Friday 15^th October – Shwmae Day – wear red to school to celebrate the Welsh language
• Friday 22^nd October - Spooks & Sparkles Dress Up Day. We know how much the children used to love to dress up for our Spooks & Sparkles Disco, so like last year, we are inviting pupils and staff to wear their best spooky or sparkly outfits on the last day of the Half Term.
• Half term – Monday 25^th – Friday 29^th October

November

• Monday 1^st November – INSET Day
• Wednesday 10^th November – individual photo day

Best wishes,

Rachel Mitchell