Dear Parents

Subsequent to the lifting of all Covid-19 restrictions today, we have taken the decision that Pontesbury CE Primary will continue to operate exactly as we are until the end of term.

We will continue to work in ‘bubbles’; have segregated playtimes and dinnertimes and to wear personal protective equipment in and around school.

Before and after school timings and procedures will stay the same and we continue to encourage parents to wear a face mask when on school grounds.

We currently have one ‘bubble’ and several members of staff isolating! I want to ensure we protect our school and wider community as much as possible, especially as we are so close to the summer break and many have well-earned holidays booked over the next few days.

On Wednesday, I will be posting full information about our September return when, I sincerely hope, the situation will be very different and we can return to some semblance of normality.

Thank you for your continued support.

Mr Langford

Dear Parent

As you will be aware, there is a new variant of the COVID-19 virus, the Delta variant, spreading at an alarming rate across the whole country and it has now reached our area. 

The communities of Minsterley and Hanwood have already been significantly affected and there is great concern that our community will be too. 

So, I ask that if you, or anyone in your family, display any symptoms then to isolate immediately and book a PCR test. Please also remember that every adult is entitled to free rapid Lateral Flow tests to take twice weekly at home, but these should only be used if you do not have any symptoms. 

As well as a persistent cough and loss of taste, many people have reported the symptoms with the Delta variant as a headache, runny nose, a sore throat followed by a fever. 

Please remember that it is any, not all, of these symptoms. 

Children displaying any symptoms in school will be immediately isolated and parents contacted to collect them. 

With the roll out of the vaccination program and so much optimistic news from the Government, I think we all thought we were through this terrible time. It has been a real shock to discover that once again it is presenting such a clear and present danger to us all!  

Please therefore be super vigilant. It would be awful if I had to close a ‘bubble’, or the whole school, due to a COVID-19 outbreak this close to the end of term. 

Mr Langford 

Dear Parents 

From next Tuesday, 4th May, the front gate will open at 8.45am, our normal, pre-Covid–19, opening time. 

The arrival time will therefore be between 8.45am until 9.00am. 

The side gates will be locked at 9.00am, so any arrivals after this time must enter via the school’s main entrance. Also, if you need to collect your child for an appointment during the day, please go to reception. A member of staff will then bring your child to meet you. 

Have a super bank holiday weekend. 

Mr Langford 

Dear parents 

Just a quick post to say how very pleased I am with the way all children have come back to school after the Easter break. They have returned in fantastic spirits and their attitude has been exemplary. It is also great to see so many, especially our younger children, coming in and walking to their classrooms on their own. Whilst encouraging this independence, don’t forget parents that if you are still needed, or have a message for your child’s class teacher, you can of course continue to accompany your child to the classroom door. 

Thank you also to those parents who continue to support the school by wearing a face covering when dropping off or collecting children. Even though Shropshire is experiencing very low Covid-19 infection rates, the wearing of a face covering is still recommended in Government guidelines. I therefore ask, unless you are exempt and wear an exemption badge, that everyone is to wear a face covering when on school grounds. 

Since the return of all pupils to school on the 8th March, we have been lenient with children who have understandably been wearing alternative uniform due to having outgrown their existing uniform during lockdown. However, now that shops have fully reopened, we are expecting all children to be wearing the correct full school uniform and black school shoes (not black trainers).  We will soon start contacting parents if your child is sent to school wearing the wrong uniform or school shoes. 

Please ensure all school uniform, PE kit items and coats etc. have your child’s name clearly labelled in them. 

To clarify, our school uniform is as follows: 

• Royal-blue sweatshirt with school logo or cardigan with school logo. 
• White or royal blue polo shirt with or without school logo. 
• Grey trousers or grey skirt, or grey pinafore dress. 
• Grey shorts or pale blue and white checked summer dresses can be worn in the summer. 

• Plain socks or tights should be worn (grey or black socks for boys; and grey, black or white socks or tights for girls). 
• Black school shoes (trainers are not permitted). 

Our PE kit is as follows: 

• royal blue school t-shirt (with logo); 
• navy shorts; 

• a navy blue fleece (available from school with logo); 
• navy tracksuit bottoms for outdoor P.E. during the winter months; 
• trainers or pumps; 
• a named P.E. bag. 

School sweatshirts, cardigans, polo shirts, PE t-shirts, PE fleeces, PE shorts, hats, coats, book bags and water bottles are all available to order on the School Money website. 

Thank you for your understanding and support and, as ever, if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact. 

Mr Langford