Parent/Guardian Update 06.04.20

Dear Parent/Guardian,

“There are decades when nothing happens; and there are weeks when decades happen” Lenin

At the end of this Spring Term it certainly does feel that over the last few weeks more than a decade of events has happened. None of us would have thought when we came back to school in January that the nation would be in lockdown, the school would be shut for the foreseeable future, public examinations cancelled and Plashet operating as a ‘virtual’ school.

Out of adversity hope arises – and the Plashet School community has certainly shown that it is able to deal with challenges. I have been overwhelmed with how well we have adapted to our new way of working. The excellent number of responses to our parental survey last week reinforced the positive relationships between home and school. Once again, my congratulations to you all and also my gratitude for the way you have all supported each other and the school.

We now move to the school holiday – a very odd one in that the country remains in lockdown and many of the things we normally enjoy during a school holiday period are not possible. However, this holiday gives us all a chance to rest, relax and reflect on the last very busy few weeks and, more importantly I think, to start to plan for the future. This national crisis will end and when it does we will all be able to get back to our normal routines. So, I suggest students take stock on what they have achieved in these last few weeks of being part of a virtual school and set themselves goals for what they want to achieve as a virtual learner when the new term starts on Monday 20th April and also goals they wish to achieve when we are all back together as a school community in person.

“Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement” Helen Keller

So even in these challenging times, we must all remain optimistic. To aid you I attach support information from the charity Young Minds that you may find supportive as well as a link to their website.

https://youngminds.org.uk/find-help/for-parents/parents-survival-guide/#helping-your-child

The Anna Freud Centre also offer supportive materials this is a link to their website:

https://www.annafreud.org/what-we-do/anna-freud-learning-network/coronavirus/

During the current school closure we know that Plashet girls are accessing more content online whilst trying to keep in touch with friends and accessing their home learning. This means that it is more important than ever to ensure that you have a good awareness of online safety and that you talk to your daughter about staying safe. There is a lot of support available to keep your daughter safe online.

Think You Know advice from the National Crime Agency regarding online safety https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/
Internet Matters: https://www.internetmatters.org/resources/staysafestayhome-tech-advice-and-resources-to-support-families-at-home/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIk5WR4O7T6AIVyLHtCh2PGwqFEAAYASAAEgL13_D_BwE
Safer Internet Centre: https://www.saferinternet.org.uk/advice-centre/parents-and-carers

I wish you and your families a restful home holiday, if you are able to have one. Stay optimistic and stay safe.

Yours faithfully,

Mrs Rachel McGowan

Head Teacher
Plashet School