Dear Families,

Where do I start and where do I end with this, my correspondence of this academic year?  It’s true to say that no one has encountered a school year like this- ever!  And here’s hoping, that we won’t ever have to, again.  

Summer Term 2

We have all had an exceptionally busy term at school and at home, as you all well know!  I am sure that you join me in thanking all of our staff: cleaners, teachers, teaching assistants, parent support advisor, administration staff, site manager, kitchen staff, lunchtime supervisors and wrap-around care staff for all their hard work and commitment over the past year.  I wish them all plenty of rest and relaxation, before we come back in September. 

Take Care & Stay Safe

I am pleased (and also relieved) to report that we have succeeded in getting to the end of the school year, with no isolations recorded and no child COVID-19 cases and for that I am extremely thankful, as I know others have not been so fortunate.  I thank you all, for your careful consideration of our control measures and risk assessments and for your unrelenting commitment to ensuring the highest level of care and education for all the children- for those who have been patiently working from home and for those who have been able to return to school.  93 children returned to school with no children, eligible to return, on a waiting list.  That is remarkable, given the circumstances. 

Thank YOU!

I would like to thank YOU- all our parents and carers.  Your continued support of our work is very much appreciated.  Thank you for all your encouraging comments and emails which we receive throughout the year.  This year, more than ever, you have demonstrated your support by doing so many lessons/ activities and so much learning with your children at home- from jumping up and down with Joe Wicks; to dancing ‘dough disco’ with Shonette Bason-Wood; to writing with Jane Considine; to downloading all the White Rose Maths materials and completing them at home- WE ARE VERY GRATEFUL for everything that you were able to do in the most challenging of times.  Whether that was to go to work and drop the children off at school or stay at home and work/ learn from home, your contribution to keeping the teaching and learning going, whilst also helping to keep our local community as safe as possible, is recognised and is much appreciated by all of us at Valewood. 

I have missed you all so much and I am very much looking forward to seeing you all in September for more Team Valewood fun and adventures!  On behalf of the team at Valewood, I wish you all a very happy and wholesome summer holiday time.  

See you all on Thursday 3^rd September- ready to start the new school year, with a smile.

I can’t wait to see you all!  Until then, take care and look after each other.

With every good wish,