Dear Parents and Carers

Can I first say that I hope you all continue to remain safe and well and I would like to let you know that you are in our thoughts and that Fr Grant would like you to know that you are continually in his daily prayers.  Thank you for your prompt return of your intentions with regard to the governments proposed phased return of your children to school.  Whilst the dates are not set in stone it is their intention that Reception, Year 1 and 6 will return on Monday 1st June.  We have good data from you which has been particularly helpful in allowing me, the Senior Leaders and Governors to plan ahead and ensure that we are making your child's school environment as safe as possible.  Much has  and will be said about these proposals, however, my concern is to maximise the reassurance that I can give you for our planned provision. 

Following our Full Governors Meeting yesterday I can inform you that next week you will receive quite detailed plans of how the children in Reception, Year 1 & 6 will be brought into school, where they will be taught and the provision that will be provided (this will include transition details for Year 6).  Similar detail will be given to our other classes who will return at a later date if feasible.  It is HM Governments intention that this should happen in some form if it is safe to do so. 

Following our Governors meeting and our termly Maghull Headteacher's Meeting I can let you all know regardless of any return dates of the following

• Children will not be required to wear a school uniform and casual clothes with trainers will help them feel that this is not the normal school provision
• The school day (drop off and pick up times) will be timetabled to reduce congestion - details to follow next week
• Clearly a packed lunch would be preferable and this can be kept in the classroom
• The school week, at the moment will be Monday - Thursday with Friday being a cleaning day and a teacher's planning day - Key workers arrangements will continue as they have throughout the lock down
• Children will remain in the same class unit, although this may be a different room with a different teacher for the duration of the phased return.  Children are not to bring any extra items into school - a school bag and PE kit will not be necessary
• If you are able to buy a clear pencil case this would be kept on your child's table

Can I thank you for your continued support and I do appreciate that this situation must put considerable pressure upon you.  I do think about you all and how you are getting on and although the school looks amazing particularly in this weather it is a quiet and strange place to be in.

One final note.  There will undoubtedly be challenges ahead and I have discussed the potential difficulties with the Headteacher at Green Park Primary School which really only relates to drop off and pick up times.  We both feel that if we are very clear about where our children enter our schools this will help, so families at St John Bosco School will use the main front gate which has a long path making distancing of children relatively easy.  I am in discussion with St James' Church and remain hopeful that they will allow me access which will give us another entrance to our school.  I have stressed in my communication with the Parish Council that it will not be used as a car park. 

I hope that you find this information clear and reassuring and that we continue to explore ways to maximise the safety of all in our school community.  Can I thank you again for your continued comments and messages of kindness and support.  As I have said parents of Reception, Year 1 & Year 6 will received a detailed breakdown of how your child will be accommodated and kept safe after consultation with Senior Leaders and our teaching staff.

Please stay safe and well and I look forward to welcoming everyone back to school when it is safe to do so.  Until then be assured you are continually in my thoughts and if there is anything I can help with you know that I am in school each day and that our school phone and email is monitored daily.

Yours sincerely

Mr D MacAreavy - Headteacher