Dear Parents and Pupils,
As we reach the end of week 2 of the Trinity term and distance learning, the first thing I want to say is a huge well done to ‘Team BCS’.
The way in which pupils, parents, teachers and other staff have responded to the new way of working has far surpassed my expectations. Thank you for this and please acknowledge your own significant achievements; it’s okay to feel proud.
May I offer just one word of caution to pupils. It is vital that online interaction conducted in lessons or outside academic time is always in line with our expectations, which have been made very clear on several occasions, including within my assembly. Please discuss this at home, referring to the relevant policies if necessary.
It is vitally important that pupils attend class assemblies, which are, arguably, more important than ever in the current circumstances. I thoroughly enjoyed Year 4’s ‘Star Wars’ Class Assembly this week. Hugely entertaining, and most informative.
This participation is a great way of retaining our sense of community and celebrating our successes. My assembly is at 2.15 pm on a Wednesday and Chaplain’s assembly takes place weekly on Friday at 11.30 am. The links are posted to the Whole School Notices Google Classroom as well as to the School Website.
Children, it is absolutely normal to feel a bit lonely (without your friends) or to be struggling with time management and new routines. Many of us are feeling the same, and it is so important to share these thoughts. Please let us know – we may be able to help. Your tutor and Senior staff members are all here to help, guide and support you in whatever way we can.
To our parents, thank you again for your feedback. It is very helpful and reassuringly positive, and I do my best to pass on your thanks to my colleagues, individually and collectively. Many teachers recently responded by telling me that the praise and thanks made their day, lifting their spirits significantly.
Talking of lifting spirits, I enjoyed my first ever online Heads of School meeting. How much I have missed journeying through School life with these four dynamic young ambassadors. We discussed Distance Learning and how they felt it was going, and ways in which we could develop House challenges. More on that next week, but it is excellent news that Will, Freya, Maggie and Hari will be helping me with The Neeson Family assemblies in the future.
This week the School will join the rest of the country in commemorating the 75th anniversary of VE day. My assembly was based on this very important event in History. Please celebrate with your children on Friday. I attach a link to some VE Day celebrations for your family to enjoy. https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/life/1277509/VE-day-celebrate-how-to-celebrate-VE-day-at-home-children
Please send to Jenny Dredger pictures of any celebrations that you have. We will then be able to share them as a school community. E:dredgerjs@thebluecoatschool.com.
There is an increasing amount of news emanating from politicians and commentators around a return to school. Moreover, there is much talk of phasing, whether by region, age or other factors, and we are modelling how we might manage a range of outcomes. Of course, I will communicate with you once we have more definite news, and we will do our best to give you as much notice as we can.
Meanwhile, keep up the great work and continue to show kindness – take care everyone and enjoy the Bank Holiday weekend. (Please remember there is is no school or lessons tomorrow).
With every best wish,
Mr Noel Neeson | Headmaster
