Rossett News Update - 12 March 2021
In a whirlwind of activity, Rossett students have returned to their classrooms this week, following their scheduled testing appointments. I was incredibly proud of every one of our students this week: they have met the challenges of rising early; finding uniform that fits; and collating their home-learning to bring into school - and all with a smile! We are delighted to have them back where they belong - in Rossett classrooms, halls and outdoor spaces. It is only when you hear the laughter of children at play, or listen to the enthusiasm of students answering queries in class that you realise how unnaturally quiet the school has been over the last months. Returning to learning this week has been a really positive start to this three week period before the Easter break. I would encourage you to read and note the information contained in this, and subsequent publications of 'Rossett News', as there are key dates - Year 9 Options, for example, and information for all - lateral flow home testing kits - that require action or dates to be added to your diary.
I look forward to the start of next week and the focus from teachers on the 'next steps' in auditing work completed to date, and the preparation for planned assessment schedules, for all year groups.
With every best wish for a peaceful weekend.
Helen Woodcock
Lateral Flow Testing
We have been extremely impressed with the resilience of our students this week as we saw the commencement of lateral flow testing for all students with consent. Without exception the students followed instruction and acted in a mature fashion in their approach to carrying out their tests. We are incredibly proud of what we have collectively achieved this week; over 2000 tests have been performed over the course of the week and we would like to thank our students and staff involved in the planning and execution of this logistical challenge prior to seeing all Rossett students returning to face-to-face education. We would also like to say thank you to Parents/Carers for your support and understanding as we have put plans in place for testing and the return to school of our students.
Subsequent to the final 'catch-up' tests next week, all students will be bringing home 'Home Testing Kits'. Further details will follow.
Uniform and Face Coverings
Face coverings are an expectation when moving around the school, such as in corridors and communal areas where social distancing cannot easily be maintained.
Additionally, the DfE have stated that from 8th March, ‘face coverings should be worn in classrooms or during activities unless social distancing can be maintained’. This is a change from the last time that schools were open to students. Please ensure your child carries a mask and a spare in case they are misplaced during the school day.
Awarding of Grades for GCSE and A Levels Summer 2021
Year 11 (and Year 10 Final Year Option Subjects) After-School Grade Booster Sessions w/c 15th March
Please see below for important information regarding forthcoming coming opportunities for additional help and support for all students sitting final year qualifications this year at Rossett. In order for your child to attend these sessions, you will need to confirm permission by completing the following form here. Permission only needs to be granted once to attend the various sessions available after school. For more information regarding specific days and location of sessions, please liaise directly with your child's class teacher.
Year 9 Options Process
A further reminder that Tuesday 16th March sees the start of our Year 9 Options Process. Detailed information will be shared with students and parents during this week. A full timeline of option events can be found below:
- Tuesday 16th March – Year 9 Assembly, which explains the options process;
- Tuesday 16th March – Students and Parents receive an e-mail with links to the Options Booklet, Subject Information videos and an example Options Form;
- Tuesday 16th March – Thursday 25th March – Students will receive a GCSE Style lesson in each of their subjects to give them a flavour of what Key Stage 4 will be like;
- Tuesday 16th March – Thursday 25th March – Individual student meeting with member of SLT to give support and guidance around options process and choices;
- Wednesday 17th March – PSHE lesson with an options focus;
- Thursday 18th March – A nominal options evening giving parents time to review the options information. This is not a separate event – all information will be pre-recorded and available from Tuesday 16th March;
- Thursday 25th March – Remote Year 9 Parents' Evening – An Opportunity for parents and students to discuss their options with their subject teachers;
- Friday 26th March – The official options form will be e-mailed to students for completion;
- Wednesday 14th April – 10am – deadline for return of option choices from students;
- By 30th April – Confirmation of final options sent to students/parents.
HPV Immunisations
The annual scheduled HPV immunisations will be taking place in school shortly. These are offered as part of the NHS childhood immunisations service; information about school immunisations and consent forms can be found at:
hdft.childhood.immunisations@nhs.net
Please visit the website to read the information provided and to give your consent for this vaccination by visiting:
If you would like you child to receive this vaccination you need to provide consent by Thursday 18th March to be included in the Year 8 immunisations.
- Year 8 First immunisation will take place on Thursday 25th March 2021.
- Year 9 Second immunisation will take place on Wednesday 14th April 2021.
Please direct any enquiries 01423 553115 Harrogate District Childhood Immunisations Team.
Rossett Reading
A reminder that 'borrowed' library books can be returned to the 'Book Return Boxes' in each bubble area and will be collected in from there from next week onwards.
Wonderful Work
Mrs Shepherd was delighted to receive some amazing design work from one of our Year 7 students Samuel Wilson. The students were asked to choose a culture to research and create a design to be made into a cushion during their practical lessons this year. Samuel's African designs showed excellent research, planning and colour choices.
Mental Health and Wellbeing
We would like to remind you of the support groups, websites and text-based helplines that exist to help our students combat any feelings of anxiety. We know that many students have some concerns about their future examinations or the current national coverage of the pandemic.
The Go-To – www.thegoto.org.uk – is a portal or ‘single point of information’ for the wide range of mental health support services available to help children and young people in the county address their social and emotional health needs.
https://www.kooth.com/ https://www.minded.org.uk/
Covid-19: Reporting
As we look forward to all students returning to school we would like to remind you of the reporting procedures and symptom checker before attending each day:
If your child has any of the symptoms described in the attached parental letter from Public Health England here, they must stay at home and arrangements need to be made to have a test. You must call the school absence line (01423 564 444) and leave a voicemail informing us about the situation and the reason your child is not in school.
We would remind you that you should only book a test if your child has any of these three coronavirus symptoms:
- A high temperature: any new high temperature where your child feels hot to touch on their chest or back (you do not need to measure the temperature);
- A new continuous cough: coughing a lot for more than an hour, or 3 or more coughing episodes in 24 hours;
- A loss of, or change in, sense of smell or taste: a noticeable loss of smell or taste or things smell and taste different to normal.
If your child has been off school for a reason related to Covid-19, it is vital that you contact us before they return and give us the reason they are returning e.g. a negative test result.
- Public Health England has asked us to emphasise with our parents/carers that the NHS Track and Trace App is not applicable to students under the age of 16, and therefore should not be installed on the phones of students who are under 16. If any parent has to inform the school regarding a positive Covid case please email https://rossett.school/positive and complete the form.
