Dear Parents and Carers
I hope that this letter finds you and your family well.
Following on from the announcement this afternoon from Welsh Government regarding the start of term in January, you will have received a statement from CCBC detailing how this will impact on all Caerphilly schools: https://www.caerphilly.gov.uk/News/News-Bulletin/December-2020/School-arrangements-for-the-new-term-in-January-20?lang=en-GB
I can confirm that the new term will start on Monday 4 January 2021 as planned at St Cenydd. However, Monday 4 January and Tuesday 5 January will be home learning days for all schools in Caerphilly. From Wednesday 6 January we will provide onsite learning for eligible key worker children and vulnerable pupils. We will have a phased return, much as we did in September, with priority now given to years 11, 12 and 13. All pupils must return to school by Monday 18 January.
It is not possible to know as yet the exact timings for the phased return for each year group as this will be dependent on staff availability following the Christmas period. At this stage, our provisional plan for return at the beginning of next term is:
- from Wednesday 6 January a hub for eligible key worker children and vulnerable pupils ; and
- by Friday 8 January all pupils in exam years 11, 12 and 13 to return before the end of the first week of term; and
- to then begin the phased return of all other pupils (likely year 10, followed by year 7, then year 8 and year 9) as staffing allows so that all children have returned to school by Monday 18 January.
Please note that this is provisional and subject to change depending on the circumstance at the beginning of term. I would hope to confirm the return dates for years 11, 12 and 13 by Tuesday 5 January 2021 and for all other years as soon as possible thereafter.
Lessons will resume for all pupils from 0830 (lesson 1) on Monday 4 January 2021 as we will be delivering home learning to all as per the school timetable. This provision will include videoed sessions, modelled explanations, textbooks, revision, etc. for each lesson. We know that our pupils engage best with home learning when they can see and hear their teacher.
If you wish to be in contact with the school at the beginning of the school term, please use the school email address stcca@caerphilly.gov.uk or our school phone line which will be manned from 0830-1430 each day as normal from Monday 4 January 2021 onwards. If your child tests positive over the Christmas break or has to isolate due to contact with a positive case, please inform us of this at the beginning of the new term.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your ongoing support and kindness during this challenging and successful term. I hope that you and your family have a safe and enjoyable Christmas.
With warmest wishes
Miss Collins
Headteacher
