Update - 030420

Today is officially the last day of the spring term. If it wasn’t for these unusual times we find ourselves in due to Covid-19, we would have just had parents’ evening and we would all be looking forward to breaking up for the Easter holiday.
Instead, school is running a reduced provision for the children of key workers and other children from families identified as needing some additional support and most people (staff at St. Matthew’s included) find themselves working from home, while trying to entertain their own children and to help them with their home learning too. The only exception to this is Good Friday and Easter Monday, when school will be closed to all pupils.
Having just done a week at home, while trying to keep on top of work and keep my boys in some sort of routine, I know how hard it is. We have been doing two or three activities of his school work each day, but there has been plenty of play, exercise and quiet time in between (thanks to iPlayer). We haven’t managed to do everything in his home learning this week and that’s fine. We have to look after everyone’s well-being too.
With the next fortnight being the official school holidays, it is important everyone takes a break. With not being able to go to church or take part in the usual ceremonies and activities this year, it will be a very strange Easter Week. Mr. Drake has put some activities on the school website to help us celebrate the most important event on our Christian year, the resurrection of Jesus. Easter is a time of hope and new life, so let us try to use that message to stay positive for the coming weeks.
As well as thinking about Easter, you could use this holiday period to work on new skills like tying your laces or telling the time. If you want to keep your brain sharp, class teachers have put a wealth of information on to their class pages on the website. They are incredible resources, so tap into some of those. Teachers will not be updating class timetables for the next two weeks.
Finally, all of the staff at St. Matthew’s would like to thank you for keeping your children at home and only contacting school at essential times. By staying home, you are helping to keep the community safe and directly supporting the NHS by reducing the chances of Coronavirus spreading, placing unnecessary strain on the health service.
I am sure that you would join me in thanking the staff at St. Matthew’s for everything they are doing at the moment. This situation can be stressful at times and we are all trying to live and work with something that we don’t fully understand. The whole staff team has pulled together to try to do the best for our community, while at the same time trying to ensure that their own family are safe and well. The have shown amazing dedication and commitment.
Thank you for your support
Mr. S. Murphy