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Silverdale School

Headteacher's update 1

Published on 27/03/20

Dear parent/carer,

I wanted to write and update you on what is happening at Silverdale.

 

Support for key workers

This week we have had a small group of staff in, looking after the students of key workers. They have provided a safe, supportive place for our students, with all the necessary social distancing and hygiene measures in place. Over Easter we are teaming up with High Storrs to offer one week each of holiday care for those students from this group who need it. My thanks go to staff, students and parents who have helped make this work.

If you are a key worker and require further details, please email absence@silverdale-chorustrust.org . Please note, that in line with government guidelines, this is only for when it is absolutely necessary to keep a child safe.

 

Adjusting to our new Virtual School

Meanwhile, we are making the transition to being a Virtual School for the rest of our staff and students. This week has been about getting used to this new way of learning and working. I know that it has been challenging for all of us. As well as practical barriers, many of us are having to cope with big changes at home and, of course, the many emotions that we feel.

On that note,  don’t forget there are some really good support resources on our website for students, from a wide range of organisations – and not just about dealing with the current situation. You can find these at: https://www.silverdale-chorustrust.org/studentwellbeing

If you need more information about who to go to in school for student support please see: https://www.silverdale-chorustrust.org/studentsupport

 

Home Learning

Thank you for supporting your students with home learning.  Please do not worry if your child has not done everything that has been set. We know that this is going to take some adjustment.

We also know there have been some issues with Milk and so some teachers are also using Google Classroom to set work.  We will be using Google Classroom to set and receive all work from the w/c 20th April.  However, we think it is important that parents can still monitor the work set and so will continue to post a summary of the work set on MILK.  More details and training for students to use Google Classroom to follow after the Easter holidays. 

 

Tutor check-ins

We understand that the current situation can be worrying for many of our students, others will feel isolated and for many they will miss the structure, safety and support they receive from school. Therefore, from 14th April 2020 our tutor teams will be checking in with students to see how they are, if they have any issues, if they need support and enquire how they are getting on with the home learning set by teachers. The tutors will be contacting students via school email in the coming weeks and will do this repeatedly every fortnight. Please remind your child to check their school email regularly and that a reply is important so we know our students are safe and well.

If tutors do not get a reply then either the Key Stage Leader for your child’s group or a member of SLT will contact you to ask the same questions and to make the same check in.

In the meantime if you or your son or daughter need to contact school for any reason please do so via the email addresses below:

 

Easter holidays

As per the government guidance, students should stay indoors and not meet up with friends during the holiday. They can choose to continue with school work if they wish; however, we would like them to have time to relax and spend time with their families. We will share any useful suggested activities or online resources as and when we find them.

 

Thank you for the many messages of support you have sent in. We really do appreciate them.

Stay safe and please follow the government guidelines during this difficult time. Please find linked here a letter from Sheffield City Council with the latest advice.

With best wishes to you and your family,

Sarah Sims
Head of Silverdale School

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