Firstly, many thanks for all your support this half term. 

Attitude to Learning Reports

After half term ‘Attitude to Learning’ reports will be issued for students in years 7-11. These will show your child’s attitude to learning in each of their subjects.  More detail on the school’s new attitude to learning framework and reporting in KS3 and KS4 will be communicated home alongside these reports. Y10 and  Y11 reports will also communicate end of Y11 targets and current working grades based on most recent assessments. We would ask that all parents and carers discuss attitude to learning grades with their son or daughter and in particular how they can move their attitude to learning to ‘outstanding’ over the next half term if it isn’t already at that level. All reports will be published electronically via WEDUC – please ensure that you log in to the system to view reports.

 

Reporting Student Absence

It is now more important than ever that parents contact school on the first day of a student’s absence and, if leaving a message, state whether the child has COVID symptoms.   Please inform us every day your child is absent unless they have an expected return date after a period of self-isolation of a positive COVID test.

 

Expectations during Self-Isolation

If a student is isolating but well, it is expected that they: 

• Complete all the work set by their teachers for them on Google Classroom. 
• Attend lessons if live teaching is offered. 

If your child has self-isolated last week, please can you check that they have completed all work is before they return to school.

 

Sheffield Tier 3 status

As you will be aware, from last Saturday Sheffield, along with the rest of South Yorkshire,  moved into the ‘very high’ category, in the Government’s new three-level alert system.  

This means we are subject to further restrictions, which are designed to reduce the spread of COVID-19.  Please can I request that you ensure your children follow the guidelines over the half term holiday since this will reduce transmission and increase the likelihood that attendance at school can remain high next half term, with fewer students needing to self-isolate.

The full lockdown in the spring showed us that by doing the basics we can stop the spread of the virus. These basics don’t change - stay 2 metres from others, wash your hands, wear a face covering and stay home if you have symptoms and get a test. 

The restrictions:

• You cannot meet anyone from another household in any indoor setting or in a private garden or at most outdoor hospitality venues and ticketed events, unless they are part of your support bubble.
• You can still meet people from other households outdoors – in a public space such as a park or public garden (but not in a private garden) - in groups of six people or fewer.
• You should avoid travelling outside the area other than for things like work, education, or caring responsibilities.
• You should avoid staying overnight in another part of the UK.
• Pubs and bars must close, unless they are serving substantial meals.
• Schools and universities will remain open.

For more information about support in Sheffield please visit  https://www.sheffield.gov.uk/home/your-city-council/coronavirus-hub

 

Coronavirus Update

In the week 19^th -23rd October, we have confirmed positive COVID cases in Y9 (2 students), Y11 (1 student), Y12 (1 student) and Y13 (1 student).  Some of these cases have not resulted in any Silverdale students being required to self-isolate because the affected students were not in school during their infected period (for example, this would happen if they were already self-isolating due to another family member testing positive).

 

Uniform update

As explained in my last message, we have adjusted our uniform policy so that all students can wear Silverdale-branded hoodies - due to the increased ventilation in classrooms, particularly as we move into colder weather. Should you wish to purchase a hoodie for your child, please be aware that there are a variety of options, including music, drama and P.E. hoodies. See the Stitch Factory's website for more details: www.schools.stitchfactory.co.uk

Wishing you a restful half term.

Best wishes,

Mrs Sarah Sims
Head of School