Mr Bolderow’s Blog Week 5

I hope that this last newsletter of the half term finds you well.  I have been informed this week of some families that are unwell with the virus.  I hope that you get well soon and please know you are in my thoughts.

The world of education has been under the spotlight this week with much of the talk around whether schools would or should reopen.  Whilst most of the focus is on primary age children, the government would also like Year 10 and 12 to have some face-to-face time with their teachers before the end of term.  We are currently preparing a timetable for boys to return to school two days per week, so we do not have both year groups in at the same time and help us to maintain social distancing.  The timetable has also been planned so that boys and staff do not have to travel during peak travel times. I must however stress that any reopening is conditional upon the Government’s five tests being met.  Once we have confirmation, which I understand is likely to come towards the end of next week, I will be in touch with more details.

Many staff were pleased and surprised to receive messages from their pupils thanking them for their hard work earlier this week.  It was a much needed boost at the end of a challenging half term.  I was very pleased to receive this message from the PTA which I share with you all:

“On behalf of the WSS PTA, we would like to express our gratitude to all of the teachers, support staff and also the Wellbeing Team who have so quickly adapted to the new way of working. During these very uncertain times, it is reassuring to know that WSS teachers have carried on with the daily task of educating our boys with both professionalism and humour. We salute you all and would like to recognise your vital contributions as we mark National Thank a Teacher Day.”

As ever, I am grateful for the support of the PTA.

This week has seen one of the adaptions we have had to make this term as the Year 11 started on the A Level Foundation Course which will give them a taste of the subject matter they will be covering over the next two years as well as the independence necessary for success at A Level.  That they will have the chance to start the course before we return as well as finding out early if they have made the right choices is an opportunity others have not had and I am pleased to hear that they are embracing the opportunity and working hard.

I hope that you all have a very good half term and I will be in touch with further updates as I have them.

Best wishes, Seth