St Cuthbert's RC Primary School

St. Cuthbert’s RC Primary School

                           Newsletter 21– Friday 22^nd January 2021

                                   St Cuthbert’s CARES We are: Creative Active Respectful Equal Supported

Good afternoon,

Please see this week’s newsletter below which seeks to update you on all matters related to the life of our school and to share as much information as we can with you on a weekly basis. As always, please let us know if you have any questions about the contents or any other school related matter. Please never hesitate to do this, we, like you, appreciate the huge importance of communication, especially in the current circumstances. We can be contacted on (0131 443 2621) or via our admin mailbox (admin@st-cuthberts.edin.sch.uk). Our nursery can now be contacted separately at: stcu-nurmail@st-cuthberts.edin.sch.uk

Scottish Government Update

After a meeting on Tuesday, the Scottish Government confirmed that school closures will remain in place until at least mid-February. This will be reviewed in early February, with a phased return to schools most likely to happen when restrictions begin to be lifted.

Both City of Edinburgh Council and ourselves will keep parents and carers informed of any changes.

Requesting School Digital Devices

The school has a limited stock of iPads that support MS Teams. We have lent out a small number of these already and are working on making more available. We will be in touch with those parents, who have requested a device, but haven’t yet received one, early next week. If you require a device but haven’t let us know yet, please contact us. We can’t guarantee that we will be able to help, given the finite number of devices available, but will do our very best to do so.

Returning/Handing in Work on Teams

In terms of the technical aspect of Teams, some parents have asked us for advice re how to submit work on Assignments. Please see a link to a short video instruction below:

we also attach with this newsletter, a word document with similar advice for those who would prefer to read rather than watch this guidance/support.

We know that some parents are taking photos of children’s work on their phone or iPad and using the photo to upload as evidence. If you have found this challenging, please see video linked below:

We have also added these links to our twitter account.

Digital Learning – Your Questions and Views – Survey to Follow

Please continue to ask questions, raise any concerns or make suggestions to help us improve our digital learning offer. We will send out a formal MS Forms survey next week via Learning Journals to get your feedback on how things are going.

Scottish Poetry, Song and Dance

Usually at this time of year, we would be preparing for our Scottish Performance Concert in the school. I know from my experience last year, just how much the whole school community appreciated this event. Unfortunately, such an event is not possible this year. We would however like to extend an invitation to parents and carers to tweet @StCuthbertsRCP with their children’s performance of any Scots themed poem, song or dance.

Please note that this is totally optional. We would also ask that no pupil names are supplied, although a single initial is permissible.

School Twitter Account: @StCuthbertsRCP & Nursery Twitter Account : @StCNurseryClass

Please note that our twitter feeds will continue to be active during the current lockdown period. You may also wish to follow our new nursery feed, listed above. Both will aim to share relevant information and news.

Absence from Digital Learning and School

Please note that the expectation from City of Edinburgh Council, is that pupils should take part in daily digital learning from home (or within the school hub, if they have been allocated a place). If your child is unwell and cannot engage with digital learning at home or within the school hub, please contact us, as we have been asked to record such absences by City of Edinburgh Council, just as we would do if someone is absent in normal circumstances.

Nursery Update

Thanks to those parents who have collected their home learning packs this week. If you have not done so, but would still like to receive a pack, please contact our nursery mailbox. A detailed e-mail was sent out on Thursday explaining the structure of the week’s activities for our nursery pupils going forward. Please let us know, if you have any questions about this.

Stationery Resources – Available at School Gate on Tuesday 26^th January

We had an enthusiastic uptake of our small resource packs on Tuesday. Thank you! We hope you found them useful. We will make similar resources available on a fortnightly basis for the duration of the current closure period. See next date above. Please ensure that social distancing is maintained when these are collected and that if you have already collected a pack, please do not collect a new one until your existing resources have been used.

St Cuthbert’s, Slateford and Our Lady’s, Currie

Please continue to check the Parish website for details and updates. See below:

https://www.stcuthbertschurch.com

Fr Duffy published a newsletter/bulletin on the website last Sunday that is well worth reading. We also remember in our prayers Archbishop Tartaglia, whose funeral took place this week and Bishop Logan who also passed away last week. RIP.

Finally

Throughout the many challenges of this pandemic I have been grateful for the positive and understanding attitude shown by our parents and carers. Our school, nursery and LCC teams all very much appreciate your support. Please continue to get in touch, if you have any questions. Have a great weekend!

Mr P Brack, Head Teacher and all at St Cuthbert’s School

St. Cuthbert’s RC Primary School

Newsletter 20 – Friday 15th January 2021

St Cuthbert’s CARES We are: Creative Active Respectful Equal Supported

Good afternoon,

Please see this week’s newsletter below which seeks to share as much information as we can with you on a weekly basis. As always, please let us know if you have any questions about the contents or any other school related matter. Please never hesitate to do this, we, like you, appreciate the huge importance of communication, especially in the current circumstances. We can be contacted on (0131 443 2621) or via our admin mailbox (admin@st-cuthberts.edin.sch.uk). Our nursery can now be contacted separately at: stcu-nurmail@st-cuthberts.edin.sch.uk

Important Dates This Term – Re Digital Learning, Return to School etc

There has been such a welter of ever changing information over the last few weeks, that I thought it worth clarifying the basic information:

· School buildings are closed to all but those children who meet the Scottish Government definitions of Key Workers’ children or pupils deemed to be vulnerable until 1st February. Learning is to be provided digitally for the majority of pupils who are not attending schools in person during this time.

· This decision and the date of possible re-opening will be reviewed by the Scottish Government on 18th January.

Digital Learning – Your Views and Update

The establishment of our digital learning provision appears to have gone comparatively smoothly (apart from the Scotland wide glitch on Monday). As with all our endeavours, we will continually seek to improve as the days and weeks proceed.

If you have any questions, concerns or suggestions re our Digital Learning, please do not hesitate to contact us via phone or e-mail. If school closures continue into February, we will send a formal survey to parents.

City of Edinburgh Council have informed us that our probationer teachers require non-teaching time over the course of each week during lockdown. Please note therefore, that Mr Vilanova will (in consultation with Mr Silver and Miss Delaney) provide learning on

Teams for P2 on a Tuesday and P6 on a Friday. Both teachers will make pupils aware of this change.

Please note that in addition to the daily video team meetings in P1 and P7 advertised last week, that other classes will now be introducing these calls. P6 will meet daily at 9.30am and P3 weekly on a Friday at 11am. Other teachers will provide audio welcomes to their class. All of our teaching staff are working extremely hard to make learning as interactive as possible.

LCC Opening During Lockdown

Please note that our Language and Communication class, will remain open to pupils on a limited basis, in accordance with City of Edinburgh Council advice during lockdown. The reason for this is that LCC is a specialist provision and operates under separate rules and guidance to mainstream schools.

School Twitter Account @StCuthbertsRCP

Please note that our twitter feed will continue to be active during the current lockdown period. One of the things we will be able to use it for is to share technical advice. Today, for example we have shared an excellent interactive guide to using Teams. Please continue to follow us or sign up to do so, if you haven’t already!

Absence from Digital Learning and School

Please note that the expectation from City of Edinburgh Council, is that pupils should take part in daily digital learning from home or within the school hub, if they have been allocated a place. If your child is unwell and cannot engage with digital learning at home or within the school hub, please contact us, as we have been asked to record such absences by City of Edinburgh Council, just as we would do if someone is absent in normal circumstances.

Support for Learning Teacher Consultation Calls – Tuesday 19th January

Mrs McLeish began to work through her consultation calls that were postponed last term on Wednesday. Feedback on these conversations was very positive. She will continue with the remaining consultation calls she was unable to make last term starting on the morning of Tuesday 19th January 2021.

Stationery Resources – Available at School Gate on Tuesday 26th January

We had an enthusiastic uptake of our small resource packs on Tuesday. Thank you! We hope you find them useful. We will make similar resources available on a fortnightly basis. See next date above. Please ensure that social distance is maintained when these are collected and that if you have already collected a pack, please do not collect a new one until your existing resources have been used.

Nursery Update

Home learning packs will be shared with families next week as will our plans for digital learning within nursery. Please continue to contact us via school telephone number or dedicated nursery e-mail address (see above), if you have any questions.

SCIAF Fundraising

Congratulations to P5 and Mrs Banks for their great fundraising in aid of the SCIAF Christmas Water Appeal. Despite the challenges of the last term, P5 still managed to think of others less fortunate and take time to raise some money to help break the cycle of poverty. SCIAF acknowledged receipt of the £37 raised by letter this week.

Dog Fouling on Street Outside Infant Entrance

The text below is from the response we received from one of local councillors re the above concern raised by the school at request of parents.

“…The department have advised this area is regularly patrolled by Street Enforcement Officers and any person found failing to pick up after their dog is issued a Fixed Penalty Notice of £80, raised to £100 if unpaid within 28 days. We intend to continue with our patrols in the area to effectively deal with any offenders. It would be helpful should anyone wishing to complain about dog fouling can provide any additional information of when offences are taking place so that the Street Enforcement Officers can target their resources appropriately.’’

Mass During Lockdown – St Cuthbert’s, Slateford and Our Lady’s, Currie

Please continue to check the Parish website for details. See below:

https://www.stcuthbertschurch.com

We also note and mourn the passing of Archbishop Tartaglia, Bishop President for Catholic Education in Scotland. He was an active supporter and friend of Catholic schools – Requiescat in Pace.

Thanks once again for your support through the beginning of another period of online learning. The newsletter will continue to be issued on a weekly basis. Please continue to contact us, if you have any questions.

Mr P Brack, Head Teacher and all at St Cuthbert’s School

St. Cuthbert’s RC Primary School

Newsletter 19 – Friday 8th January 2021

St Cuthbert’s CARES We are: Creative Active Respectful Equal Supported

Good afternoon and Happy New Year to all,

Welcome to the first newsletter of the year and to yet more change for the school community! I know how difficult these changes are for parents and carers and commend you on your continued support of your children and the school. Please see a short newsletter below which aims to give as much information as we can at this stage. As always let us know if you have any questions about the contents. We can be contacted on (0131 443 2621) or via our admin mailbox (admin@st-cuthberts.edin.sch.uk). Our nursery can now be contacted separately at: stcu-nurmail@st-cuthberts.edin.sch.uk

Digital Learning – Week Commencing 11th January 2021

Each class within the mainstream school (LCC have communicated their own arrangements to families) will be provided with a daily allocation of digital learning via Microsoft Teams. This learning will be introduced by a daily audio welcome from the class teacher. The daily learning will consist of

· 1 item of Literacy based learning

· 1 item of Numeracy/Maths learning

· 1 learning experience from another curricular area.

We will aim to provide 3-5 hours learning for pupils per day. Feedback will be provided to pupils within normal school hours via Teams.

Two classes: P1 and P7 will also be trialling short daily video calls to pupils (no more than 30 minutes). These will take place at 9am and 9.15am respectively. Please note that no pupils are obligated to take part in the video call and that parents/carers may exempt their child from these meetings should they choose to do so. The responsible use policy was shared with parents/carers in association with the newsletter prior to Christmas but I will share again with today’s newsletter.

User names and passwords will be the same as pupils have used for Teams Homework this year. I attach a guide to logging in to Teams with this newsletter. Please contact us, if you have forgotten your child’s password. Please also remember to use the e-mail ending @ea.edin.sch.uk when entering the user name.

Teams Login Advice and Access to Teams on X-Box, PlayStation Consoles

Please find attached with this newsletter a guide to accessing Teams, included with this is advice about how to access teams via the popular games consoles mentioned above. Please continue to contact us with any questions you have about accessing Teams.

Absence from Digital Learning and School

Please note that the expectation from City of Edinburgh Council, is that pupils should take part in daily digital learning from home or within the school hub, if they have been allocated a place. If your child is unwell and cannot engage with digital learning at home or within the school hub, please contact us, as we have been asked to record such absences by City of Edinburgh Council, just as we would do if someone is absent in normal circumstances.

Stationery Resources – Available at School Gate on Tuesday 12th January 11-12am

As above, small resource packs will be made available on this date. We hope you find them useful. Please ensure that social distance is maintained when these are collected.

School Hub Places

Please accept my apologies for the number of calls I have had to make to parents/carers this week, informing them that there is no place for their child at our school hub. The guidelines are very strict, in line with the Scottish Government’s desire for as many people as possible to remain at home. I do however appreciate the scale of the challenge facing so many families at this time: balancing childcare, work commitments and from Monday online learning. I appreciate your understanding.

Support for Learning Teacher Consultation Calls

Mrs McLeish will be making some of the consultation calls she was unable to make last term starting on the morning of Wednesday 13th January 2021.

Mass During Lockdown – St Cuthbert’s, Slateford and Our Lady’s, Currie

Please continue to check the Parish website for details. See below:

https://www.stcuthbertschurch.com

Thanks once again for your support through another period of unforeseen changes. The newsletter will be continue to be issued on a weekly basis. Please continue to contact us, if you have any questions.

Mr P Brack, Head Teacher and all at St Cuthbert’s School

Dear Parent/Carer.

Please see attached a letter from Andy Gray, Chief Education Officer giving more detail about plans for schools in January.

In the communication below, I will share how this affects our school and also explain what to do if your child tests positive for Covid over the holiday period:

Working Week Commencing 6^th January 2021: Key Worker Hub at St Cuthbert’s

Only children of Key Workers (as defined by City of Edinburgh Council see flow chart below)  will attend the school building on week days during the period from Wednesday 6^th January to Friday 15^th January 2021. Please click on the link below to make an application for a place in school on these days:

https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=af6sSGo3tUKfacnke7-5xDvSTjv5zlRKp7FBY3WQ-VBUQktOSzU4Tzc4VVhVVTFRUllPQ1FDQjdINC4u

Parents/carers of pupils whose children are identified as eligible for this support  will be informed on Wednesday 5^th January 2021.  To help you understand the eligibility criteria, please see flow chart below defining it. School will be open on these days during normal school hours only. If your child/children are eligible you will receive a call from the school on Tuesday 5^th January 2021. We will also be contacting families on this same date to offer spaces to vulnerable children too.

Online Learning from Monday 11^th January 2021

For pupils who don’t meet key worker eligibility criteria, term now starts on Monday 11^th January with online learning via Teams. This will comprise, as it did during lockdown of:

1. One item of literacy based learning
2. One item of numeracy based learning
3. One provision of learning from another curricular area.

Our hope is that come the 18^th January, we will be able to open as normal for in-school learning.  We will keep you in the loop with any updates on this situation.

Reporting Positive Pupil Covid Cases During Holidays

In order to ensure we are able to support families who may test positive over Christmas and New Year, we have put in place arrangements that will allow us to work with Health Protection Lothian to identify potential close contacts in schools. In order for this to be most effective, we are asking you to support us.

During the school holidays, if your child has had a positive test result for Covid-19 please call 0131 200 2000 to let us know. 

As your child(ren) is in the same class or bubble the school will share attendance information with the Health Protection Team so they can identify and notify close contacts.  Your child(ren) does not need to do anything further.

Please contact our admin mailbox from 5^th January, if you have any questions.

Thank you for your continued support, wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy new Year 2021!

Pat Brack

Head Teacher

Message from Pat Brack, Headteacher and NHS Lothian

As you may already know, we are aware of a person in the school who has tested positive for COVID-19. We have been working closely with NHS Lothian Health Protection Team and following all national guidance.

A number of people have now been contacted because they have been in close and sustained contact with the case and the tracking process is now complete.

These contacts will need to self isolate and appropriate guidance and advice has been given.

 If you have not been contacted directly to tell you your child is a close contact, then your child should attend school as normal.

Enhanced cleaning and infection control measures are in place in line with national guidance. The school is safe and remains open.

If you have any concerns in the meantime, or if you need to book a COVID-19 test because your child has developed symptoms (high temperature, a new continuous cough and/or a loss or change in sense of smell or taste) please visit the NHS Inform website www.nhsinform.scot  or for non-clinical advice call 0800 028 2816.

Please note that a test should only ever be booked if you or your child has these specifics symptoms.

Remember to stay at home if anyone in the household has symptoms of COVID-19.

For further information you may find this Frequently Asked Questions document useful :

https://www.nhslothian.scot/Coronavirus/Parents/Schools/Pages/default.aspx

Best wishes,

Pat Brack, Head Teacher

Message from Pat Brack, Headteacher and NHS Lothian

We are aware of persons in the school who have tested positive for COVID-19. We understand that this is a worrying time but would like to reassure you that we are working closely with NHS Lothian Health Protection Team and following all national guidance.

A number of people are currently being contacted because they may have been in close and sustained contact with the case and will need to self isolate.They will be given appropriate guidance and advice.

An update via text and letter will be sent to you as soon as the tracking and tracing process is complete.

If you are not contacted directly to tell you your child is a close contact, then your child should attend school as normal.

Enhanced cleaning and infection control measures are in place in line with national guidance. The school is safe and remains open.

If you have any concerns in the meantime, or if you need to book a COVID-19 test because your child has developed symptoms (high temperature, a new continuous cough and/or a loss or change in sense of smell or taste) please visit the NHS Inform website www.nhsinform.scot or for non-clinical advice call 0800 028 2816.

Please note that a test should only be booked if you or your child has these specifics symptoms.

Remember to stay at home if anyone in the household has symptoms of COVID-19.

For further information you may find this FAQs useful https://www.nhslothian.scot/Coronavirus/Parents/Schools/Pages/default.aspx

Best wishes,

Pat Brack, Head Teacher

Dear Parents/Carers.

We are currently awaiting updated advice from City of Edinburgh Council re arrangements for the return to school and learning January 2021. We will update you as clearly and fully as we can before the end of term via our digital platforms. A text notifying you that this update is available will also be sent out.

Kind Regards

Pat Brack

Head Teacher

St. Cuthbert’s RC Primary School

Newsletter 18 – Friday 18th December 2020

St Cuthbert’s CARES We are: Creative Active Respectful Equal Supported

Good afternoon all,

Welcome to the final newsletter of the year. It has certainly been an eventful one. Thank you for your positivity and support throughout. Please see a short newsletter below. As always let us know if you have any questions about the contents. We can be contacted on (0131 443 2621) or via our admin mailbox (admin@st-cuthberts.edin.sch.uk). Our nursery can now be contacted separately at : stcu-nurmail@st-cuthberts.edin.sch.uk

Covid Communications and Incidences this Week – Thank You!

Thanks to each and every one of you for the calm and supportive attitude which you have displayed in the light of this week’s covid events. I really appreciate your understanding and the kindness you have shown towards myself and our staff, when we have been in communication with you!

Final Day of Term Finishing Times – Tuesday 22nd December

The Scottish Government have confirmed that pupils will be in school on Monday 21st and Tuesday 22nd December. Details of finishing times on the final day shared last week have been adjusted to try and make them more convenient for parents and carers, whilst still keeping to staggered times under covid guidelines.

Finishing times on the last day (22.12.20) as follows:

P1 – 11.50am P3 – 12pm P4 – 12.05pm P5 – 12pm P7 12.05pm

LCC1 and LCC2- 12pm

St Cuthbert’s Primary School Nursery Update – January 2020 Opening

The entire nursery team are looking forward to welcoming our first nursery children on Wednesday the 6th of January. Parents who have accepted a place should now have received both a paper and electronic welcome pack with all the necessary information required for starting nursery.

We still have some places available. If you would like to apply for these, please download an application form from the City of Edinburgh Council website: https://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/downloads/download/12890/apply-for-nursery. If you require any further information please do not hesitate to contact us at: stcu-nurmail@st-cuthberts.edin.sch.uk

P1 Online Nativity – 2020

Mrs Mulvagh returned to school this week and has been working very hard with the children to create an online Nativity. This will become available to view on Monday 21st December. Mrs Mulvagh will share details re how to access the performance with parents/carers.

School Lunches w/c 4th January 2021

If you haven’t already ordered a lunch for your child, please remember to send them with a packed lunch from home.

Support for Learning Teacher Consultations – Calls Scheduled for Wednesday 16th December

Please note that due to unforseen circumstances, calls for this date had to be rescheduled. Rescheduled times to be confirmed.

Christmas Pantomime and Parties – P2, P6 and P7

· Pantomime: The school purchased a pupil friendly online pantomime: Cinderella, which was shown to some classes on 16th and 17th December. It will be available to us on demand from 6th January and all pupils who missed it will be shown it then. We will also ensure that any classes (P2, P6 and P7) who missed their Christmas parties will receive the refreshments they would have enjoyed at the party when they watch the pantomime.

· Parties: The remaining party is: P1 – Tuesday 22nd December

As with P.E, we have no changing facilities available currently in school, so pupils who wish to wear party clothes should come to school dressed for the party on their class’s nominated day.

Reporting Absence (Particularly with Reference to Possible Covid Symptoms) Next Term

Thank you for the sensible approach you have taken to gauging when children are not well enough to attend school. In the current circumstances of an ongoing pandemic, we need to remain vigilant, cautious and follow the appropriate guidelines. We very much appreciate that our parents and carers have been and are doing this.

If you are calling us to report absence, please be specific in reporting reasons for absence. In cases where you are reporting any of the following symptoms relating to Covid-19:

· High Temperature

· New and continuous cough

· Loss of, or change in, the senses of taste and smell

please be advised that pupils with any of these symptoms must be tested and evidence of the test result e-mailed to our admin account (admin@st-cuthberts.edin.sch.uk) or confirmed to us by telephone.

If a test is positive, pupils must follow the isolation guidance given and not return to school until this is complete and they have been free of fever for 48 hours. Siblings and families of those pupils testing positive must now isolate for 10 days. If they become symptomatic, they too should get tested.

Online Christmas Mass

Fr Duffy, Fr Martens and parishioners from our two parishes; St Cuthbert’s and Our Lady’s have put together an online Mass, which will become available on the parish website from 9pm on Christmas Eve. There will be no Masses in either church on Christmas Day.

Places at other Masses over the festive period can be booked online (see parish website again)

https://www.stcuthbertschurch.com

Wishing you all a Happy and Healthy Christmas and all the Best for New Year 2021

Thanks once again for your support throughout a historically challenging year. We look forward to welcoming all of our classes back on Wednesday 6th January 2021 !

Kind regards.

Mr P Brack, Head Teacher and all at St Cuthbert’s School

Message from Pat Brack, Headteacher and NHS Lothian

As you may already know, we are aware of persons in the school who has tested positive for COVID-19. We have been working closely with NHS Lothian Health Protection Team and following all national guidance.

A number of people have now been contacted because they have been in close and sustained contact with the case and the tracking process is now complete.

These contacts will need to self isolate and appropriate guidance and advice has been given.

 If you have not been contacted directly to tell you your child is a close contact, then your child should attend school as normal.

Enhanced cleaning and infection control measures are in place in line with national guidance. The school is safe and remains open.

If you have any concerns in the meantime, or if you need to book a COVID-19 test because your child has developed symptoms (high temperature, a new continuous cough and/or a loss or change in sense of smell or taste) please visit the NHS Inform website www.nhsinform.scot  or for non-clinical advice call 0800 028 2816.

Please note that a test should only ever be booked if you or your child has these specifics symptoms. Remember to stay at home if anyone in the household has symptoms of COVID-19.

For further information you may find this Frequently Asked Questions document useful :

https://www.nhslothian.scot/Coronavirus/Parents/Schools/Pages/default.aspx

Best wishes,

Pat Brack, Head Teacher

Message from Pat Brack, Headteacher and NHS Lothian

Positive Cases of Corona Virus in St Cuthbert’s School Community

We are aware of persons in the school who have tested positive for COVID-19. We understand that this is a worrying time but would like to reassure you that we are working closely with NHS Lothian Health Protection Team and following all national guidance.

A number of people are currently being contacted because they may have been in close and sustained contact with the case and will need to self isolate.They will be given appropriate guidance and advice.

An update via text and letter will be sent to you as soon as the tracking and tracing process is complete.

If you are not contacted directly to tell you your child is a close contact, then your child should attend school as normal.

Enhanced cleaning and infection control measures are in place in line with national guidance. The school is safe and remains open.

If you have any concerns in the meantime, or if you need to book a COVID-19 test because your child has developed symptoms (high temperature, a new continuous cough and/or a loss or change in sense of smell or taste) please visit the NHS Inform website www.nhsinform.scot or for non-clinical advice call 0800 028 2816.

Please note that a test should only be booked if you or your child has these specifics symptoms.

Remember to stay at home if anyone in the household has symptoms of COVID-19.

For further information you may find this FAQs usefulhttps://www.nhslothian.scot/Coronavirus/Parents/Schools/Pages/default.aspx

Best wishes,

Pat Brack, Head Teacher