Dear Parents,

 

We are writing to let you know that in the past week we have been informed of another 2 positive Coronavirus test results for members of the Year 3 bubble, this takes the total number of positive cases within this bubble to 3 altogether. We know that you may find this concerning but we are continuing to monitor the situation and are working closely with Public Health England. St Dominic’s is not alone in having bubble closures as the following data shared at this week’s Head teacher meeting demonstrates:

 

• 42 Camden schools have had 1 or more positive cases of Coronavirus
• 63 members of school staff had a positive test for Coronavirus
• 78 children had tested positive for Coronavirus
• There were 1241 pupils self-isolating due to having contact with someone who tested positive with Coronavirus
• There were 157 members of staff self-isolating due to having contact with someone who tested positive with Coronavirus

 

Whilst the school remains open, we have been thinking about additional measures to minimise the risk of the infection being transmitted at school. As you may be aware, in September the Government relaxed the rules about teachers moving between class bubbles, which meant that the school was able to re-introduce Music and PE lessons with Mr Gamage and the PE coach.

 

However because of the current situation, we have decided that we need to change this. From now on the children will have their PE lessons with their teacher rather than with coach and Mr Gamage will deliver class music celebration days to the children every 4 weeks. On these days the day will be given over to Music activities which will be fun filled and will promote the children’s health and wellbeing. The changes to PE should not affect the day that your child comes to school in their PE kit - however if there is an occasion when this is the case, the teachers will let you know in advance.

 

I wanted to take this opportunity to thank all parents for really making a big effort to socially distance when dropping off or collecting children at the school gates this has really improved in the last few weeks and is much appreciated. This week we heard that due to the high number of cases in Camden, Public Health is encouraging all parents to wear face coverings/masks when dropping or collecting children from schools as it recognises the challenges of socially distancing at these times, therefore if you are able, please do wear a face covering/mask from Monday when dropping or collecting your child/ren.

Yours sincerely,

 

Ms L. Giverin     

Head of School