We are almost there … and holding our breath, as we approach the final week of term. We have had mass disappointment this week, with years 4 and 5 both isolating, and we really do thank families immensely for supporting the school in these challenging circumstances. There are some families who need reminding about what isolation means, so please see the information below. 

We all realise that the world out there is very fragile, and people are exhausted and feeling the strain and staff really do appreciate the kind words coming their way. Many families are really struggling and we have seen many quiet acts of kindness supporting each other in this tricky time. 

Children have enjoyed sports events this week: they may not have had the community aspect our school is used to, but children were able to show off their skills, have fun and even create new records! Year 4 will be doing theirs next week … and Year 5, you have until September to practice!

Due to the high levels of cases being reported and also high levels of worry as we approach the end of term, we will not be going ahead with transition day on Monday. New teachers will put films on the website, and children will also be having Zooms next week with their new teachers. At this point of term, the safety of our staff and children have to be prioritised: we want everyone to be able to enjoy the start of their summer holidays.  

Once again, thank you for your continued support in this challenging time. We are all working toward the same goal – an end of term to celebrate and also a healthy start to the summer holidays. For this, we really do all need to work together. 

Please have a safe, quiet weekend… so we can get to the end of term!

Ms Teagle

Period of Isolation

Currently we have Years 4 and 5 isolating due to a number of positive cases in both year groups. As well as children and staff who have been showing symptoms, some of the positive tests have been a result of parents having a social responsibility and testing children regularly. For that, we are really thankful. Children, staff and parents have had significant symptoms causing real concern in our families. It is clear how contagious this virus is and at TMS, we have absolute evidence of this. 

When children are isolated due to being in contact with a positive contact, they MUST NOT form ‘bubbles’ outside of the family home. When phoning 119 for advice, this is very clear. Forming bubbles with friends, or grandparents so that parents can continue to work MUST NOT be happening. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/self-isolation-and-treatment/when-to-self-isolate-and-what-to-do/

Children should be isolating in their own homes. Although other members in the household can go out to work, the child MUST remain at home. The child MUST NOT be attending clubs such as Judo or football and MUST NOT be going to a friend’s house for child care. Of course isolating is incredibly inconvenient, but as a social responsibility, the advice needs to be taken.  

When children are seen out at clubs, bike riding, playing in the parks, or going to other houses, it will, inevitably, cause incredible anxiety and anger with those who are following the guidance and rules. When the children return to school, this will put more children and staff at risk and ultimately bring more instances of infection and loss of income as we approach the summer holidays. 

Covid protocols in place until 21st July 2021

 As mentioned in previous newsletters, our protocol at TMS until the end of term remains as it has done previously. If there is a positive case, we will require the year groups and any additional close contacts to therefore isolate and not return to school until September. This is a risk assessment which has been shared with the Trust and one which other schools are also following.  

Summer Holiday Free School Meal Vouchers

We are pleased that the government has provided a further round of support via the Covid Local Support Grant, which means that funding has now been made available to schools to issue vouchers over the summer holiday. Therefore, we will be issuing vouchers to the value of £90 per eligible pupil, in the same way as we have previously, using the WONDE platform. These will be delivered via email early next week.

Swimming 2021-2022

We have been working with GLL (Truro Leisure Centre) to organise swimming sessions for the next academic year. They have completely changed their organisation of school swimming sessions and can only offer a block of 10 consecutive days, for 1 hour, with no more than 35 children in the pool. The learner pool is not in use.   

Because they have decided this, we can only offer swimming for years 4, 5 and 6. 

St.Ives class (Y5 – Mr Newsome) weeks beginning 27th Sept and 4th October – every day

Barcelona class (Y5 – Mr Bagley) weeks beginning 11th and 18th October – every day

Veryan class (Y4 – Mrs Vale) – weeks beginning 1st and 8th November – every day

Rinsey class (Y4 – MrRutterford) –  weeks beginning 15th & 22nd November – every day

Year 6 weeks beginning 13th and 20th June  – every day 

Year 6 Transition Support

Even though it is still July, it will soon be time for the Year 6 children to move on to Year 7. There is a really useful link below with tips and ideas to support your child through this exciting time. 

https://www.startnowcornwall.org.uk/transition-mission

COVID 19 – Symptoms and testing

If your child has any one of the main symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19), get a PCR test as soon as possible. 

The main symptoms of coronavirus are:

A high temperature 

A new, continuous cough 

A loss or change to your sense of smell or taste 

If you or your child has COVID symptoms, or are generally feeling unwell, since the symptoms of the new Delta variant seem to be more wide ranging than those of the original variant, please seek a PCR test.  Your entire household must self-isolate whilst you are waiting for the results of the PCR test.

 Self-isolation means that you must not leave your house for any other reason than to get a PCR test. 

 Please follow the Government current guidelines on the current restrictions, but we have been advised by PHSW to encourage families to again limit contacts outside of your family and when meeting with others maintain the hands, face, space, outdoors guidance.

Contact school immediately in the event of a positive test result.

PTFA@TMS

From September we would like at least one parent/carer to come to the meetings as a representative of each class. We know that there are many ‘groups’  for parents/carers to communicate and so we would hope via this vehicle, you are able to decide who would come to the meeting. If you are not part of any social media group, just give us a ring in the office, so that we can connect you so no-one is feeling excluded. Please don’t argue if there are more than one volunteer … we are more than happy to have more than one representative!!!

The first meeting will be at ‘The Victoria Inn’ on Thursday 23rd September. This will be a general getting to know each other and time for a chat.

The second meeting will also be ‘The Victoria Inn’ on Thursday 30th September. This will be the AGM so that we can officially put in place a chair, vice chair and secretary. We are then hoping that you can then bring ideas together so that we can start mapping out events over the year.  

We really hope that after the disjointed couple of years we have had, we can embrace the new challenge of a really strong PTFA to support the school and community when we return in September.

Vonnie Davies – Vice-Chair

BLACKBIRD PIE

For anyone who hasn’t received a copy or needs another one for friends and family, we have a digital version. 

There is SO much to do, indoors and out! From theatre to indoor play centres, gorgeous galleries & fascinating museums, outdoor fun and summer trails, free events & special offers.

All magazines are FREE to download.

If you haven’t already, please sign up and you will be emailed each issue and details of our competitions.

Here is the link: https://blackbirdreads.turtl.co/story/blackbirdpie-2021-summer/

Wrap-around provision – SHELLS, PEBBLES and BIBBLES

From September, EYFS, Year 1 & 2 will attend Bibbles (held at Preschool) for after school provision.  Years 3, 4, 5 & 6 pupils will attend Pebbles. Breakfast provision (Shells) will be for all year groups. All current bookings will be carried over to September. Please contact the school office as soon as possible, if you would like to book your child into any wrap around care sessions or amend your requirements for the next academic year.

Current prices: Shells £4.50 a session and Bibbles/Pebbles £8.50 a session.

DIARY DATES