Dear Parents/Carers,
Today will be a day of mixed emotions as we are saying goodbye to our wonderful Year 6 pupils. They are an amazing group of young people with a huge range of talents, and I know that they will go on to further success in their high schools. A leavers’ video link will be sent via email, to the parents/carers of Year 6 children this morning.
The end of this academic is certainly not what I imagined when I started the role of Headteacher at Elvington on the 6th January 2020. Despite the challenges that the past seven months have presented, I could not be prouder of how the school community have adapted to the ever changing educational landscape.
Throughout the aforementioned period my staff team have shown commitment, resilience, generosity and good humour. I could not be more proud of them, nor more honoured to lead them. Whatever the guidance that has been received; whatever the new demands placed on them, they have risen to it, adapted their practice and kept going. This has included working with children from different year groups in classrooms that are not their own, creating videos and planning an exciting new curriculum. Not only this, but having worked in school all day they have also continued to provide online resources to the children in their own classes who are not in school. Without exception they have worked creatively and without hesitation to ensure that the needs of our school community have been met, that they all can continue to learn, that our school is a safe place to learn and teach, that parents/carers have been supported and our vulnerable children protected.
The staff were really appreciative of this comment, which was included in the York Mumbler Star School Awards:
“They have been great from the start of this, keeping all parents updated on a regular basis about what is happening. They have been sending out some amazing tasks and YouTube videos for the children to do at home and also reassuring parents to not feel the pressure to make sure all of these are done. Their main priority through all of this has been the health and well-being of the children. They have been there at all times for any questions being asked by parents. All parents received a phone call from the head at the start of lockdown to make sure everyone was well and to reassure parents that there was no pressure to complete all school work being sent out. We also this week received a phone call from our children’s teachers to see if everyone was ok and to have a little chat with the children. A big well done to them all for helping us to get through these very strange times. Thank you x”
Understandably, parents/carers have faced enormous pressures to do their very best for their loved ones – to keep them safe, in good health and support their education. Home schooling is incredibly challenging; especially when you are attempting to juggle your own work commitments. The shifting sands of home learning can be exhausting and overwhelming, however, I am hugely appreciative of all the support you have provided during these challenging times. A great deal of what we do in school cannot be achieved without you and your co-operation and backing.
I would also like to thank the children for their hard work and perseverance; as well as the Governors for their continued support of the school and our students.
You will have received information last week, about the full opening of school in September. I would urge you to read this carefully and consider the implications for your child/children. If you have any questions please contact me via email: head@elvingtonprimary.org.uk.
I am sure you will all join us in wishing Mrs. Holmes well as she starts her maternity leave in September. Please watch Mrs. Holmes transition video by following this link: www.youtube.com/watch?v=jj6gm2ZXprI
The staff would like to wish all the children, parents/cares and members of the parish a very happy summer holiday. Thank you to everyone for their support this year and let’s hope for some wonderful weather before full opening in September.
Yours sincerely,
Mr. Andrew Buttery