Dear Parents/Carers
I hope that this email finds you well and that you have managed to find some kind of routine over the last week.
As I mentioned in the email that went home last week, it is really important that you look after your own mental well-being. We are having to live and work in a way that is so very different from the norm and this is likely to cause stress to everyone involved. Whatever you are able to do with your child(ren) during this time will be GREAT, whether it’s sitting around in your PJs watching films, baking, gardening, painting or completing some of the work set by the teachers. Do not put yourself under any more pressure as it will only result in feelings of guilt and inadequacy and quite frankly it is just not worth it.
The teachers will continue to upload work for the children to complete onto the website on a weekly basis and this will be communicated to you via their chosen platform: Tapestry, Dojo or Parentmail. These are suggestions only, there will be children who will get up every morning and happily complete the work with little need for prompting, bribery or encouragement. However, I would imagine the majority of children will really struggle to motivate themselves and will point blank refuse to do any even with the offer of your help. Please do not worry about it, we are all very realistic about what will be achieved at home, and remember the majority of us have children and are going through exactly what you are going through.
I was sent this earlier by an educator I follow on social media:
‘If you have structure to your day, are working out and managing to home school your kids without pulling your hair out – YOU ARE DOING A GREAT JOB!
If you are sometimes sticking to a timetable and taking time out for yourself whilst doing fun stuff with your kids – YOU ARE DOING A GREAT JOB!
If you are barely getting any work done, haven’t yet managed to get your kids out of bed before midday, but are still managing to keep this side of sane – YOU ARE DOING A GREAT JOB!’
(Jaz Ampaw-Farr) We echo these sentiments!
School is going to be closed for the Easter holidays, however will reopen if the childcare needs of our critical workers’ change (please contact the school office email if this is the case). Term starts again on the 20th April and will be open only to children of critical workers who are not working from home or have no other option. Communication will go out over the holidays for you to book the days you require.
Thank you for your patience, understanding and commitment to our school. Enjoy a chocolate fuelled holiday where you can.
Best wishes
Carla Stedman and The Bawburgh Staff
