Newsletter 25                                                                                                                  Friday 20^th March 2020

 

Dear Parents,

I am going to begin by stating that I have never had to prepare a newsletter to our school community in such unusual and challenging circumstances. The advance of Coronavirus, whilst expected and planned for, has already had a profound effect on all our lives and will continue to do so for a significant period of time.

 

The principle message from all at the school as we close this afternoon is to stay indoors, stay safe, and stay in contact with us. It is important to understand that there will still be a skeleton staff checking telephones and e-mails and able to respond to your questions.

 

Coronavirus updates

Please continue to follow updates online and continue to remind your children of the importance of good hygiene routines.

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-information-for-the-public

https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-body/best-way-to-wash-your-hands/

Childline, CEOP and NSPCC are still responding to all enquiries:

Childline https://www.childline.org.uk/   0800 1111

CEOP https://www.ceop.police.uk/safety-centre/

NSPCC https://www.nspcc.org.uk/

Additionally, there is a secure and confidential e-mail address in case anybody has a serious concern and would like to tell either Mr McDonald or Miss O’Callaghan:

enquiries@st-mary-jun.croydon.sch.uk

 

Stations of the Cross

In light of the school closure we elected to have our Stations of the Cross service today. It was a beautiful and moving service and we have Mr Chappell and the children of Year 4 to thank for organising it at short notice.

 

Achievement Certificates

We decided not to award achievement certificates this week. Instead, I feel that our office staff in both schools are deserving of our thanks and recognition. They have worked tirelessly this week to share information in a rapidly changing situation and have met every unexpected deadline. Many, many thanks to Ms D’Souza, Mrs Escrader, Mrs Lord and Miss Trombetta.

 

Church without the Blessed Sacrament

This Sunday, and Eastertide that follows, will be like none we have ever experienced. I know from conversations that so many people are so distressed at not being able to attend mass and receive the sacraments. Please make it your business to facilitate people watching the mass remotely. This is especially important for our older family members who might feel isolated. The link for St Mary’s Church is:

https://www.mcnmedia.tv/cameras/st-marys-catholic-church-our-lady-of-reparation-croydon

 

We wish all our families peace and good health in these troubling times. Please pray frequently with your children and remember that you are all in our prayers.

We look forward to welcoming everybody back to school when the current crisis has passed.

Yours sincerely,

 

A.J. McDonald

Head of School