During the last 3 weeks things seem to have changed so much that I wanted to send out a short message to our students, families and staff team in the form of a quick video message, so here goes..

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I’d like to share a little of what’s been going on over the last couple of weeks. Parents and carers are finding ever inventive ways of engaging with our students. This week I’m focusing on one of our E-Base 1 students..

Miss Thornhill has also suggested some lovely Easter activities so I thought I’d share with everyone in case you’re stuck for something to do over the Easter break: Easter activities

You can also find lots more Easter activities on your child’s class page in the Home Learning area of our website here.

Please send us your pictures or videos of what you’ve been up to, I can’t wait to see what you have all been doing. I’d also like any pictures of students (and families!) taking part in ‘Mr. Smith’s PE Challenge’ – please click here if you’ve missed any of his daily challenges.

There has been a focus on the news and social media around taking care of our Mental Health & Wellbeing. Miss Wright is posting new activities every week on our ‘Healthy Minds at Home’ page (click here) and she would like to offer the following advice:

Looking after your mental health and wellbeing at a time like this is really important. Trying to make sense of what’s happening, worrying about being poorly, missing your friends and being out of routine are all things that will have an impact on your mood and may make you behave differently than normal.

‘Healthy Minds at Home’ has a lot of information that can help with your wellbeing. There are useful websites and a reminder to use some of the Apps we’ve used during our Wellbeing Afternoons.

There are recommended places to look for useful and correct information so you don’t get worried by myths.

There is a ‘5 Ways to Wellbeing weekly challenge’, where you are encouraged to Connect, Be Active, Take Notice, Keep Learning and Give by participating in different activities.

The 5 Ways to Wellbeing can help you to feel more positive and improve your wellbeing. It’s important to keep a check on how you are feeling so there’s an emotions chart to help you identify how you feel. You can then talk this through with a trusted adult. Developing resilience skills and coping strategies will help you through this very unusual time.

Here’s a sneak peek at part of next week’s 5 Ways to Wellbeing challenge:

Connect, Be Active, Take Notice – This week we are going to group these together and be part of the ‘Bear Hunt’ that is sweeping the world. Join in to connect with others by putting a teddy in your window. Be active by going for a walk around where you live and take notice by spotting the bears as you walk round.

Here’s a little bit from the news that explains it:

“A mass teddy bear hunt is under way around the world to help distract the millions of children locked down because of the coronavirus pandemic. Stuffed toys are being placed in windows to give children a fun and safe activity while walking around their neighbourhood with parents. The hunt is inspired by the children’s book We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, written by UK author Michael Rosen. Teddies have been spotted around the world, including in the UK and US.”

Even Miss Wright is getting involved..

..and Miss Allison!

The charity Young Minds continues to offer support, stating “In these uncertain times, we’re still here for you”.  Their website (click here to visit) has a wide range of guidance and advice for young people, parents and carers including sections on coronavirus and mental health and supporting your child during the coronavirus pandemic. They have also published reports on COVID-19 and young people’s mental health, school staff wellbeing tips and self-isolation activities and conversation starters.

Our Admin teams have been working hard to distribute the Free School Meal vouchers.  We are now registered for electronic food vouchers. Families who qualify will receive vouchers covering the 4 week period from Monday 6th April (which includes the Easter holidays) and these can be used in a number of supermarkets. These will be distributed to you via ParentPay so please check your account.

Take care everyone and stay safe,

Dawn

Click here for this week’s news from Graham

You can find Gavin’s blog for the school site here

For news on our Key Stage 5 pathway groups at Medtia Square please click here

You can find my previous blog posts here