Dear Parents/Carers,
We would like to take the opportunity to thank you for your support during what has been a very strange term. You (along with our wonderful pupils and staff) have been incredibly adaptable and understanding, and this is very much appreciated. In spite of the restrictions placed upon us, we would still like to mark the Christmas period with the usual festivities. Children not taking part in Christmas events will have other activities provided for them.
Please see below what we have planned this year:
Virtual Pantomime (“The Snow Queen”)
We have arranged for a pre-recorded pantomime to be played in all classrooms on Wednesday 9th December. Parents/carers will not be required to pay for this.
Bright Jumper Day
On Thursday 10th December, children are invited to wear a bright jumper in support of Save the Children, with a suggested donation of £1, payable via Squid. A poster is attached here.
Festive Menu
On Thursday 10th December, the catering team will be providing a festive menu meal option. If your child would like to have a Christmas dinner, you will need to give permission via the Squid offer ‘Christmas Dinner permission’ by Thursday 3rd December. This lunch is free for children in Reception up to Year 2 and £2.75 as normal for Years 3-6. The festive menu is attached here.
Christmas Parties
Children will have class bubble parties on Thursday 10th December in the afternoon. Please note that food cannot be brought in from home on this occasion. Children will not be changing into party clothes this year.
Virtual Class Christmas Performances
Each class will be uploading a short video, including readings, artwork and dance, based on a Christmas theme. You will be able to access this via your child’s Showbie/Tapestry account from Friday 11th December.
Christmas Card competition
Children across the school have been given the chance to submit their own Christmas card design based on the theme of ‘hope’. The deadline is Friday 4th December and judges will pick a winner from each Key Stage. Winners will receive an arty prize, be featured in the school newsletter and their card will be sent out digitally to governors and members of the community.
Christmas Cards from home
Christmas cards will be allowed within your child’s class bubble only. If your child would like to do this, they will need to hand the cards to the class teacher who will place the cards in quarantine for 48 hours before handing out.
End of Term
Normal staggered finish times apply for the last day of term (Friday 18th December).
Nursery children will finish on Thursday 17th December.
There will be no Happy Herons provision on Friday 18th December.
Start of Spring Term
The first day back for pupils will be Tuesday 5th January 2021. Please note that our current staggered start and finish times, along with all other restrictions, will remain in place at this point.
If you have any questions regarding these events, please contact the school office via email at sao@heronsgate.greenwich.sch.uk
Thank you again for all your support this term. We wish you all a very happy and restful Christmas break.
Yours sincerely,
Mr Harris Mrs Ahmed Mr Khan
Executive Headteacher Head of School Thamesmead Head of School RA