Coronavirus Bulletin
Dear Parents and Carers, and Students,
I hope you are safe and well.
Rapid Asymptomatic Testing in School
We have now established our Mass Asymptomatic Testing Centre in school and have had our first run-through with a small number of staff today. Thank you to those of you who have volunteered to get involved – we would like to recruit more volunteers over the coming weeks so if you’re interested please email me at headteacher@altrinchamcollege.com.
Our Covid Testing Risk Assessment can be found on our website:
https://www.altrinchamcollege.com/attachments/download.asp?file=1310&type=pdf
Our update general Covid Risk Assessment can also be found on our website:
https://www.altrinchamcollege.com/attachments/download.asp?file=1309&type=pdf
We will be contacting parents/carers of those students in school who have given consent to let you know that we will be starting student testing next week. Please can I urge anyone who has not returned the consent form to do so as soon as possible, in readiness for when all students return to school after February half term. The link is here: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=rjdJiPkPDk-HP_xNeIBos_aiXvsTfGtBrqd5_h_F_HpUOUZPSVpPQzcyR09ZRTJOQUhGOUtFVTRUUS4u.
If you would like further information on testing in schools, please visit:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/asymptomatic-testing-in-schools-and-colleges
Bid for the English Block Roof
This was a busy week as we submitted a new bid for our English Block roof repairs and refurbishment. Whilst we are managing in school without this substantial area, facilities are far from ideal. We are very hopeful that the summer term will see work start on this in earnest.
Mock Exams
Students in Y11 and 13 will receive their mock exam results next week. Results will form part of the whole school assessment process which feeds into summer grading, along with other assessment data. We are waiting for further guidance on summer exams following on from Gavin Williamson’s announcement on “mini exams”. We have no further details at this time.
Remote Learning equipment
Our vulnerable and Pupil Premium students have all been provided with a laptop on which to work at home. We have several more arriving shortly from the Department for Education. Students can also access online learning via their X-box, PS4 OR Kindle Fire if necessary.
We have linked our school with a small number of charities who may be able to help supply us with devices for AC students to use at home.
If your child/ward does not have access to the Internet, or you do not have broadband in your home, please contact us immediately and we will allocate them a place in school (subject to adequate staffing). School telephones will be answered throughout the school day (8am-4pm).
Photography Competition
Last week we launched our photography competition but we have only a few entries so far! Perhaps the weather has been too wet for capturing a good image but now there are some crisp, icy scenes which are beautiful – this morning I awoke to an amazing pink sky!
If your child/ward would like to enter, here’s a reminder of the rules of the competition:
- The photograph must be the student’s own, unaided work
- No face-on views of people can be included unless the person has specifically given their permission, but back views, etc are permitted
- The image can be colour or black and white but must not be enhanced or have any ‘effects’ added eg using Snapchat filters or Photoshop
- The image should be given an inspirational title and date, for example: “Warm Reflections” January 2021and must also clearly state your name and form group
- Only ONE image per student can be submitted so take lots and submit your best one!
Please email your entry to: competition@altrinchamcollege.com
Please ensure your image is sent ‘medium size’ which is approximately 111KB. Large images may not arrive in our mailbox.
CLOSING DATE: Monday 1st February 2021
Architect/interior designer help
Do we have any parents/carers who are architects or interior designers please? I would like some help with ideas for improving some areas of school as funding will not allow major refurbishment at this time.
If you can help, please email my PA Mrs Shields (dss@altrinchamcollege.com) and I will be in touch! Thank you in advance.
Student Star of the Week this week goes to Riley in Y7. He has been a really good team player and very supportive of his friends. Many congratulations Riley – you’re a STAR!
Staff Star of the Week goes to Mrs Blewitt for her resilience, professionalism and just for being a fabulous person! We all think you’re great Liz and you’re doing a fabulous job as Admin Team Leader at our school!
February Half Term
We were due to have an INSET day on Friday 12th February 2021 but this has been cancelled due to lockdown. Students will receive their usual online timetabled lessons this day instead.
We have moved this INSET day to THURSDAY 1ST APRIL 2021. The last day of Spring Term is therefore Wednesday 31 March and school will close at 12.30pm on that day. We return to school after Easter on Monday 19 April 2021.
Our Term Dates have been updated and can be found here.
Stop the Spread! Stay safe!
Thank you for your continued support of our school. I hope you have a lovely weekend!
Kind regards
Ms. Earle
Headteacher