Reflections on week 25 and Red Nose Day

Again, a mixed week of reflections.

 I have seen the additional teaching opportunities that our new start and finishing times have delivered and, as I noted last week, the wonderful attitude that the children have come back with is allowing us to make real progress. Children are once again learning to swim, dancing, singing, going on Forest School adventures and enjoying playtimes with their friends. Our fantastic Immersive Classroom is finally being used and year 6 have been engrossed in sessions linked to the text they are studying.

I also take heart from the continued support parents are giving with the new timings and wearing of face-coverings. That said, the playgrounds are, at times, busy places and I ask everyone to help keep our community safe.

Specifically,

  • Just one parent or carer to collect please
  • Once you have collected or dropped off, please leave the site promptly
  • Don’t arrive early and congregate in close groups
  • If you are collecting from years 5 or 6, please keep away from the school door and instead pick up from near the blue football cage
  • Make arrangements for the oldest children to walk out of school with friends (this independence will be good for the move to high school)

The down side to regaining our proper school day has been the increase in traffic congestion. During this interim period and to secure our ‘class bubbles’, I cannot reopen the morning ‘drop-off’ facility. The traffic problems and associated accident risks caused by parking on the double yellow lines within the Surestart entrance and carpark mean that this area will be closed from Monday 22nd March to non-exempt traffic.

Please use alternative ‘park and stride’ options which are available, including:

  • The carpark off Lodge Lane that serves Hyde Park allows for a short journey along Bird Cage Walk and entry to school through the back gates.
  • Parking on Spring Gardens leaves a 2/3 minute walk into school
  • Parking on Park Road gives a similar short journey into school.
  •  Walking in along Bird Cage Walk from the Flowery Field Station end.

Returning to the positives… We are lucky to have an active, local cricket club based just off Throstle Bank Street. Flowery Field CC have a beautiful pitch and great facilities and we have worked with them over the years to signpost keen players into the club. I pass on this message from the club secretary:

As we near the end of the first stage of lockdown, as a local sports club, we are looking to see if we can help support the fitness, mental health and well-being of children in our community. Cricket is a popular sport with children able to learn new skills, make friends and have fun with the benefit of being outdoors.

Hyde Cricket Club provides training for children from 6 years and up with our First IX enjoying being Cheshire Premier League Champions on a number of occasions.

We offer coaching for all abilities with Lancashire and Cheshire coaches.

Many thanks in anticipation,     Phil Douse (Junior Secretary)

The contact details for Phil Douse are pidouse@hotmail.co.uk or call 07399 595799

Finally, as ever, the generous response of our school community to the Red Nose Charity cannot go without mention and thanks. Your donations will help to support their work and projects with children.

Stay safe and well and have a great weekend,

Best wishes,

Mr Fell