Keep up to date with all the latest news happening in school at the moment.

• Face Masks Update

  Wed 25 Nov 2020
  Good morning,
  
  Can I just draw to your attention that some people are medically exempt from wearing a mask and so you may see a small amount of parents at the gate not doing so.
  
  Please be sensitive in dealing with these situations.
  
  Many thanks,
  
  Mrs Robbins

• School Photographs

  Wed 25 Nov 2020
  Good morning,
  
  The school photographer will be back in school on Monday (30th) to take the photographs of the children who are self isolating at the moment.
  
  She will also take photographs of any other children who missed the opportunity last week.
  
  Thank you,
  
  Mrs Robbins

• Message Re.Face Masks

  Tue 24 Nov 2020
  Morning all,
  
  I’m sure lots of you saw the news last night.
  
  The Welsh Government guidance on face masks has now changed and all parents/guardians must wear a face mask when at the school gates at the start or end of the day.
  
  Thank you for your support with this.
  
  Mrs Robbins

• Christmas Cards

  Mon 23 Nov 2020
  Morning all,
  
  I’ve had a few questions about whether children can send each other Christmas cards in school this year.
  
  If your child wants to do this please could you send the cards into school in a large envelope or poly pocket on Friday 11th December.
  
  We will then give them out the following week after 72 hours being left untouched.
  
  I’m sorry if this sounds crazy but it’s written into the risk assessment I’ve had from the local authority.
  
  We won’t be able to give out any cards that are not in school by the date above.
  
  Thank you,
  
  Mrs Robbins

• School Photographs

  Fri 20 Nov 2020
  Re: School Photo’s
  
  If you would like to purchase your child’s school photo, could you please pay online with ‘Tempest.’ All instructions are on photo packs.
  
  If unable to complete online, you can fill in the debit card details on form, or send in a cheque to school made payable to... Tempest Photography.
  
  All needs to be completed my Thursday 26/11/20.
  
  Many Thanks,
  
  Mrs Reardon

• Message From Mrs Robbins

  Fri 20 Nov 2020
  Good afternoon,
  
  For the attention of the parents who have children who are currently self isolating in Miss Pyle’s class and Mrs Helkvist’s class:
  
  Thank you to those of you who are self isolating properly and following government guidance.
  
  Today we have received lots of information through people’s social media posts that many of our children who are self isolating (this means not supposed to leave the house) are out in the community shopping, playing etc
  
  It puts us as a school in a difficult position, because really we should pass this information onto the relevant authorities meaning fines and other penalties.
  
  It also means that when your children return to school it is very likely they will soon be off again, as the virus will continue to spread.
  
  It may also mean I don’t have enough staff to keep other classes open.
  
  Please follow the guidance.
  
  Mrs Robbins

• Caerphilly Testing Facilities

  Tue 17 Nov 2020
  Useful Information regarding testing facilities:
  
  Aneurin Bevan University Health Board is extending the opening of its temporary testing facilities in Bargoed and at Caerphilly Leisure Centre.
  The testing units will be open until 23/11 and will provide a walk up testing service to Caerphilly residents.
  If you have symptoms of Coronavirus (Covid-19) - a new continuous cough, high temperature or loss of taste and/or smell, please call 0300 30 31 222 to book a test.
  Remember these symptoms can be very mild.
  
  Morning Walk Up Tests (Booking Required)
  Caerphilly Leisure Centre, Virginia Close, Caerphilly, CF83 3SW
  Operating Hours: Morning (08:30am-11:30am)
  Operational dates: Open until 23/11
  
  Afternoon Walk Up Tests (Booking Required)
  Bargoed Library Car Park, Hanbury Road, Bargoed, CF81 8QR
  Operating Hours: Afternoon (12:30pm - 15:30pm)
  Operational dates: Open until 23/11
  
  Booking required. Contact us on 0300 30 31 222 - 8am-8pm Monday-Friday, and 8am-6pm on weekends.
  • The test is done in 5 minutes
  • Only for residents of Caerphilly. Bring ID and proof of address.
  • Please wear a face covering on the way to and from your test
  • Please do not use public transport
  • Do not visit any shops or other places on the way to or from your test
  • Please remember, if you have symptoms of Coronavirus, you and your whole household must self-isolate at home until you receive your test results.
  
  For people who live outside the Caerphilly area, there are other testing facilities available in Gwent. Call 0300 30 31 222 between 8am - 6pm to book.
  You can also have a test posted to your home.
  Apply online at www.gov.wales or phone 119

• Message from Mrs Robbins re. Flu immunisations and school photographs

  Mon 16 Nov 2020
  Morning all,
  
  We have spoken to the school nurse and the photographer. The children who are currently self isolating will be able to have their flu immunisations and photographs at a later date when they return to school.
  
  All other pupils will have their flu immunisations and photographs as planned tomorrow.
  
  Thank you,
  
  Mrs Robbins

• Only one Crossing Patrol Outside School

  Mon 16 Nov 2020

  Morning,

   

  Mrs Tompkins will be the only crossing lady outside school until further notice.
  
  Many thanks,
  Mrs Reardon

• Queries Regarding Covid Case in School

  Sun 15 Nov 2020
  Here are some questions that I have been asked by parents this pm so I thought it might help if I share them here with the answers. The answers I have given are based on advice.
  
  1. I have other children in the school who are not in Mrs Helkvist or Miss Pyle's class. Can they come to school?
  
  Yes, only the children in the classes with confirmed cases need to stay at home.
  
  2. I have other children in Newbridge Comprehensive. Can they go to school?
  
  Yes, only the children in the classes with confirmed cases need to stay at home.
  
  3. I have other children in school, how do I get them to school?
  
  The children who are self isolating must stay at home. You cannot bring them to school to drop off your other children. It is not just that the classes are closed. Those children must self isolate for 14 days. You will need to make arrangements, where possible to bring/collect your other children from school.
  
  
  4. My child is in Mrs Helkvist/Miss Pyle's class. What will happen about the flu immunisation and photographs?
  
  Tomorrow we will ring the school nurses and find out what happens about the flu immunisation. We will book another date for your children to have their photos done. We will carry on this week with photos for everyone else.
  
  5. What should my child do at home?
  
  Your child's teacher will provide learning for them at home on class dojo, as we did during the longer lockdown.
  
  6. Do my family need to self isolate?
  
  No, only the child in the affected classes. Should your child become unwell then you book a test and seek medical advice.
  
  7. How worried should I be?
  
  Both children who tested positive are fine at the moment. They have no symptoms, the difficult thing is that older family members in the home are feeling unwell. Therefore, be vigilant and keep a close eye on your children. Take medical advice if your child or a family member becomes unwell.
  
  Thank you,
  
  Mrs Robbins