Statement on school closure on Thursday 17th December

Dear Parent/Carer,

On Tuesday, the DFE provided updated guidance for Schools and Education Providers regarding end of term arrangements.

The DFE has recommended that ‘where possible’, Education Providers were to consider closing for pupils on Thursday 17th December. It is proposed that Friday 18th December is to be taken as an additional INSET day for all staff to work from home.

It is advised that this will support with Public Health and the management of Contact Tracing and will provide Headteachers with a Christmas break start date of the 24th December. This will leave school leaders with a potential 6 day period to support the NHS in the management of this pandemic.

For any further information required, please access the following website: GOV.UK / Department for Education / End of term planning

Following consultation with Professional Associations, Directors, Local Governors and Headteachers, it was unanimously agreed that the St Teresa of Calcutta MAC would fully support this Public Health advice.

The huge challenge of this term for pupils and staff was also a key consideration in informing this decision.

Our Academy will now close to pupils on Thursday 17th December. Please see below for specific details of the arrangements for pupils at Archbishop Ilsley Catholic School.

MONDAY 14TH- WEDNESDAY 16TH DECEMBER

All pupils in school

THURSDAY 17TH DECEMBER

Y11 pupils working remotely to participate in remote tutorials with parents/carers

All other pupils in school. Pupils may wear a Christmas jumper over their school uniform.

Y12 and Y13 pupils finish at 1.20 p.m.

Y9 and Y10 pupils leave at 2.50 p.m.

Y7 and Y8 pupils leave at 3.10 p.m.

FRIDAY 18TH DECEMBER