Headteacher letter to Parents 19.03.2020

Dear Parent/ Carers

I am writing to confirm that following the Statement from Minister for Education, Kirsty Williams, that Ysgol Bro Dinefwr will close to pupils at the end of school on Friday 20^th March. At this point, we do not know how long the closure will last.

Statement from WJEC:

Cancellation of summer examination 2020

“Following the announcement made by Welsh Government and our regulator Qualifications Wales, we can confirm that there will be no summer examinations this year in Wales.

This unprecedented decision was made in light of the global crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic, and our priority is to ensure the health, wellbeing and safety of our teachers and learners.

We understand the significance of this decision and the implications this will have on our learners. We will work with Qualifications Wales and Welsh Government to ensure that we put robust arrangements in place to ensure that learners in Wales receive a fair grade for their GCSE and A level qualifications this summer. Once we have progressed with this work, we will advise centres on the actions we will be taking as soon as possible.”

Communication

During the closure, information and sources of support will be shared via the school website:

https://brodinefwr.org.uk

Resources for pupils

As noted earlier this week, staff have been preparing resources to support pupils. Pupils will use their Hwb login details to access learning materials. Links and “how to” guides for pupils and parents will be available via the website. Hard copies of resources will be made available to those pupils who do not have internet access. Further details to follow.

Arrangements for the remainder of the week

Unfortunately, with significant staff absences due to self-isolation, we are unable to deliver normal lessons on Thursday 19 and Friday 20 March 2020. We will be providing ICT workshops for pupils to make sure that they know how to access their Hwb accounts and use the Hwb tools such as Microsoft Teams.

Trips

Due to the cancellation of all trips during the summer term, we will be arranging refunds for the monies that have been paid. Given the number of pupils affected, this may take a little while. We understand that the current situation will place some families in financial difficulties and will endeavour to refund you as quickly as possible.

Marlais Resource Base and Canolfan Cothi

Pupils who attend the Resource Base and those who attend Canolfan Cothi, have been provided with learning packs. Pupils in Canolfan Cothi have also been provided with social stories to support the safe and meaningful exchange of information between pupils, parents/carers and staff.

Area 43 Schools Counselling

Area 43’s counsellors will work from home to offer counselling remotely over the phone, or via Zoom, an online platform using text, audio or video link. The child/young person will need to have a safe and confidential space to receive counselling and a phone, tablet, laptop or PC that they can access in that space. As some children/young people will not want the people they live with to know they are receiving counselling, the method of counselling will be adapted to accommodate this.

Area 43’s website offers a self-referral link for children/young people so they can refer into the counselling service as we believe many may be anxious about the changes to routines.

https://www.area43.co.uk/referrals/self-referral-form/

The counsellor will receive the referral and will liaise with the school Link Worker as usual, albeit by email or phone.

Contact information

Please contact me if you need any further information

Ionwen.Spowage@brodinefwr.org.uk or Telephone 01558 824800.

During the school closure, you will be supplied with a direct mobile contact number.

We expect more detailed information later today and will share this with you as soon as it becomes available.

Thank you for your support during this challenging period. Please take care of yourselves and your families and do not hesitate to contact me if I can be of assistance.

Yours sincerely

Ionwen Spowage (Mrs)

Headteacher