Dear Parents,
As we reach the final weeks of a very difficult year for everyone I am writing with a brief update and some important dates for your calendar.
Firstly, can I commend all of our wonderful students for their positive attitude towards each other and school staff during this roller coaster year of constant change and disruption. It reflects so well on family and community that students have adapted to each change and met each challenge so well.
This past year has taken its toll on us all but here at Ashfield we are all proud of our students and will end the year positively and go from strength to strength next year.
Lateral Flow Testing and Symptoms
At Ashfield we have had no confirmed Covid-19 cases since Easter. However, cases of Covid-19 in local schools are now rising as would be expected with the re-opening of society and a new variant in circulation.
Please, continue to be vigilant to the symptoms of Covid-19 and to participate in the voluntary lateral flow testing programme.
If we do have further confirmed cases we will let you know in the usual way and would welcome your patience and support for the actions we take.
Face Coverings
From next week, the Trust policy on the wearing of face coverings for students returns to a position of personal choice in line with Government regulations. Face coverings must still be worn on school buses. Usual exemptions will apply.
However, many students will wish to continue wearing a face covering in school, particularly in corridors and areas where social distancing is not possible, and we would support them in doing so.
Face coverings will continue to be worn by staff and visitors in corridors and communal spaces and where social distancing is not possible.
Of course, should we feel it necessary to re-introduce a face covering policy due to a spike in cases in the school or the community, we will give you as much notice as possible.
Dates for your diary
| Current Academic Year | Dates |
| Final day for students | Friday 23rd July: usual finish times |
| A Level (Post 16) Results Day | Tuesday 10th August |
| GCSE (Year 11) Results Day | Thursday 12th August |
| Next Academic Year 2021-22 | Dates |
| INSET days for staff | 31st August and 1st September |
| Autumn: Half Term 1 | Year 7 only
Thursday 2nd and Friday 3rd September |
| Post 16
Year 12 Enrolment: Thursday 2nd September Year 13 Enrolment: Friday 3rd September |
|
| All years in school: Monday 6th September | |
| Half Term holiday (2 weeks) | Friday 15th October |
| Autumn: Half Term 2 | Monday 1st November
Friday 17 December |
| Spring: Half Term 1 | Tuesday 4th January 2022
Friday 11th February 2022 |
| Spring: Half Term 2 | Monday 21st February 2022
Friday 1st April 2022 |
| Summer: Half Term 1 | Tuesday 19th April 2022
Friday 27th May 2022 |
| Summer: Half Term 2 | Monday 6th June 2022
Thursday 28th July 2022. |
Remaining INSET days for 2021/22 will be confirmed before the end of term.
Bubbles and Normality
We will, more than likely, continue with the current Year bubble arrangements until the end of the school year, and hopefully plan for a return to a ‘normal’ school day in September.
Final Note
I would like to say how proud I am of the staff at Ashfield School and the way they have continued to deliver a high quality of teaching and support throughout the past year.
Year 11 and Year 13 grading is the latest challenge successfully negotiated by the many committed and caring teams in the school.
No doubt there will be further obstacles to face in the next few weeks but, with your fantastic support, we will overcome each one and emerge even stronger.
Thanks
Mr Maher
