Dec 1st, 2020
Update from the Principal 01.12.20
Health and Safety and Operational Procedures from 02.12.20
College operational procedures and risk assessments have been reviewed and updated as result of the move from national lockdown restrictions to tier 2 restrictions on 2nd December 2020.
There are very few major changes and in addition to the already rigorous procedures we have him place here is a summary of the key information that it would be helpful for Parents/Carers to know:
- Parents/carers must continue to not send students to college if they have symptoms of Covid-19, or if a member of their household or anyone they have been in contact with has symptoms or has tested positive for Covid-19. Parents and carers have a responsibility to inform the college of this as soon as possible, so appropriate action can be taken.
- Parents, carers and students must understand the importance of following tier 2 restrictions outside of the college e.g. not mixing at home or indoors with people from other households- with the exception of on the college site. This is due to the impact that not following these restrictions could have on the health and safety of members of our community and the subsequent impact this could have on the full time onsite provision St Michael’s is able to provide to all students.
- After school clubs will resume from 02.12.20 and as before students will be required to book in advance via Edulink in order to be allowed to stay onsite at the end of the day. They will be required to be offsite by 4:30pm.
- All meetings, briefings and assemblies will continue to be held remotely.
- 6th form students will be permitted to leave the college site at the start and end of their lunch break as long as they keep to the rule of 6.
- The rule that students must go straight home when leaving the site and that they are not allowed to go into local shops/fast food outlets after school will remain in place. This ensures that year groups continue to be kept apart at the end of the day and after school.
- Face coverings must continue to be worn by all students and staff in communal areas unless they are exempt (Major Health and Safety mentions will be given to students not meeting this expectation)
- Face coverings must continue to be worn by 6th form students in NT classrooms when there are 8 or more students in the class and for all lessons in G13.
- Staff and students required to shield will be supported to return to college if advised it is safe to do so by doctors/medical teams.
Temperatures, Uniform and Coats
- Temperatures in both school buildings are being monitored very carefully and our ventilation system and heating systems have been reviewed so that we can ensure classrooms are both well ventilated and the correct temperature. In most classrooms vents will regularly bring fresh air into the building and extraction systems regularly remove old air to prevent it circulating and this has been set up without windows being required to open. This will continue to be monitored on a daily basis.
- Students have been reminded to wear full uniform, blazers, cardigans, long sleeve shirts etc and layers/vests etc to ensure they are comfortable in lessons and in and around the college building in winter months, when it is naturally colder.
- If we are able to maintain required temperatures in the classrooms and college buildings students will not be asked/allowed to wear coats in lessons. Students should have coats ( [plain black, navy, grey) that they can wear outside at break and lunchtime and to and from college. This is so they can stay warm and dry at these times.
Arrangements for the end of term and key dates
- Please note the last day of the autumn term is Thursday 17th December. This is now in line with Southwark local authority term dates. This will be a full day and all students are required to attend.
- Friday 18th December is now a staff INSET day
- The spring term begins for Year 11 students on Monday 4th January 2021
- The spring term begins for all other year groups on Tuesday 5th January 2021
- The end of the first half term is Friday 12th February for Year 11 students and Thursday 11th February for all other year groups.
- Please note that students who are required to quarantine at the start of spring term due to travelling overseas to a country not on the Foreign Office exemption list will not have their attendance authorised. The college is also under no obligation to set work for students whose families have made a decision to travel against government guidance.
Thank you as ever for your continued support, it is truly appreciated.
Ms Corcoran
Principal