Dear Parent/Carer,
 
What a turbulent start to the New Year it has been, with changes being faced globally, nationally and also at a local level.  With change, comes a great deal of uncertainty and this can cause distress and worry, if we do not know what is going to happen.  As yet, I cannot tell you what is going to happen about Year 11 and Year 13 students being awarded their GCSE and A Level grades and I cannot tell you when College is going to open again to all students. Yesterday, the Prime Minister announced that it will not be possible to resume face-to-face learning immediately after the February half-term and instead hopes that it will be safe to commence the re-opening of schools and colleges from Monday 8th March.  He has also stated that parents and schools will be given two weeks’ notice, prior to schools re-opening.  As soon as I know the plan, I will communicate it to you.  This is a frustrating situation for all of us and we have no special or inside knowledge about what is going to be announced by the Department for Education; we often find out, like you, from the BBC News.
 
I wanted to say a heartfelt thank you for all of your encouraging words and support.  If you have any feedback, both positive and negative, please contact me via the College contact us link - http://www.sjhcsc.co.uk/contact-us  I genuinely want to know what we can do to support you and your family at this difficult time.
 
I have received several messages of thanks for individual teachers from you, for their hard work and the support they have shown to your child. We have an amazing team of staff that cares very much for all students.  If you would like to thank a teacher by sending a virtual card via email, totally free, please use the following link:
https://thankateacher.co.uk/thank-a-teacher/thank-a-teacher-form/
 
We have seen our Educare numbers increase over recent weeks and I want to remind you to only request a place if it is absolutely necessary, to enable me to best utilise my resources.  We have recently had a positive COVID-19 case in Educare and I suspect that we have not yet seen the peak of cases in Plymouth; we should all continue to follow the Government’s advice: ‘Stay Home, Protect the NHS, Save Lives’.
 
As a parent of teenage children, I am also trying to manage childcare, home learning and keeping body and soul together: it is not easy.  We will get through this and, in the words of Captain Tom Moore: ‘For all those people who are finding it difficult at the moment: the sun will shine on you again and the clouds will go away.”  My advice to get through the next few months is simply to be kind to yourselves, you are doing your best.  Yes, it is vital that students complete their remote education and try not to fall behind but we have a great deal of help and support available to you, so please do not struggle alone.  Please contact your child’s Pastoral Leader or tutor and ask for help and support; we will always try our best for you and your family.  Here are the email addresses for the Pastoral Leaders:
 
Pastoral Leader Year 7 Mrs Jordan s.jordan@sjhcsc.co.uk
Pastoral Leader Year 8 Mr Beynon j.beynon@sjhcsc.co.uk
Pastoral Leader Year 9 Mr Holliday n.holliday@sjhcsc.co.uk
Pastoral Leader Year 10 Miss Warring l.warring@sjhcsc.co.uk
Pastoral Leader Year 11 Mr Carpenter m.carpenter@sjhcsc.co.uk
Pastoral Leader Sixth Form Mr Fort s.fort@sjhcsc.co.uk
 
In the next few weeks, we will be delivering a pack to your child with some fun challenges and activities for them to take part in, watch out for the SJH posties!
 
Stay safe and well and I will be in contact next term with a further update.
 
Yours faithfully,
 
 
Mrs J Bevan
Principal