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Principal's Christmas Address including January KS4 Examination Arrangements

16th Dec 2020

On behalf of our school community I would like to take this opportunity to wish you and your families a safe and peaceful Christmas.  I know that this has been a term like no other in the history of our school.  I would like to thank you for the support that you have extended to all of us in St Mary’s as it has really made a difference.  I would like to commend our girls on the way they have adapted to the changes that have been required of all of us.  Such resilience will stand them in good stead in later life. I have been very impressed by the way they have supported each other during the first term.

I would like you to discuss with your daughter her results achieved in Assessment 2.  I know that our staff worked very hard with the girls to ensure that the assessments went ahead as scheduled. As a self-evaluating school we always know that there is room for improvement. With this in mind, I have no doubt that the girls will follow the advice that I have suggested on their individual reports.

At the time of writing this letter, I have been informed that the EA Catering Service will not be providing a service on Monday 4th January 2021. All students will be required to bring in a packed lunch on the first day back to school in the new term.  However, the situation could change and if there is any further communication we will do our best to keep you updated.

Friday 8th January was originally a Staff Development Day, but in order to consolidate teaching time it will be a normal school day for all students.  All students will need to be in school and Post 16 students need to attend their classes in De La Salle High School and St Patrick’s Grammar School.

Our Years 11 & 12 will have modules in January.  Both year groups have received an individualised letter from me regarding the arrangements for the examinations in line with PHA guidelines. The girls need to ensure that they spend time over the holidays preparing for the modules.

On Tuesday 12th January we will require Year 8 girls to work at home that day. Work will be provided.

 

This is due to the large numbers of Years 11 & 12 students sitting the English module; we will require the whole of the bottom corridor and the gym as examination venues and waiting areas.

Finally, I hope you and your family are able to have an enjoyable Christmas and the opportunity to meet with family members in your ‘bubbles’.  I hope that 2021 will be a better year for everyone and I look forward to seeing the girls in January ready to begin a new term’s work.

Best wishes,

Ms R. McLaughlin

Principal