Dear Parent\/Carer<\/p>\n
You’ll have gathered from last week’s message that I was hoping it would be the last one of 2020. Then things changed significantly again at the weekend. So here goes … one more time!<\/p>\n
After a Headteachers’ meeting this morning, I am able to confirm the return to school arrangements.\u00a0Basically, the school holidays are extended until 10 January 2021. However, on January 7 and 8 we will provide a childcare only service for vulnerable young people with additional needs (decided after discussion with our Supported Learning Team) and the\u00a0children of key workers (in S1-3 only). The key worker criteria are quite strict, as you will see from the attachment, and this provision is “rationed” with priority given to Category 1 key workers. Please complete the application form (see page 4 of the attachment) if you feel that you qualify and cannot do a “frontline” job without this support. You should return it to kirkcaldyhs.enquiries@fife.gov.uk by Monday 4 January at the very latest. Thanks. The other attachment is a letter from Carrie Lindsay, Executive Director of Education, which serves as formal notice of what I have just explained. It also covers nurseries and other settings.<\/p>\n
The teachers are back at work as planned on 6 January. Most will work from home, preparing for remote learning to be delivered from 11 January. During that week, learners will work at home on tasks set by teachers on “Teams” and other online platforms. We will teach vulnerable learners in school and the recognised key workers’ kids will have access to the building to complete the remote tasks set by their class teachers. They won’t be “taught” as such. It is hoped\/anticipated that learning in classes, in school, will resume on 18 January.<\/p>\n
As always, many, many thanks. It’s been an extraordinary year for us all. Take some time out now; it’s so well deserved. I wish you a very restful Christmas. There will be sadness around no doubt, especially where loved ones are separated. But it might be quieter and more peaceful for most. Maybe a chance to let go some of the pent up stress of living through a crisis like this. However you manage the spell ahead, please make the best of it and I’m hopeful that we can have a brighter New Year.<\/p>\n
And if you need any brightness right now, here’s a link to the pre-filmed staff X-Factor! This follows a special request from a couple of parents;<\/p>\n