We are delighted to welcome all students back to the Academy for the start of the Spring term on Thursday 6th January at 8:40am. We hope you have all had a restful festive period and are recharged and re-energised for the new term.

Due to the testing process taking place on the first day of term, there are some specific arrangements for arrival at the Academy on Thursday that all students need to be aware of:

· On-site testing - Those students whose parent/carer provided consent either electronically or via paper for on-site testing prior to our deadline in December, must enter the building via the PE / Community door on Thursday morning. These students will be registered and seated in the Main Hall before being escorted to E Block to be tested. Once tested they will return to their seat in the Main Hall to await their result.

· On-site test results - If a result is negative the student will return to their tutor rooms to join their form. If a positive test is returned the student will need collecting from the Academy immediately. We ask that parents/carers are contactable during this time.

· Students not involved in testing should make their way into the Academy via either the Main Student Entrance, Maths Entrance or MFL entrance doors and make their way immediately to their form rooms. These students must not try to enter the building by the Community/PE door. The Main Hall, Gym, Sports Hall and E-Block will be out of bounds for students not involved in testing during the morning.

Please note, the NCR will be out of use for Year 11 students.

Due to the recent rise in COVID cases and the prevalence of the highly transmissible Omicron variant, it is crucial that students work collectively with staff to follow COVID procedures and help keep everyone at the Academy as safe as possible.

These are explained below:

· Face coverings – in-line with the most recent government guidance, all students (unless exempt) are expected to wear a face covering in communal areas and classrooms. Face coverings are mandatory on all public and dedicated school transport. It is essential that students bring their own face covering with them to the Academy every day. Those students with a face mask exemption should wear a purple lanyard and ensure that this is visible at all times or carry a face mask exemption card.

· Handwashing – regular handwashing / sanitising is one of the best forms of defence against COVID. It is therefore crucial that students are practicing good hand hygiene habits throughout the day by regularly washing / sanitising their hands. This is particularly important at the start/end of each day, after breaks and lunches and prior to eating.

‍· Equipment – It is essential that every student arrives at the Academy organised and ready to learn with the appropriate equipment.

‍·Home testing – Students and their families are advised to completed LFD testing regularly. Students were provided with test kits prior to the Christmas holidays and further test kits will be available for students. As test kits are linked to the Academy, only St Wilfrid’s students should use school-provided kits at home. Parents/Carers are reminded that all results should be recorded on the NHS website. It is also essential to inform our Attendance Manager as soon as possible should your child record a positive test.