Dear all,

First, a big thank you to everyone who has filled out the parent survey already. If you haven't done so yet, I'd really appreciate you taking a few minutes to complete it here. 

I've really enjoyed reading so many positive comments - and I've also appreciated the suggestions for improvement - and I will report back on the overall results once the survey closes in a couple of weeks time. For now, I want to extend an offer to all parents: if you do have areas you're concerned about, please come in and have a look round for yourself! You can sign up for a tour here - groups are small (normally 1-2 families maximum) so that you get to see the school for yourself. 

Second, I want to briefly update parents on COVID measures. As you'll be aware, the government have now removed most legal measures related to COVID-19. The full government guidance can be found here, but I wanted to summarise the two most relevant points:

• Students are no longer advised to complete two lateral flow tests per week. HP will no longer be receiving shipments of test kits, so we will no longer be distributing these to students.

• Anyone testing positive is still recommended to self-isolate for a minimum of five days. If they wish, they may take lateral flow tests on day six and seven, and if both are negative it should then be safe to return to their normal routine. 

Meanwhile, we've had a busy first week back. There have been lots of positives (which I'll share next week), but our thoughts have very much been with Ukraine. 

On Monday I spoke to the school in assembly. We have students with family in both Ukraine and Russia, and I emphasised that the vast majority of people in both countries are just like any of us - they just want to live their lives in peace. Unfortunately, ordinary people in both countries are suffering because of Putin's actions. 

It is absolutely normal to feel scared in such times, and I encouraged students to open up to someone they trust, to be kind to one another, and to take time to look after themselves too. 

It is also easy to feel helpless in such situations, but there is much we can do to help as a school community. Right now, there are millions of Ukrainians who need aid. In line up today we launched an appeal for donations of vitally needed items. We are liaising with the Gloucester Ukrainian Church of the Good Shepherd who are arranging for donations to be taken to affected areas, and they have indicated there is an urgent need for the following items:

• Sleeping bags

• Metal cups

• First aid

• Medication

• Cling film

• Head torches and batteries

• Dry food

• Camping stoves

• Tin openers

Students / families wishing to donate should deposit items in the main reception. We will be delivering everything to the Church at the end of next week. Please do consider donating if you are able. 

With best wishes,

Mr Farmbrough