Dear Parents,
This week has been the closest to normal we have experienced for some time. The children have adjusted to the new daily routines, seemingly happy just to be with their friends. Effectively we are running four independent schools, with separate upstairs and downstairs cohorts at the Nursery and separate Reception and Year 1 cohorts at the Upper School. Each team has its own classroom, play-space, loos, staff room and equipment. If anyone is diagnosed with coronavirus, at least we won't have to close the entire school.
Teachers are trying their hardest to make school exciting despite the restrictions. The older children are sitting beautifully at tables and all other activities are designed to be as socially distanced as possible, but there is still a lot of creative fun in the day. Despite the turn in the weather we are making the most of our outdoor space at the Upper School. Our Year 1 children enjoyed an outdoor picnic in their gazebo despite the rain. It is such a shame that the glorious lockdown weather has ended and we are now dodging rainstorms. We are finding ways of keeping the children active and engaged in their own spaces. The children have loved the physical and creative freedom of pounding out rhythms on Djembe drums with Matthew.
Thursday marked an important date for the Nursery building. It was the 50th anniversary of the opening of one of the first Hindu temples in London. A new temple was opened in Neasden in 1995 but the Elmore Street site remains a place of pilgrimage for followers. Sue and I were presented with flowers outside the Nursery and I sent a message of congratulations via video. It was a delightful moment in a busy school week.
We are in a state of limbo as we await government advice about wider opening. We are missing Aisha and our Year 2 children who we want to see in person before the end of term. Aisha has been doing a wonderful job on Zoom and Seesaw, but everyone will be happier with (socially distanced) face to face contact.
A lot has been happening at home and at school, so enjoy the photos that follow. Wishing everyone a relaxing weekend.
Warm regards,
Kate