News

Mr Walker’s Update

02 September 2020

Please see Mr Walker’s latest update below:

Dear Parent/Carer(s)

I have included the guidance documents for the return to school with this update. The documents include a parent/carer guide (please click here to access) and a student guide (please click here to access). We have tried to keep them as succinct as possible, but we also want to ensure you have all of the necessary details. We have supported the plan with another one of Mr Angove’s videos that were very popular last term – this should be ready by Friday. An e-mail will be sent to parents and carers when this is ready to be viewed, and will also be available via our website and social media channels.  

As always, if there are areas which you believe are unclear, or you are unsure about anything, then do not hesitate to contact meI will contact you as soon as possible. 

Reminder of return days 

Just a reminder that we are looking forward to seeing students back at the school on the following days: 

Monday 7 September: Year 11 only 

Tuesday 8 September: Year 7 and Year 11 

Wednesday 9 September: Years 7, 11 and 10 

Thursday 10 September: Years 7, 11, 10 and 8 

Friday 11 September: All year groups  

There have been some recurring questions that I have tried to clarify in this update, but I would urge you to spend some time going through the detailed guidance documents which are attached.

Face coverings 

We know this has been a hot topic in the press recently. Our arrangements are for Years 7, 8, 9 and 10 to walk around the building to access classrooms, and then be supervised on their way to classesYear 11 students will be the only pupils in the building. As a result of our arrangements, we will follow government advice and will not ask students to wear face coverings at this stage. However, it would be excellent if they got into the habit of having face coverings in their school bag. If your child would like to wear a face covering in schoolthen that is fineas long as it is appropriate; no scarvesplease! 

Transport to school 

In line with guidance, students are asked to wear face coverings on transport to school. 

Access to school site 

We would ask that parents and carers do not access the school site to drop students off in the morning. There is also no access through Penryn Primary. Due to these restrictions, we will open up the access at the bottom end of the school fieldwhich can be accessed at the bottom of Trevance Road, or through the industrial estate. We would also ask that you do not come onto the school site to collect students immediately after school. However, if your child is attending an after-school club, and you would like to collect them after 4.00pm, this will be allowed. We know these restrictions are inconvenient, but we would like your help in this area, please. 

Lockers 

We are not planning to make lockers available to students until at least half-term. This is because students will not be in the building unless they are going to lessons. We know that this may cause some problemsand students will need to pack carefully for each day. The PE & Lifestyle department will be clear about the equipment pupils need to bring into school, so that students don’t bring any kit that is surplus to requirementsPlease note that uniform will be required to be worn every day. 

Football boots for use on the STP 

reminder that students will need to use football boots when using the STP. Guidance for this was sent out in my last update, which can be accessed herePlease remember that the STP will not be used until at least October, and if your child has not got any suitable boots, we will have a supply that students can borrow. We are sorry if this has caused any upset. Iyou have any questions regarding this, please contact our Head of PE & Lifestyle, Mr Tucker, via rtucker@penryn-college.cornwall.sch.uk. 

Break and lunchtimes 

I know some parents and carers have concerns about breaks and lunchtimes, particularly during wet weather. We only have two year groups on break or lunch at any one time in outside areas (rememberYear 11 pupils are allowed in the Canteen and lower Street area)so in the event of wet weather, we will be able to accommodate a year group indoorseither in the Sports Hall, Activity Studio, or the TISA, where students will be in a safe, wellventilated, and supervised space. 

Catering 

We strongly advise thatwhere possible, students arrive at school with a packed lunch and their own snacks. Food will be available and served in the relevant break and lunchtime areas, but there will be very limited hot food on offer, and sandwiches. Those students in receipt of free school meals will, of course, be able to access the catering service for their lunch. 

Thank you 

Thank youagain, for all your support. Please do not hesitate to contact me if there are any issues. 

Paul Walker 

Headteacher