Rydal Penrhos School
Dear Parents
Further to my email of 1st April regarding online safety and the message from your child’s Head of Key Stage, I write to you with wellbeing and pastoral matters at the fore.
Whilst much is going on behind the scenes to ensure that the academic programme for your child(ren) online is running efficiently and effectively, we are also keen to ensure that members of our community are keeping well during these challenging times.
Through our iChapel services and Key Stage assemblies, we are raising awareness of mental health and the 5-ways to wellbeing. Reverend Sissons is also reaching out to all members of the school community, and beyond, who may not be coping too well during this crisis for a variety of reasons.
There are pupils whose parents and grandparents have died, parents who have lost brothers and sisters; there are people anxious about their jobs, their businesses and their mental health and much more. A Service for Hard Times has been made available to anyone seeking some comfort during these troubling times.
I would like to remind you, again, that the pastoral support team is on hand to provide any remote support we are able to:
We are continually responding to feedback regarding our provision, both the academic platforms as well as the pastoral support. Mr Gareth Robinson, our IT Services Manager, and Mr Thomas have produced a helpful document for pupils and parents, detailing hints and tips for the common issues occurring.
Alongside this, as the protocols for online learning platforms are ever-evolving we have decided to make these available as live documents so that as they are updated, you will be able to access these online, rather than receiving a string of documents via email.
The link to these latest protocols, guidance and FAQs can be found HERE. These protocols are essential in our endeavours to keep all learners and providers safe online.
Mr Robinson has reported fewer issues on the technical front this week, but he is still able to help with any problems your son/daughter may have accessing the Teams ‘meetings’ or online learning platforms. If you do experience any difficulties, please contact him on ithelpdesk@rydalpenrhos.com.
With the huge expansion in online provision, we have reminded staff of the need to:
It is important that we all, including the children, take a break from screen time, and work.
With the situation changing and the reliance of remote communication, please do not forget to check the School’s website regularly. There is a section containing all the latest government information, specifically for schools during this period of site closure as well as school community news updates.
Finally, a reminder that next week, on Friday 8th May, it is a Bank Holiday to celebrate VE day – 75 years ago. There will be no online lessons on that date. However, we look forward to hearing of any news regarding how creatively any of our pupils or members of the school community commemorate this event.
With kind regards and best wishes
Alison Hind
Head of Pastoral Care