Return to School Arrangements

Dear Parents / Carers / Students,

This letter is to confirm a few arrangements for return to school next week. Please read it carefully.

Return to School Days

Please refer to the letter from Mr Edwards from last Friday detailing return days. We are looking forward to seeing Years 11, 12 and 13 on Monday 8th March, Years 7, 9, 11, 12 and 13 on Tuesday 9th March and then all students in school on Wednesday 10th March.

Testing

All students will be offered 3 covid tests during the first two weeks of their return to school. Please see the letter regarding the testing programme for details and supporting videos. We strongly encourage students to take part for everyone’s benefit and must have consent for this to happen. If you haven’t yet completed the consent form (deadline Friday), you can find it here: https://forms.gle/oivbKsBjeAx5mYE99

Covid Protocols

We will be continuing with all of the covid protocols from before the Christmas break, with some small changes to note:

  • The school gates will open again from 8.30am. Year 8 and 6th Form should continue to enter through reception and all other year groups through the main gates.
  • End of the day staggered exit times:
    • Year 9 – 3.15pm
    • Year 10 – 3.20pm
    • Year 8 – 3.25pm
    • Years 7, 11 and 6th Form – 3.30pm
  • Students will be asked, unless exempt, to wear masks in all lessons and as they move around site.

Transport

Please find attached to this letter travel arrangements from our local bus companies covering covid protocols and bus timings.

SmartCards and Café Payments

We are transitioning to the school being ‘cash-free’. This means SmartCard top-ups will all need to happen through your ParentPay accounts and students will not be able to top-up in school using the old machines. If you have any queries about this, please contact finance@priory.herts.sch.uk.

Student Appearance

Please take the opportunity over the next few days to ensure uniform is cleaned and ready to go and that hair, jewellery and nails are in line with the school dress code. This helps us to avoid unwanted difficult conversations on those first mornings back when we want to remain positive and welcoming.

We hope your children are looking forward to returning to school – we can’t wait to have the building full again!

Kind regards

Lawrence Foster
Deputy Headteacher