Dear Parents and Carers,
Mousehold is happy, bright and busy as Christmas fast approaches. We are pacing ourselves though so the children’s routines aren’t disrupted too much as we know this isn’t always helpful for you at home. Too much disruption to routine can sometimes lead to more challenging behaviours and tired children. We really enjoyed the Reception Christmas carols on Wednesday and the children were fantastic.
Christmas Carol Performances on Tuesday 13th and Thursday 15th (KS 1)
Christmas jumpers or hats can be worn for your child’s performance – see below for details.
Christmas Dinner – Wednesday 14th December – Christmas jumpers or hats can be worn.
Children can wear Christmas jumpers, hats or anything festive to school this day. The Christmas dinner day is always fun and we encourage lots of children and staff to enjoy the Christmas Dinner together.
Last day of term Friday 16th December – non- uniform just for fun.
On the last day of term children can wear non-uniform and/or Christmas themed clothes – just for fun.
Some words from our Mental Health Champions:
How to Thrive and Not Just Survive Christmas…
So many of us may have very mixed emotions about Christmas festivities. Christmas can be a difficult time of year for some. It may well trigger uncomfortable emotions. Some people in your family and social circle may have been bereaved. Whether it was a recent loss or some time ago the emotions can still be very raw. Family gatherings may be strained, and a sense of loss may be felt. Be sensitive, is there anything you could do to show someone that you care during this festive period. A kind word, a cuppa and a chat, a card.
Financially many may be finding this season difficult with added expenditure of gifts and festive food. There are often extra events to financially contribute to. It may be hard to admit that things are difficult or to opt out due to not having the finances to take part. The added pressure on already strained monthly budgets may put pressure on people’s family life, relationships, general wellbeing and mental health. In our experience although your children may have lists of things they want for Christmas, ‘Time’ is a huge gift and some of the best memories are made for free.
A guide to Christmas on a budget – Care for the Family
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A guide to Christmas on a budget – Care for the Family The reality is that Christmas has become a commercial and expensive affair. It can feel overwhelming as we wonder how we are going to afford it all on top of rising bills, with no spare money to spend on anything extra. www.careforthefamily.org.uk |
For those of us who are people pleasers, sometimes Christmas gives you more to squeeze into an already busy schedule. Work out and write down what is feasible for you to do and try to stick with it, ask a friend to check in with you. Your wellbeing is a priority, as a parent you are a main care giver, if your mental health is suffering because you are trying to be too much to too many people you may not be at your best when it comes to patience and parenting.
Please don’t suffer in silence, useful numbers and websites which may be helpful if you need someone to talk to:
Childline: www.childline.org.uk – 0800 1111
Samaritans www.samaritans.org – 116 123
Mind: www.mind.org.uk – 0300 123 3393 text 86463
Scarlet Fever
Head teachers across Norfolk have been given guidance and advice should cases in schools rise.
Please see below part of the information sent from the DfE this afternoon
What are the symptoms of Strep A/scarlet fever?
Strep A infections can cause a range of symptoms that parents should be aware of, including:
- Sore throat
- Headache
- Fever
- A fine, pinkish or red body rash with a sandpapery feel
On darker skin the rash can be more difficult to detect visually but will have a sandpapery feel.
If a child becomes unwell with these symptoms, please contact their GP practice or contact NHS 111 (which operates a 24/7 service) to seek advice.
If a child has scarlet fever, please keep them at home until at least 24 hours after the start of antibiotic treatment to avoid spreading the infection to others.
How to help prevent Strep A?
To prevent the spread of Strep A, UKHSA advises children, young people and staff to implement good hand and respiratory hygiene practices.
For more information visit the UKHSA website or the Education Hub.
Resources will be made available in due course on the online resource centre.
This may be a helpful diagram too:-
If you have any questions or if you have any concerns, please come and speak to me.
Safeguarding
Please see our website for all of our policies and more information about safeguarding
| Designated Safeguarding Leads Mrs Westall, Mr Tolson, Mr Smith and Miss Wood. These members of staff monitor and manage all safeguarding practices and ensure staff are supported and have the training they need. Please ask to see one of these adults if you are worried about the safety of a child at school. |
| If you have a safeguarding concern about a child out of school hours then the number to ring is: CADS – Children’s Advice and Duty Service – 0344 800 8020. |
Diary Dates
Tuesday 13th December @ 09:15 – KS1 Christmas Carol Performance – Skylark, Swift and Year 1 Wagtail
Wednesday 14th December – School Christmas Lunch
Thursday 15th December @ 09:15 – KS1 Christmas Carol Performance – Robin, Raven and Barn Owl
Friday 16th December – Non-Uniform Day and last day of term.
We hope you have a lovely weekend
Yours faithfully
Mr Ian Tolson
Deputy Headteacher
