Hello everyone, can I start this blog by thanking Mr Southerington who wrote last week’s blog. It is nice to hear from another staff member for a change and I think Mr Southerington’s blog was great.

I especially liked his idea of the time capsule. I am going to be getting some things together this week to add to our school time capsule. I’ve just got out of a teams meeting with Mr Southerington where we talked about the school time capsule and what we might put in it. A song at the minute that I can’t stop singing to George is Ariana Grande “Stuck with You.” He thinks I’m the most embarrassing Mum ever! I think this needs to be added to the play list for the time capsule. What song have you been singing during lockdown? Maybe you can add it to our school playlist for the time capsule? Mr Southerington has some more ideas..

Last week, I mentioned the idea of creating a time capsule for future members of the school to find and look at what life was like for the UK, and the world during this pandemic. Some examples of the items I want pupils and staff to provide are:

• a note from each school member with memorable events from recent times
• photos of today
• pupils to write a letter to themselves including date, age, friends, feelings, favourite things, worries, future plans etc.
• a drawing or photo of your family (including pets)
• write down your favourite song (we’ll create a playlist to add to the capsule)
• a painted pebble with the date on
• a handprint, with your name and age
• photos of family members doing crazy things…

Please email your photos and videos to psoutherington@newbridgegroup.org Anything written or drawn on paper can be posted directly to school:

Spring Brook Academy
Dean Street
Failsworth
M35 0DQ

This week has gone so quickly. I have met with all of the other secondary head teachers in another teams meeting. As we plan a phased return to school it is clear that everyone is doing what is best for their school and we are all very different. Our focus at Spring Brook when we return will be very much on looking at Barry Carpenter’s “Recovery curriculum.” This will focus on re-building relationships and addressing any trauma experienced through lockdown.

We acknowledge that staff and pupils will have experienced loss and bereavement during Covid 19. We plan to create a garden of remembrance at school also. This will be a reflective space within our school grounds where we can plant special trees or plants and leave messages to loved ones lost.

On this note, my heartfelt wishes of love and support go to Fabiana’s family at this sad time. Everyone at Spring Brook Upper would like to send our heartfelt love, prayers and condolences to anyone who knew Fabiana. We are all thinking of you.

Mrs Tootill, Mr P, Mr Southerington, Mr Arnold and myself have been working on a revised behaviour policy and student risk assessments for when we return. More information will be sent to families soon once this has been approved by our trustees.

Many Year 9s have been asking me about their transition up to Springboard. This is likely to be virtual now. I am also planning a special Year 9 graduation from Dean Street for you – this will also be a virtual celebration of your time with us. Details will follow but for now why don’t you check out this link to the Springboard Project here?

A reminder that the free school meal vouchers have been sent out today, this will cover the next four weeks.

As ever, it has been really nice to catch up with some of our families on the phone this week. I know at this point that some of you might think that we are pestering you! The phone calls are really important. As I have said in the past when we do our safe and well checks – we are all in this together and we are probably experiencing similar frustrations with home schooling and other emotions right now. All of our parents and carers are doing a great job. We know how tough it can be and we are at the end of the phone if you need to talk anything through. Our staff are also accessible to chat to students via Showbie in the class chat. Harlan it was really nice to see you on there this week! As you can imagine I really am missing all of my Spring Brook Family right now so why don’t you log onto Showbie and send me a message?

On that note – have a lovely weekend everyone. Stay safe, stay alert and where possible stay home.

Sending love from my home to yours,

Miss Rodgers
Head of Site

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