I hope this letter find you and your families well.   Following the Government’s announcement on Monday 14^th June 2021 that the current lockdown has been extended to the 19^th July I thought now would be a good time to write to you all to outline some key changes to the Year 11 Leavers Assembly and the Leavers Prom.

Leavers Assembly – Friday 25^th June 2021

The Leavers Assembly will be going ahead as planned on Friday 25^th June 2021 but unfortunately, due to the Government restrictions in place with indoor events, we can only allow the Year 11 students to attend so we can no longer accommodate guests.  It has been necessary also to put back the start time for the Leavers Assembly to 2pm.  Students must arrive between 1.45pm – 2pm via the Wright Gate. There can be no admittance after 2pm. I know this will be disappointing for many families who will have wanted to share this final event and share the journey together. We will be filming the assembly so that you can see this celebration online.

Students will need to confirm their attendance to Ms Slight Lslight@saintedmunds.org.uk in advance if they are attending. A reminder also that attire must be smart with no t-shirts/shorts/denim/leather or trainers to be worn. Students attending this event must have completed a Covid test on Wednesday 23^rd June prior to the event.  Please inform the school of the test result via the school system.  Following guidelines on events students with a positive test will not be permitted to attend unless medically exempt or those without a test in the previous 72 hours. Testing kits are available from the school reception.

Leavers Prom – Thursday 1^st July 2021

We have a fantastic number of students attending the Leavers Prom and the school has been working behind the scenes to come up with a contingency plan to ensure that we can go ahead with this event in some capacity.  I am pleased to confirm that St Edmund’s Catholic School will now be hosting the Leavers Prom and will be able to offer food, music, decorations to enable students to have a Prom in compliance with the Government’s guidelines for large events.

Key timings for the Leavers’ Prom:

Date:               Thursday 1^st July 2021.

Time:               6pm arrival.  10pm finish.

Venue:             Main Venue School.

Arrivals:           All arrivals through the main school gate (Arundel Street) then directed by staff. 

Photographs: There will be an identified area for photographs to be taken upon arrival.

Guests:           There is no parking on the school site for visitors.

A risk assessment for this event is being carried out and we are following the Covid guidelines and will ensure that hand sanitisation is in place at the arrivals.  We would kindly ask that anyone coming to watch the arrivals please wear a mask and follow the social distancing instructions on arrival.  This is to protect not only the student and staff safety but also that of the community with the mixing of ‘bubbles’.  

We would also ask that all visitors and students to complete a Covid test on Wednesday 30^th June prior to the event https://www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test  Anyone with a positive test will not be permitted to attend. Individuals who have not tested will also be unable to attend unless medically exempt.  Testing kits are also available from our school reception.

As a school we always put the safety of our St Edmund’s family first and we know the time and effort that Year 11s have spent in preparing for this annual event, however, should you not be satisfied that the measures we are putting in place to avoid having to cancel the Leavers Prom then the school would look to provide a refund for the amount paid. Should you no longer wish your child to attend please contact Miss Hammond on 023 92 823766 extension 248 or the Finance Office on 023 9282 3766 extension 272.

When times become difficult we believe that ‘I can do all things with the help of God who strengthens me’. With this faith we are working to ensure these final memories of life at St Edmund’s are the best they can be.

Please do not hesitate to contact either myself or Miss Hammond, Year 11 Head of Learning, if you have any questions about either of these events.

Mr S Graham

Headteacher