Sutton headteachers praised students and staff for their attitude as they returned to local schools against a backdrop of concern over COVID cases.
Jason Farr, Headteacher at Plantsbrook School, said: “The start to the new year at Plantsbrook School has generally been a positive one.
“Students returned to their classes on January 6th after the efficient delivery of on-site Covid testing.
“I am pleased to say that our students and staff have been very happy to comply with the government recommendation regarding the wearing of face coverings in classrooms, as they recognise now is the time for a safety-first approach.
“Although the ongoing Covid situation inevitably impacts on the attendance of our staff and students the day-to-day routines at Plantsbrook continue as close to normality as possible.
“As the last of the mock exams comes to an end the focus now is ensuring that our students are well prepared for the summer exams and for bridging the gaps caused by lost curriculum time.”
Deborah Bunn, Head of Academy at Fairfax School, said: “Fairfax students have had a positive return to school this term, demonstrating once more their resilience and enthusiasm for their education.
“Following a staggered start, with very well attended lateral flow testing, students have settled back in to their lessons quickly, demonstrating maturity and ambition in this period of uncertainty.
“Last term finished on a real high with students competing on stage once more for the title of Eisteddfod champions, the competition was a rare tie between Coventry and Kenilworth houses, who were elated at their success.
“It has been a privilege to see the students back on stage at Fairfax, demonstrating their passion for performance and their own personal development.”
“The students at Arthur Terry have embraced the recent Government changes whilst demonstrating a mature approach to all aspects of school life,”
– Samantha Kibble, Headteacher at Arthur Terry
Samantha Kibble, Headteacher at Arthur Terry, said: “We have been delighted to welcome our students back to school over the last few days and it has been heart-warming to reconnect with our young people after their Christmas break.
“The students at Arthur Terry have embraced the recent Government changes whilst demonstrating a mature approach to all aspects of school life. In line with the Government recommendations, we have tested most students on their return, and we are pleased that they are back in the classroom learning again.
“We are looking forward to the term ahead and are very grateful for the ongoing support from our parents and carers in these ever-changing times.”
Nicky Gould, Acting Headteacher at John Willmott School, said: “As a school leader joining the John Willmott School community in January 2022, the maturity and resilience of our students simply staggering. So too, the agility and stoicism shown by teachers and support staff.
“Students and staff have embraced the new guidance of wearing face masks in corridors and classrooms. But it doesn’t stop there, the increased ventilation in classrooms has seen students adapting by wearing their school jumpers along with their blazers.
“I find this resolute and relentless commitment to the safety of the community both humbling and inspiring.
“The John Willmott community has shown that the muscle and professional resource in school, that Covid has etched, will serve us long into the future.”
For more on Plantsbrook School, click here.
For more on Fairfax Academy, click here.
For more on Arthur Terry School, click here.
For more on John Willmott School, click here.
To visit the Plantsbrook School, click here.
To visit the Fairfax Academy, click here.