New half term

I hope that everyone had a relaxing half term break and that students are ready for the weeks ahead. I’ve been lucky enough to visit quite a few classes this week and have been impressed with what I’ve seen – from Year 11 down to Year 7 students have been working hard and making the most of the opportunities on offer. Year 9 had their first ever experience of a formal exam at our school on Tuesday and they gave a good account of themselves, and attendance across the board has risen from the covid affected days before the break.

I know it’s already become a cliché, but we really are hoping for a more ‘normal’ half term. We’re still of course restricted by some essential covid measures, but there are signs that the situation at MHS may be easing even if this isn’t the case beyond the school. It’s no secret that last half term was the worst we’ve had it for covid cases by a massive distance, with over 200 students having the virus at one point or another. However, perhaps because so many have now been infected and have some kind of immunity, our cases appear to be levelling off at a much lower rate. Even with a little spike on Monday as parents reported cases from over the break, here’s what I would call a very encouraging chart:

This is a good news picture – I’m hopeful of higher student attendance, more consistent staff attendance and fewer hybrid lessons to deliver this term, and therefore a better experience for students and adults alike. We will therefore keep all our covid measures under review, bearing in mind that infection rates remain high across the local area and we mustn’t be complacent. For the time being ‘masks on the move’ will remain necessary in school, but we hope to soon be able to resume some in-person assemblies and other currently restricted activities.

Remember, if anyone is unsure about what to do with a covid case then please give us a call or email us at covid@marplehall.stockport.sch.uk and we’ll be happy to help.

Best wishes

Joe Barker

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