Dear Parents/Carers,

As we end Week 3 of school closure, in our third lockdown, I would like to thank everyone for supporting home learning. We have seen amazing engagement from pupils either through Tapestry (EYFS), Google Classroom or via printed work packs. 

Daily Meets
We have had positive attendance and response to the new online daily Meets via Google for years 1 to 6. We know that for some there have been technological challenges e.g slow internet connections, but engagement has been good. Staff have been reporting that everyone is getting used to turning mute on and off as needed. Lots have also been putting their hand up when they want to contribute and in some year groups giving answers via the chat function. Staff have continued to explore how they can best use each Meet and are, as appropriate and necessary, sharing screens, showing work on mini whiteboards or if in school making use of the class interactive boards. Some classes have also been making good use of quizzes to check learning. I feel sure that as time goes on, Meets will continue to evolve.

A plea - please can you help your child/children to log into each Google Meet via their school Google account. This is an important security feature as they are immediately identified by their name rather than Gary/Julie’s ipad! 

Turning in Work on Google Classroom
We know that younger pupils in particular will need some help with uploading (‘turning in’)  completed work in Google Classroom (Years 1 - 6).  If you are finding this tricky, the following document might help. How to 'turn in' an assignment  

We have noticed some pupils are accidentally uploading blank task sheets.

Technical Support plus other issues or concerns
Please also remember you can request support via the school office. Please note this will probably mean asking a question and then someone will get back to you.

Reading
The National Literacy Trust, in association with Oak Academy, have announced they will be sharing a children’s book online each week.

Please have a look here https://library.thenational.academy/ We hope the choice will grow over time. 

Essex Libraries, who are largely closed at the moment, do offer a digital book borrowing service which may be worth a look if you are running out of books at home. I would suggest that parents may need to work with/for their children when using this service.  https://libraries.essex.gov.uk/e-books-e-audio-e-magazines-and-book-groups/e-books-and-e-audio/ 

Lastly, we hope everyone is staying safe and well and continue to look forward to welcoming everyone back in school when we are allowed to return.

South Benfleet Primary School