Dear Parents/Carers,

Industrial Action Wednesday 1^st February 2023

As I am sure you are aware, there is strike action planned for next Wednesday 1^st February following the outcome of a recent NEU ballot.  This situation does affect St Mary’s as we have a number of colleagues in this union but at this stage we are planning to remain open for all year groups.

Broadly, the provision we are able to offer the pupils on this day may vary from their ‘normal’ timetable and for some lessons your child may have a supervised independent study/revision session and /or alternative extra-curricular sessions.  Wherever possible, and where your child’s timetabled teacher is in attendance, they will receive that lesson – this will differ per pupil and will depend upon those teachers taking strike action.

In order to maximise the time in school on 1^st February, please can I ask that: All pupils in Y10 and 11 bring their books, folders and equipment for their timetabled ‘normal’ lessons, and a number of revision workbooks and notes/materials for use in supervised study sessions.  This time can be put to good use in preparation for the Y10 and GCSE examinations.

Pupils in years 7, 8 and 9 must bring their normal books and equipment (as per timetable) and a private reading book.

Please can we also ask that pupils in years 7, 8 and 9 come to school in their PE kit just for this day, as changing facilities and supervision will be limited.  This should be the St Mary’s PE kit but they may wish to wear an overcoat to and from school.  School transport and the school canteen will operate as usual and all timings of the day will remain the same.

The only change to the above will be for morning registration purposes.

On arrival at school, please can pupils go to the following areas and not their form rooms:

Y7/8                   Sports Hall (am reg)

Y9                      Gym

Y10/11                Main Hall

Following this, pupils will be advised where to go for their subsequent lessons.