Dear Parents/Carers, Student preparations for reopening As we are waiting for announcements to be made in the coming days regarding the school reopening, it is important to ensure that students are fully prepared for their return. There has been some important building work carried out within the College. The Sixth Form Centre has been renovated as part of the work to improve facilities and further raise the profile of the Sixth Form at Grace College. In addition, new spacious toilets and handwashing facilities have been created in Student Reception. Routines and systems that were in place prior to lockdown remain, including separate social areas, toilets, and teaching areas for each year group. The restaurant seating, the one-way system, calm and orderly movement between lessons and expectations relating to strict seating plans continue to ensure student contact is minimised, tracking of student contact is as accurate as possible and that students do not enter other students’ bubbles. Due to the current restrictions, brought about by the pandemic, the College is not in a position to be able to loan students equipment or items of uniform. With this is mind, it has never been more important to ensure that your child is fully equipped and prepared for school. The following information should help in preparing your child for their onsite return to Grace College: Uniform Students must: Wear full uniform when travelling to and from college. Wear black polishable shoes. Wear black socks or black tights if wearing a skirt. Wear grey tailored trousers or a grey tartan skirt that is not rolled over or under. Wear a white long-sleeved shirt or blouse and tie appropriate to their school (lower, upper or sixth form). Wear the College blazer. Long hair must be fully tied back and off the face. Where students arrive without the correct uniform, a member of the College staff will contact home to request that the uniform items are brought to the main reception immediately. Equipment Students must have a plain black bag (either a rucksack or cross body record style bag). Handbags are not permitted. The bag must be brought to school each day and carry: A pen, pencil, ruler, rubber and pencil sharpener. A College planner. PE kit on the appropriate days (even if you are not able to physically participate). A College issued laptop (Years 10 and 11 only). If mobile phones are brought on site, they must be switched off and stored in the student’s bag. Mental Health and Emotional Wellbeing Support During the last half term, tutor activities have focused on mental health and emotional wellbeing. We will continue to do so at various points over the coming weeks. A section of the College website is being developed to offer further support and guidance to our community. We look forward to sharing this with you soon. Further support If you are experiencing financial difficulties which prevent your child from being able to follow uniform and equipment expectations, please contact: jsmith@gracecollege.org.uk. Yours faithfully, Mrs S Ramsden
Vice Principal | 
