Latest news
Keep up to date with all the latest news happening in school at the moment.
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Red Door Charity Christmas Donation
Thu 03 Dec 2020Thursday 2nd December 2020
Dear Parents and Carers,
Christmas is nearly upon us and although it is a favourite time of year for a lot of us, it can also be quite stressful.
This year more than ever, families are suffering financial hardship due to the pandemic. There are many families in need in our local community.
This Christmas, instead of sending cards and gifts into school, we are asking parents and carers to make a donation to the Red Door Charity. Red Door is a Diocese of Salford Caritas project who support homeless and vulnerable people in Bury. We are asking for donations of:
- Selection boxes
- Chocolate treats
- Mince pies
It would bring great joy to us all to be able to help others this Christmas.
We are asking for donations to be handed in by Friday 11th December. Each class will have their own box to add their items to. We will ‘isolate’ the items brought in from home before sending the donations to Red Door the following week.
As a school community I know we can make a difference to others this Christmas.
I would like to thank you in advance for your support as we help others in need this Christmas.
Kind regards
Mrs J.E. Davies
Executive Headteacher
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Updated Covid Information for current lockdown Guidance from Bury LA
Mon 09 Nov 2020Latest COVID-19 information and advice
for the borough of Bury
November 4, 2020
Bury prepares to lockdown
A new national lockdown is upon us. From 00.01 tomorrow morning, many doors in Bury will be
closing and largely staying shut until at least December 2.
People will be staying home more, sacrificing time with friends and family. Occasions like birthdays
will go by quietly or unmarked, Remembrance Sunday observed at home or online, no gatherings for
events like bonfire night or festivals like Diwali.
Our retail and hospitality businesses who worked so hard to reopen in the summer and have
continued to provide exemplary service to our communities will once again be closed, some moving
to takeaway service and providing goods by telephone or online.
While this lockdown is different, with early years and education settings remaining open, there will
still need to be a huge sacrifice, made by many.
But if we are to get on top of high infection rates in our community, the corresponding rise in hospital
admissions, and, sadly, deaths, lockdown is our opportunity to hold this devastating disease at bay.
Key workers including those in NHS, care and education will once again come to the fore as we face
another few tough weeks.
Our own teams and other public services supplemented by an army of volunteers are ready to step
up again, supporting vulnerable residents, supporting our schools and colleges and supporting our
business community.
COVID-19 has presented us with the biggest crisis in a generation, and we will continue endeavour to
do everything we can to get through it.
Together, we’ve got this
#TeamBury
Support is at hand
With the news on Saturday afternoon that England was to enter lockdown, Bury has readied to
deploy a set of support options available to those most affected.
Support for the clinically extremely vulnerable
Prominent among those with the greatest need are the group who are clinically extremely vulnerable
and have been advised to not go out to shops or pharmacies. Through its Community Hubs network,
Bury Council is reaching out to this group to ensure they have the support they need over the next
few weeks.
Help can be given with food shopping and collecting prescriptions as well as telephone befriending
support and support to get online for things like supermarket deliveries.
Call 0161 253 5353 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm) for information or if you need a hand.
Mental health support
Coronavirus means that life has changed for all of us for a while, and it’s natural that this may cause
you to feel worried or anxious, lonely or frustrated. If you feel you need some extra support, Bury’s
Getting Help Line is a confidential telephone service for people of all ages that are experiencing
difficulties with their mental wellbeing.
Run by the voluntary sector, you can access advice, guidance and signposting to local services by
calling the Getting Help Line on: 0161 464 3679, Monday to Saturday, 8am to 8pm. Find out more
about other mental wellbeing support at: www.bury.gov.uk/mentalwellbeing
Find out more at bury.gov.uk/coronavirus
Financial support for individuals, including for those self-isolating
A scheme that offers a one-off £500 payment to those asked to stay at home and self-isolate by NHS
Track and Trace is now open for applications. Aimed at those on low incomes, a £500 payment will be
made to people who cannot work from home and will lose income as a result. Further details and an
application form are available at www.bury.gov.uk/isolation-payments
For those experiencing financial difficulty, the government’s website offers help and advice. Find out
more here: gov.uk/coronavirus/worker-support
Business support
Guidance has now been received on new Local Restrictions Support Grants and Additional
Restrictions Grants. We are working hard on getting these new schemes up and running, and will
provide updates via our website and social media channels as soon as possible.
Latest data
New confirmed cases of COVID-19 continued to increase in Bury in the week to October 29 up to a
rate of 561.8 cases per 100,000 people per week. The numbers of patients in local hospitals with
COVID-19 continued to increase and are now higher than the peak in April. Deaths from COVID-19
also continued to increase in line with earlier hospital admissions, with the ONS reporting five new
deaths in the week up to October 16 (the most recent week for which ONS deaths data is available).
The make-up of new cases is largely unchanged from previous weeks, with most cases occurring in
working age adults and in people who identified as British.
With 1073 new cases recorded in the seven days to October 31, Bury’s infection rate has risen from
549.8 per 100,000 to 561.8 per 100,000 and continues to be among the highest rates in the UK.
The four-week summary in Bury:
Week ending October 31: infection rate 561.8 (1073 new cases)
Week ending October 24: infection rate 549.8 (1050 new cases)
Week ending October 17: infection rate 418.9 (800 new cases)
Week ending October 10: infection rate 374.4 (715 new cases)
Stopping the Spread
While many of us won’t be going far over the next few weeks, when we do go out it’s really important
to keep on with three simple actions that go a long way to stopping the spread of coronavirus:
• Wash hands – keep washing your hands regularly
• Cover face – wear a face covering in enclosed spaces
• Make space – stay at least 2 metres apart – or 1m with a face covering or other protection.
Let’s follow the rules and get the rates down.
Getting Tested
Testing centres will continue to operate as normal during lockdown. We are working hard to ensure
that everyone in Bury who needs a test for COVID-19, gets one.
Please only request a test if you have symptoms - a high temperature, a new continuous cough, or a
loss or change to sense of smell or taste. Get tested within the first 3-5 days of symptoms.
Full list of testing options:
• Walk-through testing centres (no appointment needed) at the Mosses Centre and Chesham
Fold (open 10am-3pm, Mon-Fri)
• Drive-through testing (by appointment) at Waterfold Business Park
• Department for Health & Social Care testing centres (by appointment):
o The former Radcliffe Pool car park, Blackburn Street (open 8am-8pm, Mon-Sun)
o Whitefield Library, Pinfold Lane, Whitefield (open 8am-8pm, Mon-Sun)
o The Metro Christian Centre, 13 Parkhills Road (8am-8pm Mon-Sat)
o Longfield Centre car park (via Rectory Lane), Prestwich (open 8am-8pm, Mon-Sun)
• Tests at regional sites/home test kits are also available.
How to book
With the exception of our walk-though testing centres where no appointment is needed; people
requesting a test need to book an appointment in advance. The way you book an appointment varies
by location as the testing sites are run in different ways by different providers. You can find all the
information you need on booking and testing generally in one place:
https://www.bury.gov.uk/coronavirus-testing or call 0161 253 5515.
Isolation
Self-isolating in an appropriate and timely way is one of the best lines of defence we have against the
spread of coronavirus.
If you’re asked to self-isolate, please comply. If you have any of the symptoms of coronavirus please
isolate immediately and get tested. And once you have had a coronavirus test, please go home and
stay there until you have your result and then act accordingly.
Bury Community Hubs can help with shopping or prescription needs for those self isolating. Call 0161
253 5353 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm) for information.
Bury Council services
Most council services will remain in operation during lockdown. This is with the notable exception of
leisure services, libraries, the tourist information centre and Bury Art Museum. For latest information
we will be keeping our website at bury.gov.uk fully up-to-date
Next update due Thursday November 12, 2020.
Find up-to-date information at bury.gov.uk/coronavirus
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Bury LA updated Covid Information
Mon 09 Nov 2020Sheila Durr
Executive Director of Children and Young People
Our Ref SD/AB
Your Ref
Date 6 November 2020
Please ask for
Direct Line
E-mail
Parents /Carers of children and young people in Bury Schools
Dear Parent/Carer
COVID-19 UPDATE FOR PARENTS ON RESTRICTIONS FROM 5 NOVEMBER 2020
I wrote to you before the October school holiday with the latest picture in relation to COVID-19 in Bury and our local restrictions.
You will be aware that the government has placed the whole of England under a second lockdown from 5 November. This is different to the first lockdown as, this time, schools are to remain open to all pupils.
Schools have welcomed pupils back after the half-term break. However, the challenges remain with:
Pupils and staff testing positive for coronavirus
Pupils and staff self-isolating awaiting the result of a test
Pupils and staff needing to self-isolate as having been in close contact with a positive case
Staff caring for their own children who are self-isolating.
We have experienced partial and, and in some cases, full school closure during the first half of the autumn term and it is highly likely that this will be the case during November and December. Any closures will be informed by the latest Public Health England advice, safe staff to pupil ratios, and each school’s own risk assessment.
In order to reduce the risk of school closures, it is vital that we all continue to follow the restrictions to reduce the spread of COVID-19. The new national restrictions, from Thursday 5 November to Wednesday 2 December, can be summarised as:
1. Stay at home, except for specific purposes 2. Avoid meeting people you do not live with, except for specific purposes 3. Close certain businesses and venues.
Further details can be found at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/new-national-restrictions-from-5-november
As our schools strive to remain open during this new lockdown period we have a duty to keep the children, staff and wider school community as safe as possible. We all have our part to play in reducing the spread of the disease by following the national restrictions.
Yours sincerely
Sheila Durr
Executive Director
Children and Young People Department for Children and Young People Electronic or fax service of Legal documents is not accepted 3 Knowsley Place, Duke Street, Bury, BL9 0EJ www.bury.gov.uk -
COVID Positive Cases - Classes in isolation
Tue 22 Sep 2020Tuesday 22nd September 2020
RE: FOR PARENTS OF DIRECT CLOSE CONTACTS OF A CONFIRMED CASE OF COVID 19 at OUR LADY OF LOURDES RCPS
Advice to Self-Isolate for 14 Days
Dear Parents of children in Years 3 , 5 and 6,
We have been advised by Public Health England that there has been two confirmed cases of COVID-19. One confirmed case in year 3 and one confirmed case in Year 5.
We have followed the national guidance and have identified that the children in year 3, year 5 and year 6 have been in close contact with the affected children. In line with the national guidance we recommend that your children now stay at home and self-isolate until they can return to school on Monday 5th October 2020.
We are asking you to do this to reduce the further spread of COVID 19 to others in the community.
If your child is well at the end of the 14 days period of self-isolation, then they can return to usual activities. A negative test does not mean that your child can return to school earlier than 14 days.
Other members of your household can continue normal activities provided your child does not develop symptoms within the 14 day self-isolation period.
Please see the link to the PHE Staying at Home Guidance
What to do if your child develops symptoms of COVID 19
If your child develops symptoms of COVID-19, they should remain at home for at least 10 days from the date when symptoms appeared as advised in https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-stay-at-home-guidance
You should arrange for testing for your child via https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-getting-tested or 111.nhs.uk or primary care
All other household members who remain well must stay at home and not leave the house for 14 days.
The 14-day period starts from the day when the first person in the house became ill.
Household members should not go to work, school or public areas and exercise should be taken within the home.
Household members staying at home for 14 days will greatly reduce the overall amount of infection the household could pass on to others in the community
If you are able to, move any vulnerable individuals (such as the elderly and those with underlying health conditions) out of your home, to stay with friends or family for the duration of the home isolation period
Symptoms of COVID 19
The most common symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) are recent onset of:
- new continuous cough and/or
- high temperature and/or
- a loss of, or change in, normal sense of taste or smell (anosmia)
For most people, coronavirus (COVID-19) will be a mild illness.
If your child does develop symptoms, you can seek advice from NHS 111 at https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/check-if-you-have-coronavirus-symptoms/or by phoning 111.
How to stop COVID-19 spreading
There are things you can do to help reduce the risk of you and anyone you live with getting ill with COVID-19:
- wash your hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 seconds
- use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available
- wash your hands as soon as you get home
- cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze
- put used tissues in the bin immediately and wash your hands afterwards
Further Information
Further information is available at https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/
Will my child be expected to carry out home learning in the two week isolation period?
If your child is well, they will be expected to continue with their learning and engaging with their class teacher daily. The class teachers in Years 3, 5 and 6 will be contacting all parents today through Seesaw to set up their remote learning activities. Please contact the school office if you are unable to access Seesaw for your child.
Yours sincerely,
Mrs J.E. Davies
Executive Headteacher
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Positive COVID19 cases - classes to attend schol
Tue 22 Sep 202022 September 2020
Dear Parents and Carers,
Positive COVID Cases
We have been advised that there has been two confirmed cases of COVID-19. One in year three and one in year five.
We have carried out a full risk assessment and identified all those who have been in close contact with the affected cases and have recommended that they stay at home and self-isolate until 14 days after their last contact. This means that the children in years three, five and six are to self isolate at home and return to school on Monday 5th October 2020.
Your child has not been identified as a close contact and therefore does not need to make any change to their usual routine, including school attendance.
The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are recent onset of a new continuous cough and/or a high temperature and/or a loss of, or change in, normal sense of taste or smell (anosmia). If your child, or anyone in your household, develops these symptoms, you whole household must remain at home and not go to work, school or public areas. You should arrange testing for the person who has developed symptoms. When the result is known further advice will be available.
Testing can be arranged by calling 119 or via the NHS website: nhs.uk/coronavirus
There are things we can all do to help reduce the risk of you and anyone you live with getting ill with COVID-19:
- wash your hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 seconds
- use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available
- wash your hands as soon as you get home
- cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze
- put used tissues in the bin immediately and wash your hands afterwards
- maintain an appropriate social distance with non-household members of over 2 metres.
Further information is available at www.nhs.uk/coronavirus
Kind regards, Mrs J.E. Davies
Executive Headteacher
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Message from Fr Paul - Mass tomorrow live stream
Wed 20 May 2020Message to our Parish school communities.
On Thursday of this coming week we celebrate the Ascension of the Lord. As our church buildings cannot at this time be open for public services, we are live streaming Mass at 10.00 am every Sunday morning from Guardian Angels Church.
For the Feast of the Ascension we are going to live stream Mass on Thursday at 10.00 am, and this will be a joint schools Mass, for Holly Mount, Our Lady of Lourdes and Guardian Angels. So we are inviting parents and pupils to join us for the live stream of Mass at 10.00 am.
To join us on Thursday and Sundays, if you follow the link www.facebook.com/olgcga You do not need to sign in to facebook, anyone can join by following the link. We will be involving some children in the Mass through recordings of the readings.
Do join us on Thursday to celebrate together albeit ‘virtually’ with our parish school communities.
Fr Paul.
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COVID 19 Return to School
Mon 18 May 2020Dear Parents and Carers,
Following on from the Newsletter last week, Bury Council have today issued a letter stating that they are not supporting the government guidance regarding the progressive extension of schools re-opening to more pupils from 1st June 2020. This means that Our Lady of Lourdes will not be opening to Year 6, Year 1 and Reception children on 1st June.
School will reopen for critical worker children from 1st June. If you are a critical worker and you require a place for your child, please contact the school office.
We will continue to work with Bury LA about the re-opening of schools and I will keep you informed of any decisions that are made.
The letter from Bury Council has been emailed to you all however if you don't receive this email please do not hesitate to contact the School Office.
Mrs Davies
Executive Headteacher
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Fence of Gratitude
Mon 06 Apr 2020Dear Children and Parents,
This morning, Mrs Hindle has hung some colourful bunting on the school fencing with the words 'Thank You' repeated throughout the length. The idea is that families, on their daily walk, could attach positive messages/artwork thanking everyone with a role in saving lives and caring for us.
We do not want to encourage gatherings but want to give families an opportunity to show their gratitude.
Thank you as always for your continued support.
Stay safe.
The School Office
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School Closure
Tue 24 Mar 2020Tuesday 24th March 2020
Dear Parents and Carers,
Re: School Closure – Wednesday 25th March 2020
I am writing to inform you that Our Lady of Lourdes RCPS will be closing at the end of the day today, Tuesday 24th March. This is due to the low number of children we have had in school this week and with advice from the LA, we can offer an alternative provision for our vulnerable and key worker children at Guardian Angels’ RCPS.
The hours of opening at Guardian Angels’ are 8.30am - 3.00pm. I would ask that parents either ring our school number on 0161 761 2026 or email on olol@bury.gov.uk for more information.
In these unprecedented times, we need to keep everyone safe. We are taking each day as it comes and with the latest Government announcements last night, we must stay at home if we can.
I am hoping it won’t be too long before we are opening our doors again at Our Lady of Lourdes but until then, teachers are in contact with families daily through either Tapestry or Seesaw. The school phone number and school email will be answered during the normal school hours. If you have any questions, please do contact us.
Thank you for your continued support.
Kind regards,
Mrs JE Davies
Executive Headteacher
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COVID 19
Mon 16 Mar 202016 March 2020
Dear Parents and Carers,
COVID-19
I am writing to you with the latest information I can share with you regarding the Coronavirus pandemic. We are following the Government and Department for Education directives in keeping school open whilst encouraging regular handwashing and avoiding non-essential ‘large gatherings’.
We have taken the decision to cancel the following events in the next few weeks:
Tuesday 17th March – Year 3 collective worship
Wednesday 18th March – Reception assembly
Tuesday 24th March – Year 1 Collective worship
Wednesday 25th March – Drama production of ‘Ali Baba and the Bongo Bandits’
Thursday 26th March – Year 5 Mass at GA Church
Thursday 26th March - Drama production of ‘Ali Baba and the Bongo Bandits’
Thursday 2nd April – Parents evening – postponed – more details to follow
Monday 6th April – Joint Lenten Service with OLOL for Year 3 and 4 children
Tuesday 7th April – Year 2 Collective worship
Wednesday 8th April – Friends of OLOL Chocolate Bingo night
We have a number of children currently off school with illnesses and I thank those parents for being vigilant and keeping to the guidelines set by the Government. If your child has a persistent cough and temperature they will need to remain at home for a 7 day period. If they develop these symptoms in school, we will try to remove them from the main body of the class until they can be picked up to avoid spreading the infection to others. The relative success of these measures will absolutely rely upon parents following this advice.
We will review the ongoing situation every day and keep parents and carers informed at every stage through the school's App and the school's website. Thank you to everyone for your patience and understanding with this ongoing situation.
Kind regards,
JE Davies
Mrs J.E. Davies
Executive Headteacher
