Headteacher's Message
Message from Mr Clair:
Monday 1st June 2020
Morning All
I hope everyone is as well as can be.
I am aware of the abundance of information out there regarding schools. I feel it is important to outline what Falconer will be aiming to achieve for the remainder of the school term.
From 2nd June: Current arrangements to continue from 2nd June to 15th June.
There will be NO In-School Provision on Monday 1st June
We will be contacting parents as per the pastoral call system already in place to discuss time in school. We will work towards increasing the number of students in school per day We will continue to use the identified areas for students and transport arrangements will remain the same.
Year 11 students last day will be Friday 12th June. Year 11’s will have a proper ending when the situation makes it possible.
From 15th June we aim to change to a new structure which will allow us to safely increase the number students in school per day. We will continue to use the identified areas and ensure that appropriate social distancing is always maintained.
From 29th June we hope to move further. Our Maximum number will not increase, but this will allow us to plan appropriate Transition for new year groups and ensure that all students are offered time in school to undertake transition.
The Falconer Learning Platform will operate as usual until the end of term. The FLP has been updated for ease of use.
PPE – aprons, gloves and masks will be made available for children and staff where appropriate. Temperature checking, Hand washing, sanitation and Social distancing measures to remain in place and must be adhered to.
Any child that shows unsafe behaviours in school will be unable to access in-school learning until it is safe to do so. – THIS IS NOT NEGOTIABLE. SAFETY FIRST!
We will constantly be taking account of the changing situation regarding safety guidance leading up to this so that we are able to make appropriate decisions regarding transport, meals, etc. whilst ensuring staff and student safety.
Please take care, we miss you and hope to see you soon.
Paul Clair
Message from Headteacher - 20th April 2020
Headteacher's Update: 20.04.2020
Dear All
Firstly, I hope you and your family are safe and healthy as you read this update.
Thank you so much for your patience and understanding as we have been adjusting, like you, to the drastic changes in life during the last few weeks.
I am extremely appreciative of our students, parents, teachers, staff, and administrators for their positivity, flexibility and resilience during these trying times
As of Monday 20th April the Falconer Learning Platform (FLP) will be back in full motion. Our goal is to provide continuous educational opportunities and practice for students while schools are unable to open fully.
During this week we will be in contact with families about how we intend to partially open the school to provide a limited provision to support our most vulnerable and the children of key workers, where they can’t be accommodated at home.
The School is committed to the health and safety of all our staff, children and families and we will only open our doors when we can be sure the safety and hygiene resources (PPE) and protocols are in place.
In order to ensure proper Social Distancing, the number of students and staff in school at any one time must be carefully controlled and so you will be contacted to discuss how this can be best achieved.
My staff and I truly miss not seeing and supporting you and our thoughts are with each and every one of you.
Please take care and stay safe.
Head Teacher
Falconer School
Headteacher's Update: 24.03.2020
FALCONER LEARNING PLATFORM - TEMPORARY CHANGES
Morning All
The new information regarding personal movement in the Prime Ministers message yesterday (23.3.20) has implications for us all.
click here to view: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_4_gAGjmj2s
My staff have been supporting your child on a daily basis with their learning on the Falconer Learning Platform and student engagement has been excellent and we thank parents and carers for all their hard work in supporting this program.
However, for the next two days, staff will be unavailable on the Learning Platform. Full service will resume on Thursday.
This is to enable my staff to plan their work, family and personal arrangements and resources in order to be able to continue us to deliver the Online Learning effectively.
Work and activities will still be accessible by your child and the expectation is that they will continue to engage as work will be checked and marked by staff by Thursday.
The school Pastoral Support Team will be available over the next two days to ensure children and families are appropriately supported and Free School Meals and laptop arrangements are fully in place.
Please take care, stay safe and please continue to follow stay at home Guidance.
Paul Clair
Head Teacher
Falconer School
Headteacher's Message Friday 20th March: UPDATE
FALCONER SCHOOL WILL REMAIN CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE
Dear Parents and carers
I would like to take this opportunity to give you an update on the situation at Falconer School. Falconer School continues to be closed to students and will remain closed until further Notice.
The Governments decision to close all on Friday 20th does not yet apply to Special Schools and Children with EHCPs. However, due to continued pressures on staffing and the lack of clarity as to the nature of the provision that we can safely and effectively offer we will remain closed.
We will be contacting you all individually next week to see how we can further support your child as the situation unfolds. Our Safeguarding team will be emailing you to ensure any welfare and support issues can be addressed including Free School Meals.
Over the coming week we will be further developing the capabilities of our Online Learning Platform and communications tools to ensure we can continue to offer online education and support.
We are still awaiting clarity on the impact of this decision on year 11 Examination grades and we are still awaiting further clarity on this. The current decision not to have Exams is devastating but we want to assure you that your sons improved effort, focus and drive since the mocks has been recognised by staff and is reflected in our assessment data and decision making. Further clarity from the government is expected later today.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-51956279
We will continue operating an online learning and activities program Monday-Thursday. Students have been positively engaged with the Platform. At this point using my staff in any other way will compromise the education of others. Through the Falconer Learning Platform staff that are self-isolating, have child care commitments or that fall into high risk categories are still able to support your son’s education. The high-quality work already produced across all year groups has been of an impressive quality – keep it up.
The situation across the country is varied and very fluid and we intend to reopen when it is safe to do so or the situation changes. I will be in contact as soon as the situation changes. When opening becomes possible we will hopefully offer a limited service for key stage 3 students and children of key workers. This is unlikely to take place before Start of next term 21st April 2020.
I recognise that this is a difficult and uncertain time for all of us and there are still many unanswered questions. I want to assure you that my staff and I will continue to keep you informed of developments every step of the way.
In the meantime, please take care and PLEASE follow Social Distancing and all other NHS guidance.
https://www.falconer.herts.sch.uk/coronavirus-general-advice/
Thank you
Paul Clair
Head Teacher
Headteacher's Message: Tuesday 17th March 2020
FALCONER SCHOOL REMAINS CLOSED UNTIL 24th MARCH 2020
Morning All
Due to continued severe staff absence and the latest Government Guidance on Social Distancing, Protection of the Most Vulnerable and the Extension of the Stay at Home guidance; Falconer School will be unable to reopen on Wednesday 17th March as hoped.
Falconer School will remain closed until Tuesday 24th March 2020.
Unfortunately, since I have last been in contact with you the staffing situation has deteriorated further. Key staff are now in Self Isolation including heads of department, Key stage 3 and 4 teachers, support staff, leadership team, office staff, students key adult and transport staff.
Under these circumstances Falconer is unable to function effectively or safely.
Again, I would like to assure you that there has NOT been a confirmed case of Corona Virus in our school however, the new measures put in place by the Government yesterday and my duty of care to Staff and Students leaves me with no other option.
As the situation across the country develops, I would like you to be sure that our school is committed to supporting you and your child through this challenging time. Our care and support have always gone beyond the classroom and this will continue in whatever capacity we are able.
Over the next two days staff will be in contact to ensure that you child is accessing our Learning Platform. This is a key tool for both work and communication it is crucial that you are able to access the service. Click here for details: https://www.falconer.herts.sch.uk/falconer-learning-platform/
I am aware of the serious disruption that this continues to cause but please know that my number one priority is the safety and care of all within our school community.
Please take care and follow NHS new advice and our Coronavirus information page.
https://www.falconer.herts.sch.uk/coronavirus-general-advice/
Thank you for your continued understanding and support.
Paul Clair
Head Teacher
Headteachers Message: Friday 13th March 2020
Morning All
Due to severe staff absence and NHS Stay at Home guidance Falconer School will be closed from today Friday 13th March until Tuesday 17th March 2020. We hope to re-open the school in a full or limited capacity on Wednesday 18th March 2020.
Staff will be in contact with you throughout the day to ensure that students can access our New Learning Platform.
I would like to assure you that there has NOT been a confirmed case of Corona Virus in our school however, NHS guidance on Staying at Home means that the school will not be able to function safely at current staffing levels.
Over the next few days the school will undergo additional cleaning to ensure Parents, Staff and Children can have confidence to return to school.
I am aware of the serious disruption that will be caused but please know that my number one priority is the safety and care of all within our school community.
Please take care and continue to follow NHS advice.
I will be making further contact with you over the coming days so please watch this space.
Thank you for your continued understanding and support.
Paul Clair
Head Teacher
A very warm welcome to Falconer School
Dear Parents and Carers,
‘Achieving The Extraordinary Together’
I am delighted to have been appointed as the Headteacher of Falconer SEMH school.
I am a passionate and experienced leader in the field of Social Emotional and Mental Health(SEMH) and have a clear vision of how to move Falconer forward.
I have inherited a highly experienced and dedicated team of staff who care deeply about nurturing and encouraging your son to achieve their very best.
Please be assured that any changes will be clearly communicated, smoothly implemented and in the best interest of improved outcomes for your child.
I believe that Falconer has many great strengths and the relationship between parents, staff and students is crucial to the success of the school. By working together, we can ensure that students enjoy their time at Falconer and make good progress and leave us with the necessary skills and attitudes to be successful in their next steps.
Over the coming days, and weeks we will be keeping you informed of the many opportunities for you to meet and talk with me.
I am excited to be leading the way on the next steps of Falconer’s journey to success.
Thank you
Paul Clair.