Author: Amy Dunnett

Thank you to all our families for their continued support and understanding throughout our return to school with regards to Covid-19.

We would like to remind parents and carers of the common symptoms and that pupils should not attend school if:

• They are displaying any of the symptoms associated with Covid-19 such as a high temperature (37.8C or above), a new continuous cough or a change in sense of smell or taste.
• A member of the household has tested positive or is displaying symptoms.
• They have been contacted as part of the Test and Protect programme.
• If a pupil is returning from a country from which as are required to quarantine for 14 days. An up to date list of countries affected by this can be found at https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-public-health-checks-at-borders/pages/exemptions/

Should you require to arrange a test for a your child or a member of your household, please follow the guidance given on the NHS Inform website and book a test via https://self-referral.test-for-coronavirus.service.gov.uk

We recognise that accessing a drive through test site or a home test kit may be extremely challenging for some of our pupils and if this is the case, you may be eligible for testing to be carried out at home by the NHS. If you require this, please email gram.staffcovid19testing@nhs.scot giving the pupil’s name, date of birth, full address, GP information and a brief explanation for special circumstances which require the need to be tested at home rather than through a home test kit or drive through test site.

We kindly ask that parents and carers keep the school informed of any testing being undertaken and the results by phoning the school on 01224 788950.

Following the recent updated guidance from the Scottish Government, you will no doubt be aware it was announced that face coverings should be worn in Scottish schools and on school transport from Monday 31st August.

A letter from Eleanor Sheppard (Chief Education Officer) was sent out to all parents yesterday detailing the guidance given from the Scottish Government. Within this letter there is a link taking you directly to the government guidance around the use of face coverings.

https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-phase-3-staying-safe-and-protecting-others/pages/face-coverings/#:~:text=People%20must%20by%20law%20wear,unless%20in%20a%20crowded%20situation.

Within this guidance the exemptions around the wearing of face coverings are also stated, including:

• if you have a health condition or you are disabled, including hidden disabilities, for example, autism, dementia or a learning disability, 
• if you are providing care for someone with a health condition or disability, and a face covering would be inappropriate because it would cause difficulty, pain or severe distress or anxiety to the wearer or the person in the care of the wearer, or
• because you cannot apply a covering and wear it in the proper manner safely and consistently
• Individual discretion should be applied in considering the use of face coverings for other children including, for example, children with breathing difficulties and disabled children who would struggle to wear a face covering.

We recognise that many of our pupils will be exempt from wearing face coverings however, if you feel that your child would tolerate wearing a face covering we would be grateful if this could be encouraged.

Should you have any further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Please find below an updated version of the Orchard Brae Covid-19 Risk Assessment. This contains an additional appendix outlining the use of PPE within the school day.

We are always delighted with the wonderful support we receive from the Orchard Brae community and we have been overwhelmed by the success of our clothing bank since it began.

Unfortunately, due to the circumstances surrounding Covid-19, we are having to suspend the clothing bank for the time being and we ask that you don’t send clothing donations into the school.

Thank you for your understanding and we will notify everyone when we are able to restart the clothing bank.

Next week we will be able to provide hot school lunches for pupils at Orchard Brae. In order to do this the lunches will be following week 2 of the menu below.

The following week, (week beginning 24th August) we will return to week 1 on the menu bringing us in line with the rest of the schools in Aberdeen City.

The menu can also be viewed on the school website:

https://orchardbrae.aberdeen.sch.uk/parents/general-info/school-lunches/

Please find below an updated version of the Orchard Brae Covid-19 Risk Assessment.

This document and the associated links can also be viewed on the Covid-19 page of the website.

https://orchardbrae.aberdeen.sch.uk/covid-19/