Dear Parent,

 

I am writing to you at the end of what has been a challenging and unusual half-term for all of us. I would like to begin by acknowledging the efforts of everyone in the school community to make the return to school as smooth as possible and, in particular, I would like to commend our pupils who have co-operated with us so well in complying with all of the guidance and working hard to make learning as meaningful and enjoyable as possible.

 

As you will now be aware the Minister of Education announced yesterday that in an effort to curb the spread of Covid-19 all schools will now have an extended two weeks’ half-term break, with pupils returning on Monday 2 November.  The Minister has stated that there is to be no remote learning next week. We do acknowledge the importance of pupils and their families being able to rest and relax together and we hope that there will be opportunities for that. However, I am sure that you will understand that teaching staff are concerned about this further loss of teaching time. So, whilst no work will be set via Google Classroom nor will any uploads be expected, examination classes will be expected to do some work at this time, whether that be completing homeworks, essays or coursework or engaging in revision or preparation work in advance of next term. This would be the normal practice over half-term in any other year. Our hope this year is that pupils can complete all of this work next week and then have a full week to rest after what has been a challenging few weeks.

 

We know too that parents will be particularly concerned about the prospect of their children taking examinations after the ongoing disruption since March. As a school we are currently working on a document in response to the Minister of Education’s letter (dated 9 October) regarding the delivery of GCSE, AS and A Level qualifications in 2020/21. We raise a number of concerns in this letter and we want to assure you that we will do everything in our power to ensure that our pupils will not be adversely affected by circumstances which are completely beyond their control.

 

One thing we have learned as a school community after returning to school in August is the importance of working together as teachers, pupils and parents, as we move into a new educational setting. Google Classroom has been an important tool for us in this regard. We have already had half a year group having to self-isolate at home, an experience which underscored the importance of virtual engagement via Google Classroom. Unfortunately, there could be more pupils having to self-isolate as we move into the winter season; hence, the importance of all students being confident in engaging with learning via this platform. Pupils have watched a virtual assembly highlighting the importance of Google Classroom and helping them with additional features they may not be currently using. Please stress to your son/daughter the importance of keeping up to date with their studies and utilising the powerful tool that Google Classroom is.

 

This term has been challenging for everyone, but by working together – teachers, pupils and parents – we can fulfil the potential of every pupil. I would like to thank you for your continued support and wish you and your family well.

 

Please note when your son/daughter returns on Monday 2 November they will be on Week 1 timetable.

 

Yours sincerely

 

N McCLEMENTS
Principal

Minister of Education, Peter Weir has released a letter to parents, guardians and pupils about changes to GCSE, AS and A level qualifications that are due to be awarded in the 2020/21 academic year. There is also an updated FAQ document that has been released as well. Links to each document are available below:

 

Letter

 

FAQ

 

 

 

Dear Parent/Guardian

 

I wish to inform you that a member of our school community has tested positive for Covid‑19.

 

I have sought the most up-to-date advice from the Public Health Agency (PHA) and ensured that the affected area in the school has now undergone an enhanced clean. The pupils and staff that are affected have been notified separately and will now be required to isolate for a period of 14 days in line with advice from PHA.

 

I do appreciate the concerns of parents, pupils and the wider school community and wish to reassure you that every precaution has been taken.

 

Ensuring the safe return of pupils and staff to school is my absolute priority and I will continue to monitor this situation carefully and keep you informed.

 

Parents with any questions or concerns are welcome to contact the school office.

 

Yours sincerely

N McCLEMENTS
Principal

Updated COVID-19 guidance has been issued by the Chief Medical Officer. The full letter is available here.

An instructional letter, available by clicking here, outlines actions which should be taken by parents and carers if their children develop Covid-19 symptoms. A mobile friendly version is also available.

 

Dear Parent/Guardian,

 

As we prepare for all pupils to return to school on a full-time basis, staff at the Rainey have been working to carry out comprehensive risk assessments to facilitate a safe return to learning in the building. May I take this opportunity to remind you, as per previous guidance, that it is absolutely imperative that you do not send your child to school if he/she is presenting with any COVID-19 symptoms, such as a high temperature or a new and persistent cough.

 

The Education Minister has just reviewed guidance regarding the use of face coverings in schools. Pupils will now be asked to wear a face covering when moving between classes and when in busy communal areas where social distancing cannot be maintained. This will come into effect from 1 September and we would ask that your child comes to school prepared for this. We do understand that some children may have medical exemption from wearing a face covering and we will be accommodating of this.

 

Furthermore, I would like to draw your attention to the most recent guidance issued by the Education
Authority relating to vulnerable young people or pupils whose households may have been shielding over the last few months.

 

• If a child, young person lives with someone who is clinically vulnerable (but not clinically extremely
  vulnerable), including those who are pregnant, they can attend their education setting.
• If a child, young person or staff member lives in a household with someone who is extremely clinically
  vulnerable (as set out in the COVID-19: guidance on shielding and protecting people defined on medical
  grounds as extremely vulnerable) it is advised they only attend an education or childcare setting if
  stringent social distancing can be adhered to and, in the case of children, they are able to understand and
  follow those instructions. If stringent social distancing cannot be adhered to it is not expected that those
  individuals will attend school. They will then be supported to learn at home and will be provided with
  any teaching/resource materials required. If your child falls into this category, we ask that you contact
  Mr Simpson via the school Office at your earliest convenience to discuss the best plan for your child
  and your family.
• Vulnerable and statemented pupils across all year groups continue to be expected to attend school where
  it is appropriate for them to do so. Risk assessments will be carried out by the school and in conjunction
  with the family, as required.
• For vulnerable children and young people who have specific health care needs, attendance is expected
  where it is determined, following risk assessment, that their needs can be as safely or more safely met in
  the educational environment. If your child falls into this category, please contact Mr Simpson via the
  school office before full-time return so that we can discuss the balance of risk, including health
  vulnerabilities, family circumstances, risks outside the home, and the child or young person’s assessed
  special.

 

Yours sincerely

 

N McCLEMENTS
Acting Principal

Tuesday 11 August 2020

 

Education Restart

 

Dear Parent

 

As the end of the summer approaches, we are looking forward to welcoming Rainey pupils back into the building for the first time since March. You will be aware that the Minister for Education has stated that all pupils should begin to return to school during the week beginning Monday 24 August and that all pupils will re-commence full-time, onsite education from 1^st September. After such a long absence from school, we are keen to facilitate a smooth and safe return for both staff and pupils. Therefore, it is our intention that each year group will be phased in during the week commencing 24 August in preparation for the return to normal schooling by 1 September.

 

A comprehensive COVID-19 plan for opening, including risk assessments, has been conducted. We have secured additional cleaning provision and handwashing facilities throughout the school. Clear signage to encourage social distancing, high standards of hygiene practice and the safe usage of the school premises has been produced.

 

During these phased induction days pupils will be given an overview of health and hygiene and social distancing considerations, arrangements for break and lunch and teaching & learning provision. They will also be given information about September 1 when school will re-commence for all pupils.

 

The school will now adopt the following arrangements:

 

 

Monday 24 August	Staff Development Day
Tuesday 25 August – Year 11	9.30am – 12 noon
Tuesday 25 August – Year 13	1pm – 3.30pm
Wednesday 26 August – Year 12	9.30am – 12 noon
Wednesday 26 August – Year 14	1pm – 3.30pm
Thursday 27 August – Year 9	9.30am – 12 noon
Thursday 27 August – Year 10	1pm – 3.30pm
Friday 28 August – Year 8	9am-1.30pm
Monday 31 August	Bank Holiday
Tuesday 1 September	All pupils and staff in registration rooms periods 1-3 (admin) Period 4 – phased lunch times Periods 5 & 6 – full timetable operational.

 

All pupils are asked to meet in the new Sports Hall not the main school building at the time given for their year group. Pupils attending a morning session should bring a break with them; canteen facilities will not be available.

 

I look forward to welcoming your son/daughter back to school over the coming weeks.

 

Best wishes

 

Mr N. McClements

 

Acting Principal

 

 

 

 

The latest letter containing information for parents about the phased return for pupils in 2020 is available by clicking here.

Dear Parent/Guardian,

 

I trust that you and your family enjoyed the Easter Holidays and are all safe, refreshed and as ready as we can be for the challenges of Term 3.

 

I understand how difficult it is to re-establish routines after a holiday period, especially with the lovely weather that we are benefitting from at the moment. However, it is imperative that all students in Years 8, 9, 10, 11 and 13 reconnect with their teachers via Shared Documents, Showbie and/or Google Classroom. Students and parents can plan a timetable for school work for the week ahead. As parents, you know how best to manage this, and we strongly encourage all students to spend 2-3 hours a day engaging in remote learning, either completing the work set by their teachers or carrying on with independent study.

 

Some students may have difficulty logging onto their My School or Email account after the holidays.  If this is an issue for anyone, please refer to the guidance that is available on the school website www.raineyendowed.com/coronavirus-academic-support or contact Mr Donaldson directly at rdonaldson958@c2kschools.net

 

Over the holidays we received clarification from the Minister regarding arrangements for the issuing of CCEA GCSE, AS & A2 qualifications for the Summer 2020 examination. Again, I trust that you were able to review the information from CCEA that we shared with you on the Parents’ App and on the school website.  A short summary of this is as follows:

 

• Year 11 students will not complete any controlled assessment or examinations this summer. Exams will now be completed in Year 12.
• Year 12 students will receive a grade that will be based on information provided by your child’s subject teachers and other centre based information.
• Year 13 students will not complete any controlled assessment or examinations this summer. Exams will now be completed in Year 14.
• Year 14 students will receive a grade that will be based on information provided by your child’s subject teachers and other centre based information.
• It is absolutely essential that all year 11 and year 13 students continue with the studies that they have been set by their subject teachers.
• This will enable both students, parents and staff to balance workload, mental health, well-being and GCSE and AS level course requirements.
• If you are finding it difficult to get your child to engage in their learning, or have a pastoral concern, please do not hesitate to contact your child’s Head of Year, or Mr Simpson at csimpson698@c2kni.net

 

As previously, if you are a Key-Worker and should you find yourself in a position where you have no further option for supervision for your child, please call Mrs Young on 07921 463 533 by 5pm on the evening of the day before that you require supervision. This is only to be availed of as a last resort, as we seek to comply with DE/PHA and government advice.

 

I also encourage you to regularly review the school’s website, Facebook and other social media platforms and to check that your child reads their school email daily.

 

In closing, I would like to pay tribute to all current and former Rainey parents and to all former pupils who are involved in delivering services that are essential in keeping us safe at this demanding time. We are indebted to you all.

 

Take care and stay safe.

 

Yours sincerely,

 

 

D M McCULLOUGH

HEADMASTER

 

Dear Rainey family,

 

As the Easter holidays are upon us, I wanted to express my sincere thanks to all staff, governors, pupils and parents. Furthermore, I encourage you to take a break from school work. Try going for a walk and follow government advice whilst doing so, get out into the garden or try out some of the opportunities that I mentioned in last week’s correspondence. You have worked hard, so please make the most of the holiday period and try to relax.

 

I also want to pay further tribute to all of our key workers, for all that they are doing, have done and will continue to do. Let us all do our bit to help beat this terrible virus by adhering to PHA advice, by washing our hands, by following social distancing guidelines and by looking after the most vulnerable in society; through the words of Étienne de Grellet, “.. any good that I can do or any kindness that I can show to any human being; let me do it now.”

 

Please remember that we are there for you. If you require pastoral advice, guidance or help, please email Mr Simpson at csimpson698@c2kni.net or call 07921463567. We will help out as best as we can.

 

Over the coming hours, days and weeks, please bear in mind this quote from Atticus, “A happy soul is the shield for a cruel world.”

 

Take care, stay safe and best wishes to everyone in the Rainey family,

 

Mr McCullough

 

 

 

 

 

Dear Rainey family,

 

It is understandable that we are all feeling worried and disappointed at this present moment in time.  Schools have been closed, exams, holidays and social events have all been cancelled, jobs have been lost, supermarkets have empty shelves and people we know may fall ill.

 

However, “There are always flowers for those who want to see them.” (Henri Matisse) Your teachers and the government are working extremely hard behind the scenes to ensure your education and progress continue.  People are working tirelessly together around the world to beat this virus.  We are all taking care of the vulnerable in our society by washing our hands, social distancing, staying at home and checking in on them regularly.  The empty streets around the world are not a sign of an apocalypse, but rather “the most remarkable act of global solidarity we may ever witness in our lifetime.” (courtesy of Twitter)

 

It could be very easy to become overwhelmed by anxiety, fear and stress at the moment, so I want to take this opportunity to urge you all to focus on your well-being as much as on your schoolwork.

 

Sit in your garden, in nature and take deep breaths; go for a walk if it is safe to do so; learn a new skill (eg. baking, cooking, painting, knitting) or teach someone in your household something new; read as much as you can; NI libraries “Libby” app allows access to e-books and audiobooks and if you aren’t already a library member you can join up easily online.  The French writer and philosopher Voltaire wrote: “Let us read and let us dance – two amusements that will never do any harm to the world.” So on that note, I challenge you to listen to music and dance like no one is watching!

 

In the future, how we all dealt with this pandemic as a society and as individuals may well feature in a GCSE History exam! Imagine that!

 

We have all been accustomed to rushing about: to school, to work, to activities, to social events and suddenly we find ourselves unable to do any of those things.  Try not to be frustrated and make the most of this time.  Read those books, watch the Netflix show you have been meaning to for months, call the people you care about more often.  We are not the superheroes out there working in hospitals, police, fire or ambulance stations, science laboratories or supermarkets and pharmacies, but we can all help each other in our own way.  Social distancing, washing our hands, being there for each other – and that includes for the grown-ups in your home; they might be worried too!

 

Martin Luther King Jr wrote: “Only in the darkness can you see the stars.” Let us all be stars in the darkness.

 

Take care and stay safe,

 

Mr McCullough.

 

 

 

Tuesday 24 March 2020

 

Dear Parent/Guardian,

 

We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your understanding over these past few days. We trust that you and your families are as well as can be in these uncertain times.

 

I kindly ask for your cooperation with the following matters:

 

Key Workers

 

We request that all parents who are key workers, and who wish to avail of school provision please let the school office know by 2.00 pm, Wednesday 25 March 2020. This allows the school to plan staffing arrangements.

 

Advice on the Definition of Key Workers as issued by Department of Education. This is available in the link adjacent. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-51972132

 

Children attending school will be required to wear their PE uniform.  Please be advised that we will be providing supervision, rather than teaching.  This will allow pupils to complete work set by their teachers or to engage in quiet study.

 

If possible, alternative childcare arrangements should be sought before deciding to send your child to school e.g. with other family members or friends.  Please try and use the school facility as a last resort.  This is to try and limit the number of children and adults together in line with recent social distancing guidance.

 

COMMUNICATION WITH PUPILS AND PARENTS IN RELATION TO SCHOOL WORK.

 

• Links for pupils and parents for the work that is to be completed have been sent to all pupils and parents via the APP. This information is also available on the school website under the parents’ and pupils’ tab.
• Parents and pupils are requested to check emails by 9.30 am and 3.30 pm daily.
• By 3.30 pm on Friday of each week, subject staff will have sent an email to each of their classes, including work which pupils should complete for the following week.
• A help sheet entitled Work From Home Help Guide is also available on the school website under the pupils’ tab on how pupils can access school email, Documents, Shared Resources, Fronter, Google Classroom and Showbie.
• If pupils have concerns regarding their work, please email your subject teacher. Professionalism must be adhered to in all correspondence.
• A suggested expectation on time to be spent on subjects is to follow the schedule for your timetable.
• However, we suggest that a time period of 30 minutes per period should be adhered to instead of the normal 50 minutes.

 

 

COMMUNICATION WITH PUPILS AND PARENTS IN RELATION TO PASTORAL MATTERS.

• Your Tutor will be in touch via email on a weekly basis. Year teams will monitor concerns actions will be co-ordinated by Mr Simpson and relevant staff.
• Mr Simpson will be highlighting information on how to stay safe and well emotionally.
• If you have any concerns, please contact Mr Simpson on csimpson698@c2kni.net.

 

I must stress that we are doing as best that we can and please bear with us as we go through this together.

 

Thank you to everyone working in frontline services who provide care, treatment and protection for the community.  We appreciate everything that you are doing.

 

Please continue to adhere to UK government and PHA advice.

 

Take care,

 

D M McCULLOUGH

 

Principal

 

 

 

Dear Parent/Guardian

 

As our schools prepare to close to the majority of pupils from Monday, 23 March 2020, we wish to make arrangements, as directed by DE, for children of key workers.  Our school will be open in order to facilitate these children; a list of all who qualify is included below.

 

We request that all parents who are key workers, and who wish to avail of school provision next week, let the school office know by 3.00 pm, today 20 March 2020, where possible. This allows the school to plan staffing arrangements.

 

There will be a supervised study area available from 8.30 am – 3.30 pm for those pupils who are children of key workers.

 

Children attending will be required to wear their school uniform.  Please be advised that schools will be providing supervision, rather than teaching.  This will allow pupils to complete work set by their teachers or to engage in quiet study.

 

Advice on the Definition of Key Workers as issued by Department of Education 19/03/2020

Key workers are those who are maintaining essential public services during the Covid-19 response.  The definition of key worker will be flexible and dependant on the circumstance and requirements over the course of this critical period.  There will be flexibility shown on the definition of key workers to ensure all those who need support receive it.  The list is not prescriptive.  However, to give some guidance the following outlines the broad categories of what would be defined as a key worker;

 

• Health and Social Care: This includes doctors, nurses, midwives, paramedics, social workers, home carers and staff required to maintain our health and social care sector

 

• Education and Childcare: This includes nursery and teaching staff, social workers and those specialist education professionals who will remain active during the Covid-19 response

 

• Public Safety and National Security: This includes civilians and officers in the police (including key contractors), Fire and Rescue Service, prison service and other national security roles

 

• Transport: This will include those keeping air, water, road and rail transport modes operating during the Covid-19 response

 

• Utilities and Communication: This includes staff needed for oil, gas, electricity and water (including sewage) and primary industry supplies, to continue during the Covid‑19 response, as well as key staff in telecommunications, post and delivery, services and waste disposal

 

• Food and other Necessary Goods: This includes those involved in food production, processing, distribution and sale, as well as those essential to the provision of other key goods (eg hygiene, medical etc)

 

• Other Workers essential to delivering key public services

 

• Key national and local government including those administrative occupations essential to the effective delivery of the Covid-19 response

 

If possible, alternative childcare arrangement should be sought before deciding to send your child to school.  For example, with other family members or friends.  Please try and use the school facility as a last resort.  This is to try and limit the number of children and adults together in line with recent social distancing guidance.

 

If you believe you meet the Key Worker criteria as set out by the Minister and would like your child to be considered for a place in the reduced provision we can provide, please inform the General Office by telephone or email by 3 pm today, Friday 20 March.  This will allow us to plan for school supervision.

 

Thank you to everyone working in frontline services who provide care, treatment and protection for the community.  We appreciate everything that you are doing.

 

Yours sincerely

D M McCULLOUGH

Headmaster

 

 

 

 

19 March 2020

 

Dear Parent/Guardian

 

Many thanks for your understanding of the recent arrangements regarding pupils not being in school.

 

I would like to update you on further arrangements:

Year Groups 8, 9 and 10 will not be in school on Friday 20 March 2020.

I will update you on arrangements for these three year groups before 27 March 2020.

 

Year Groups 11, 12, 13 and 14

On Friday, 20 March, school will open for pupils in Years 11, 12, 13 and 14.  However, I cannot emphasise deeply enough THAT PARENTS SHOULD MAKE A DECISION BASED ON THEIR INDIVIDUAL CIRCUMSTANCES IN ACCORDANCE WITH PHA GUIDANCE.

 

Year 12

The following scheduled GCSE, work will no longer take place:

• GCSE Biology Double and Triple Award Practicals will not take place.
• GCSE Physics Double Award Practicals will not take place.
• GCSE Business Studies Controlled Assessments will not take place.
• GCSE Art Exam will not take place. Pupils should collect their folders from school and continue to complete all portfolio and project work.

 

Year 13/14

• Year 13/14 MHS Government & Politics classes will operate on Friday.
• AS Geography Field Trip will not take place
• Year 13/14 NRC Environmental Technology classes will not operate – college staff to be in contact with pupils directly.
• Year 13/14 SIC Moving Image Arts classes will not operate – staff to be in touch with pupils directly.
• Year 13/14 Engineering classes will not operate but work will be provided by Mr Frew. Please collect from the Main Office.

 

The Canteen will operate as normal at break and at lunchtime for Year 11-14 pupils.

 

I thank you for your understanding at this difficult time.  Please continue to follow health advice from the PHA.

 

Yours sincerely

D M McCULLOUGH

Headmaster

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dear Parent / Guardian, Headmaster’s notes June 2017 may be downloaded here.

 

 

 

All GCE A2 and AS and GCSE pupils and their parents Study LeaveMay16 concerning study leave.

 

Dear Parent/Guardian

 

As your son/daughter nears the end of their final term at Rainey Endowed School, I am writing to outline the arrangements regarding applications for Student Finance for further and higher education. All U6 students were issued with the application form and information pack at the beginning of March.

 

It is very important that County Hall (Ballymena) receives the completed form with all the appropriate evidence by Friday 15 April 2016. This means you can be confident your son/daughter will receive your first payment at the start of term.

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Dear Parent, below is a help sheet setting out the necessary steps to access SLG (SIMS Learning Gateway). A PDF version is also available here.

For Upper 6th Parents only…