02 April 2020

Dear Parents and Carers,

As you are acutely aware all 26 schools within Nicholas Postgate Catholic Academy Trust –NPCAT remain open across Teesside and North Yorkshire providing continuous provision for the children of our Key Workers and all those identified by the government when the partial closure of schools was announced.

As a Trust we feel that it is vital that we maintain in contact with you throughout these challenging times and I hope you are appreciative of the ongoing communication from schools both to you as parents and also with all your children. Our websites and social media platforms are alive with wonderful examples of pupils work and uplifting messages of support for each other and respect for our NHS and all Key Workers fighting this pandemic.

The NPCAT term ends next Thursday 9th April and starts on Monday 20th April. We will however continue to keep all schools open over this period and provide Free School Meals (FSM) to all eligible pupils during this time. After the Easter break the Trust will be participating in the government’s national FSM voucher scheme and further information will be sent out by each school in respect of this before then. Those pupils not attending school will naturally have no lessons set for them from 9th April until Monday 20th April. Those pupils who will attend during the holiday period will access a more creative programme of activities.

I want to pay my total respect for all our staff who continue to work so tirelessly for every child and this commitment is magnified at this time with so many giving up their holiday entitlement to ensure our children are safe.

We are rightly proud of our long, rich and unbroken tradition with over 150 years of Catholic education in Teesside and North Yorkshire built on generations of community determination, with everyone in the Parishes, parents, and teachers doing their best and improve life chances for young people. I am reassured that this is evident even more so today and thank you for your support of our wonderful school community.

As we begin Holy Week in a few short days the message of Hope that we associate with Easter is very much to the fore.

Blessed Nicholas Postgate Pray for Us

Regards

Hugh Hegarty

NPQH| MSc |PGCCGC |B.Ed. Hons |CTC