Head teachers welcome return of Littlehampton area pupils to school

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Having been closed to all but vulnerable children and those of critical workers since before Christmas, primary schools opened to all pupils again this morning, with most secondary schools having a phased reopening this week.

And although its early days, it seems like the transition back to in-school learning has been going well so far, according to head teachers and school staff.

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Staff at St Margaret’s CE Primary School, in Arundel Road, Angmering, said they were delighted to see the children return.

Pupils at Yapton CE Primary School have been celebrating World Book Day on their return to schoolPupils at Yapton CE Primary School have been celebrating World Book Day on their return to school
Pupils at Yapton CE Primary School have been celebrating World Book Day on their return to school

Head teacher Mike Jee added: “We presented parents with bunches of daffodils and with a ‘Head teacher Award’ sticker in recognition of all their hard work with home-learning of the the past two months! Well done to the parents and carers.”

At Georgian Gardens Primary School in Guildford Road, Rustington, a colourful balloon arch across the school gate welcomed children back for in-school learning.

Aimi Bowers, head teacher, said on Monday: “The thing is Georgian Gardens never really ‘closed’.

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“We just had to do things differently for a while... everyone was still learning.

Staff at Georgian Gardens Primary School in Rustington welcomed pupils back today with balloonsStaff at Georgian Gardens Primary School in Rustington welcomed pupils back today with balloons
Staff at Georgian Gardens Primary School in Rustington welcomed pupils back today with balloons

“My amazing staff kept the spirit of the school alive for all those learning at home and on site.

“Today, we are delighted to welcome everybody back to learn together.”

“We knew that our pupils and parents may have been a little apprehensive after being away from school for so long, so we wanted to make sure that everyone had a surprise and smile on their face when they arrived.”

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At Yapton CE Primary School, in North End Road, staff said they wanted to make sure the return to school was as enjoyable as possible.

All pupils at Bury CE Primary School spent their first afternoon back outsideAll pupils at Bury CE Primary School spent their first afternoon back outside
All pupils at Bury CE Primary School spent their first afternoon back outside

Deputy head teacher Chris Hughes said: “In our ‘Spring Back 2 School’ week, the focus is on the mental well-being of everyone in school. We are celebrating World Book Day (where there has been lots of dressing up) and having an ‘Outdoor Learning Day’.

“Excited children and families returned to school on Monday morning with lots of smiles (along with a little bit of nervous anticipation).”

Pupils at Arundel CE Primary School, in Jarvis Road, Arunel, talked of their nerves and excitement at returning.

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Maddy, from year six, said: “I was really excited but also a little bit nervous. I feel so happy now as I know school is very safe. The teachers are being supportive and my whole ACE family are around me, so I am extremely happy now.”

While fellow year-six pupil Adam added: “I feel happy as I get to see my friends and I love learning in school. I also like my head teacher as he often jokes with me.”

Meanwhile, at Bury CE Primary School in Burton Lane, Bury, there was a buzz in the school as 100 per cent of pupils returned to school on Monday. Head teacher Tom Moore said: “The key worker and vulnerable children wasted no time in welcoming back all of their friends.

“Kestrels spent some time telling the teachers about all of their Christmas presents, Sparrowhawks were very excited to meet their new teacher, Mr Lake, and Buzzards were so enthralled in their learning they barely noticed when Mr Moore appeared at the doorway to see how they all were.

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“All of the children spent the afternoon outside; either taking part in a PE lesson or enjoying their first Bury Rangers session of the 2021.

“Whilst we know many parents were looking forward to sole use of their laptops and a cup of tea or coffee in the quiet of their own homes, the staff here at Bury were delighted to welcome back the buzz of a full school ready to learn and play.”

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