Dear Parents,

If every child in a class self-isolates, their live lessons can be delivered live relatively easily as was the case during lockdown. However, if some remain in school and others have to self-isolate at home – which is the more likely scenario – delivering live lessons to both groups simultaneously is more challenging.  We are working hard to identify the optimal solution to deliver live lessons at home in this scenario however we are not quite there yet. For this to happen smoothly, students need to have Chromebooks which they can use both at home and in school, and all staff need to have the appropriate equipment (and training) to deliver lessons in school that are simultaneously streamed home.

Our Chromebook supplier has advised that these will arrive in November and, once delivered, they will then be configured for deployment. When we receive a precise date, we will let you know when your children will receive a device if you have ordered one. Additionally, teachers need to be provided with equipment to enable them to teach students in the class and at home concurrently. This involves identifying the optimal Bluetooth headsets, webcams and graphic tablets and, as you would expect, we are currently trialling a variety of equipment prior to placing bulk orders.

Once all of these elements are in place, staff will have the facility to give those at home access to live classroom lessons. Until then work will be uploaded onto Google classroom which will include live/recorded lessons wherever possible.

Please bear with us while we work through this process – we know that it will cause some frustration – and we are sincerely grateful for your patience while we go through the steps we need to take to increase live lessons for those who are isolating at home. We will get there.

To help us minimise the number of students who are having to self-isolate, please ensure that your children observe social distancing outside of school when socialising with their friends.

Please also check that your child has a clean face covering to bring to school each day to minimise the risk of infection (this is now mandatory in London).

Students must stay at home if they have any Covid symptoms and get tested. If they have had a Covid test for any reason, they should wait at home until they receive the results.​

We continue to follow Public Health Guidelines and take advice from Barnet Public Health in regard to all Covid-related matters.

With best wishes,

Mr Andrew McClusky, CEO

Dear Parents,

It has been a pleasure to welcome the students back to school after the break and to see them embracing the opportunity to learn in real classrooms. There is a real buzz in school and the students really want to be here. We have also managed to run an outstanding Year 7 Achdut trip for the boys which was thoroughly enjoyed by all.

Now that London is moving to Covid Tier 2 over this weekend, I am writing to remind you about the importance of following the Government advice in order to try to slow the spread of the virus. Our aim is to keep the schools open to the very best of our ability. This means that we are asking for parents and students to play their part in minimising infection spread: if you attend or promote gatherings indoors where households are mixing, you are putting your family and others at serious risk. Please help us to keep the schools open and to keep the community safe.

As we start again with Sefer Beraishit, it is worth noting that the entire sefer is replete with examples of our Avot behaving in an altruistic fashion and thinking about others. This must be our mantra during these very challenging times.

Wishing you a safe and peaceful Shabbat,

Mrs D Lebrett
Headteacher
Hasmonean High School for Boys