Dear Parents, Update at 17.09 on Friday 20 March 2020 The staff and I are truly grateful to you as parents for the kindness of the many, many emails you have sent us.  It has really been such a boost to our morale and energy at this difficult time for all of us.  Thank you. I found a handmade card left on my desk today.  The text inside read ‘Maybe not today or tomorrow or even in a year but eventually things will get better and you will be able to look back and say with relief, I made it.’  That has been the true and abiding sentiment at College today.  All the students and staff remain wonderful and seeking to do their very best to boost each other.  Our incredible Year 13 led this day of kindness and positivity.   So, what do we know today? At 2.45pm today the UK Government provided an update on how GCSE and A level grades will be decided this year. Link to the full statement:https://www.gov.uk/government/news/further-details-on-exams-and-grades-announced?fbclid=IwAR2JUzm3IvKKn-J3h4Mas7Bievyz7_skBkXPhHaQxqNqt59nP9OQr1TT8Wc   What is JCG now doing?

• We have written to all Year 11 and Year 13 with the key points – please discuss this with your daughter
• We will be given more information to guide us in how to provide grades.  The Government says this will be as soon as possible
• We will inform students of the process once we know more
• We will keep A level students informed on any updates to UCAS
• Students do not need to attend College on Monday

As our students now move to home-learning from Monday, the students who have been self-isolating for the past two weeks have provided some tips on how to manage this strange time.  While it is written by our students, I think it is relevant to all of us:   Mental health

• Keep talking to people – you could video call your friends, chat with family or contact Jan on 07797 765198 (she is available on Mondays between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. and Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.).
• Try not to keep checking the news – you could allocate a specific time for this each day to keep yourself updated (make sure the sources you use are reliable) but otherwise try and switch off from the constant stream of information, that can be so overwhelming.
• Have a go at mindfulness with apps like Smiling Mind and Headspace. This can help you to relax in what is a very scary time.
• Start a gratitude journal - it is proven to improve your mood and self-esteem as well as helping you sleep better.
• Treat yourself with the same care and kindness that you would your friends.
• If you need something to lift your spirits, you could always go and listen to Macklemorris’ latest hit :)

  Physical health

• Spending time outdoors can help to alleviate that sense of ‘cabin fever’ and can give you some much needed vitamin D. If you can’t do this, you could try opening the curtains and the window to get some fresh air.
• Try and do a little bit of exercise each day – although it might feel like the last thing you want to do, it will really help to boost your mood. There are lots of different ways you can do this including apps like Yoga for Beginners and FiiTwhich both provide easy-to-follow workouts which you can do with limited space.
• Try to take regular screen-breaks (although this can be difficult) for example by reading a book, doing some craft or making a cake and try to stand up and move around for a few minutes every half-hour.

  Boredom

• Take it as an opportunity to try something new or something that you’ve always wanted to do but never had the time e.g. gardening, craft or playing an instrument.
• Catch up on some TV shows or movies.
• Treat yourself with a face mask or by painting your nails.
• Go for a walk (only if you’re not in self-isolation).
• Tidy up an area of your house that you’ve been meaning to do for a while.
• Spend time with your family – you could watch a movie together, play a board game or go for a walk (again, only if you’re not in self-isolation).Being with each other is important.
• Ring someone who you know is also lonely like older relatives or others who are social distancing or in self-isolation.
• Listen to a podcast.

  School work

• Try to stick to your school timetable because it will give you a much-needed sense of familiarity and routine. Make it colourful and tick each thing off once you’ve done it, then you get a sense of achievement.
• Schedule regular breaks and reward yourself for your hard work.
• If you’re finding things hard, contact your teacher or an older student for help.
• Keep your phone away from your desk and use it during your breaks.
• If it’s hard to stay focused and you have a parent who is also working at home, try working together.
• If you don’t know where to start with a big piece of work, break it down into small chunks so it becomes more manageable.

  Monday also brings the launch of JCG TV – students and staff have already started creating content.   Finally, the photo of one of the acts of kindness stuck to a door.  I wish you all the qualities in abundance.   Take care. Yours, Carl​ Howarth Principal