Message from the Principal with regards to the snow closure

Dear Parents/Carers

I am very sorry that I reluctantly had to close the Academy today - Wednesday (6^th January 2010).  We have already been notified by Arriva that the 466 bus will not be operating a full service to the Academy tomorrow (Thursday) and, depending on overnight weather conditions, may be suspended completely from the area.  I have therefore decided that we will remain closed on Thursday 7^th January. 

I was checking the weather at 5:30am this morning and was present at the Academy by 6.30am and our site staff were already clearing the paths and gritting the Academy. 

However as snow was still falling, the paths were becoming blocked as soon as they had become clear. The approach roads to the Academy have not been gritted by the Council and are very dangerous to drive down and the Academy car parks are impassable. 

Many members of staff live a considerable distance from the Academy often in outlying areas, which are affected more severely. By 7.00am this morning enough staff had indicated that they could not get in, for me to consider that it would be unsafe to open the Academy.  Staff have set work for all students and this has been emailed to them at their school email accounts.  Students should complete the work set relevant to their key stage and email it back to the subject staff.

I am confident that our staff will be making every effort to make alternative arrangements to get into the Academy on Friday (8^th January) and I am very hopeful that we will be open. 

Please be assured that as soon as I have made that decision I will let you know by the following means: 

• Update on the website
• An updated answerphone message
• An auto text to all parents for whom we have current numbers
• An email to student accounts directly
• Informing Croydon to publicise on their website

I will endeavour to do this as soon as possible on Thursday. 

Please be assured that we are doing all we can to ensure that students and staff can get to the Academy and continue their education in a safe environment.

Yours sincerely,

David Millar
Principal