School singalong heralds return

PUPILS and teachers from a village school near Huddersfield have joined forces to produce a sing-along video ahead of their long awaited return to classrooms.

Youngsters have been apart for almost two months after schools were shut down by the coronavirus crisis.

Now, as some schools across England prepare to open their doors on June 1, Helme C of E Academy in Meltham has pulled off an emotional sing-a-long as staff and children prepare to see each other once more.

Pupils and teachers sang along to the Bruno Mars hit, Count On Me, from their homes in a huge video conferencing performance.

The school has now produced a video for everyone to see their morale boosting efforts.

The clip, which includes the lyrics, “You can count on me like one, two, three, I’ll be there,” has been shared across the school’s social media channels.

Reception pupil, Phoebe, said: “I loved singing this song, it felt like we were back in the same room together.”

Daisy in Year 3 said, “We love singing at Helme and I hope our song makes everyone smile.”

Head Teacher, Melanie Garlick, said: “Lockdown has presented families with many challenges. On a practical front, parents have had to figure out a way to home school their children while working from home themselves or carrying out key worker roles - all while being unable to call on their wider family or friends for help.

“Alongside this, the emotional impact, on children, as well as parents, has been massive. Feelings of panic, anxiety, fear and loneliness are widespread and, while we’ve heard wonderful stories about the joy of getting to spend more time with our families, we will all have undoubtedly experienced low moments.

“In the run up to schools reopening children, parents and of course, teachers and members of school staff, are more than likely going to experience a rollercoaster of emotions. Myself and the team at Helme C of E Academy hope that this video will remind people that we are a strong school community and

“We are currently looking at the usual activities and events we hold for new starters and their families as they will be affected by social distancing guidance.

“We are determined to find new and innovative ways in which we can help children starting school for the very first time settle and find their

Helme C of E Academy in Meltham has produced a sing-along video to boost we will support each other in any way we can as we all adjust to our new normal.” Helme C of E Academy has Reception places available for September and anyone interested in their child joining the Helme school community should contact Mrs Garlick on 01484 854 524. feet. The most important thing is that our pupils are safe and happy - we know it is when children are safe and happy that they learn best.” “I would be delighted to speak to any families about how we do things here at Helme C of E Academy.”