Dear Parent/Carer

It is with great regret that I have to share with you below a communication we have received from the local authority regarding school proms:

“Proms and other celebratory events

We do appreciate the impact that cancelling or not arranging Proms and other events has on schools, parents and young people. We acknowledge that proms and other similar events are really important for our young people, both as a celebration of their achievements in the previous academic year and during their time at a school, as well as for the positive emotional and mental health and wellbeing benefits these events bring.

As you know, we are currently seeing an increasing spread of VoCs nationally, particularly in the North West, and as detailed above, the situation at present continues to be extremely volatile, considering the high rates of transmission in Bolton and our geographic location as a neighbour. In Wigan, there has been a consistent rise in the number and prevalence of cases within the borough since the week ending 30th April, and over the last 7 days (prior to 2nd June 2021), there have been 261 cases in Wigan, at a rate of 79.4 per 100,000 population, which is over twice that of the national average. This increase is being driven by rates in the 11-16yr olds at 108.4 cases per 100,000, and 17-21yr olds at 164.2 cases per 100,000.

We are therefore continuing our advice to schools that, given the prevailing circumstances, proms and other similar events should not go ahead under the current circumstances.”

Having worked closely with our Year 11 over the past few weeks to plan an occasion, which would be a fitting celebration to end their time at Shevington, we now have no option but to sadly cancel the event based on the current public health advice.

This is not a message I wanted to have to deliver to our students, staff and families but in the current circumstances, the decision is out of our hands.

We hope you understand and support our decision in these unprecedented times.

Yours sincerely

Mr J Grant

Headteacher

 

Year 11 Prom – Cancellation letter