^{JLA Community: COVID-19 Update}

^{It is over 6 months since lockdown first commenced and returning to The Academy, there have been many changes for the Academic 2020-2021 year:}

^{Some of you may know that our Principal, Mr Keith Whittlestone sadly passed away in March 2020.}

^{“Keith was a mentor and close friend to so many and words cannot describe how much his loss will affect us. He is an irreplaceable part of all of the lives of students and staff. His love and passion for Joseph Leckie Academy and its family of students and teachers will never be forgotten.  He touched everyone’s lives, as a man and the leader of the Academy - an institution which he dedicated his life to, for the betterment and care of all the youngsters of Walsall - that he held so dear”.}

^{The Acting Principal (Ms Rachel Cook) has agreed to continue with the JLA Community Section, honouring Mr Whittlestone’s Ethos of “Community”.}  

^{The Acting Principal, Heads of Department, together with the Health & Safety Manager, have devised protocols for all returning Staff and Students. JLA Community Bookings must also follow these protocols when we return to all facilities, in addition to your own specific activity Risk Assessment, thus ensuring a COVID safe environment for all staff and users within the facility.}

^{Since we have returned to JLA for the beginning of a new Academic year, the numbers COVID-19 cases within the local Community has increased.  Therefore, we have decided to continue to put the use of Community Facilities on hold until the rate of infection(s) decreases.  In addition, there are re-sit examinations for the Students who were unable to take them in the summer term, which will also impact on the Sport Facility usage during the end of October, early November.}

^{Due to the announcement of additional lockdown restrictions within Walsall from Wednesday 14th October 2020; rule of 6, indoor mixing of households, 10.00pm curfew and Social Distancing, we will have to review again when restrictions are eased.}

^{We understand this is very frustrating for all Community users but hope that you do understand that the safety of staff and students are a priority for JLA.}

^{Please continue to access the Joseph Leckie Academy Website / JLA Community section for updates.}

^{Ms R. Cook - Acting Principal}

^{Ms D. Potts, Development Manager FIOS - JLA Community}

^{Mr J Greaves - Assistant Principal - JLA Community}