CORONAVIRUS UPDATE - 17th March 2020

IMPORTANT INFORMATION RELATING TO CORONAVIRUS – 17^th March 2020

Dear Parents,

Like me, I am sure you are very worried about the ever changing situation regarding Coronavirus. It is always our aim to provide a safe environment for your child and thus I wanted to give you as up to date information as possible before tomorrow’s return to school.

At this current time our school will be open tomorrow unless the Public Health Agency and the Government dictate otherwise.   We are monitoring the situation continuously for updates and will keep you informed when we have more definitive information. I would like to reassure you that we have not been informed of any cases of the virus amongst our school community and that we have put many procedures in place to try to ensure the health and safety of all pupils, parents and staff. These include the continuation of increased hygiene practices, the cessation of whole school activities such as assembly and the PTA cinema night and the limitation of unplanned visitors.

However, if your child or any member of your household is showing symptoms of the virus (a new cough and/or a temperature or fever) you should follow PHA advice and self-isolate at home for 14 days. Our advice in relation to absence from school is for all parents to err on the side of caution and keep children at home for the recommended 14 day period if they show any symptoms or if you have concerns about infection being brought home to more vulnerable household members. Please inform the school if you are self-isolating and also follow PHA advice if you have recently travelled in any of the affected areas.

At this time, it is at the discretion of parents to send pupils to school and to after school activities.  

Our staff have been working tirelessly to prepare for any eventuality, even though much of what we are planning for is still unknown. Practical details of what has been put in place in the event of closure regarding all aspects of your child’s education will be sent home tomorrow. If your child is not in school for whatever reason please check our website for regular updates and important information.  

Thank you for your understanding and support in these unprecedented times and please stay safe

O Mcilroy

Principal