15th March 2021
Dear Parents & Guardians,
As we mark one year since we started our first lockdown, let’s think of the good times ahead. We have survived the ups and downs of the last year and at the end of the day, all that matters is our Health and Wellbeing. I am sure there is great excitement in your home at the prospect of returning to school in the morning. . The children have done amazingly well in our virtual school since Christmas, but it is certainly time for them to see their friends again.
The Staff too are looking forward to greeting your children and welcoming them back into their classes.
Amidst all this excitement it is very important to be mindful of the safety measures and COVID protocols that are in place for your safety.
As you are probably aware, there are roadworks within proximity to the school and with no parking facilities at the Parish Hall, parking will be very limited.
DROP, SET & GO is the RULE.
As a Senior Primary School, we continue to promote walking and cycling to school.
The school gates will be open to facilitate the children walk straight into the yard and on to their discs.
The Bus children have a designated line parallel to the perimeter wall in the junior yard.
Staff will commence supervision at 9am. We are encouraging the children to arrive to school as near to 9am as possible where there will be supervision when they arrive.
Parents are requested not to congregate at the school gates or wall. (Minimal congregation at or near school grounds)
There are new signs on the school walls to advice above.
A Return to Educational Facility Parental Declaration Google Form link has been shared to Parents on Class Dojo for completion in advance of their child returning to school.(Teachers shared this link on Friday 12th. Please complete
as near to 8am in the morning as possible) this will indicate to Staff that your child is symptom free.
Staff and Pupils who are feeling unwell have a moral imperative to stay at home
· Although facemasks are not mandatory for pupils under the age of 13 years, pupils are permitted to wear a mask.
· A reminder to Pupils to refill their COVID19 pack (Antibacterial wipes, hand sanitizer, tissues and 2 face masks)
· A reminder to Pupils to ensure they have all their own items in their pencil cases (pencil, rubber, whiteboard markers, red pen, colours and ruler as there will be no sharing)
As the windows will need to be kept open (in line with guidelines for Ventilation) an extra layer of clothing would be advised along with their coat and a bag to store it in.
· All Staff will wear full PPE to include upgraded medical masks KN95
· Outsource will provide an on-site cleaning service for the duration of the opening of the school.
· The caretaker will provide ongoing maintenance and monitor the heating system.
· The concerns and needs of vulnerable and at-risk Staff will be managed in line with approved policy and procedures
· Staff are being provided with all necessary PPE and protective clothing in accordance with identified Covid-19 exposure risks and in line with public health advice
· There is adequate Covid-19 signage and floor stickers on display throughout the school. Visible signage is in place that identifies general cleaning protocols, processes, and practices
· Appropriate social distancing to be maintained and necessary controls are in place to reduce transmission risks. Appropriate dispersion measures are used at all entrance and exit doors.
· The school maintains a log of contacts to facilitate contact tracing.
· We continue to have a NO VISITORS policy.
· Specific procedures are in place for the reception of goods and deliveries
· Digital tools and communication systems are used as an alternative to face-to-face meetings.
· There is a system in place to keep Staff and Parents up to date with the latest public health advice. Regular and transparent briefings/communications will be provided to Staff and Parents. (via Class Dojo, email, School Story & School website)
· Appropriate cleaning, handwashing and hygiene procedures are in place. There is also a cleaning schedule of any surfaces or equipment that is shared or used regularly by Staff and Pupils
· There is a plan in place as to what needs to be done if a Staff member or Pupil develops COVID-19 symptoms (fever, cough, shortness of breath) while at school. All Staff and Pupils are aware of the relevant steps and procedures. (Isolation room protocols).
It is imperative that a Parent / Guardian is available should you receive a call from the office in relation to your child presenting with symptoms.
The Board of Management will continue to communicate regularly with Staff and Parents giving the ever-changing nature of this pandemic. Each of us needs to take personal responsibility for our actions in relation to Covid-19 and we must all work together to ensure the safety of every child and adult in our school community.
We would remind all members of the School community of the dangers of spreading this virus through congregation of groups of people. Please be mindful of this in relation to dropping off and collecting children at the school entrance.
While there is undoubtedly a long road ahead, there is hope that better times are imaginable with the availability of vaccines and the roll out of an inoculation programme.
We look forward to meeting you and your child on Monday the 15th of March.
Bláithin Maguire
Principal
Bláithín Maguire
Principal
Scoil an Spioraid Naoimh
Roll Number: 20017F
041 – 9828091
