19th August 2020
Dear Parent / Guardian,
RE: Physical Distancing and Safe School Attendance
We are currently working on upgrading our procedures and routines within the school to ensure that there is as much Physical Distancing as is possible in our building. We will apply physical distancing in a practical and sensible way, recognising that the learning environment cannot be dominated by a potentially counterproductive focus on this issue.
Physical Distancing will be achieved in two ways: -
Increasing Separation. This will be achieved by re-configuring the classrooms to maximise physical distancing. Each class will be referred to as a bubble and we will ensure that there is as little contact as possible between children in different bubbles. Within 3rd-6th class bubbles, children will be organised into pods. A pod is a group of children (normally 4-8) who will sit together and who will stay in their pod while in the bubble, or classroom.
Decreasing Interaction. This will be achieved by decreasing the potential for children from different bubbles to interact. In the morning, on arrival, children will go straight to their classrooms and will not congregate on the yard. There will also be changes to our mid-morning and lunch-time breaks and access to the playground. In the evenings classes will be released individually to reduce contact and children will be encouraged not to linger outside. We will be emphasising safety at all times.
Safe School Attendance
While all children will be welcome back to school, we would remind parents that, where children are displaying colds, coughs or flu like symptoms, they should not be sent to school. Children who display such symptoms in school or who inform their teacher that they are unwell will be isolated and parents will be expected to collect them without delay. Parents must have collection arrangements in place that will facilitate this. Children sent home must be clear of all symptoms before they are returned to school.
Children who have travelled from countries not on the Green List should not attend school during the 14-day self-isolation period.
Further information on COVID-19 symptoms in children is available at: -
https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/coronavirus/if-your-child-has-symptoms.html
Teachers will make children aware of the proper hygiene procedures regarding hand washing and etiquette related to sneezing, coughing or spitting. We would be grateful if you could also emphasise safe behaviour in this regard to your children at home as part of the preparation for returning to school.
Our aim remains to re-open the school in an orderly safe manner on 27th August, while reassuring the children and making them feel comfortable, safe and relaxed with their friends in the new school environment. This will be achieved by all of us working towards this common goal.
Le meas
Fr. David Vard David O’Brien
Cathaoirleach, An Bhóird Bainistíochta Príomhoide
Dear Parent / Guardian,
RE: Physical Distancing and Safe School Attendance
We are currently working on upgrading our procedures and routines within the school to ensure that there is as much Physical Distancing as is possible in our building. We will apply physical distancing in a practical and sensible way, recognising that the learning environment cannot be dominated by a potentially counterproductive focus on this issue.
Physical Distancing will be achieved in two ways: -
Increasing Separation. This will be achieved by re-configuring the classrooms to maximise physical distancing. Each class will be referred to as a bubble and we will ensure that there is as little contact as possible between children in different bubbles. Within 3rd-6th class bubbles, children will be organised into pods. A pod is a group of children (normally 4-8) who will sit together and who will stay in their pod while in the bubble, or classroom.
Decreasing Interaction. This will be achieved by decreasing the potential for children from different bubbles to interact. In the morning, on arrival, children will go straight to their classrooms and will not congregate on the yard. There will also be changes to our mid-morning and lunch-time breaks and access to the playground. In the evenings classes will be released individually to reduce contact and children will be encouraged not to linger outside. We will be emphasising safety at all times.
Safe School Attendance
While all children will be welcome back to school, we would remind parents that, where children are displaying colds, coughs or flu like symptoms, they should not be sent to school. Children who display such symptoms in school or who inform their teacher that they are unwell will be isolated and parents will be expected to collect them without delay. Parents must have collection arrangements in place that will facilitate this. Children sent home must be clear of all symptoms before they are returned to school.
Children who have travelled from countries not on the Green List should not attend school during the 14-day self-isolation period.
Further information on COVID-19 symptoms in children is available at: -
https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/coronavirus/if-your-child-has-symptoms.html
Teachers will make children aware of the proper hygiene procedures regarding hand washing and etiquette related to sneezing, coughing or spitting. We would be grateful if you could also emphasise safe behaviour in this regard to your children at home as part of the preparation for returning to school.
Our aim remains to re-open the school in an orderly safe manner on 27th August, while reassuring the children and making them feel comfortable, safe and relaxed with their friends in the new school environment. This will be achieved by all of us working towards this common goal.
Le meas
Fr. David Vard David O’Brien
Cathaoirleach, An Bhóird Bainistíochta Príomhoide