Monday 16th March 2020
Dear Parents
Please find extracts from the latest update issued today by the Minister of Education, Mr Peter Weir.
Schools are now receiving twice weekly updates from the DE on the situation with COVID 19. The latest advice given to schools:
- DE have said that the decision to close schools will be based upon the advice of the Chief medical officer, the Public Health Agency (PHA) and the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE).
- This is based on the significant consequence of school closure which would be that parents who are members of the front line services would be required to look after their children in such a circumstance.
- Schools will continue to stay open until such time as this expert scientific advice changes.
Key Points from DE advice for Schools:
- Children should be kept at home if they are unwell with a new, continuous cough or a high temperature to avoid spreading infection to others. Otherwise they should attend as normal.
- If staff or children become unwell on a school or educational site with a new, continuous cough or a high temperature they should be sent home.
- In addition to the normal cleaning, the school cleaners are ensuring that all surfaces are being cleaned and disinfected in heavily used areas and applying specific disinfectant products on door handles and toilet areas.
- It is vital that everyone washes their hands after being to the toilet, before meals, after sporting activities etc... as per previous advice. Hand sanitizer is available at various key points throughout the school.
In St John’s Primary School and Carnlough Community Nursery Class teachers will continue to deliver lessons daily from Thursday 19th March 2020 following the additional closure for Staff training on Wednesday. External agencies (hurling, shared education, Faith Friends, swimming etc…) will be put on hold until further clarification regarding non- essential social gatherings.
Staff continue to prepare for the possibility of school closure. Work portfolios will be issued to all classes prior to school closure when this is announced. Arrangements will be made for pupils who are not at school to collect packs from the school office.
The Board of Governors and staff are committed to making decisions in the best interests of your child/children and are in regular contact with relevant agencies to ensure we are following recommended guidance.
As this changes we will update you as soon as possible.
Thank you for your messages of support; they are very much appreciated.
Yours sincerely,
Mrs M. Haughey
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