Dear Parent / Guardian, Staff Member, 20th August 2020
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.
Some parents have worries over their child being separated from their friends in class by being in a different “POD”. However our smaller class sizes (Max 24 – Min 20) allow for each class to exist as a bubble and to use physical distancing , excellent hand and personal hygiene so that there is no need to create class pods. They would be less effective and cause far more anxiety and worry for pupils, parents and staff alike.
Physical Distancing will be achieved in two ways: –
Increasing Separation. This will be achieved by re-configuring the classrooms to maximise physical distancing- Please see our latest facebook post as an example of a room. 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. Children who are supported through our special classes and Special Education team ( learning support) can continue to integrate as their own “POD” within the class bubble.
Decreasing Interaction. This will be achieved by decreasing the potential for children from different bubbles to interact. There will be marked routes for various bubbles to enter and exit the school and to access their classrooms. Bubbles will have different mid-morning and lunch-time access to the playground. We will make these routines enjoyable activities for the children, emphasising safety at all times. We are finalizing the details of staggered opening and closing school times and please rest assured that they will allow for pupils to come to and from school in a safe and orderly manner and also be mindful of similar times with Mercy Primary ( Siblings)
Parental responsibility : 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 will be isolated and parents asked to collect them from the 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.
School attendance- The Department of Education has instructed ALL pupils to return to school this September. Any parent who is worried or anxious about this is encouraged to contact their GP and school. Our school will assist any pupil who is certified as high risk with their education through distance learning until they can return fully.
Our aim remains to re-open the school in an orderly safe manner, 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
____Pat Teehan__________________________ _Niall Crofton_________________
Cathaoirleach, An Bhóird Bainistíochta Príomhoide
