Update: Returning to School

Dear Parents,

I hope you have all been enjoying the summer so far. As we enter the month of August, we approach the return to school and I am aware that parents are beginning to organise for the weeks ahead. Unfortunately, we still remain uncertain as to the possibility of a full return for all children, but recent news suggests that the Education Minister intends to ask the NI Executive to advise a full time return for all pupils by removing social distancing. I will write to you next week with confirmation of our restart programme with the hope that we will return with Scenario 1 (detailed in my last letter on 26th June). As outlined in this letter, Primary 7 children will return on Monday 24th August with other classes returning for induction days this week also (dates to be confirmed in next week's letter).

Returning to school after almost 6 months will be a challenging time for everyone, and pastoral care and settling back in safely will be an essential part of our initial return.  The initial return will focus on pastoral and social elements as well as learning the new COVID-19 protocols required within and around the school.

Returning will bring many new routines for our children, parents and staff. Details of new protocols will follow before school starts regarding staggered drop-off and collection times, hygiene procedures and social distancing around the school building and grounds. We will also issue further guidance on school meals, lunches and healthy snack. There will be limited movement around the school and class groups will remain in their own “bubbles” with staggered separate class group breaks and lunchtimes. We hope to begin to offer our Breakfast Club provision at some stage in Term 1 but will be unable to run it initially.

Before the end of next week, I will inform you of your child’s induction days, starting and finishing times and equipment required. I also hope to have received some further information from the Department. Guidance on P7 Transfer Provision will also be detailed next week.

Until then, please go ahead preparing for the school return including buying uniform - all children will return wearing full normal uniform.

All children will also require their own stationery items which should be labelled and kept in school in their pencil cases. These will remain in school and should not be used or shared with any other children. School bags will not be needed in school until further notice.

A list of equipment will be sent with next week’s information.

Unfortunately we are unable to give more precise information at present as the situation remains fluid with hopes of reduction of the spread of Covid19 as well as fears of a new spike. The Department will issue further guidance soon and I will keep you updated on this (all media outlets will also share this information).

We look forward to a safe return for all of our children this month and I appreciate your continued support.

Mr Mone

Recap / important information at a glance:

All pupils will return wearing normal full school uniform.

Stationary equipment should be brought in a pencil case and left in school.

No school bags needed initially.

No after school clubs or breakfast club will take place initially.

Assemblies, swimming or educational visits will not take place initially.

No mixed-class coaching will take place. PE in class 'bubbles'.