25/02/2021
Dear Parents/ Guardians,
The Department of Education have notified schools that they will re-open on a phased basis. For us in St. Patrick’s GNS, this will begin on Monday, March 1st with the return of 1st and 2nd class. Pupils will return for the full school day. To keep the school running safely so that we will be able to stay open, we ask your co-operation with several matters:
- Please fill in the Return to Education Form in respect of children returning to school and after any absence from school. Please let us know if your daughter will not be returning to school.
- Please ensure that we have your current phone number and emergency contact details.
- Please familiarise yourself with the symptoms of Covid-19 and keep your child at home if they are feeling unwell. Contact your GP for advice around testing. Information on Covid symptoms and an Isolation guide can be found on https://stpatricksgirls.net/?page_id=7361
- Please do not to send children to school if they, or anyone in your household, are awaiting a test or are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19. Likewise, if they are close contacts of a person with COVID 19.
- If your child shows symptoms during the school day, they will be brought to a separate room where possible. You will be telephoned to come and take the pupil home as soon as is reasonably practical. Parents/guardian should contact their GP to take medical advice regarding the requirement for testing and the duration of exclusion from education.
- We ask that all parents/guardians wear masks once they are on the school grounds. Parents/Guardians may not enter the school building under any circumstances.
- Please do not congregate at or near school. Communication with your child’s teacher must take place by phone at present to limit interaction.
- The school will continue to operate a pod (group) system in each classroom. The pods will remain separate from each other while indoors. Classes will not mix with each other, even in the yard. It is vital that you support this by not allowing your daughter to mix with pupils from another pod or class when she is at home. We would ask that you would bear this in mind when making collection arrangements.
We appreciate that distance learning has been a challenge for all and we look forward to supporting your daughter on her return to school. The pupils showed great resilience and enthusiasm when they returned in September and we have no doubt that they will do so again. It is essential that we work together to make this return to school safe for all so that the school may remain open. Please contact the office with any questions on 021 4509246.
Kind regards,
Yvonne Crosse
(Acting Principal)