Dear Parents and Carers
Following on from my email yesterday I am writing to update you with the latest developments. Changes are happening at a very fast pace and we are doing our best to keep up.
COVID testing for pupils
We have a team in place to run the testing of Secondary students. Primary aged pupils are not being tested at present but this may happen over the coming weeks. We are aiming to have testing available from Wednesday this week although this may be later. This will take place in our Sports Hall. In order to be tested pupils will need a consent form signed by a responsible adult. This is included at the bottom of this page along with information about the testing process. We know that some of our pupils will struggle to take a test, which involves a nasal and throat swab. We also know that some will need help with this as they will not be able to administer it themselves.
If you are happy for your child to be tested this week, please sign the consent form and return this immediately. They will have a test on Wednesday and another next Monday.
The aim is to test Secondary aged pupils on their return to school. If you are able to keep your child at home on Tuesday 5th January so that we can get the testing ready then this would be very helpful. Primary aged children will come in as usual on Tuesday.
Class groups
We are splitting some of our larger classes into two groups to make use of all the space we have available in the school. This will help to support social distancing. We will continue to reinforce handwashing, sanitisation and class bubbles as the best measures to prevent the spread of virus. We also encourage the wearing of face coverings in shared spaces. The testing of pupils and staff is another measure which will enable us all to be safer.
In summary:
- Primary pupils will return on Tuesday.
- Secondary pupils (those in Y7 and above) should remain at home on Tuesday 5th if possible as we aim to have the testing available from Wednesday 6th.
- Parent carers of Secondary aged pupils should sign and return the consent form immediately.
- Secondary pupils (Y7 and above) with consent will be tested on Wednesday 6th as long as we are ready by then. Those without consent will not be tested until consent is given.
Transport
If your child is not coming into school tomorrow or at any other time please make sure that you have informed transport.
Traffic has become very busy at the start and end of the day. If you are driving your own child to school could you please drop them between 9.00 and 9.10am and pick them up between 3.20 and 3.30pm. This will help to ease congestion.
This is a lot of information for you to take in and I’m sure many of you will have questions. It’s going to be an unusual and very busy time in school as we implement the new arrangements. Please let us know if you have any questions and we will do our best to answer them. Thank you for your support and co-operation.
Best wishes
Seán Kretz
