CORONAVIRUS / COVID-19 updates
Update 5th May - Coiscéim Classes
Dear Parents/Guardians of Coiscéim Classes,
As I’m sure you are aware, An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has now instructed schools to remain closed for the duration of this academic year. Although this announcement was not wholly unexpected, it is still very disappointing for pupils, parents/guardians and staff. We are especially sympathetic towards our pupils who are graduating this year who will now move directly to secondary school in September. Rest assured, we will organise a proper send off for you as early as possible in the new term and will organise collection of your classroom materials when it is safe for us to do so.
I am sure you are all also wondering about July Provision this year. The Department of Education (DES) hope to run the July Programme this year, however they have not yet finalised any details with regard to how, when or where the programme will run. Please see below an email update that I received from the DES on July Provision and I will pass on any further updates to you as I get them. Our school will work as best we can in supporting any programme that the Department run over the summer in support of children with autism.
For the duration of the school closure our staff will continue to support the children’s education and I hope that the huge effort being made by teachers to interact daily with children is providing structure and reassurance during very uncertain times. Our school must now look forward to the next academic year and we will keep you updated on our planning at appropriate times over the coming weeks.
And finally, a message to our pupils, while we are disappointed not to be returning to school this term, there is still plenty of work to be done and opportunities for you to learn at home and to stay active with parents/guardians and teachers supporting you. We look forward with great anticipation to welcoming you all back onto the school premises in September as you either start a new school year or return to us for your Graduation ceremony; we greatly look forward to seeing you all again! So in the meantime, continue to be kind and help your parents/guardians as I know you all will. In the words of one of my favourite characters, Winnie the Pooh, “You’re braver than you believe and stronger and smarter than you think.”
Regards,
Kieran Lyons
Hi Kieran
Thank you for your enquiry.
The Department intends to run the extended school year (ESY) scheme – also known as the July Provision Scheme – this year if possible given the current school closures. The Department, in conjunction with the public health authorities, will keep the situation under ongoing review.
The Department is considering contingency measures, including changes to the format of the scheme, should it prove necessary to delay the start of the scheme. Any changes will be communicated widely. Please check in regularly with the Department’s website, www.education.ie as updates and application forms will be posted as they become available.
Regards
Special Education Section
Dear Parents/Guardians of Coiscéim Classes,
As I’m sure you are aware, An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has now instructed schools to remain closed for the duration of this academic year. Although this announcement was not wholly unexpected, it is still very disappointing for pupils, parents/guardians and staff. We are especially sympathetic towards our pupils who are graduating this year who will now move directly to secondary school in September. Rest assured, we will organise a proper send off for you as early as possible in the new term and will organise collection of your classroom materials when it is safe for us to do so.
I am sure you are all also wondering about July Provision this year. The Department of Education (DES) hope to run the July Programme this year, however they have not yet finalised any details with regard to how, when or where the programme will run. Please see below an email update that I received from the DES on July Provision and I will pass on any further updates to you as I get them. Our school will work as best we can in supporting any programme that the Department run over the summer in support of children with autism.
For the duration of the school closure our staff will continue to support the children’s education and I hope that the huge effort being made by teachers to interact daily with children is providing structure and reassurance during very uncertain times. Our school must now look forward to the next academic year and we will keep you updated on our planning at appropriate times over the coming weeks.
And finally, a message to our pupils, while we are disappointed not to be returning to school this term, there is still plenty of work to be done and opportunities for you to learn at home and to stay active with parents/guardians and teachers supporting you. We look forward with great anticipation to welcoming you all back onto the school premises in September as you either start a new school year or return to us for your Graduation ceremony; we greatly look forward to seeing you all again! So in the meantime, continue to be kind and help your parents/guardians as I know you all will. In the words of one of my favourite characters, Winnie the Pooh, “You’re braver than you believe and stronger and smarter than you think.”
Regards,
Kieran Lyons
Hi Kieran
Thank you for your enquiry.
The Department intends to run the extended school year (ESY) scheme – also known as the July Provision Scheme – this year if possible given the current school closures. The Department, in conjunction with the public health authorities, will keep the situation under ongoing review.
The Department is considering contingency measures, including changes to the format of the scheme, should it prove necessary to delay the start of the scheme. Any changes will be communicated widely. Please check in regularly with the Department’s website, www.education.ie as updates and application forms will be posted as they become available.
Regards
Special Education Section
Update 5th May - 6th Classes
Dear Parents/Guardians,
As I’m sure you are aware, An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has now instructed schools to remain closed for the duration of this academic year. Although this announcement was not wholly unexpected, it is still very disappointing for pupils, parents/guardians and staff and we are especially sympathetic towards our 6th class pupils who will now move directly to secondary school in September. Rest assured, we will organise a proper send off for you as early as possible in the new term and we will organise collection of your artwork and personal items from your classrooms when it is safe for us to do so. I will also keep in contact with you about Confirmation arrangements when the Diocese and Parish begin to plan for the sacrament in the new academic year.
In the interim, our staff will continue to support the children’s education and well-being through our ‘Connect Classrooms’ and I hope that the huge effort being made by teachers to interact daily with children is providing structure and reassurance during very uncertain times.
And finally, a message to our pupils, while we are disappointed not to be returning to school this term, there is still plenty of work to be done and opportunities for you to learn at home with parents/guardians and teachers supporting you. We look forward with great anticipation to welcoming you all back onto the school premises for your graduation in September; what a great evening that will be! So in the meantime, continue to be kind and help your parents/guardians as I know you all will. In the words of one of my favourite characters, Winnie the Pooh, “You’re braver than you believe and stronger and smarter than you think.”
Regards,
Kieran Lyons
Dear Parents/Guardians,
As I’m sure you are aware, An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has now instructed schools to remain closed for the duration of this academic year. Although this announcement was not wholly unexpected, it is still very disappointing for pupils, parents/guardians and staff and we are especially sympathetic towards our 6th class pupils who will now move directly to secondary school in September. Rest assured, we will organise a proper send off for you as early as possible in the new term and we will organise collection of your artwork and personal items from your classrooms when it is safe for us to do so. I will also keep in contact with you about Confirmation arrangements when the Diocese and Parish begin to plan for the sacrament in the new academic year.
In the interim, our staff will continue to support the children’s education and well-being through our ‘Connect Classrooms’ and I hope that the huge effort being made by teachers to interact daily with children is providing structure and reassurance during very uncertain times.
And finally, a message to our pupils, while we are disappointed not to be returning to school this term, there is still plenty of work to be done and opportunities for you to learn at home with parents/guardians and teachers supporting you. We look forward with great anticipation to welcoming you all back onto the school premises for your graduation in September; what a great evening that will be! So in the meantime, continue to be kind and help your parents/guardians as I know you all will. In the words of one of my favourite characters, Winnie the Pooh, “You’re braver than you believe and stronger and smarter than you think.”
Regards,
Kieran Lyons
Update 5th May - Junior Infants - 5th Classes
Dear Parents/Guardians,
As I’m sure you are aware, An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has now instructed schools to remain closed for the duration of this academic year. Although this announcement was not wholly unexpected, it is still very disappointing for pupils, parents/guardians and staff and we are especially sympathetic towards our 6th class pupils who will now move directly to secondary school in September. Rest assured, we will organise a proper send off for these pupils as early as possible in the new term.
In the interim, our staff will continue to support the children’s education and well-being through our ‘Connect Classrooms’ and I hope that the huge effort being made by teachers to interact daily with children is providing structure and reassurance during very uncertain times. Our school must now look forward to the next academic year and our work on school reports, book lists, class allocation and classrooms is in full swing. Families will be updated on these matters at appropriate times over the coming weeks.
And finally, a message to our pupils, while we are disappointed not to be returning to school this term, there is still plenty of work to be done and opportunities for you to learn at home with parents/guardians and teachers supporting you. We look forward with great anticipation to welcoming you all back onto the school premises in September; what a great day that will be! So in the meantime, continue to be kind and help your parents/guardians as I know you all will. In the words of one of my favourite characters, Winnie the Pooh, “You’re braver than you believe and stronger and smarter than you think.”
Regards,
Kieran Lyons
Dear Parents/Guardians,
As I’m sure you are aware, An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has now instructed schools to remain closed for the duration of this academic year. Although this announcement was not wholly unexpected, it is still very disappointing for pupils, parents/guardians and staff and we are especially sympathetic towards our 6th class pupils who will now move directly to secondary school in September. Rest assured, we will organise a proper send off for these pupils as early as possible in the new term.
In the interim, our staff will continue to support the children’s education and well-being through our ‘Connect Classrooms’ and I hope that the huge effort being made by teachers to interact daily with children is providing structure and reassurance during very uncertain times. Our school must now look forward to the next academic year and our work on school reports, book lists, class allocation and classrooms is in full swing. Families will be updated on these matters at appropriate times over the coming weeks.
And finally, a message to our pupils, while we are disappointed not to be returning to school this term, there is still plenty of work to be done and opportunities for you to learn at home with parents/guardians and teachers supporting you. We look forward with great anticipation to welcoming you all back onto the school premises in September; what a great day that will be! So in the meantime, continue to be kind and help your parents/guardians as I know you all will. In the words of one of my favourite characters, Winnie the Pooh, “You’re braver than you believe and stronger and smarter than you think.”
Regards,
Kieran Lyons
Update 30th April 2020 - 6th Classes
Dear Parents/Guardians of 6th Class Pupils,
I have received notification from our patron, Archbishop of Dublin Dr. Diarmuid Martin, that unfortunately no sacrament celebrations will take place in the Diocese in May or June this year. I am sure that postponement of Confirmation will come as disappointing news to you and the children, however I feel that this is the right decision as we now have clarity that the sacrament will only take place when it is safe for us all to celebrate together, including grandparents who are always honoured guests at these events.
No formal arrangement has been made yet as to when the rescheduled sacrament will take place and a timeline can only be made in conjunction with our Parish when they receive direction from the Diocese and this will only happen when schools reopen. I will not have any further update this academic year on possible dates or the preparation or the format of the rescheduled Confirmation. I genuinely do not know how this will work when the pupils are in secondary school, but I will communicate with the parish on the subject and will communicate with you on this subject as soon as I am able to in September.
This message may be tinged with sadness as Confirmation has now officially been postponed, however I hope that there is some silver lining in it for you, especially that older relatives can be put at ease that the sacrament will be celebrated when there are no restrictions on movement of people or large gatherings. Please also note that in the absolute worse-case scenario that schools do not reopen this academic year (I am hopeful that we will reopen) we will host a graduation and sports and academic awards night for our outgoing 6th class pupils in September. If our school reopens in the coming weeks we will host the Graduation Night at the end of June as planned.
I hope that you and your families are all keeping well and please give my regards to the children. Mind yourselves and take care.
Regards,
Kieran Lyons
Dear Parents/Guardians of 6th Class Pupils,
I have received notification from our patron, Archbishop of Dublin Dr. Diarmuid Martin, that unfortunately no sacrament celebrations will take place in the Diocese in May or June this year. I am sure that postponement of Confirmation will come as disappointing news to you and the children, however I feel that this is the right decision as we now have clarity that the sacrament will only take place when it is safe for us all to celebrate together, including grandparents who are always honoured guests at these events.
No formal arrangement has been made yet as to when the rescheduled sacrament will take place and a timeline can only be made in conjunction with our Parish when they receive direction from the Diocese and this will only happen when schools reopen. I will not have any further update this academic year on possible dates or the preparation or the format of the rescheduled Confirmation. I genuinely do not know how this will work when the pupils are in secondary school, but I will communicate with the parish on the subject and will communicate with you on this subject as soon as I am able to in September.
This message may be tinged with sadness as Confirmation has now officially been postponed, however I hope that there is some silver lining in it for you, especially that older relatives can be put at ease that the sacrament will be celebrated when there are no restrictions on movement of people or large gatherings. Please also note that in the absolute worse-case scenario that schools do not reopen this academic year (I am hopeful that we will reopen) we will host a graduation and sports and academic awards night for our outgoing 6th class pupils in September. If our school reopens in the coming weeks we will host the Graduation Night at the end of June as planned.
I hope that you and your families are all keeping well and please give my regards to the children. Mind yourselves and take care.
Regards,
Kieran Lyons
Update 30th April 2020 - 2nd Classes
Dear Parents/Guardians of 2nd Class Children,
I have received notification from our patron, Archbishop of Dublin Dr. Diarmuid Martin, that unfortunately no sacrament celebrations will take place in the Diocese in May or June this year. I am sure that postponement of the scheduled Communion date of June 6th will come as disappointing news to you and the children, however I feel that this is the right decision as we now have clarity that the sacrament will only take place when it is safe for us all to celebrate together, including grandparents who are always honoured guests at these events. We hope to be in a position to celebrate First Communion in the first term of 3rd class, however no formal arrangement has been made and a timeline can only be made in conjunction with our Parish when they receive direction from the Diocese and when schools reopen. I will not have any further update this academic year on possible dates for the rescheduled First Communion, but will communicate with you on this subject as soon as I am able to in September.
I would like to let you know that we will not go ahead with the scheduled reconstitution of the 2nd classes at the end of this year for the start of 3rd class. We will instead postpone the split of the current 2nd classes until the end of 3rd class. The reason for this decision is that I know that many children, parents and guardians are anxious about the impending split of the classes, in particular when we do not have a definite school reopening date yet and teachers may not have enough time to chat through this change with the pupils to put them at ease. Moving into third class, moving into the senior end of the school, having a new teacher and new classmates would not be ideal in the event that we did not have enough time to prepare the pupils for this change in the school beforehand. This decision will of course also allow the pupils to make their First Communion with their current classmates.
This message may be tinged with sadness as the First Communion has now officially been postponed, however I hope that there is some silver lining in it for you, especially that older relatives can be put at ease that the sacrament will be celebrated when there are no restrictions on movement of people or large gatherings. You may also be relieved that the scheduled split of 2nd classes will not take place this year as the school does not want to be an added source of stress in your household in these already difficult times.
I hope that you and your families are all keeping well and please give my regards to the children. Mind yourselves and take care.
Regards,
Kieran Lyons
Dear Parents/Guardians of 2nd Class Children,
I have received notification from our patron, Archbishop of Dublin Dr. Diarmuid Martin, that unfortunately no sacrament celebrations will take place in the Diocese in May or June this year. I am sure that postponement of the scheduled Communion date of June 6th will come as disappointing news to you and the children, however I feel that this is the right decision as we now have clarity that the sacrament will only take place when it is safe for us all to celebrate together, including grandparents who are always honoured guests at these events. We hope to be in a position to celebrate First Communion in the first term of 3rd class, however no formal arrangement has been made and a timeline can only be made in conjunction with our Parish when they receive direction from the Diocese and when schools reopen. I will not have any further update this academic year on possible dates for the rescheduled First Communion, but will communicate with you on this subject as soon as I am able to in September.
I would like to let you know that we will not go ahead with the scheduled reconstitution of the 2nd classes at the end of this year for the start of 3rd class. We will instead postpone the split of the current 2nd classes until the end of 3rd class. The reason for this decision is that I know that many children, parents and guardians are anxious about the impending split of the classes, in particular when we do not have a definite school reopening date yet and teachers may not have enough time to chat through this change with the pupils to put them at ease. Moving into third class, moving into the senior end of the school, having a new teacher and new classmates would not be ideal in the event that we did not have enough time to prepare the pupils for this change in the school beforehand. This decision will of course also allow the pupils to make their First Communion with their current classmates.
This message may be tinged with sadness as the First Communion has now officially been postponed, however I hope that there is some silver lining in it for you, especially that older relatives can be put at ease that the sacrament will be celebrated when there are no restrictions on movement of people or large gatherings. You may also be relieved that the scheduled split of 2nd classes will not take place this year as the school does not want to be an added source of stress in your household in these already difficult times.
I hope that you and your families are all keeping well and please give my regards to the children. Mind yourselves and take care.
Regards,
Kieran Lyons
Update 26th March 2020:
Please note that in a communication from Seán Ó Foghlú, Secretary General of the Department of Education, today he asked schools to reiterate to parents:
"the absolute need to practice social and physical distancing, and to minimise physical contact with each other, to help avoid the spread of Covid-19. This should include advice to avoid meeting up and in all circumstances to adhere to HSE guidelines. As part of your school community, parents and guardians should also be urged to support their children to maintain the restrictions on congregating for the safety of all in their community. In order to support you in getting this important public health message across to your school communities information notices (in 17 different languages) are available here: https://www.hse.ie/eng/services/news/newsfeatures/covid19-updates/partner-resources/covid-19-translated-resources/ "
Postponement of Ceremony of Light, Confirmation ceremony and Hartstown Community School aptitude tests for 6th class students:
Due to the extended school closure the Ceremony of Light that was due to be held on Monday evening 30th March and the Confirmation ceremony that was due to be held on Friday 24th have both been postponed. We will rearrange dates when we have clarity about a school reopening date. Apologies for this inconvenience and for the upset this postponement may cause the children who are so looking forward to the event, please reassure them that the Confirmation WILL take place at a future date.
Hartstown Community School aptitude tests that were due to take place in the school next week have also been postponed until schools reopen.
I hope that you and all members of your families are keeping well and a further communication will follow with the updated Home Learning Frameworks.
Kind Regards,
Kieran Lyons
Please note that in a communication from Seán Ó Foghlú, Secretary General of the Department of Education, today he asked schools to reiterate to parents:
"the absolute need to practice social and physical distancing, and to minimise physical contact with each other, to help avoid the spread of Covid-19. This should include advice to avoid meeting up and in all circumstances to adhere to HSE guidelines. As part of your school community, parents and guardians should also be urged to support their children to maintain the restrictions on congregating for the safety of all in their community. In order to support you in getting this important public health message across to your school communities information notices (in 17 different languages) are available here: https://www.hse.ie/eng/services/news/newsfeatures/covid19-updates/partner-resources/covid-19-translated-resources/ "
Postponement of Ceremony of Light, Confirmation ceremony and Hartstown Community School aptitude tests for 6th class students:
Due to the extended school closure the Ceremony of Light that was due to be held on Monday evening 30th March and the Confirmation ceremony that was due to be held on Friday 24th have both been postponed. We will rearrange dates when we have clarity about a school reopening date. Apologies for this inconvenience and for the upset this postponement may cause the children who are so looking forward to the event, please reassure them that the Confirmation WILL take place at a future date.
Hartstown Community School aptitude tests that were due to take place in the school next week have also been postponed until schools reopen.
I hope that you and all members of your families are keeping well and a further communication will follow with the updated Home Learning Frameworks.
Kind Regards,
Kieran Lyons
Update 24th March 2020:
This afternoon Mr. Joe McHugh, Minister for Education, stated that schools will not be reopening on Monday 30th March as originally planned. This news, whilst unfortunate, is understandable as we come to terms with the measures required to combat the spread of the Coronavirus. The health and wellbeing of our school community is our first priority and I hope that each of you and your families are keeping well at this time. We are particularly conscious of parents/guardians who have lost their jobs as a result of the current economic situation. No doubt this would have been a completely unforeseen scenario a few short weeks ago and is very difficult for families to come to terms with. Our thoughts are with you and we hope that the employment situation will improve over the coming weeks and months. We also keep in our thoughts the many families nationally that have been directly affected by this virus.
As parents and guardians now direct the learning of children at home, our school will extend the home learning frameworks that we sent home previously. The extended learning frameworks will be emailed to you and published on our website page at the end of this week at http://sacredhearthuntstown.weebly.com/home-learning-frameworks.html. A sample of a home timetable for junior, middle and senior pupils has also been published on this page.
We find ourselves in an unprecedented situation both nationally and internationally. Our hope is that with a sustained and collective response to the threat that Coronavirus presents, we will be able to reopen our school at the appropriate time and very much look forward to welcoming pupils, parents and staff back on what will be a very joyful day. Until then we will stay in contact with you, we are contactable by email at [email protected] and we hope that you, your children and all members of your family stay fit and well. Take care and God bless.
Kind Regards,
Kieran Lyons
Principal
This afternoon Mr. Joe McHugh, Minister for Education, stated that schools will not be reopening on Monday 30th March as originally planned. This news, whilst unfortunate, is understandable as we come to terms with the measures required to combat the spread of the Coronavirus. The health and wellbeing of our school community is our first priority and I hope that each of you and your families are keeping well at this time. We are particularly conscious of parents/guardians who have lost their jobs as a result of the current economic situation. No doubt this would have been a completely unforeseen scenario a few short weeks ago and is very difficult for families to come to terms with. Our thoughts are with you and we hope that the employment situation will improve over the coming weeks and months. We also keep in our thoughts the many families nationally that have been directly affected by this virus.
As parents and guardians now direct the learning of children at home, our school will extend the home learning frameworks that we sent home previously. The extended learning frameworks will be emailed to you and published on our website page at the end of this week at http://sacredhearthuntstown.weebly.com/home-learning-frameworks.html. A sample of a home timetable for junior, middle and senior pupils has also been published on this page.
We find ourselves in an unprecedented situation both nationally and internationally. Our hope is that with a sustained and collective response to the threat that Coronavirus presents, we will be able to reopen our school at the appropriate time and very much look forward to welcoming pupils, parents and staff back on what will be a very joyful day. Until then we will stay in contact with you, we are contactable by email at [email protected] and we hope that you, your children and all members of your family stay fit and well. Take care and God bless.
Kind Regards,
Kieran Lyons
Principal
Update 12th March 2020
The Department of Educations and Skills has announced that all schools will close from Thursday 12th March until 29th March. Children will not have school on Friday 13th March and the school is due to reopen on Monday 30th March.
Learning frameworks have been sent home with pupils to help parents/guardians to direct pupils' learning at home. The learning frameworks are also available on our website at http://sacredhearthuntstown.weebly.com/home-learning-frameworks.html
Please see the Department of Education and Skills statement below.
The National Public Health Emergency Team have this afternoon stated:
"Today, Ireland introduces new measures as part of our effort to interrupt the transmission of COVID-19.
Dr. Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health, said:
"The National Public Health Emergency Team and the Health Sector in its entirety has been preparing for the effects of COVID-19 on our population.
"Now, we need citizens to follow these new measures and help us protect the most vulnerable in our society, help our health service treat this virus effectively and ultimately keep each other as healthy as possible."
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Dear Parents/Guardians,
All updates relating to Coronavirus/Covid-19 and the school closure will be posted on this page of our website, on Twitter at https://twitter.com/sacredheartns and via email and text message. All communication to the school over the closure period can be via our email address [email protected].
On a personal note I would like to thank all parents/guardians for the support that you have given to the school over the past number of weeks. I would also like to express my sincere gratitude to all school staff members for the wonderful care that they have given our pupils over the past numbers of weeks. I wish you all the best over the period of the school closure and I ask families to adhere to the advice of The National Public Health Emergency Team outlined above. Take care, God bless and I look forward to welcoming you all back to the school at the end of the closure period.
Kind Regards,
Kieran Lyons.
The Department of Educations and Skills has announced that all schools will close from Thursday 12th March until 29th March. Children will not have school on Friday 13th March and the school is due to reopen on Monday 30th March.
Learning frameworks have been sent home with pupils to help parents/guardians to direct pupils' learning at home. The learning frameworks are also available on our website at http://sacredhearthuntstown.weebly.com/home-learning-frameworks.html
Please see the Department of Education and Skills statement below.
The National Public Health Emergency Team have this afternoon stated:
"Today, Ireland introduces new measures as part of our effort to interrupt the transmission of COVID-19.
- individuals who have symptoms should self-isolate for a period of 14 days
- individuals should reduce discretionary social contacts as much as possible
- elderly or medically vulnerable people should reduce as much as possible contacts outside home
- there should be no mass gatherings:
- a) involving more than 100 people if located indoors
- b) involving more than 500 people if located outdoors
- closure of museums, galleries and tourism sites
- closure to students of schools, creches, other childcare facilities and higher education institutions
- reduction of workplace contacts, and implementation of remote working practices and teleconferencing where possible and not to travel for meetings. Work time and break times should be staggered, where possible
- restriction of visiting at hospitals, long term care settings, mental health facilities, prisons, and spacing measures in homeless shelters
Dr. Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health, said:
"The National Public Health Emergency Team and the Health Sector in its entirety has been preparing for the effects of COVID-19 on our population.
"Now, we need citizens to follow these new measures and help us protect the most vulnerable in our society, help our health service treat this virus effectively and ultimately keep each other as healthy as possible."
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Dear Parents/Guardians,
All updates relating to Coronavirus/Covid-19 and the school closure will be posted on this page of our website, on Twitter at https://twitter.com/sacredheartns and via email and text message. All communication to the school over the closure period can be via our email address [email protected].
On a personal note I would like to thank all parents/guardians for the support that you have given to the school over the past number of weeks. I would also like to express my sincere gratitude to all school staff members for the wonderful care that they have given our pupils over the past numbers of weeks. I wish you all the best over the period of the school closure and I ask families to adhere to the advice of The National Public Health Emergency Team outlined above. Take care, God bless and I look forward to welcoming you all back to the school at the end of the closure period.
Kind Regards,
Kieran Lyons.
Update 11th March 2020
Please see email below that was sent to schools from the Department of Education and Skills today which may help you to talk to children about Covid-19. The document referenced in the email is also attached below and the web address for the News2day feature is: https://www.rte.ie/news/coronavirus/2020/0306/1120692-news2day-coronavirus/
The Chief Medical Officer sent an email to all schools yesterday afternoon and it is attached below also.
Please see email below that was sent to schools from the Department of Education and Skills today which may help you to talk to children about Covid-19. The document referenced in the email is also attached below and the web address for the News2day feature is: https://www.rte.ie/news/coronavirus/2020/0306/1120692-news2day-coronavirus/
The Chief Medical Officer sent an email to all schools yesterday afternoon and it is attached below also.
Update 10th March 2020
Please see below the Department of Education and Skills' most recent Covid-19 update.
Our school will continue to adhere to the advice of the Health Service Executive (HSE) and the Department of Education and Skills' (DES) when responding to the spread of Covid-19 and will update parents accordingly on this page of our website, on Twitter at https://twitter.com/sacredheartns and via email and text messages.
HSE updates are posted at https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/coronavirus/coronavirus.html
DES updates are posted at https://www.education.ie/en/The-Department/Announcements/information-for-schools-preschools-and-third-level-institutions-on-the-coronavirus.html
Thank you for your continued support as we work together in following applicable advice in protecting our community.
Please see below the Department of Education and Skills' most recent Covid-19 update.
Our school will continue to adhere to the advice of the Health Service Executive (HSE) and the Department of Education and Skills' (DES) when responding to the spread of Covid-19 and will update parents accordingly on this page of our website, on Twitter at https://twitter.com/sacredheartns and via email and text messages.
HSE updates are posted at https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/coronavirus/coronavirus.html
DES updates are posted at https://www.education.ie/en/The-Department/Announcements/information-for-schools-preschools-and-third-level-institutions-on-the-coronavirus.html
Thank you for your continued support as we work together in following applicable advice in protecting our community.
Update 6th March 2020
Please see letter below that was sent home with pupils today.
Please note the following excerpt from the letter:
As and from next Monday, we will be removing hand towels from the toilets and are requesting that each child bring a hand towel (face cloth size) to school in a ziplock bag in their schoolbag, which can be used after handwashing. Teachers will remind the children of the need to use their own hand towel to dry their hands and so minimise the risk of cross infection. Paper towels will be provided as an interim measure in classrooms for children who do not have their own face towel to dry their hands, however parental co-operation would be greatly appreciated in ensuring that each child has their own hand sanitiser and face cloth.
Please see letter below that was sent home with pupils today.
Please note the following excerpt from the letter:
As and from next Monday, we will be removing hand towels from the toilets and are requesting that each child bring a hand towel (face cloth size) to school in a ziplock bag in their schoolbag, which can be used after handwashing. Teachers will remind the children of the need to use their own hand towel to dry their hands and so minimise the risk of cross infection. Paper towels will be provided as an interim measure in classrooms for children who do not have their own face towel to dry their hands, however parental co-operation would be greatly appreciated in ensuring that each child has their own hand sanitiser and face cloth.
Update 2nd March 2020
Letter from Chief Medical Officer to Parents/Guardians of School Children:
Letter from Chief Medical Officer to Parents/Guardians of School Children:
Update 2nd March 2020
Updated HSE Coronavirus information:
https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/coronavirus/coronavirus.html
Updated HSE Coronavirus information:
https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/coronavirus/coronavirus.html
Update 1st March 2020
Updated HSE information if you have recently been in an affected area (including Tenerife) or in contact with a confirmed case:
https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/coronavirus/advice-for-people-returning-from-affected-areas.html
Updated HSE information if you have recently been in an affected area (including Tenerife) or in contact with a confirmed case:
https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/coronavirus/advice-for-people-returning-from-affected-areas.html
Update 1st March 2020
Statement from the National Public Health Emergency Team:
https://www.gov.ie/en/news/9771d5-statement-from-the-national-public-health-emergency-team/
Statement from the National Public Health Emergency Team:
https://www.gov.ie/en/news/9771d5-statement-from-the-national-public-health-emergency-team/
Update 28th February 2020:
In light of the continuing global spread of Coronavirus / COVID-19 it is imperative that all parents/guardians read the following information and abide by the HSE's advice detailed below.
In addition to ensuring that children utilise proper hand hygiene and respiratory hygiene habits, each child should keep a small bottle of hand sanitiser in their school bag and use their hand sanitiser any time that they sneeze or cough in the classroom.
The Department of Education and Skills has issued the following updated Coronavirus / COVID-19 information for schools; provided by the Department of Health and HSE.
Anyone who has been to affected regions in the last 14 days and has a cough, shortness of breath, breathing difficulties or fever should self-isolate and phone their GP immediately.
Anyone who has travelled from affected regions and has no symptoms should visit http://www.hse.ie/ for advice.
The HSE currently lists COVID-19 affected regions as mainland China, South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, Iran and the following regions of northern Italy - Lombardy, Veneto Emilia-Romagna and Piedmont. However, as of the 27th of February 2020, COVID-19 cases have been detected across mainland China and in 46 other countries including Thailand, Japan, Singapore, Taiwan, Germany, France, Italy, the United Kingdom (UK), the United States of America (USA), Canada and Australia. Further global spread is likely. Please see the WHO Situation Reports for information regarding countries that have had confirmed cases of COVID-19.
Common signs of infection include:
COVID-19 can spread from person to person, usually after close contact with a person infected with the virus that causes COVID-19, for example in a household, healthcare facility or workplace. The virus can be spread either:
• directly, through contact with an infected person’s body fluids (e.g. droplets from coughing or sneezing)
or
• indirectly, through contact with surfaces that an infected person has coughed or sneezed on and which are, therefore, contaminated with the virus. It is still not known how long the virus survives on surfaces, although current information suggests the virus may survive a few hours. Simple household disinfectants can kill the virus. Surfaces should be cleaned first and then disinfected.
The most important action we can take to protect ourselves from COVID-19 is to use proper hand hygiene and respiratory hygiene.
Hand hygiene:
Wash your hands regularly, particularly:
Respiratory hygiene:
Cover your mouth and nose with a clean tissue when you cough and sneeze and then promptly dispose of the tissue in a bin and wash your hands. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into the bend of your elbow instead, not into your hands. See https://www.hpsc.ie/a-z/respiratory/influenza/seasonalinfluenza/infectioncontroladvice/respiratoryhygieneposters/
If you have been to a COVID-19 affected region and you are not feeling well, check if you have symptoms of coronavirus. These are fever (high temperature), cough or difficulty breathing. If you do have symptoms of coronavirus, phone your GP or local emergency department (ED) without delay. Do not go to your GP or ED. Phone them first. If you do not have a GP, phone 112 or 999. Tell them about your symptoms. Give them the details about your situation. Avoid contact with other people by self-isolating.
If you have been to a COVID-19 affected region and are feeling well, carry on with your normal routine. Follow the advice on how to protect yourself from coronavirus and other infections such as flu. Avoid spending time with people who are ill with a cough, high temperature, or breathing problems. If you develop symptoms of coronavirus:
Self-isolation means staying indoors and avoiding contact with other people. You should self-isolate if you think you may have coronavirus while you are waiting to talk to a doctor. This will help to prevent the spread of coronavirus to others. To self-isolate:
If you think you have been in contact with a confirmed case of coronavirus phone HSELive on 1850 24 1850. If you feel unwell you should phone your doctor, as you usually would, for advice.
As further advice or information is provided, it will be issued to schools and posted on the Department of Educations’s website https://www.education.ie/en/The-Department/Announcements/information-for-schools-preschools-and-third-level-institutions-on-the-coronavirus.html. This page of the school website will also be updated accordingly so please check this page regularly.
Travel advice for all Irish citizens is provided through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Thank you for your co-operation on this matter.
Kieran Lyons
Principal
In light of the continuing global spread of Coronavirus / COVID-19 it is imperative that all parents/guardians read the following information and abide by the HSE's advice detailed below.
In addition to ensuring that children utilise proper hand hygiene and respiratory hygiene habits, each child should keep a small bottle of hand sanitiser in their school bag and use their hand sanitiser any time that they sneeze or cough in the classroom.
The Department of Education and Skills has issued the following updated Coronavirus / COVID-19 information for schools; provided by the Department of Health and HSE.
Anyone who has been to affected regions in the last 14 days and has a cough, shortness of breath, breathing difficulties or fever should self-isolate and phone their GP immediately.
Anyone who has travelled from affected regions and has no symptoms should visit http://www.hse.ie/ for advice.
The HSE currently lists COVID-19 affected regions as mainland China, South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, Iran and the following regions of northern Italy - Lombardy, Veneto Emilia-Romagna and Piedmont. However, as of the 27th of February 2020, COVID-19 cases have been detected across mainland China and in 46 other countries including Thailand, Japan, Singapore, Taiwan, Germany, France, Italy, the United Kingdom (UK), the United States of America (USA), Canada and Australia. Further global spread is likely. Please see the WHO Situation Reports for information regarding countries that have had confirmed cases of COVID-19.
Common signs of infection include:
- respiratory symptoms i.e. cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties
- fever
- in more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome and/or kidney failure
COVID-19 can spread from person to person, usually after close contact with a person infected with the virus that causes COVID-19, for example in a household, healthcare facility or workplace. The virus can be spread either:
• directly, through contact with an infected person’s body fluids (e.g. droplets from coughing or sneezing)
or
• indirectly, through contact with surfaces that an infected person has coughed or sneezed on and which are, therefore, contaminated with the virus. It is still not known how long the virus survives on surfaces, although current information suggests the virus may survive a few hours. Simple household disinfectants can kill the virus. Surfaces should be cleaned first and then disinfected.
The most important action we can take to protect ourselves from COVID-19 is to use proper hand hygiene and respiratory hygiene.
Hand hygiene:
Wash your hands regularly, particularly:
- after coughing or sneezing
- before, during and after you prepare food
- before eating
- after using the toilet
Respiratory hygiene:
Cover your mouth and nose with a clean tissue when you cough and sneeze and then promptly dispose of the tissue in a bin and wash your hands. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into the bend of your elbow instead, not into your hands. See https://www.hpsc.ie/a-z/respiratory/influenza/seasonalinfluenza/infectioncontroladvice/respiratoryhygieneposters/
If you have been to a COVID-19 affected region and you are not feeling well, check if you have symptoms of coronavirus. These are fever (high temperature), cough or difficulty breathing. If you do have symptoms of coronavirus, phone your GP or local emergency department (ED) without delay. Do not go to your GP or ED. Phone them first. If you do not have a GP, phone 112 or 999. Tell them about your symptoms. Give them the details about your situation. Avoid contact with other people by self-isolating.
If you have been to a COVID-19 affected region and are feeling well, carry on with your normal routine. Follow the advice on how to protect yourself from coronavirus and other infections such as flu. Avoid spending time with people who are ill with a cough, high temperature, or breathing problems. If you develop symptoms of coronavirus:
- avoid contact with people by self-isolating
- phone your GP or emergency department
- tell them your symptoms and the details of your situation
Self-isolation means staying indoors and avoiding contact with other people. You should self-isolate if you think you may have coronavirus while you are waiting to talk to a doctor. This will help to prevent the spread of coronavirus to others. To self-isolate:
- stay at home in a room on your own with a phone
- do not go to work, school, religious services or public areas
- do not use public transport or taxis
- avoid having visitors to your home
If you think you have been in contact with a confirmed case of coronavirus phone HSELive on 1850 24 1850. If you feel unwell you should phone your doctor, as you usually would, for advice.
As further advice or information is provided, it will be issued to schools and posted on the Department of Educations’s website https://www.education.ie/en/The-Department/Announcements/information-for-schools-preschools-and-third-level-institutions-on-the-coronavirus.html. This page of the school website will also be updated accordingly so please check this page regularly.
Travel advice for all Irish citizens is provided through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Thank you for your co-operation on this matter.
Kieran Lyons
Principal