EASING OF RESTRICTIONS UPDATE March 2022
Dear Parents/Guardians,
As you are aware the Department of Education (DE) has significantly reduced Covid-related restrictions that must be applied in schools.
The DE has stated:
Given the instruction outlined above from the DE, our school will return to our pre-Covid school routines from Monday 21st March.
Please note that use of good infection prevention and control measures such as hand washing, respiratory hygiene, and ventilation will continue in the school and we ask you to ensure that each child has a personal hygiene bag with them in school each day. The requirement for pupils and staff to stay at home if they have symptoms of Covid-19 also remains.
Thank you for your fantastic support over the past two years and I am sure that the return to ‘normal’ school routines will be welcomed. I understand that bringing the staggered assembly times to an end from the 21st March may require some parents/guardians to change their morning routine and I hope advance notice will assist you in this regard. I would also like to take this opportunity to say a sincere thank you to school staff for facilitating the staggered assembly times since September 2020. School staff have done sterling work throughout this pandemic and have consistently given their very best to supporting pupils, parents, guardians and colleagues and supporting staggered assembly times since September 2020 is just one example of this.
Once again, thank you for your support and we look forward to pre-Covid routines and timetables returning to the school from Monday 21st March.
Kind regards,
Kieran Lyons
Principal
As you are aware the Department of Education (DE) has significantly reduced Covid-related restrictions that must be applied in schools.
The DE has stated:
- “In general, schools should now resume normal school routines and normal teaching and learning activities.”
- “Where schools implemented staggered drop offs or pickups or breaks, these are no longer necessary.”
- “The Government has accepted the recommendations of the NPHET to remove remaining restrictions relating to mask-wearing and physical distancing in schools.”
- “Schools are no longer required to maintain class pods and bubbles.”
Given the instruction outlined above from the DE, our school will return to our pre-Covid school routines from Monday 21st March.
- Staggered assembly times will cease from Monday 21st March and previous assembly arrangements will be restored:
- The gates into the school grounds will continue to be opened at 8.30a.m., but children will return to the normal school routine of lining up outside of their classrooms until the school start time of 8.40a.m. for Coiscéim classes and 8.50a.m. for mainstream classes (instead of going straight into their classrooms as they have done since September 2020).
- Parents/guardians will be responsible for their children until school start time of 8.40a.m. for Coiscéim classes and 8.50a.m. for mainstream classes. Parents/guardians of Junior Infant – 2nd class children must ensure that they or a guardian or an older sibling stay with their child/children until classroom doors open at 8.50a.m. A limited number of teachers will be present outside the school each morning to assist.
- In the event of inclement weather on any given morning, the classroom doors will be opened at 8.30a.m. and children may go directly into their classroom.
- Class teachers will run through the assembly arrangements and line-up areas with their classes next week, in preparation for the resumption of previous assembly arrangements on Monday 21st March.
- Staggered dismissal times will cease from Monday 21st March and previous dismissal times will be restored for all classes. Parents/guardians are responsible for their children from the following dismissal times:
- Junior day Coiscéim children = 1.20p.m.
- Junior and Senior Infants = 1.30p.m.
- Senior day Coiscéim children = 2.20p.m.
- 1st – 6th class children = 2.30p.m.
- Staggered breaktimes will cease from Monday 21st March, with the whole school operating the same breaktime timetable of 10.45a.m. – 11a.m. and 12.35p.m. – 1.00p.m. All four classes in a stream will resume playing together in one yard, rather than separately in 4 yards.
- ‘Pod’ seating arrangements in classrooms and classes operating as separate ‘bubbles’ have been dispensed with. Classes may mix again and resources may be shared between classes, whilst being cognisant of hand hygiene.
- In the event that a teacher is absent for a one day absence and there is no availability of a substitute teacher, the class will be split between other classes.
- Face-to-face meetings with parents/guardians will be facilitated by prior appointment.
Please note that use of good infection prevention and control measures such as hand washing, respiratory hygiene, and ventilation will continue in the school and we ask you to ensure that each child has a personal hygiene bag with them in school each day. The requirement for pupils and staff to stay at home if they have symptoms of Covid-19 also remains.
Thank you for your fantastic support over the past two years and I am sure that the return to ‘normal’ school routines will be welcomed. I understand that bringing the staggered assembly times to an end from the 21st March may require some parents/guardians to change their morning routine and I hope advance notice will assist you in this regard. I would also like to take this opportunity to say a sincere thank you to school staff for facilitating the staggered assembly times since September 2020. School staff have done sterling work throughout this pandemic and have consistently given their very best to supporting pupils, parents, guardians and colleagues and supporting staggered assembly times since September 2020 is just one example of this.
Once again, thank you for your support and we look forward to pre-Covid routines and timetables returning to the school from Monday 21st March.
Kind regards,
Kieran Lyons
Principal
easing of restrictions update february 2022
Dear Parents/Guardians,
I hope that you are well and that your children are enjoying the mid-term break. I am writing to you in relation to the return of pupils to school next Monday, 28th February .
Significant Easing of Public Health Measures in Schools
As you may know, the Government has decided to significantly ease public health measures relating to Covid-19. As part of these measures, the Government accepted the recommendations of NPHET to remove remaining restrictions relating to mask-wearing and physical distancing in schools.
The Department of Education (DE) has written to schools advising of the updated guidance and acknowledging that schools will need time to make the necessary adjustments to Covid-19 Response Plans.
Key Features of the Changes Being Made
There are a number of significant changes in the DE advice to schools. These will be implemented on a planned and measured basis, so that staff and pupils alike are comfortable with the changes that they will see. These include:
Wearing of Face Masks will Continue to be Permitted
The DE guidelines are clear that if members of staff or pupils wish to continue wearing face masks or coverings, they may do so. Face masks will continue to be made available to all staff and to pupils in 3rd – 6th classes should they wish to wear one.
Infection Control Measures that Will Remain in Place
There are a number of infection control measures that will remain in place. Chief among these is staying at home when symptoms of Covid-19 are present or if having a positive Covid-19 test result; this applies to pupils and staff alike (even if fully vaccinated/boosted).
One of the key messages to manage the risks of Covid-19 is to do everything practical to avoid the introduction of Covid-19 into the school. If infection is not introduced, it cannot be spread.
Further infection control measures that will remain in place in schools include:
Continued Support to Pupils in Getting Used to these Changes
As a school, we are pleased to see the continued return to normality as the threat of Covid-19 recedes. We will continue to support our staff and pupils through the next phase of changes and address any questions or concerns they may have as a result of these changes. Initially we will keep to the same timetable that was in operation in school before the mid-term break. We recognise that parents/guardians will require advance notice of a return to our traditional assembly and dismissal times and we will communicate further with you on this in the coming days, but for now, assembly and dismissal times remain unaltered. Staggered breaktimes and current pupil seating plans will be retained initially also and will be reviewed on our return to school.
On behalf of the Board of Management of the school, I want to thank the staff of the school for their tireless work in keeping pupils and staff safe throughout the pandemic. We hope that the coming weeks and months we will see a return to the activities and the social interactions that make Scoil an Chroí Ró Naofa Íosa such a vibrant, active and fun place to work and learn.
Yours sincerely,
Kieran Lyons
Principal
I hope that you are well and that your children are enjoying the mid-term break. I am writing to you in relation to the return of pupils to school next Monday, 28th February .
Significant Easing of Public Health Measures in Schools
As you may know, the Government has decided to significantly ease public health measures relating to Covid-19. As part of these measures, the Government accepted the recommendations of NPHET to remove remaining restrictions relating to mask-wearing and physical distancing in schools.
The Department of Education (DE) has written to schools advising of the updated guidance and acknowledging that schools will need time to make the necessary adjustments to Covid-19 Response Plans.
Key Features of the Changes Being Made
There are a number of significant changes in the DE advice to schools. These will be implemented on a planned and measured basis, so that staff and pupils alike are comfortable with the changes that they will see. These include:
- Removal of the requirement that staff and pupils wear face masks in school from Monday, 28th February
- Removal of the requirement for staff on Coiscéim buses to wear face masks from Monday, 28th February
- Removal of the requirement to maintain children in separate class bubbles
- Removal of the requirement for children to remain in seating pods within their classrooms
Wearing of Face Masks will Continue to be Permitted
The DE guidelines are clear that if members of staff or pupils wish to continue wearing face masks or coverings, they may do so. Face masks will continue to be made available to all staff and to pupils in 3rd – 6th classes should they wish to wear one.
Infection Control Measures that Will Remain in Place
There are a number of infection control measures that will remain in place. Chief among these is staying at home when symptoms of Covid-19 are present or if having a positive Covid-19 test result; this applies to pupils and staff alike (even if fully vaccinated/boosted).
One of the key messages to manage the risks of Covid-19 is to do everything practical to avoid the introduction of Covid-19 into the school. If infection is not introduced, it cannot be spread.
Further infection control measures that will remain in place in schools include:
- Hand hygiene (every pupil should continue to bring their own personal hygiene bag to school)
- Respiratory hygiene
- Ventilation
- Enhanced cleaning
- Antigen test kits for close contacts identified in schools will continue to be made available at www.hse.ie/schooltest for the next number of weeks
Continued Support to Pupils in Getting Used to these Changes
As a school, we are pleased to see the continued return to normality as the threat of Covid-19 recedes. We will continue to support our staff and pupils through the next phase of changes and address any questions or concerns they may have as a result of these changes. Initially we will keep to the same timetable that was in operation in school before the mid-term break. We recognise that parents/guardians will require advance notice of a return to our traditional assembly and dismissal times and we will communicate further with you on this in the coming days, but for now, assembly and dismissal times remain unaltered. Staggered breaktimes and current pupil seating plans will be retained initially also and will be reviewed on our return to school.
On behalf of the Board of Management of the school, I want to thank the staff of the school for their tireless work in keeping pupils and staff safe throughout the pandemic. We hope that the coming weeks and months we will see a return to the activities and the social interactions that make Scoil an Chroí Ró Naofa Íosa such a vibrant, active and fun place to work and learn.
Yours sincerely,
Kieran Lyons
Principal
RETURN TO SCHOOL January 2022
Dear Parents/Guardians,
I wish you a Happy and Healthy New Year and I look forward to welcoming the children back to school tomorrow, Thursday 6th January 2022.
As we all know, Covid-19 continues to be highly contagious and widespread in our community. Current infection levels are running at the highest level since the beginning of this pandemic and the highly transmissible Omicron variant is now the dominant variant. This presents us with the significant challenge of keeping everyone in our school community safe. This objective can only be achieved with all members of our school community doing everything that they can in a team effort to protect the health of children, family members and staff.
Some key points relating to our school reopening:
Face masks
Ventilation
Covid-19 symptoms
Antigen tests and close contacts in classes
PCR Tests
Isolation Guidelines
Foreign travel
To date, we have received great support and co-operation from our school community throughout this pandemic. We are confident of your ongoing support, particularly over the coming weeks when Covid-19 infection levels are expected to reach a peak, with your continued support and cooperation being key to our efforts in minimising the spread of Covid-19 in the school. Thank you and take care.
Kind regards,
Kieran Lyons
Principal
I wish you a Happy and Healthy New Year and I look forward to welcoming the children back to school tomorrow, Thursday 6th January 2022.
As we all know, Covid-19 continues to be highly contagious and widespread in our community. Current infection levels are running at the highest level since the beginning of this pandemic and the highly transmissible Omicron variant is now the dominant variant. This presents us with the significant challenge of keeping everyone in our school community safe. This objective can only be achieved with all members of our school community doing everything that they can in a team effort to protect the health of children, family members and staff.
Some key points relating to our school reopening:
Face masks
- Mask wearing is required for all staff and adults entering the school, unless an exemption applies. We request that parents/guardians wear a face mask at drop off and collection times. Your co-operation in this regard is greatly appreciated.
- Mask wearing is required for all children in third to sixth classes, unless an exemption applies. Please see communication sent to you on 30th November, 2021 for further information on this matter. If your child has an exemption please ensure that you have communicated it to [email protected].
- Children in Junior Infants – 2nd Classes and Coiscéim classes are not required to wear face masks to school but are most welcome to do so if they wish.
- It is important that children in 3rd to 6th classes wear a fresh mask to school each day.
- If your child wears a face mask to school each day in 3rd to 6th class, but forgets to bring it on any given day or requires a fresh one during the school day, they will be provided with a replacement mask of appropriate size.
- The child-sized replacement masks that we will be using in the school are available to view at: https://online.paperpunch.ie/3-ply-kids-face-mask
- The adult-sized masks replacement masks that we will be using are available to view at: https://criticalhealthcare.com/test/product/disposable-surgical-masks-type-iir-box-of-50/
- If you do not want your child to be given one of these replacement masks in class, you must contact the class teacher directly. If you have any issues with the Department of Education’s requirement for face masks to be worn in 3rd to 6th classes, these are to be directed to the school office at [email protected], not to the class teacher.
Ventilation
- We are required to ensure that classrooms are well ventilated throughout the school day.
- It is therefore essential for children to wear extra layers as classrooms can be somewhat on the cool side given that many windows and doors are open.
Covid-19 symptoms
- If your child or anyone in your household is presenting with any of the Covid-19 symptoms detailed below, please keep your child at home and follow isolation guidelines attached.
- If your child tests negative on antigen/PCR test they should be 48 hours symptom free before returning to school.
- Signs of Covid-19 infection:
- fever of 38.0⁰C or higher
- new cough or difficulty breathing or worsening of an existing breathing problem
- loss of sense of smell, change in sense of taste, or loss of sense of taste
- fatigue
- cold, flu or hayfever-like symptoms
- nasal congestion
- conjunctivitis
- sore throat
- headache
- muscle/joint pain
- skin rash
- nausea or vomiting
- diarrhoea
- chills or dizziness
- The HSE advises a precautionary approach, particularly for children less able to articulate their symptoms, that if a child appears unwell, observe them at home and contact their GP as appropriate.
Antigen tests and close contacts in classes
- Please continue to inform us if any of our pupils test positive for Covid-19 as we are required to text the other parents in the pod to advise them to access free antigen tests for their children.
- If there is more than one positive case in a class, antigen tests can be arranged for the entire class. The Antigen Freephone number is: 1800 110055 or parents may order antigen tests online via www.hse.ie/schooltest using the school’s roll number 19755L.
- Children identified as close contacts of a positive case in their class can continue to attend school as long as they remain asymptomatic, and they do not have a positive Covid-19 antigen or PCR test result. A public health risk assessment will take place if any positive cases are identified in our Coiscéim classes.
- Children under 13 years who are identified as a close contact of a positive case in their household must restrict their movements for 14 days and will be offered PCR testing at day 0 and day 10. On receipt of a day 10 not-detected PCR test result, they may exit restricted movements.
- Please do not send your child to school if they (or someone in the household) tests positive on a PCR or antigen test.
- Children who have symptoms of Covid-19 should stay at home, isolate and arrange to have a PCR test, either online or through a GP.
PCR Tests
- Booking a PCR test is very challenging for us all at the moment. 12.01am appears to be the best time to book online at https://covid19test.healthservice.ie/hse-self-referral/facilities/.
- You can also contact your GP to arrange for a PCR test.
Isolation Guidelines
- The HSPC Isolation Quick Guides have been updated again and are attached to this message.
- I also attach a flow chart info-graphic from Public Health South East that may be a helpful support to the Isolation Quick Guides
Foreign travel
- Government advice on foreign travel is available at: https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/77952-government-advice-on-international-travel/
- In addition to the above, public health advice is that all arrivals from overseas should undertake daily rapid antigen testing for 5 consecutive days following arrival and to self-isolate and undertake PCR testing should they become symptomatic: https://www.gov.ie/en/press-release/638a6-minister-for-health-announces-changes-to-international-travel-
To date, we have received great support and co-operation from our school community throughout this pandemic. We are confident of your ongoing support, particularly over the coming weeks when Covid-19 infection levels are expected to reach a peak, with your continued support and cooperation being key to our efforts in minimising the spread of Covid-19 in the school. Thank you and take care.
Kind regards,
Kieran Lyons
Principal
| isolation_quick_guide_under_13s_version_04.01.2022.pdf |
| isolation_quick_guide_under_13s_version_04.01.2022.pdf |
| public_health_management_of_contacts_of_cases_of_covid-19_algorithm.pdf |
RETURN TO SCHOOL August 2021
Dear Parents/Guardians,
I hope that you all enjoyed the summer and that you and your families are all keeping well.
As you know our school will open for the new school year next Monday, 30th August and our school staff are really looking forward to welcoming all of our students to school on that day.
I outline below some important information about our school reopening and have also posted an information video above.
Junior Infants and new Coiscéim pupils will operate on a shortened day initially and have been contacted separately with these details. All other pupils will return for full school days as and from next Monday, 30th August.
Class teachers and classroom numbers have been posted on our website at http://sacredhearthuntstown.weebly.com/staff-list-and-classes-20212022.html, but don’t worry if you are unsure of where you are going on Monday morning – staff members will be on hand outside to help pupils find their classrooms if they are unsure.
School management and staff will do everything we can to ensure the health and safety of pupils, parents and staff on our school reopening, however, we need the support and co-operation of all members of our school community in ensuring that we all stay safe this year. The easiest way to do this is to prevent the COVID-19 virus from coming into our school.
To this end we ask parents and guardians to be extra vigilant and not to send children to school if they are unwell. A precautionary approach should be taken and please err on the side of caution in this respect. Children must not attend school if they have symptoms or signs that may suggest COVID-19 until they have taken appropriate medical advice and testing if appropriate.
The HSE has identified the following as common symptoms of COVID-19:
Please do not send your child to school if they, or anyone else in your household, is exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19.
Please do not send your child to school if they have been identified by the HSE as a close contact of a confirmed case of COVID 19
If your child has travelled outside of Ireland, please ensure that you consult and adhere to the latest government guidelines on foreign travel (available at https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/b4020-travelling-to-ireland-during-the-covid-19-pandemic/) before your child returns to school.
Please also note the following important information:
Further advice for parents/guardians is available at https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/0cf46-resources-and-materials-for-parentsguardians-and-for-students-on-returning-to-school-multi-lingual/ and multi lingual supports are available to parents/guardians at https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/0cf46-resources-and-materials-for-parentsguardians-and-for-students-on-returning-to-school-multi-lingual/.
Thank you for giving this message due care and thank you for your co-operation in a unified approach to protecting the health and safety of all children and adults in our school community. I look forward to welcoming everyone back to school on Monday.
Kind Regards,
Kieran Lyons
Principal
I hope that you all enjoyed the summer and that you and your families are all keeping well.
As you know our school will open for the new school year next Monday, 30th August and our school staff are really looking forward to welcoming all of our students to school on that day.
I outline below some important information about our school reopening and have also posted an information video above.
Junior Infants and new Coiscéim pupils will operate on a shortened day initially and have been contacted separately with these details. All other pupils will return for full school days as and from next Monday, 30th August.
Class teachers and classroom numbers have been posted on our website at http://sacredhearthuntstown.weebly.com/staff-list-and-classes-20212022.html, but don’t worry if you are unsure of where you are going on Monday morning – staff members will be on hand outside to help pupils find their classrooms if they are unsure.
School management and staff will do everything we can to ensure the health and safety of pupils, parents and staff on our school reopening, however, we need the support and co-operation of all members of our school community in ensuring that we all stay safe this year. The easiest way to do this is to prevent the COVID-19 virus from coming into our school.
To this end we ask parents and guardians to be extra vigilant and not to send children to school if they are unwell. A precautionary approach should be taken and please err on the side of caution in this respect. Children must not attend school if they have symptoms or signs that may suggest COVID-19 until they have taken appropriate medical advice and testing if appropriate.
The HSE has identified the following as common symptoms of COVID-19:
- a fever or a high temperature of 38 Degrees Celsius or above
- a new cough
- shortness of breath or breathing difficulties
- loss or change to sense of smell or taste
- fatigue
- aches and pains
- sore throat
- headaches
- runny or stuffy noses
- feeling sick or vomiting
- diarrhoea
Please do not send your child to school if they, or anyone else in your household, is exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19.
Please do not send your child to school if they have been identified by the HSE as a close contact of a confirmed case of COVID 19
If your child has travelled outside of Ireland, please ensure that you consult and adhere to the latest government guidelines on foreign travel (available at https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/b4020-travelling-to-ireland-during-the-covid-19-pandemic/) before your child returns to school.
Please also note the following important information:
- The Department of Education has informed the school that the Return to School Declaration (RTSD) that had to be completed in the third term of last year no longer needs to be completed before children return to school this year.
- The school gates and the school will be open from 8.30a.m. each morning.
- Children should go directly to their classroom upon arrival to school each morning – this is a measure to avoid congregations of pupils or parents/guardians in the morning.
- Although classrooms will be open from 8.30a.m., please note that school does not start until 8.40a.m. for our Coiscéim classes and 8.50a.m. for all other classes. Please time your journey to school so that your child arrives to their classroom as close as possible to their school start time each morning.
- Dismissal times will be as follows:
- Junior Infants = 1.20p.m. (from Monday 6th September)
- Junior Coiscéim pupils = 1.20p.m.
- Senior Infants = 1.30p.m.
- 1st, 2nd and 3rd classes = 2.30p.m.
- Senior Coiscéim pupils = 2.20p.m.
- 4th, 5th and 6th classes = 2.20p.m.
- Children in 4th, 5th and 6th classes who finish school at 2.20p.m. may collect younger siblings in 1st, 2nd or 3rd classes at 2.30p.m., however, if children in these classes are not collecting a younger sibling, they must leave the school grounds promptly at 2.20p.m. – nobody should linger or congregate on the school grounds unnecessarily.
- Staggered breaktimes will continue to be utilised in the school this year. Each class will operate within its own class bubble and will have its own separate yard space. The three Coiscéim classes will operate as one class bubble during breaktimes.
- In 3rd to 6th classes social distancing of 1 metre between pupils will be exercised as much as possible in the classrooms. The Department of Education has stated that this is not currently a requirement in junior classes.
- 1st - 6th class pupils and Coiscéim pupils may wear either their formal school uniform or school tracksuit to school and should alternate between the two to allow for daily washing or airing of school clothes.
- Junior and Senior Infant pupils should wear the school tracksuit to school every day and we recommend that you have two tracksuits to ensure that the pupils can wear a clean tracksuit to school each day. Coiscéim pupils also have the option of wearing the PE uniform to school each day.
- Our school must focus on ensuring classrooms are well ventilated and therefore windows will be left open during the school day. Therefore, pupils should wear additional layers of clothing to school each day to ensure that they stay warm in well-ventilated classrooms.
- Children should have one pencil case that they can leave in school and one that they can use at home for homework.
- Please remind your child about appropriate hand and respiratory hygiene. Remind them how to wash hands properly, how to apply hand sanitiser properly and how to catch their sneeze or cough and dispose of any used tissues safely in the bin.
- Liquid hand soap, non-alcohol based hand sanitiser, tissues and paper towels will be available to pupils in every class. We also ask parents/guardians to provide children with their own personal hygiene bag to include a small bottle of non-alcohol based hand sanitiser, tissues and a face cloth to dry their hands after using the bathroom.
- Alcohol based hand sanitiser is available to parents outside each classroom door.
- We request all adults to wear face coverings on the school site (even if vaccinated) unless an exception applies. We respectfully request your compliance in this matter for the safety and reassurance of everyone.
- Pupils do not need to wear a face covering to school; however, parents/guardians may ask their child to wear a face covering to school if they wish to do so and if the face covering fits the child and they can wear it properly.
- All staff members must wear a face covering in the school.
- Parents/guardians should not congregate together outside classrooms. Maintain a safe 2 metre distance at all times on the school grounds, in particular at dismissal times in junior classes. Please aim to spend the minimum amount of time necessary on the school grounds by timing your arrival to school to coincide with dismissal times.
- Please do not engage with teachers and/or SNAs in person at assembly or dismissal times. Teachers and SNAs can be contacted via Aladdin Connect and the office can be contacted on 01 8216400 or at [email protected].
- Please see very important documents attached below:
- Our school’s COVID-19 Response Plan which outlines the measures to be taken by pupils, parents, guardians and staff to prevent the introduction and spread of COVID-19 in the school environment. Please familiarise yourself with the document and of pupil and parental responsibilities.
- HSE’s updated isolation quick guides for children and adults. These are very useful documents to consult when questions arise about what to do if someone has symptoms of COVID-19, is awaiting a test or is identified as a close contact of a positive case.
- HSE’s parent’s guide to close contacts.
- Government advice booklet for parents/guardians regarding school reopening
- Back to school advice video for all parents/guardians of primary school pupils: https://youtu.be/WbsH11wOByM
- Back to school advice for parents/guardians of Junior Infants pupils: https://youtu.be/UomH_vakjDI
- Back to school advice for parents/guardians of Senior Infants - 2nd Class pupils: https://youtu.be/4smnni5jpGI
- Back to school advice for parents/guardians of 3rd – 6th Class pupils: https://youtu.be/sbJUClBmfiQ
Further advice for parents/guardians is available at https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/0cf46-resources-and-materials-for-parentsguardians-and-for-students-on-returning-to-school-multi-lingual/ and multi lingual supports are available to parents/guardians at https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/0cf46-resources-and-materials-for-parentsguardians-and-for-students-on-returning-to-school-multi-lingual/.
Thank you for giving this message due care and thank you for your co-operation in a unified approach to protecting the health and safety of all children and adults in our school community. I look forward to welcoming everyone back to school on Monday.
Kind Regards,
Kieran Lyons
Principal
| covid-19_response_plan_august_2021.pdf |
| isolation_quick_guide_under_13s_august_2021.pdf |
| isolation_quick_guide_adults_and_children_from_their_13th_birthday_august_2021.pdf |
| a_parents_guide_to_close_contacts_in_school.pdf |
| advice_for_parents_during_covid19_back_to_school_in_september_2021.pdf |
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RETURN TO SCHOOL March 2021
seNIOR CLASSES RETURN TO SCHOOL UPDATE VIDEO 12TH March 2021
Full School Reopening Important Information - 12th March 2021
Dear Parents/Guardians,
All of our school staff very much look forward to welcoming our 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th Class pupils back to school on Monday next, March 15th. Assembly and dismissal times for these classes remain unchanged. The school will open at 8:30am and children should arrive to school by 8:50am. Pupils should go directly to their classrooms on arrival to school. 4th, 5th and 6th Classes will go home at 2.20p.m. and 3rd Classes will go home at 2:30pm.
I have been informed by the Department of Education and Skills (DES) that prior to pupils returning to school, parents/guardians must complete a “Return to School Declaration” (RTSD). This form must be completed the day before returning to school. The form will be available on Aladdin Connect from 3pm on Sunday, March 14th and takes a matter of seconds to complete. I will send a reminder to you on Sunday afternoon to fill out the form. If you cannot complete the RTSD on Aladdin you can print out a hard copy of the form (attached below), complete it and give the copy to your child's class teacher. If you do not have a printer at home you can collect a hard copy of the form from the school office. Alternatively the RTSD can be completed on a Google form and I will text you the link to this form on Sunday afternoon.
Please note that for the remainder of this school year a RTSD will have to be completed following every absence from school and every early collection from school.
School management and staff will do everything we can to ensure the health and safety of pupils, parents and staff on our full school reopening however, we need the support and co-operation of parents to achieve this objective. As Level 5 restrictions still apply nationally, the re-opening of schools will be monitored closely by NPHET and the HSE so it is imperative that we take every precautionary measure and follow all public health advice to ensure that our school can remain open for the remainder of this academic year.
Please note the following important information:
The DES has reassured schools that support will be available from the HSE in the event of any positive COVID-19 diagnoses of pupils or staff members. The DES has stated:
I attach our school’s revised COVID-19 Response Plan outlining the measures to be taken by pupils, parents/guardians and staff to prevent the introduction and spread of COVID-19 in the school environment. Please familiarise yourself with the document and of pupil and parental responsibilities.
I attach the most up-to-date versions of the HSE Isolation Quick Guides for under 13 year olds and over 13 year olds. These are very useful documents to refer to if you are unsure of COVID-19 symptoms or when a pupil can or cannot attend school. Please read them carefully and keep them to hand for future reference.
I also attach an Advice to Parents of Pupils Returning to School document produced by the DES. This is an excellent advice document which summarises key points for parents/guardians as we work together in safely reopening our school for all pupils.
The DES has also published video messages from public health doctors on the safety of schools, posters and digital animations and videos. All DES materials are available here. The direct links to the animations on YouTube are here also:
· Video for Third – Sixth Class – https://youtu.be/IfrNHfHo5vI
· Video for Parents including Sign Language – https://youtu.be/LfV7KOgKWYQ
· Video for Parents – https://youtu.be/hg2wRiXXSpc
I have also uploaded a video for parents/guardians summarising the key points relating to the full reopening of our school. I would very much appreciate if you would take the time to watch the video at http://sacredhearthuntstown.weebly.com/return-to-school.html to familiarise yourself with the key messages.
Thank you for giving this message due care and thank you for your co-operation in a unified approach to protecting the health and safety of all children and adults in our school community. Enjoy the weeked and I look forward to welcoming the children back to school on Monday.
Kind Regards,
Kieran Lyons
Principal
All of our school staff very much look forward to welcoming our 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th Class pupils back to school on Monday next, March 15th. Assembly and dismissal times for these classes remain unchanged. The school will open at 8:30am and children should arrive to school by 8:50am. Pupils should go directly to their classrooms on arrival to school. 4th, 5th and 6th Classes will go home at 2.20p.m. and 3rd Classes will go home at 2:30pm.
I have been informed by the Department of Education and Skills (DES) that prior to pupils returning to school, parents/guardians must complete a “Return to School Declaration” (RTSD). This form must be completed the day before returning to school. The form will be available on Aladdin Connect from 3pm on Sunday, March 14th and takes a matter of seconds to complete. I will send a reminder to you on Sunday afternoon to fill out the form. If you cannot complete the RTSD on Aladdin you can print out a hard copy of the form (attached below), complete it and give the copy to your child's class teacher. If you do not have a printer at home you can collect a hard copy of the form from the school office. Alternatively the RTSD can be completed on a Google form and I will text you the link to this form on Sunday afternoon.
Please note that for the remainder of this school year a RTSD will have to be completed following every absence from school and every early collection from school.
School management and staff will do everything we can to ensure the health and safety of pupils, parents and staff on our full school reopening however, we need the support and co-operation of parents to achieve this objective. As Level 5 restrictions still apply nationally, the re-opening of schools will be monitored closely by NPHET and the HSE so it is imperative that we take every precautionary measure and follow all public health advice to ensure that our school can remain open for the remainder of this academic year.
Please note the following important information:
- Please do not send children to school if they are unwell. A precautionary approach should be taken and parents should err on the side of caution in this respect.
- Children must not attend school if they have symptoms or signs that may suggest COVID-19 until they have taken appropriate medical advice and testing if appropriate. Common symptoms of COVID-19 infection are:
- A fever (high temperature - 38 degrees Celsius or above)
- A new cough - this can be any kind of cough, not just dry
- Shortness of breath or breathing difficulties
- Loss or change to your sense of smell or taste – this means not being able to smell or taste anything, or things smell or taste different to normal
- Pupils must not attend school in the event of the following:
- If they live with someone who has symptoms of the virus.
- If they are identified by the HSE as a close contact of a confirmed case of COVID-19.
- If they have travelled outside of Ireland; in such instances you are advised to consult and follow latest Government advice in relation to foreign travel.
- Parents, guardians and family members should be aware of the general advice they should follow outside of the educational setting to lower the risk that they become infected with COVID-19.
- Our school must focus on ensuring classrooms are well ventilated and windows will be left open during the school day. Therefore pupils should wear additional layers of clothing to school each day to ensure that they stay warm in well-ventilated classrooms.
- Please continue to reinforce the message of appropriate hand and respiratory hygiene at home, as we do in school.
- Liquid hand soap, hand sanitiser, tissues and paper towels are available in all classrooms to all pupils however, please do your best to ensure that your child(ren) has/have a personal hygiene bag in school each day with a small bottle of hand sanitiser, tissues and a clean, dry face towel to dry their hands after using the bathroom.
- We request all adults to wear face coverings on the school site unless an exception applies. We respectfully request your compliance in this matter for the safety and reassurance of everyone.
- Please refrain from congregating outside the school at assembly and dismissal times.
- Should you need to speak to a teacher or SNA, please contact the office on (01) 8216400, [email protected], or Aladdin Connect where contact will be arranged by phone or email
The DES has reassured schools that support will be available from the HSE in the event of any positive COVID-19 diagnoses of pupils or staff members. The DES has stated:
- Full contact tracing and bulk fast-track testing within the school setting will resume immediately for schools as they reopen.
- In all instances where COVID-19 is positively confirmed in a school age child in community testing (referred by G.P) or as part of close contact testing in the community, Public Health are immediately notified and a Public Health Risk Assessment is initiated with the school by local HSE Public Health Schools Teams.
- Where COVID-19 is detected in an adult in the community, either through symptomatic or close contact testing and when initial contact tracing confirms that they work in a school setting, Public Health are immediately notified and the Public Health Risk Assessment is initiated with the school by HSE School Teams in a similar way.
I attach our school’s revised COVID-19 Response Plan outlining the measures to be taken by pupils, parents/guardians and staff to prevent the introduction and spread of COVID-19 in the school environment. Please familiarise yourself with the document and of pupil and parental responsibilities.
I attach the most up-to-date versions of the HSE Isolation Quick Guides for under 13 year olds and over 13 year olds. These are very useful documents to refer to if you are unsure of COVID-19 symptoms or when a pupil can or cannot attend school. Please read them carefully and keep them to hand for future reference.
I also attach an Advice to Parents of Pupils Returning to School document produced by the DES. This is an excellent advice document which summarises key points for parents/guardians as we work together in safely reopening our school for all pupils.
The DES has also published video messages from public health doctors on the safety of schools, posters and digital animations and videos. All DES materials are available here. The direct links to the animations on YouTube are here also:
· Video for Third – Sixth Class – https://youtu.be/IfrNHfHo5vI
· Video for Parents including Sign Language – https://youtu.be/LfV7KOgKWYQ
· Video for Parents – https://youtu.be/hg2wRiXXSpc
I have also uploaded a video for parents/guardians summarising the key points relating to the full reopening of our school. I would very much appreciate if you would take the time to watch the video at http://sacredhearthuntstown.weebly.com/return-to-school.html to familiarise yourself with the key messages.
Thank you for giving this message due care and thank you for your co-operation in a unified approach to protecting the health and safety of all children and adults in our school community. Enjoy the weeked and I look forward to welcoming the children back to school on Monday.
Kind Regards,
Kieran Lyons
Principal
| covid-19_response_plan_march_2021.pdf |
| primary_schools_-_advice_for_parents_-_10-03-2021_v02_02.pdf |
| return_to_educational_facility_declaration_form__1_.pdf |
| safe_schools_advice_for_parents.pdf |
| isolation_quick_guide_under_13s__17.02.21_.pdf |
| isolation_quick_guide_adults_and_children_from_their_13th_birthday__17.02.21_.pdf |
|
|
Junior Classes Return to School update video 26th February 2021
Update 28th February 2021
Dear Parents/Guardians of Junior Infants, Senior Infants, 1st and 2nd Class Pupils,
I look forward to welcoming the children back to school tomorrow.
Please ensure that you complete the 'Return to School Declaration' (RTSD) before your son/daughter returns to school tomorrow. It can be completed via the homepage on Aladdin under the 'Attendance Notes' section.
Please visit https://www.aladdin.ie/content/faq?cat=Attendance%20-%20Parents for help if you are having difficulty completing the declaration.
The RTSD must be completed prior to your son/daughter returning to school. In addition to being able to complete the RTSD on Aladdin, you can print it out in hard copy from the attachment below or from https://bit.ly/3sBauaY. Please then complete the hard copy and send it in to school to be given to the class teacher by your son/daughter.
If you cannot complete the RTSD on Aladdin or in hard copy, I will send a link to a Google Form at 6pm today where you can complete it.
Please also see attached letter to parents from the Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Ronan Glynn, in relation to the next phase of school reopening. Dr. Glynn states "Please avoid congregating at school gates over the coming weeks. Please do not have play dates or organise after school activities which involve household mixing. And please continue to work from home unless essential. It is only through your continued buy-in to these measures that we can ensure that our children will get back to school and then stay back in school."
Thank you for your cooperation in completing the RTSD as required by the Department of Education. I look forward to seeing all of our Junior Infant - 2nd class children back in school tomorrow, with a target date of 15th March for our 3rd - 6th class children returning to school.
Regards,
Kieran Lyons
I look forward to welcoming the children back to school tomorrow.
Please ensure that you complete the 'Return to School Declaration' (RTSD) before your son/daughter returns to school tomorrow. It can be completed via the homepage on Aladdin under the 'Attendance Notes' section.
Please visit https://www.aladdin.ie/content/faq?cat=Attendance%20-%20Parents for help if you are having difficulty completing the declaration.
The RTSD must be completed prior to your son/daughter returning to school. In addition to being able to complete the RTSD on Aladdin, you can print it out in hard copy from the attachment below or from https://bit.ly/3sBauaY. Please then complete the hard copy and send it in to school to be given to the class teacher by your son/daughter.
If you cannot complete the RTSD on Aladdin or in hard copy, I will send a link to a Google Form at 6pm today where you can complete it.
Please also see attached letter to parents from the Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Ronan Glynn, in relation to the next phase of school reopening. Dr. Glynn states "Please avoid congregating at school gates over the coming weeks. Please do not have play dates or organise after school activities which involve household mixing. And please continue to work from home unless essential. It is only through your continued buy-in to these measures that we can ensure that our children will get back to school and then stay back in school."
Thank you for your cooperation in completing the RTSD as required by the Department of Education. I look forward to seeing all of our Junior Infant - 2nd class children back in school tomorrow, with a target date of 15th March for our 3rd - 6th class children returning to school.
Regards,
Kieran Lyons
| letter_from_dcmo_to_schools_260221.pdf |
| return_to_educational_facility_declaration_form__1_.pdf |
Update 26th February 2021
Dear Parents/Guardians,
We very much look forward to our Junior Infant, Senior Infant, 1st Class and 2nd Class children returning to school on Monday 1st March. The target date for return to school for 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th class pupils is Monday, 15th March.
Please ensure that you have familiarised yourself with the information that I sent you yesterday about the next phase of our school reopening. I have posted a video summarising the main key points about our return to school on our website at: http://sacredhearthuntstown.weebly.com/return-to-school.html.
Please also see school reopening information videos and resources for pupils and parents/guardians from the Department of Education and Skills (DES) at https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/a04fc-advice-for-students-and-their-families/. In particular you may wish to show your son/daughter the return to school video for pupils from the DES at https://www.youtube.com/embed/aW9qUCnPAk0. The DES video for parents/guardians is available at https://www.youtube.com/embed/hg2wRiXXSpc and the DES has also published a video relating to the return to school of 3rd - 6th class pupils at https://www.youtube.com/embed/MVlb0jAm55Y.
I attach below a letter to parents/guardians from Minister for Education Norma Foley about the school reopening and the DES advice pamphlet for parents/guardians.
Thank you for ensuring that you are aware of all important information relating to the phased reopening of our school and I look forward to our Junior pupils (Junior Infants - 2nd class) joining our Coiscéim pupils back in school on Monday 1st March. I the hope to see our senior pupils back in school on Monday 15th March. Take care.
Kind regards,
Kieran Lyons
Principal
We very much look forward to our Junior Infant, Senior Infant, 1st Class and 2nd Class children returning to school on Monday 1st March. The target date for return to school for 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th class pupils is Monday, 15th March.
Please ensure that you have familiarised yourself with the information that I sent you yesterday about the next phase of our school reopening. I have posted a video summarising the main key points about our return to school on our website at: http://sacredhearthuntstown.weebly.com/return-to-school.html.
Please also see school reopening information videos and resources for pupils and parents/guardians from the Department of Education and Skills (DES) at https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/a04fc-advice-for-students-and-their-families/. In particular you may wish to show your son/daughter the return to school video for pupils from the DES at https://www.youtube.com/embed/aW9qUCnPAk0. The DES video for parents/guardians is available at https://www.youtube.com/embed/hg2wRiXXSpc and the DES has also published a video relating to the return to school of 3rd - 6th class pupils at https://www.youtube.com/embed/MVlb0jAm55Y.
I attach below a letter to parents/guardians from Minister for Education Norma Foley about the school reopening and the DES advice pamphlet for parents/guardians.
Thank you for ensuring that you are aware of all important information relating to the phased reopening of our school and I look forward to our Junior pupils (Junior Infants - 2nd class) joining our Coiscéim pupils back in school on Monday 1st March. I the hope to see our senior pupils back in school on Monday 15th March. Take care.
Kind regards,
Kieran Lyons
Principal
| letter_to_parents_and_guardians_24_feb.pdf |
| safe_schools_advice_for_parents.pdf |
|
|
|
update 25th february 2021
Return to school on 1ST MARCH for Junior Infant, Senior Infant, 1st and 2nd class pupils
Dear Parents/Guardians,
We are very much looking forward to welcoming our Junior Infant, Senior Infant, 1st and 2nd class pupils back to school on Monday next, March 1st. Assembly and dismissal times for these classes remain unchanged. The school will open at 8:30am and children should arrive to school by 8:50am. Pupils should go directly to their classrooms on arrival to school. Junior Infants will go home at 1:20pm, Senior Infants will go home at 1:30pm and 1st and 2nd Classes will go home at 2:30pm.
I have been informed by the Department of Education and Skills (DES) that prior to pupils returning to school, parents/guardians must complete a “Return to School Declaration” (RTSD). This form must be completed the day before returning to school. The form will be available on Aladdin Connect from 3pm on Sunday, February 28th and takes a matter of seconds to complete. I will send a reminder to you on Sunday afternoon to fill out the form. We have been instructed by the DES that we must have a completed form in respect of each pupil before they enter the school building on Monday morning, so please ensure that you attend to this when you receive the reminder on Sunday.
We predict that checking that we have received a completed RTSD form from each child before they enter their classroom on Monday morning may cause a slight delay at the door and so, in an attempt to avoid groups congregating outside classrooms, we are allowing children to come to school between 8:30am and 9:10am on Monday, March 1st only.
School management and staff will do everything we can to ensure the health and safety of pupils, parents and staff, however, we need the support and co-operation of parents to achieve this objective. As we are still in Level 5 Lockdown, the re-opening of schools on a phased basis will be monitored closely by NPHET and the HSE so it is imperative that we take every precautionary measure and follow all public health advice to ensure that our school can remain open for the remainder of this academic year.
Please note the following important information:
The DES has reassured schools that support will be available from the HSE in the event of any positive COVID-19 diagnoses of pupils or staff members. The DES has stated:
I attach below our school’s revised COVID-19 Response Plan outlining the measures to be taken by pupils, parents/guardians and staff to prevent the introduction and spread of COVID-19 in the school environment. Please familiarise yourself with the document and of pupil and parental responsibilities.
I attach below the most up-to-date versions of the HSE Isolation Quick Guides for under 13 year olds and over 13 year olds. These are very useful documents to refer to if you are unsure of COVID-19 symptoms or when a pupil can or cannot attend school. Please read them carefully and keep them to hand for future reference.
I also attach below an Advice to Parents of Pupils Returning to School document produced by the DES. This is an excellent advice document which summarises key points for parents/guardians as we work together in safely reopening our school for our junior pupils.
To quote Dr. Ronan Glynn from his letter to parents of August last year:
“Schools are at the heart of our communities and the best way to protect them is to keep the level of COVID-19 in the community low. As parents and guardians, you can play a key role in this, both through your own actions and through the influence that you have on your family and friends.”
Thank you for giving this note due care and attention and I look forward to welcoming our junior pupils back to school on Monday and I hope that we will welcome our senior pupils back to school on Monday, 15th March.
Kind Regards,
Kieran Lyons
Principal
We are very much looking forward to welcoming our Junior Infant, Senior Infant, 1st and 2nd class pupils back to school on Monday next, March 1st. Assembly and dismissal times for these classes remain unchanged. The school will open at 8:30am and children should arrive to school by 8:50am. Pupils should go directly to their classrooms on arrival to school. Junior Infants will go home at 1:20pm, Senior Infants will go home at 1:30pm and 1st and 2nd Classes will go home at 2:30pm.
I have been informed by the Department of Education and Skills (DES) that prior to pupils returning to school, parents/guardians must complete a “Return to School Declaration” (RTSD). This form must be completed the day before returning to school. The form will be available on Aladdin Connect from 3pm on Sunday, February 28th and takes a matter of seconds to complete. I will send a reminder to you on Sunday afternoon to fill out the form. We have been instructed by the DES that we must have a completed form in respect of each pupil before they enter the school building on Monday morning, so please ensure that you attend to this when you receive the reminder on Sunday.
We predict that checking that we have received a completed RTSD form from each child before they enter their classroom on Monday morning may cause a slight delay at the door and so, in an attempt to avoid groups congregating outside classrooms, we are allowing children to come to school between 8:30am and 9:10am on Monday, March 1st only.
School management and staff will do everything we can to ensure the health and safety of pupils, parents and staff, however, we need the support and co-operation of parents to achieve this objective. As we are still in Level 5 Lockdown, the re-opening of schools on a phased basis will be monitored closely by NPHET and the HSE so it is imperative that we take every precautionary measure and follow all public health advice to ensure that our school can remain open for the remainder of this academic year.
Please note the following important information:
- Please do not send children to school if they are unwell. A precautionary approach should be taken and parents should err on the side of caution in this respect.
- Children must not attend school if they have symptoms or signs that may suggest COVID-19 until they have taken appropriate medical advice and testing if appropriate. Common symptoms of COVID-19 infection are:
- A fever (high temperature - 38 degrees Celsius or above)
- A new cough - this can be any kind of cough, not just dry
- Shortness of breath or breathing difficulties
- Loss or change to your sense of smell or taste – this means not being able to smell or taste anything, or things smell or taste different to normal
- Pupils must not attend school in the event of the following:
- If they are identified by the HSE as a close contact of a confirmed case of COVID-19.
- If they live with someone who has symptoms of the virus.
- If they have travelled outside of Ireland; in such instances you are advised to consult and follow latest Government advice in relation to foreign travel.
- Parents, guardians and family members should be aware of the general advice they should follow outside of the educational setting to lower the risk that they become infected with COVID-19.
- Our school must focus on ensuring classrooms are well ventilated and windows will be left open during the school day. Therefore pupils should wear additional layers of clothing to school each day school to ensure that they stay warm in well-ventilated classrooms.
- Please continue to reinforce the message of appropriate hand and respiratory hygiene at home, as we do in school.
- Liquid hand soap, hand sanitiser and paper towels are available in all classrooms to all pupils, however, please do your best to ensure that your child(ren) has/have a personal hygiene bag in school each day with a small bottle of hand sanitiser, tissues and a clean, dry face towel to dry their hands after using the bathroom.
- We request all adults to wear face coverings on the school site unless an exception applies. We respectfully request your compliance in this matter for the safety and reassurance of everyone.
- Please refrain from congregating outside the school at opening and dismissal times.
- Should you need to speak to a teacher or SNA, please contact the office on (01) 8216400, [email protected], or Aladdin Connect where contact will be arranged by phone or email.
The DES has reassured schools that support will be available from the HSE in the event of any positive COVID-19 diagnoses of pupils or staff members. The DES has stated:
- Full contact tracing and bulk fast-track testing within the school setting will resume immediately for schools as they reopen.
- In all instances where COVID-19 is positively confirmed in a school age child in community testing (referred by G.P) or as part of close contact testing in the community, Public Health are immediately notified and a Public Health Risk Assessment is initiated with the school by local HSE public health Schools Teams.
- Where COVID-19 is detected in an adult in the community, either through symptomatic or close contact testing and when initial contact tracing confirms that they work in a school setting, Public Health are immediately notified and the Public Health Risk Assessment is initiated with the school by HSE School Teams in a similar way.
I attach below our school’s revised COVID-19 Response Plan outlining the measures to be taken by pupils, parents/guardians and staff to prevent the introduction and spread of COVID-19 in the school environment. Please familiarise yourself with the document and of pupil and parental responsibilities.
I attach below the most up-to-date versions of the HSE Isolation Quick Guides for under 13 year olds and over 13 year olds. These are very useful documents to refer to if you are unsure of COVID-19 symptoms or when a pupil can or cannot attend school. Please read them carefully and keep them to hand for future reference.
I also attach below an Advice to Parents of Pupils Returning to School document produced by the DES. This is an excellent advice document which summarises key points for parents/guardians as we work together in safely reopening our school for our junior pupils.
To quote Dr. Ronan Glynn from his letter to parents of August last year:
“Schools are at the heart of our communities and the best way to protect them is to keep the level of COVID-19 in the community low. As parents and guardians, you can play a key role in this, both through your own actions and through the influence that you have on your family and friends.”
Thank you for giving this note due care and attention and I look forward to welcoming our junior pupils back to school on Monday and I hope that we will welcome our senior pupils back to school on Monday, 15th March.
Kind Regards,
Kieran Lyons
Principal
| covid-19_response_plan_february_2021_-_parents_guardians.pdf |
| advice_to_parents_of_pupils_returning_to_school.pdf |
| isolation_quick_guide_under_13s__17.02.21_.pdf |
| isolation_quick_guide_adults_and_children_from_their_13th_birthday__17.02.21_.pdf |
Coiscéim Classes REOPENING IMPORTANT INFORMATION - 19TH February 2021
Dear Parents/Guardians,
We are very much looking forward to welcoming our Coiscéim pupils back to school on Monday, February 22nd. Assembly and dismissal times and the bus schedules remain unchanged.
I have been informed by the Department of Education and Skills (DES) that prior to pupils returning to school, parents must complete a “Return to Educational Facility Parental Declaration Form”. I have uploaded the form onto a Google Form and it should only take a minute for you to complete the form. I will text you the link to the form to complete prior to your son/daughter’s return to school.
School management and staff will do everything we can to ensure the health and safety of pupils, parents and staff, however we need the support and co-operation of parents to achieve this objective.
Please note the following important information:
The DES has reassured schools that support will be available from the HSE in the event of any positive COVID-19 diagnoses of pupils or staff members. The DES has stated:
I have attached the most up-to-date versions of the HSE Isolation Quick Guides for under 13 year olds and over 13 year olds. These are very useful documents to refer to if you are unsure of COVID-19 symptoms or when a pupil can or cannot attend school. Please read them carefully and keep them to hand for future reference.
Thank you for giving this note due care and attention and I look forward to welcoming the children back to school on Monday.
Kind Regards,
Kieran Lyons
Principal
We are very much looking forward to welcoming our Coiscéim pupils back to school on Monday, February 22nd. Assembly and dismissal times and the bus schedules remain unchanged.
I have been informed by the Department of Education and Skills (DES) that prior to pupils returning to school, parents must complete a “Return to Educational Facility Parental Declaration Form”. I have uploaded the form onto a Google Form and it should only take a minute for you to complete the form. I will text you the link to the form to complete prior to your son/daughter’s return to school.
School management and staff will do everything we can to ensure the health and safety of pupils, parents and staff, however we need the support and co-operation of parents to achieve this objective.
Please note the following important information:
- Please do not send children to school if they are unwell. A precautionary approach should be taken and parents should err on the side of caution in this respect.
- Children must not attend school if they have symptoms or signs that may suggest COVID-19 until they have taken appropriate medical advice and testing if appropriate. Common symptoms of COVID-19 infection are:
- A fever (high temperature - 38 degrees Celsius or above)
- A new cough - this can be any kind of cough, not just dry
- Shortness of breath or breathing difficulties
- Loss or change to your sense of smell or taste – this means not being able to smell or taste anything, or things smell or taste different to normal
- A fever (high temperature - 38 degrees Celsius or above)
- Pupils must not attend school in the event of the following:
- If they are identified by the HSE as a close contact of a confirmed case of COVID-19.
- If they live with someone who has symptoms of the virus.
- If they have travelled outside of Ireland; in such instances you are advised to consult and follow latest Government advice in relation to foreign travel.
- If they are identified by the HSE as a close contact of a confirmed case of COVID-19.
- Parents, guardians and family members should be aware of the general advice they should follow outside of the educational setting to lower the risk that they become infected with COVID-19.
- Our school must focus on ensuring classrooms are well ventilated, therefore pupils should wear additional layers of clothing to school each day.
- Please continue to reinforce the message of appropriate hand and respiratory hygiene at home, as we do in school.
- Liquid hand soap, hand sanitiser and paper towels are available in all classrooms to all pupils, however, please do your best to ensure that your child(ren) has/have a personal hygiene bag in school each day with a small bottle of hand sanitiser, tissues and a clean, dry face towel to dry their hands after using the bathroom.
- We request all adults to wear face coverings on the school site unless an exception applies. Although this is not mandatory, we respectfully request your compliance in this matter for the safety and reassurance of everyone.
- Please refrain from congregating outside the school at opening and dismissal times. Should you need to speak to a teacher or SNA, please contact the office on (01) 8216400 or at [email protected] where contact will be arranged by phone or email.
The DES has reassured schools that support will be available from the HSE in the event of any positive COVID-19 diagnoses of pupils or staff members. The DES has stated:
- Full contact tracing and bulk fast-track testing within the school setting will resume immediately for schools as they reopen.
- In all instances where COVID-19 is positively confirmed in a school age child in community testing (referred by G.P) or as part of close contact testing in the community, Public Health are immediately notified and a Public Health Risk Assessment is initiated with the school by local HSE public health Schools Teams.
- Where COVID-19 is detected in an adult in the community, either through symptomatic or close contact testing and when initial contact tracing confirms that they work in a school setting, Public Health are immediately notified and the Public Health Risk Assessment is initiated with the school by HSE School Teams in a similar way.
I have attached the most up-to-date versions of the HSE Isolation Quick Guides for under 13 year olds and over 13 year olds. These are very useful documents to refer to if you are unsure of COVID-19 symptoms or when a pupil can or cannot attend school. Please read them carefully and keep them to hand for future reference.
Thank you for giving this note due care and attention and I look forward to welcoming the children back to school on Monday.
Kind Regards,
Kieran Lyons
Principal
| isolation_quick_guide_under_13s__17.02.21_.pdf |
| isolation_quick_guide_adults_and_children_from_their_13th_birthday__17.02.21_.pdf |
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return to school 2020
Protocols for Parents/guardians
Dear Parents/Guardians,
Our entire school community has been delighted to get back to school and we have had a successful reopening. We must ensure that we all play our part in making our school environment as safe as possible for all children, parents, guardians and staff. The support of parents/guardians in this regard is essential; in particular when on the school grounds and when a child is unwell.
We request that parents/guardians:
It is absolutely essential that parents/guardians adhere to social distancing guidelines when on the school grounds. If we cannot manage this as a school community, the current set of arrangements may have to be revised.
To support social distancing:
We also require support and understanding from parents/guardians when children are unwell. Children should not be sent to school if they are unwell. If children become unwell during the school day they must be collected promptly.
Last week I emailed you a copy of a HSE poster detailing Covid-19 symptoms to look out for and when to contact your GP. This is a very useful resource for parents/guardians.
I also emailed you a copy of the HPSC document entitled “Schools Pathway for Covid-19”. Some main points:
A child’s temperature can be a key indicator of illness being present and so school staff, acting in loco parentis, may check a child’s temperature using a non-contact infrared thermometer if we are concerned that a child is becoming unwell in school and may need urgent medical attention.
I attach below a letter to parents/guardians of school going children from acting Chief Medical Officer Dr. Ronan Glynn and a HPSC document entitled “Isolation Quick Guide” for children up to the age of 13 which outlines when to self-isolate and restrict movements.
Thank you for giving this communication your attention. The co-operation and support of all parents/guardians on the points above is critical in ensuring that the school environment is safe for all pupils, parents/guardians and staff. Thank you.
Kind Regards.
Kieran Lyons
Principal
Our entire school community has been delighted to get back to school and we have had a successful reopening. We must ensure that we all play our part in making our school environment as safe as possible for all children, parents, guardians and staff. The support of parents/guardians in this regard is essential; in particular when on the school grounds and when a child is unwell.
We request that parents/guardians:
- Wear a face covering when on the school grounds, unless an exception applies.
- Minimise the number of adults on the school grounds.
- Where possible only one adult per family should be on the grounds for drop off and/or collection.
- Older siblings should collect younger siblings where appropriate and where possible. 4th, 5th and 6th classes dismissal time is 2.20pm to help in this regard.
- Do not try to meet with staff at assembly and dismissal times.
- Meetings and entry into the school/classrooms is by appointment only.
- Parents/guardians are asked to communicate with the school via phone, email or Aladdin message where possible.
- Parents/guardians should now record the reasons for pupil absences on the Aladdin Connect platform rather than writing a note or telling the teacher in person.
- Parents/guardians should not enter classrooms if helping younger children to open the door of their classroom in the Junior and Coiscéím classes. Over the weekend hand sanitiser stations were installed outside all Junior and Coiscéim classes; parents/guardians who help to open a classroom door for younger pupils need to ensure that they sanitise their hands after touching the door handle.
- Each pupil should have a personal hygiene bag in school with them each day with tissues, face towel to dry hands and a small bottle of hand sanitiser (preferably non-alcohol based) for personal use. The face towel should be replaced with a clean, dry one each evening at home.
- Use the Aladdin e-payment system where possible for payment of school requisite fees rather than paying by cash.
- Ensure that pupils have a coat in school and are wearing a vest in cold weather as windows will be open in the school to ensure that classrooms are kept well ventilated.
It is absolutely essential that parents/guardians adhere to social distancing guidelines when on the school grounds. If we cannot manage this as a school community, the current set of arrangements may have to be revised.
To support social distancing:
- We welcome pupils into their classrooms from 8.30a.m. each morning.
- This helps to prevent congregations of pupils or adults at assembly times.
- Classes will begin at the usual times each morning (8.40a.m. in Coiscéim classes and 8.50a.m. in all other classes).
- Dismissal times have been staggered:
- Junior Infant pupils go home at 1.20p.m. (from Wednesday 9th September).
- Senior Infants go home at 1.30p.m.
- 1st, 2nd and 3rd classes go home at 2.30p.m.
- 4th, 5th and 6th class pupils go home at 2.20p.m.
- The dismissal points for one Junior Infant and one Senior Infant class have been moved to give greater room to parents/guardians at collection times.
- A new footpath and extended patio have been installed to give better access for three of our second classes (our thanks to parent and local builder Mr. Kevin Nulty of MaxHome Construction for completing this project in a short time frame).
We also require support and understanding from parents/guardians when children are unwell. Children should not be sent to school if they are unwell. If children become unwell during the school day they must be collected promptly.
Last week I emailed you a copy of a HSE poster detailing Covid-19 symptoms to look out for and when to contact your GP. This is a very useful resource for parents/guardians.
I also emailed you a copy of the HPSC document entitled “Schools Pathway for Covid-19”. Some main points:
- Children with a blocked or runny nose, but no fever can attend school or childcare, but if they require paracetamol or ibuprofen for their symptoms, they must not attend school for 48 hours.
- If a child has been unwell and no new symptoms emerge within 48 hours and they do not require paracetamol or ibuprofen, the child can return to school or childcare.
- If a child has been unwell with diarrhoea, the diarrhoea must be resolved for 48 hours before the child returns to school.
- If a child presents with symptoms indicative of Covid-19 (a temperature of 38 degrees Celsius or more, a new cough, loss or changed sense of taste or smell, or shortness of breath) parents/guardians should contact their GP to discuss clinical concerns. Your GP will carry out an assessment over the phone. This phone assessment with your GP is free for everyone.
- If it is determined by the GP that the child requires to be tested for Covid-19, siblings should be removed from the school setting. The GP will arrange the test for you. Getting tested for COVID-19 is free.
- You will be advised accordingly by health professionals when you receive test results. If a symptomatic child has a Covid-19 ‘not detected’ result, the child should remain at home until he/she is clinically well enough to return to school, unless parents are specifically asked by HSE Public Health for their child to remain excluded because of other investigations e.g. if the child is a known close contact of a now confirmed case.
A child’s temperature can be a key indicator of illness being present and so school staff, acting in loco parentis, may check a child’s temperature using a non-contact infrared thermometer if we are concerned that a child is becoming unwell in school and may need urgent medical attention.
I attach below a letter to parents/guardians of school going children from acting Chief Medical Officer Dr. Ronan Glynn and a HPSC document entitled “Isolation Quick Guide” for children up to the age of 13 which outlines when to self-isolate and restrict movements.
Thank you for giving this communication your attention. The co-operation and support of all parents/guardians on the points above is critical in ensuring that the school environment is safe for all pupils, parents/guardians and staff. Thank you.
Kind Regards.
Kieran Lyons
Principal
| open_letter_acmo_to_parents.pdf |
| hpsc_isolation_quick_guide_v1.1.pdf |
SCHOOL REOPENING Procedures
Dear Parents/Guardians,
Preparations for our school reopening are almost complete and the long anticipated return to school is within sight!
Please see the Important Information Note for parents/guardians in relation to our school’s reopening that is published below.
Please note that that the school will open for all Coiscéim and Junior classes (Junior Infants, Senior Infants, 1st and 2nd classes) on Monday 31st August and for all senior classes (3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th classes) on Tuesday 1st September. Coiscéim and Junior classes will attend school also on Tuesday 1st September.
Opening our school for Junior and Coiscéim classes only on Monday 31st August will allow us to give extra focus to our younger pupils on their first day back.
Please note:
Dismissal Times:
Coiscéim classes = 1.20 p.m. (Junior Day)& 2.20 p.m. (Senior Day)
Junior Infants = 1.20 p.m. (from 9th September*)
Senior Infants = 1.30 p.m.
First Classes = 2.30 p.m.
Second Classes = 2.30 p.m.
Third Classes = 2.30 p.m.
Fourth Classes = 2.20 p.m.
Fifth Classes = 2.20 p.m.
Sixth Classes = 2.20 p.m.
*A separate email will be sent to parents/guardians of Junior Infant pupils detailing class times from 31st August – 9th September.
Please read the document carefully as it contains important information in relation to uniform, copies and school books, hygiene bag, illness and school attendance etc. It is vitally important that parents/guardians are aware of and abide by the meaures and protocols outlined in the attached document and retain it for future reference.
We very much welcome look forward to welcoming pupils, parents and guardians back to Scoil an Chroí Ró Naofa Íosa next week.
Yours Sincerely,
Kieran Lyons
Principal
Preparations for our school reopening are almost complete and the long anticipated return to school is within sight!
Please see the Important Information Note for parents/guardians in relation to our school’s reopening that is published below.
Please note that that the school will open for all Coiscéim and Junior classes (Junior Infants, Senior Infants, 1st and 2nd classes) on Monday 31st August and for all senior classes (3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th classes) on Tuesday 1st September. Coiscéim and Junior classes will attend school also on Tuesday 1st September.
Opening our school for Junior and Coiscéim classes only on Monday 31st August will allow us to give extra focus to our younger pupils on their first day back.
Please note:
- The school gates will open as normal at 8.30 a.m. each morning. All pupils will go straight into their classrooms when they arrive at school (as they do on wet mornings). This will ensure a ‘flow’ of people through the school grounds at assembly time and avoid congregation of pupils and parents/guardians on the school grounds.
- Pupils will be supervised in their classrooms by teachers and SNAs.
- Class will begin at the normal time of 8.40 a.m. (Coiscéim classes) and 8.50 a.m. for all other classes
Dismissal Times:
Coiscéim classes = 1.20 p.m. (Junior Day)& 2.20 p.m. (Senior Day)
Junior Infants = 1.20 p.m. (from 9th September*)
Senior Infants = 1.30 p.m.
First Classes = 2.30 p.m.
Second Classes = 2.30 p.m.
Third Classes = 2.30 p.m.
Fourth Classes = 2.20 p.m.
Fifth Classes = 2.20 p.m.
Sixth Classes = 2.20 p.m.
*A separate email will be sent to parents/guardians of Junior Infant pupils detailing class times from 31st August – 9th September.
Please read the document carefully as it contains important information in relation to uniform, copies and school books, hygiene bag, illness and school attendance etc. It is vitally important that parents/guardians are aware of and abide by the meaures and protocols outlined in the attached document and retain it for future reference.
We very much welcome look forward to welcoming pupils, parents and guardians back to Scoil an Chroí Ró Naofa Íosa next week.
Yours Sincerely,
Kieran Lyons
Principal
| return_to_school_important_information_for_parents_and_guardians.pdf |
Update 29th August 2020
An enormous amount of work has been invested by our Principal, Deputy Principal, staff, parents and indeed the entire school community, to assist in the safe return to school this year. In keeping with Public Health guidelines, every effort has been made to ensure that when our doors open once again, the boys, girls and staff will be happy and safe in our school.
A number of key documents have been shared with families and we ask you to familiarise yourself with them so that we can all work together in the coming weeks and months.
A number of key documents have been shared with families and we ask you to familiarise yourself with them so that we can all work together in the coming weeks and months.
Images from around the school
Here are some examples of the measures taken to ensure for the safe return to school.
1. Classrooms
New seating arrangements in every classroom.
Effective measures for the safe use of classroom resources have been introduced across the school.
Tables and seats have been safely separated.
2. Signage and Information
Hand sanitising stations have been installed throughout the school.
Signs reminding patrons about social distancing and other key safety measures have been installed all around the school grounds.
Helpful posters and reminders are available in every classroom and throughout the school.
3. Enhanced Cleaning Procedures
The entire school has undergone a deep clean.
Common areas and classrooms have been sanitised.
4. Enhanced Access
Improved access will ensure that children entering the school can do so in a safe manner.
The patio area opposite the church carpark has been extended and enhanced. A new gate has been added opposite the second class rooms (Ms O.Higgins, Ms M. Higgins and Ms O'Dea) to ensure that children can enter and exit the school in line with social distancing measures.
Return to School information for families
Please read the 'Return to School' document below and ensure that you are aware of the measures we must all take to safeguard our school community. Thank you to everyone for your ongoing support and understanding.
| return_to_school_important_information_for_parents_and_guardians.pdf |