Parents/Guardians and Members of the school community,
We look forward to welcoming everyone back to school tomorrow morning (Monday, February 28th.) We would like to begin by thanking and commending our students, staff and parents/guardians for their support and co-operation over the last two years as we have dealt with the crisis brought on by COVID-19. We are very proud of the efforts made by the St. Mary's community and the success we have had in minimizing the transmission of COVID-19 within the school. The report of a recent inspection of our COVID-19 arrangements by the Department of Education was exemplary.
We are now moving to a new phase. With regard to the arrangements which are in place:
Staying at home if you have symptoms
The requirement to stay at home if you have symptoms remains, both for students and staff. 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. We are particularly conscious of reducing the risk to our exam students of illness or missing more time from school as we enter an important phase of the year for them.
Mask wearing
It is no longer a requirement for staff or students to wear a mask in school. Your daughter can continue to wear a mask if she wishes to do so. Masks will continue to be available on request.
Hand Hygiene
Students should continue to follow good hygiene practices. Hand hygiene can be achieved by handwashing or use of a hand sanitiser (when hands look clean).
PE Uniforms
For the remainder of this year, students can wear their PE uniform only on the days that they have a timetabled PE classes. We will open our changing rooms in the new academic year.
Cleaning
The Department of Education has provided additional funding to support the enhanced cleaning required to minimise the risks of COVID-19. This funding will continue for this academic year and will be reviewed in advance of the start of the next school year.
Teaching and Learning
As the general requirement for physical distancing no longer applies, schools are no longer required to maintain these arrangements. Over the coming weeks, collaborative learning, group work and active teaching and learning will resume to support student learning.
Student-based classrooms
The student-based classrooms will remain in place until the end of the year.
Parent Teacher Meetings
Remaining Parent Teacher Meetings will take place online.
Canteen
We are in communication with our canteen provider and hope to have the canteen in operation as soon as they are in a position to reopen.
Again, we thank everyone for their cooperation and support as we look forward to better times ahead.
E McLoughlin and C Gilligan