Coronavirus Update

As principal of Holy Family Primary School the health and wellbeing of our entire school community is my paramount concern. This is a worrying and unprecedented time for all concerned with our school.

The First Minister has announced that at some point all schools in Northern Ireland will close to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus. Guidance from Education Authority states that schools should remain open until we are directed to do otherwise. I am fully aware of the concerns of our school community at this difficult time and of the implications to families. To date, the school community, have had no positive cases reported to me by parents or staff. 

Following a meeting this morning with local Principals and in consultation with the Governors we have decided to call an exceptional closure tomorrow 18^th March to facilitate the preparation of work for the classes, if we are suddenly instructed to close. I’m sorry for the late notice and apologies for the inconvenience this may cause but as some of the staff don’t work later in the week it was imperative the main class teachers are involved in the forward planning.

School will open on Thursday 19^th March with further contingency measures to keep your children as safe as possible whilst school remains open. 

1. Parents/carers will not be allowed into the school building except in the case of an emergency. This will assist us in minimising the footfall through the school.   

Please do not come into school to talk to staff or update them.   

School phone systems should be used to contact teachers through the school office on 02844830319.  

2. We will not be operating assemblies in school. 

3. Extra-curricular clubs will be cancelled 

4. After School club will operate for the rest of the week but this will be reviewed over the next few days in line with guidance. 

5. The children can be collected from the school gates at 2pm & 3pm 

Please ensure arrangements have been made to collect your child/ren, as they will not be attending any activities after school for the foreseeable future.  

6. Any school outings or trips have been cancelled until further notice. 

If we are told to close: 

We will work hard on the preparation of learning materials which will be made available to all pupils, should closures take effect.  

School Attendance 

We are aware that many parents/carers may feel it best to keep your children at home given the fluid situation we find ourselves in.  

We understand the dilemma you are faced with and we fully respect this decision.   

I would urge everyone, particularly those parents who have children with underlying health conditions to consider carefully what you feel is best for your child and for those in your household.    

The very clear directive from the UK Government is that the most common symptoms of Coronavirus are a new continuous cough and ahigh temperature. 

If your child has a new cough, fever or is feeling unwell please: 

DO NOT SEND THEM TO SCHOOL.  

Should any child present with these symptoms in school, or should they develop throughout the school day, we will be sure to make contact in order to get them collected from school.  

Please continue to keep yourselves updated with the most up to date advice through the PHA website. 

https://www.publichealth.hscni.net/news/covid-19-coronavirus 

The recommended period to stay at home, if you have either symptom, is at least 7 days. 

We are working hard to take as many precautions as possible.  Thank you for your understanding at this difficult and worrying time.  Our thoughts are with you all as parents.  

The weeks that lie ahead are uncharted waters and will result in many events, activities and opportunities being cancelled or curtailed. I thank you for the continued trust you place in the governors and staff of our school. 

You are all much in my thoughts at this time. 

Christopher Curran 

Principal