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St. Colman's Primary School, Kilkeel

Update for parents - return to school

24th Jul 2020

Dear parents/guardians,

We hope that you all are keeping well and safe since our last contact with you. This letter is intended to provide you with some updated information to assist you in your preparations for your child(ren) to safely return to school. It is our sincere hope to apply these arrangements moving forward, but as with everything at present these plans continue to be subject to change in line with government guidance.

  • In accordance with Department of Education guidance we hope to reopen the school the week beginning 24th August in a phased return over a number of weeks, possibly months, to ensure everyone’s safety and adhering strictly to PHA. You will be notified of specific dates and times for your child the week beginning Monday 17th August.
  • This phased return will allow us to focus on the pastoral needs of the children and their health and wellbeing whilst helping our children settle back into the new school day and the necessary changes to their school routines.
  • Additional guidance will also be given in August concerning drop-off and pick-up arranged times and locations. Please note that it will not be possible to offer our early morning drop off at 8:30am due to the current restrictions.
  • Children will require a fresh change of clothes each day, where possible. To assist this request, uniform has been scaled down to include school jumper, white polo shirt and navy bottoms. However, parents are free to dress their child in full school uniform and this request is only to help to alleviate the stress that daily clean uniforms would entail. This is only for the interim and full school uniform will resume.
  • You are asked to provide your child with the following: packet of tissues, anti-bacterial wipes, small bottle of hand sanitiser and a bottle of water (daily) There will be no use of the water fountains to refill bottles. Please label all items clearly with child’s name. These will be used only by your child and will remain in school in a plastic school bag.
  • No school bags or lunch boxes will be used. Packed lunches should be in disposable packaging. Your child will be given a plastic school bag in school and all his/her items will remain in this bag, no one else will touch them or use them. 
  • No homework for the foreseeable future, this will be reviewed in November.
  • We await arrangements from School Meals and Transport. School meals are likely to be served in the classrooms.
  • While the school is operating under Covid-19 prevention guidance, parents are asked to remain outside the school gates to reduce footfall and the potential spread of the virus. Parents may make an appointment to meet with the Principal after school. Contact with teachers will be by telephone appointment.
  • These arrangements are based on the current guidance available to schools and we will update our plans if required.