​Covid Reopening letter

30th August, 2021
Dear parents/guardians,
I hope you all had a refreshing summer break and welcome everyone back to school for the new term. We return to school with Covid still a concern and below I wish to remind you of some school policies and practices which will be put in place to keep everyone safe
The BoM will continue to work to make our school as safe as possible through the stringent implementation of infection control measures and by putting key safety measures in place to deal with the identified concerns and eliminate transmission risks where possible. Such measures include:

• All relevant policies and practices are in place to prevent the spread of Covid-19 in line with the Government’s “Work Safely Protocol”. Our Covid-19 Response Plan and risk assessment are our commitment to providing a safe and healthy workplace for all our staff, pupils and others who visit our school.
• A pre-return-to-work form has been completed by all staff in advance of returning to work
• You are required to complete a ‘Return to School Questionnaire’ prior to your child returning to school before returning. Please complete the form at the link attached. This will then automatically be shared with the school. A separate form is required for each child. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1hbM4ieMva8N324RXv-wnNsGMTT0dIeEe5f-PLyPeLNc/edit
• Staff and pupils who are feeling unwell have a moral imperative to stay at home and any pupils who display symptoms of any contagious illnesses will be sent home
• The concerns and needs of vulnerable and at-risk staff will be managed in line with approved policy and procedures
• Staff are being provided with all necessary PPE in accordance with identified Covid-19 exposure risks and in line with public health advice
• There is adequate Covid-19 signage on display throughout the school. Visible signage is in place that identifies general cleaning protocols, processes, and practices
• Appropriate social distancing is maintained and necessary controls are in place to reduce transmission risks (face masks, visitors restricted etc.). Appropriate dispersion measures are used at all entrances and exits
• The school will operate a staggered start and end time for school – Boys whose surname begins with letters A - L will start school at 8.50 and will leave school at 2.30. Boys whose surname begins with letters M - Z will start school at 9.00 and will leave school at 2.40. We will continue to allow boys on the bus come into school at their allocated time as agreed with Andy McCoy.
• Parents will not be allowed in the school yard – parents and pupils must retain a 2m social distance while waiting outside the school in the morning and evening. If you need to collect a child early this should be organised before hand by contacting the office. All visitors must wait outside the school while waiting to collect your child. Parents should not enter the school building under any circumstances
• All pupils will be allowed to enter either front and back gates from Monday 15th when all classes return. Boys will continue to enter the school building using the same doors.
• Please ensure that your child has new hand sanitiser with them and that they have their own supply of pens, colours and stationary as sharing will not be permitted
• Most recent advice is that pupils will not be required to wear masks – however any pupil who wishes to wear a mask may do so.
• The school maintains a log of contacts to facilitate contact tracing
• Specific procedures are in place for the reception of goods and deliveries
• Digital tools and communication systems will be used as an alternative to face-to-face meetings for the foreseeable future
• The school email will be used to keep staff, pupils and parents up-to-date with the latest public health advice and the BoM has taken swift action to implement all recommended public health measures as they are updated. Regular and transparent briefings/communications are provided to staff and parents
• Appropriate cleaning, hand washing and hygiene procedures are in place. There is also a cleaning schedule of any surfaces or equipment that is shared or used regularly by staff and pupils
• There is a plan in place as to what needs to be done if a staff member or pupil develops Covid symptoms (fever, cough, shortness of breath) while at school. All staff and pupils will be made aware of the relevant steps and procedures
• The school’s Code of Behaviour has been reviewed to include behaviours expected which are specific to Covid
• Staff and pupil safety is a priority at all times and anyone who expresses a safety concern is listened to with empathy and understanding. Health and wellbeing are at the centre of our decision making.

The BoM will continue to communicate regularly with staff and parents and we request that you keep yourself updated with all communications, giving the ever-changing nature of this pandemic. Each of us needs to take personal responsibility for our actions in relation to Covid-19 and we must all work together to ensure the safety of every child and adult in our school community. We would remind all members of the school community of the dangers of spreading this virus through congregation of groups of people. Please be mindful of this in relation to dropping off and collecting children at the school entrance.
We would also remind parents that staff engagement should be requested through the school and will be facilitated by telephone or email.
We wish to reassure you that we will listen to, and seek to resolve any safety issues that may arise or cause anxiety.
If you wish to contact the school you can do so by emailing stmaryscbsns@yahoo.ie or calling 0526121594.
 
Is mise, le meas,
Eóin Morrissey
Príomhoide