Letter from Mrs. Slattery regarding level 5 restrictions
October 20th 2020
Dear Parent/Guardian,
I am writing to you today, following the Government’s announcement to bring the country to Level 5 restrictions. We are aware that this will have significant impact on so many families.
We are pleased that schools have been categorised as an ‘essential service’. We will continue to maintain the advised standards on Social Distancing along with the frequent hand washing and sanitising.
We ask parents to continue to follow the HSE advice.
When to keep your child at home and phone your GP (source HSE website)
Do not send your child to school or childcare if any of the following is true.
- a temperature of 38 degrees Celsius or more
- any other common symptoms of COVID-19 - a new cough, loss or changed sense of taste or smell, or shortness of breath
- been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19
- been living with someone who is unwell and may have COVID-19
- an existing breathing condition that has recently got worse
We remind you that any child with symptoms of Covid 19 should not be sent to school and medical advice should be sought. Any child showing these symptoms, without medical clearance, will be sent home as a matter of precaution.
We ask parents and guardians not to congregate outside the school in the morning or at home time. Parents are not permitted in the school without an appointment. Any parent who needs to visit the school for an urgent reason is asked to wear a mask, sign in, fill in the required paperwork and to stay outside the marked area in the reception hall.
A sincere thank you to all parents who have followed these guidelines and who are co-operating well with the school on an ongoing basis. It is understandable that Level 5 restrictions have increased worries for families relating to the spread of Covid19. These restrictions are in place to try to reduce the numbers of infections. In the event of a confirmed Covid 19 case in the school, we will follow the HSE advice. In many schools a confirmed case has only affected the class involved and the remainder of the school community has remained open. This virus could be with us for a long time. We are being advised to adapt school procedures so that schools can remain open. We are learning to live with this situation as best we can. We are hoping parents will continue to work with us, following guidelines and adhering to HSE advice. Please do not hesitate to contact the school, if you have any concerns.
Kind Regards,
Valerie Slattery,
Principal