Letter from Mrs. Slattery
St Oliver’s N.S
Clonmel.
3rd September 2020
Dear Parent/Guardian,
An extra special welcome back to school this September! It is wonderful to hear the
sounds of children playing in the yard again and back where they belong in school.
A special thanks to you all for adhering to restrictions at the school gate for drop-off
and collection time-the system in place, for the most while, seems to be working well.
We have added slight tweaks to the system as needs have arisen and will continue
to do so. School staff are providing extra supervision, both in the morning and at
staggered break times, to facilitate a safer arrival plan and also to support smaller
numbers in the yard. As a result of this, we are able to keep each Bubble (Class)
separate on the yard. Sincere thanks to all as we work together to reduce risks for
the children of St. Oliver’s School, during this pandemic.
As we approach the usual winter period-laden down with illness, I ask parents to
remember that seeking medical advice and Covid tests, will no doubt become very
common. We need to try to remember, it may be your family today, but it will be
another family in the coming days, weeks and months. Thankfully, the majority of
tests are coming back as negative results!
Covid Reminders for parents:
If your child shows any symptoms, including fever, new cough, shortness of
breath, breathing difficulties, or loss or change to their sense of smell or taste,
they should not attend school. Please seek medical advice.
It is a requirement for anyone coming into Ireland, from locations other than
those with a rating of ‘normal precautions’ (“green”), to restrict their
movements for 14 days, and this includes school staff, parents and children or
other students coming from abroad to attend school in Ireland. Restricting
your movements means staying indoors in one location and avoiding contact
with other people and social situations as much as possible.
Children will still get regular illness this year and will need to be at home in
these circumstances also. The school is very respectful of this and childhood
illness remains as such, unless we hear of any positive Covid Test.
Please remind your child the importance of correct handwashing and
sanitising procedures along with good respiratory etiquette-essential elements
to reducing risk of infection. Following new Covid rules are very important
and breaches of these rules will be dealt with under our Code of Behaviour.
St Oliver’s N.S
Clonmel.
Usual Reminders for Parents:
There is still money outstanding for the book loan scheme, art and craft and
school insurance etc., as outlined on your child’s booklist. These funds are
essential to allow for the effective running of the school and the continuation
of the book loan scheme. Online options have not been ruled out, but will
take longer to establish. Please inform your teacher, if you wish to make an
online payment. Please contact school office, class teacher or H.S.C.L
teacher, if you have any questions relating to this payment
Please ensure school uniform is worn and hair is tied up. Please
remember to put your child’s name on their jumpers and coats. It is impossible
to trace missing items if they are not labelled.
Lunches and drinks must adhere to our Healthy Eating Policy. A small treat is
allowed on a Friday-please help us to follow this rule. Treats coming to
school on any other day, will be put back into school bags and returned home.
Breakfast Club, School Lunches and Homework Club is still suspended until
further notice. Please encourage your child to get outside in the evenings for
lots of fresh air and to keep reading!! Reading is a wonderful skill and so
important to support your child’s learning.
Thank you all for making our first week back in school a success. Please keep in
touch with school, despite the restrictions on visiting the premises-communication
is still very accessible and always welcome.
Kind Regards,
Valerie Slattery
Principal
