Dear Parent/Carer,
It has now been confirmed that all P1-3 pupils will return to in school education from Monday 22nd February 2021. Home learning will continue for almost all pupils in P4-7.
The First Minister was quite clear in her announcement that the return to school for P1-3 pupils did not signal a wider easing of restrictions and the ‘stay at home’ message remains very much in place. For employees and employers there is still a legal obligation for working at home, where possible, to facilitate the continued home learning for almost all P4-7 pupils. Therefore there is no expectation that P4-7 pupils, other than those already identified, will return to school at this time.
The return of the P1-3 pupils will be monitored over the next few weeks to assess the impact on community transmission of the new more infectious variants. It is vital, as a school community, we do all in our power to minimise the opportunities for transmission and keep everyone associated with our school as safe as possible. In doing this we have the best chance to see our P4-7 pupils return soon (possible date 15th March).
As our P1-3 pupils start to return the COVID-19 mitigations that were in place before we broke up in December will continue.
Strict social distancing protocols for adults remain in place. We would request that only one adult per family accompanies our P1-3 pupils. Adults are still required to wear a face-covering when on the school premises, including the playground. Once you have dropped your child off we ask that you leave the playground and do not stand and chat with other adults.
Pupils can arrive at school from 8.45 a.m when the doors will be open. Pupils should go straight to their classroom and wash their hands in preparation for a 9.00 a.m. start.
Class bubbles, increased hygiene measures and staggered breaks will remain in place. Lunch will be 12.00-12.45 or 12.45-1.30. Please inform the office if your child intends to go home for lunch.
There is no requirement for social distancing between Primary School pupils but pupils and adults will continue to stay 2m distance.
The school will continue to provide all resources needed by pupils therefore there is no need for pupils to bring anything from home. As increased ventilation is still in place, it is a good idea for pupils to wear layers as the temperature may fluctuate throughout the day. Learning outdoors will continue to feature so wet weather gear remains a requirement.
P1 pupils and any siblings will leave from 3.00 p.m. This will be followed by bus pupils at 3.10 p.m and the remainder of P2,3 and P4-7 hub pupils at 3.15 p.m.
At the end of the day we would again ask that, if pick up is required, only one adult per family comes to collect. If it is necessary to enter the playground, please stand well back from the school building. Please do not stand within 2m of adults from another household. The outdoor play equipment is out of use as we have no control over who has used it out with school hours. Please do not let pupils or younger siblings use this before or after school for health and safety reasons.
As pupils do not need to distance from each other please let those who are making their own way home leave through the gates first. Family groups that include an adult should maintain a 2m distance from each other as they leave.
By sticking to the protocols we have the best chance of keeping everyone within our community safe and transmission rates low. This also gives us the best chance of welcoming our P4-7 pupils back at the earliest opportunity.
Once again, thank you for your continued support during this very difficult period. If you have any questions or require any additional supports please do not hesitate to get in touch.
