Back to School!

Dear Parent/Guardian, Tuesday 31st August 2021

I hope you and your family are well and have had an enjoyable summer. School will open
tomorrow Wednesday 1st September for all pupils. Children may enter the school from 8:45
a.m. onwards. Primary 1 pupils can if they so wish start school at 9:30 a.m. on the first few
days. To return to school safely for all pupils, staff and parents please read the following
guidance, this must be adhered to strictly for the safety of the whole school community.

Morning Drop Off

 Only Primary 1 and Primary 2 pupils may be walked to their external classroom door. No other
adults may enter the school grounds unless they have business at the school office.
 Follow the directions for entering the school all adults exiting the school must do so at Gate 1.
 Primary 1 2,3 and & Primary 4 pupils are to enter through Gate 2.
 Primary 5,6 and 7 pupils are to enter through Gate 3.
 All pupils are to make their way around the exterior of the school and enter the school at
their classroom outdoor entrance.
 Pupils must sanitize their hands on entering the school building at the stations provided or
use their own personal product.
 The school will be open from 8:45 a.m. for all pupils.
 We would encourage as many pupils to walk/cycle to school as possible to minimise the
traffic at the school. Alternatively, pupils should be dropped off at the far side of the ‘Blue
Bridge’ and walk from there. We do not encourage anyone to drop off at the ‘Maxol’ as this is
a place of business and not a drop off zone for our school.
 Gate 1 can only be used as an entrance for pupils using the ‘Blue Bridge’ as their drop off
point.
 Parents dropping off inside the school grounds must not exit their cars.
 Early morning provision 8:00a.m. – 8:45 a.m. We are able to facilitate this in a limited
capacity. This must be booked through the ParentPay App.

School Day

 Pupils must wear a full clean school uniform.
 Children should bring a coat to school for outdoor play and break time.
 School bags & pencil cases may be brought to school. Please label all property belonging to
your child.
 Please provide footwear for outside play that can remain in school for the foreseeable future.
 Break times and lunch times will be staggered throughout the day.
 The school canteen will be available for anyone wishing to book a meal through ParentPay
App.
 Lunch should be brought to school in a lunch box, all packaging should be returned home.
Food waste can be disposed of at school.
 Children will be encouraged to wash and sanitize their hands on a regular basis throughout
the day.

Afternoon Pick Up

 Adults should stand back from the gates and socially distance themselves from others. Please
do not congregate in groups, adhere to the government guidance.
 Inform your child where you intend to be for pick up.
 Encourage older pupils to cycle/walk independently home.
 Primary 1 pupils will be picked up at 2:00 p.m. Miss Wade’s Class from Gate 1. Mrs Quinn’s
class from Gate 2.
 Primary 2 pupils will be picked up at 2:00 p.m. Mrs Hueston’s from Gate 3 (Parents stand to
the right of the gate as you face the school.). Miss Simpson’s from Gate 3. (Parents stand to
the left of the gate as you face the school.)
 Primary 3 pupils use Gate 1 at 3:00 p.m.
 Primary 4 pupils use Gate 2 at 3:00 p.m.
 Primary 5 pupils use Gate 2 at 3:00 p.m.
 Primary 6 pupils use Gate 3 at 3:00 p.m.
 Primary 7 pupils use Gate 3 at 3:00 p.m.
 Children being picked up at the far side of the ‘Blue Bridge’ will use Gate 1. There will be a
member of staff there to ensure that they are collected. If you are running late, your child will
be returned to school and remain at the front office until collection.
The 2:00 -3:00 club will run as normal but must be pre-booked, the after school club will also run from
3:00 – 5:00 but must be pre-booked. All children must be collected before 5:00 p.m.
Your child at school.

IF YOUR CHILD IS DISPLAYING ANY COVID-19 SYMPTONS THEY MUST NOT ATTEND
SCHOOL.

 Before the restart talk to your child about the importance of washing and sanitising
hands on a regular basis.
 We will be trying to minimise the touching of hard surfaces therefore where possible
doors will remain open during the day.
 Your child must remain in the ‘Bubble’ of their own class, unfortunately they cannot
mix with pupils from other classes.
 If they complain at school of feeling unwell their temperature will be taken and
parents will be contacted immediately.
 It is important that all contact details are amended at the school office if there has
been changes to telephone numbers, home address etc. during the summer months.
 A more detailed guidance for parents is available on the Department of Education
website. www.education-ni.gov.uk
 Parents are advised to check their child’s Google Classroom as updates will be posted
there. Last year’s classes will be updated ASAP.

I hope that this helps in some way towards planning for the restart to school. Please be
assured of our commitment to your child’s safety and education. As restrictions ease, parents
will be notified of any changes.

Yours Faithfully
Daniel Mc Laughlin