Covid Safety Procedures Jan 2021

Covid cases are now higher than at any time since the pandemic began and the risk of transmitting the infection is three times higher.

If we are allowed to reopen the schools on Jan 11th it will require even stricter measures than we have had to date in order to keep our students, staff and families as safe as possible. Your help is needed in supporting our new safety measures.

Between now and the return to school please, please, please observe the recommended isolation at home to ensure that nobody is bringing infection into the school.  There should be no visits between households over the coming week - except for care needs.  Please discuss the safety procedures below with your son or daughter before return to school.  We will do everything to protect them but we need your help and support

WE CAN STAY SAFE IF THESE ARE OBSERVED

PUNCTUALITY  We need to be able to close the school door with all corridors empty at 9.am.  Classes start at 8.50 so this is allowing 10 minutes

TOILET BREAKS.  Except in emergency situations toilets should not be used during class time as these are danger areas for the transmission of infection.  Cleaning and disinfection schedules for toilets are planned around their use at break time.

DISTANCE We know how difficult it is for young people to observe safe distance but it is a regulation we have to insist on.  Travelling between classes, during break time, going to and from school this has to be observed.  Being too close is our biggest danger

LOCKERS  We will still try to operate the use of lockers but NEVER during class time as corridors have to be empty for safety reasons.

MASKS.  Masks must be worn at all times.  Teachers will continue to allow mask breaks where students may go outside periodically throughout the day.

END OF DAY Students will be released at end of day in 3 minute intervals between years (beginning with first years at 3.32pm)

HAND SANITISERS  Hand sanitisers are placed outside all classrooms and entry points.  They must continue to be used regularly throughout the day.  Sanitising wipes are used on desks at the beginning and end of each class.

VISITORS  Sorry, whether it’s forgotten books or forms to be signed please do not call to the school during the school day.  Please use post, email or phone where possible.  Student attendance, exam results, explaining absences, etc can all be checked and messages sent through our Vsware app.

PHYSICAL CONTACT  Maintaining a social distance throughout the day is important.  Students who have to be repeatedly reminded about this behaviour will be sent home in the interests of safety.

FOOD  Food (individually wrapped) will continue to be provided daily.  While eating students must maintain 2m distance as maska are removed.  We have installed several picnic benches in the courtyard which are the safest option if the weather allows.

WATER BOTTLES In the first few days after our return we will be promoting individual water bottles which students should fill at home.  This prevents cross contamination at taps or drinking fountains and eliminates the current waste where all students are provided with individual plastic bottles of water daily.

CLASS SIZE  All classes are of 24 or less in rooms which allow a 1m distance.  Special arrangements exist in practical subjects.

ONE WAY SYSTEM  We will continue with our one way system in the school corridors.  This allows students to maintain safe distance in the corridors without running into others coming in the opposite direction

ARRIVING AND LEAVING: Arriving and leaving school students are asked to observe the same safety procedures as in the school building (masks, distance,sanitising)

ONLINE MATERIAL  We will continue to deliver as much material as possible online - even within the school building.  Every student has access to a Chromebook either through providing their own or through our rental scheme.  This diminishes the amount of paper, copies and books.

AFTER SCHOOL STUDY Teachers have arranged after school study for LC students only which finishes at 5.30pm

USE OF SCHOOL  Outside of daytime class activities the school premises are not in use for any other activity.  Pitches, outdoor gym, astro pitch, cinema are not available.

It is also vital that we all follow the full lockdown procedures until the end of January or as long as recommended.  Our safety and the lives of many of our loved ones depend on it.  

Thank you for your help in keeping us safe so far.

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