On Fri 31st Dec, the Education Minister published through various media channels, revised school reopening plans for the beginning of term. Due to the unprecedented levels of positive Covid-19 tests since Christmas, he has announced that schools will not reopen for face to face teaching until Mon 11th Jan, instead, pupils will be taught remotely until this time. As our date of return was to be Jan 7th and an additional day has been granted by DE, work will be provided to all pupils via Seesaw on Fri 8th Jan. The Minister has asked that supervision be provided for the children of key workers. A child of a key worker has been described as a child for whom both parents (or parent in the case of a single parent family) is a key worker, with no other safe alternative. DE have stated children who qualify as children of key workers will be in the school building for 'supervised learning' and not 'face-to-face teaching'. Should you feel your child(ren) fall into this category and you wish them to be supervised in school on Fri 8th Jan, please email info@stjohns.gilford.ni.sch.uk to request such by 12 noon on Mon 4th Jan. Please note the request must include the category of key worker that each parent falls into.
Whilst this is not the news we had hoped for, we must do all in our power to ensure guidance is adhered to, and the safety of our whole school community is paramount. There is no doubt we have all faced many difficulties and challenges throughout this year and we can only remain hopeful that things will improve soon.
Wishing you and your families a safe, healthy and peaceful New Year and we pray that normality can safely resume soon. Should any further communication be issued, we will be in touch again.
We thank you for your patience and understanding.
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