We hope you all had a good mid-term break and found time to relax and re-charge.
With effect from Monday 28th Feb., the restrictions that we have had in schools, relating to masks and social distancing, are being eased. We, at Presentation Community College, will continue to be mindful of the health and safety of all members of our school community, and draw your attention to the following guidelines for our return:
Wearing of masks
At this point, in preparation for the return to school, the most significant change for us is that it is no longer mandatory for staff and students to wear masks. We are conscious that this will be a challenging change for some staff and students, who have continued concerns around Covid, their own health and that of family members. Staff and students may by all means wear a mask if they so wish, and it is important that we respect the decisions of colleagues and students around this. Students are advised to wear masks on public transport.
Staggered break and lunch-times
We will not be changing current arrangements. The system we have in place is working well and has merits in light of the decreased area of space available to students for recreation during breaks.
Social distancing:
(i) Early morning : Before tutor time for students: Students will no longer have to leave the Study Hall/ Meeting Hall at 8.25am and go to base classrooms. They should remain in both halls until the 8.40am bell and make their way to tutor classroom for 8.45am. This means that students will not have to sit 1 meter apart from each other in the meeting/study halls before the start of the school day.
(ii) In classrooms and lunch halls during break/lunch times: We will review current arrangements during the week and relay any updates to students, parents and guardians.
(iii) Max 2 students in the toilets: We will continue with this arrangement
Infection prevention is still extremely important. We will continue with our hand hygiene protocols and are asking students and staff to continue to sanitize hands at the sanitizing stations on entering/exiting the school, classrooms, halls and toilets.
Sanitizing of desks and hall tables will remain and we will continue to be mindful of good ventilation in classrooms and all around the school building.
Public health guidance
As per the Government Information note to schools last week, “the requirement to stay at home if you have symptoms remains – for students and staff alike. One of the key messages to manage the risks of COVID-19 is to do everything practical to avoid the introduction of COVID-19 into the school. If infection is not introduced it cannot be spread.”
I hope that this notice answers any queries or concerns you might have about returning to school tomorrow. Should you have any further concerns, please email [email protected]
Regards,
Á. Mulderrig, Principal