Updated November 2020:
Our return to school has gone very smoothly and safely. New routines are now firmly embedded and going very well. Thanks to parents/guardians for their patience and understanding in the settling in period over the past number of weeks. We have taken great care to ensure that our pupils and staff are safe. Sanitisers are in all classrooms and children wash and sanitise their hands at appropriate times throughout the day. All staff wear face masks and they sanitise surfaces as they go. We have seated our children in Pods and divided our yard into class 'bubbles'. Our cleaners are working extra hours each day and all commonly touched surfaces are cleaned at regular intervals throughout the day.
All of these measures will help us stay open but we have to emphasise the fact that there are so many factors outside of our control. Please continue to follow the Government guidelines. We all have to work together to keep our school open.
We would appreciate if parents would remember the following:
Our return to school has gone very smoothly and safely. New routines are now firmly embedded and going very well. Thanks to parents/guardians for their patience and understanding in the settling in period over the past number of weeks. We have taken great care to ensure that our pupils and staff are safe. Sanitisers are in all classrooms and children wash and sanitise their hands at appropriate times throughout the day. All staff wear face masks and they sanitise surfaces as they go. We have seated our children in Pods and divided our yard into class 'bubbles'. Our cleaners are working extra hours each day and all commonly touched surfaces are cleaned at regular intervals throughout the day.
All of these measures will help us stay open but we have to emphasise the fact that there are so many factors outside of our control. Please continue to follow the Government guidelines. We all have to work together to keep our school open.
We would appreciate if parents would remember the following:
- Please communicate all relevant Covid related information to us
- If your child or anyone in your household has been tested and is awaiting results or is displaying symptoms, then please keep your daughter at home until you receive a negative result and they are symptom free
- All information will be treated in confidence and appropriate measures will be taken following HSE advice.
| covid_19_response_plan_for_the_safe_re-opening_of_schools.pdf |
| st._josephs_gns_covid-19_policy_statement.pdf |
| letter_to_parents_re_return_to_school.pdf |
| re-opening_information.pdf |
| new_procedures.pdf |
| what_do_i_need_to_know.docx.pdf |
Here are some tips for talking to children about Coronavirus (Visit www.hse.ie for up to date info)
- Children need factual but age- appropriate information about the virus and clear instructions about how to avoid spreading it
- Very young children need brief, simple information. Older children may need help to separate reality from rumour
- Re-assure your child that the Government are working hard to ensure everyone stays healthy
- Children can feel less anxious and more in control when they know what they need to do to prevent the spread of the virus
- Give your child extra attention and time to talk about her concerns or fears or questions
- Limit the amount of time your child has on social media. Too much time reading information online can cause anxiety and not all of the information is true.
- Avoid constantly monitoring the news or discussing the updates.
- Encourage children to continue with their schoolwork but don't push them if they seem upset or overwhelmed.
- Try to keep a normal routine each day. Get out for some fresh air but remember the guidelines about social distancing.
