Letter to Parents 15th October 2021: Opening/Closing Times Update

Dear Parents/Guardians,

I would like to take this opportunity to say a big thank you and well done to everyone. The children are well and truly settled back into school routines. It’s great to see their happy, smiling faces each morning as they come into school. The weeks are flying by, and our mid-term break is drawing near.

From Monday the 1st of November, we will return to our normal opening and closing times:

Pupils arrive at school: 08.40 – 08.50.

School Day Begins: 08.50

School Day Ends: 13.30 (Junior & Senior Infants) /14.30 (1st – 6th Class)

School gates will open at 8.40 and children will enter the school grounds independently and walk directly into their classes where they will be supervised.

At 1.30 (Infant) classes and at 2.30 (1st to 6th) classes will be accompanied to their dismissal point for collection by their class teachers. I am attaching a plan for these dismissal points and waiting areas with this communication. Class teachers will be familiarising their pupils with these new routines in the coming days.

We feel that this plan will allow for the swift movement of the children into their classrooms in the mornings and it will also avoid gathering at the gates in the morning which is the current situation. It will also ensure that there is an ease of drop-off and collection for Parents/guardians with one drop off and one collection time.

During the school day we will continue with staggered breaks, designated play zones, a one-way system and all current infection prevention and control measures in place in school.

We ask that all adults continue to wear masks while on the school grounds and while waiting to collect children.

Your co-operation is greatly appreciated. Working together we can ensure a smooth and safe return to our normal times.

Again, a big thank you to you all for your support and co-operation. If you have any questions/queries, please email office@stmarysnscobh.com or ring 021-4812038.

Warmest regards

Noelle Lane

(Principal)