Letter to Parents 17 Aug 2020

phendrick

Dear Parents / Guardians,

 

I sincerely hope that you and your family are well and have enjoyed some of the recent good weather in advance of the return to school. You have probably been following closely much of what has been going on in the media around return to schools and wondering what it will be like in Coláiste Phobal Roscrea for 2020-21. It is our express aim to have all students back in school but there are still challenges to be overcome to achieve this.

 

In Coláiste we pride ourselves as being a school with a unique closeness between our students and our staff. However, the recently released Roadmap regarding the Return to Schools will present huge challenges for all of us who know our school building intimately. On the instruction of the Dept. of Education, the Roadmap means that we have to introduce a large number of significant changes to how we will operate as a school and there is no easy way to communicate these so I am going to list them below so that all parents are aware of the changes before your son/daughter returns to school.

 

These changes will mean education will look very different, however, please rest assured we will do our utmost to make the best of these changes, while also striving to keep everyone in our school community safe. I would encourage you to sit down and discuss the return to school and what it will be like with your son/daughter and to please try and frame the new developments for him/her in a way that should reassure him/her. There is a lot contained in this email and I would ask you to save it carefully for reference in the weeks ahead. The listed information provides details of some of the transformations we have had to make but given the uncertainty of all matters currently, there will possibly be more updates to come.

 

Parent/Guardian/Student Commitment

We ask all students and parents/guardians to consider the following points before the start of the new term:

  • Daily attendance and good punctuality at school is a requisite for high quality learning.
  • All students should present in full uniform which is neatly worn.
  • Show respect and courtesy always towards your peers, and your teachers in CPR.
  • All students should set high expectations and standards for their schoolwork.
  • Work willingly and openly with all staff to reach their personal goals.
  • In this new challenging situation any student who does not cooperate or risks the health and saftey of themselves or others will be asked immediately to go home and continue their studies via our online platforms. There is no space for horseplay or foolery this year and anyone who deviates from these new expectations will have to remove themsleves from the school.
  • Significant extra additional supervision has been implemented in the school to ensure everyone complies with whats expected of them
  • Parents / Guardians / Students need to familiarise themselves with the Symptoms of Covid-19 i.e. Fever or Chills, Cough, Shortness of breath, Fatigue, Aches and Pains. Students should immediately inform their Teacher should they experience any of these symptoms.
  • “Stay at home if unwell” Policy is in operation at Coláiste Phobal Roscrea. This means that if any student displays symptoms of Covid-19 they should stay at home. Should a student display symptoms in class, they will be immediately isolated on the school premises and the parent /guardian will be contacted to collect the student.
  • We have two isolation rooms identified on the school campus.

 

 

School payments

Please note the school is no longer accepting cash as a means of payment. We encourage parents and guardians to use our online payment system ‘Way2Pay’ which maintains an electronic record of all payments. A link will be sent to your phone from Way2Pay. If you have difficulty using this system, please contact Way2Pay on 01-5424167 or email support@way2pay.ie.

 

 

Alternatively, we can accept personal cheques, postal orders or credit union drafts. However, These must be made payable to Tipperary ETB.

 

Return to School Dates & Year Head details:

All students will receive induction and training, including specific Covid-19 safety measures, so as to help them to adjust to their new environment. Students will be supported by their Year Head and the student support team and each class will have a class tutor. Students should bring the minimum amount of materials in their school bag on their first day of return i.e. pens, copybook/refill pad. On this day they will receive their school journal and timetables.

 

 

Friday, 28th of August 9.30 – 1.00 – 1st year students only return. 6th yr Cairde’s to attend today also.

Student induction programme; Throughout the morning students will meet their year head, and their tutors. They will be getting their VSware Photo taken, getting used to their timetable and receive their books from book rental. There will also be an orientation session with their Cairde (6th yr student) so students can get to know each other. First years will not be in school again until September 7th. We need to do similar induction with each year group day by day.

Year Head: Ms. Cait Leyne

 

Monday August 31st, 6th Year Students only return

Year Head: Ms. Denise McDonnell.

 

Tuesday September 1st, – 3rd year students only return

Year Head: Ms. Joan Ward

 

 

Wednesday September 2nd  –5th year students only return

Year Head: Ms. Amanda Rice

 

Thursday September 3rd  2nd yr Students only return.

Year Head: To be confirmed.

 

Friday September 4th TY Students only return.

Year Head: Ms. Mulrooney

 

Monday 7th September – 1st, 3rd and 6th years

 

Tuesday September 8th All students back and follow timetables.

 

Reopening our School 2020:

  • For the 2020/21 Academic Year, the school building will open for students from 8.15 am only.Students will be required to use designated areas for entry before class commences. Once students enter the school, they are not permitted to leave the campus for any reason, including going to the shop.
  • Entry routes:
  • 1st, 2nd & 3rd Years – Front door via reception, hand sanitize and go to Canteen
  • TY, 5th & 6th Years – Double Doors under the bridge by room 48, hand sanitize and go to GYM
  • Additional student recreational spaces have been created at the canteen side of the college and as a result, cars cannot be driven onto the campus or past the main gates.
  • Changes to Timetable:
  • We have a new Split Timetable which facilitates physical distancing during break and lunchtimes. Junior  and Senior Timetables will have separate breaks & lunch times as follows:

 

  • All classes will now be 58 minute in duration, 6 classes per day Monday to Thursday, 5 classes Friday. No double classes. School will finish at 13:50 (senior) and 14:10(Junior) on Friday. No lunch break on Friday as buses need to start runs at this time in order to be back for their primary school runs.

 

  • Two grid system to facilitate staggered start, break and lunch This ensures only half the school is on the corridors for the change of classes or break time.
  • Senior grid to include TY, 5th, 6th.
    • Junior grid to include 1st, 2nd, 3rd and PLC.
  • Junior Day
    • Class starts 9.05, break @ 11:01 until11:16, Lunch break @ 13:12 until 13:52, Classes finish 15:48.
  • Senior Day
    • Class starts 8.45 , break @ 10:41 until10.56, Lunch break @ 12:52 until 13:32, Classes finish 15:28 .
  • Lunch areas will be restricted in order to reduce mixing between year groups. We will encourage students to use the outdoor spaces attached to our campus during break and lunchtimes on all dry days.

 

No Students will have the use of lockers this year, as                         social distancing will not be possible here.

 

  • To help students with this, as I’ve outlined, we have introduced a new timetable, with each class now 58 minutes. This will reduce the number of movements of classes and the number of books required by each student. Students will be required to bring in only the books they need and can carry in their school bags. All options to reduce the weight of school bags will be used and teachers will be using specific strategies, which promote the blended use of textbooks for homework and skills development in the classroom. We will liaise with students and teachers regarding how this is working throughout the year and communicate regarding any changes with parents.

School Cleaning & Physical Distancing:

  • All areas of the college have undergone extensive deep cleaning and maintenance during the summer. Additional cleaning will take place during the school days, concentrating on toilet areas, and touch points.
    • Additional cleaning staff have been employed and there now will be a full time cleaner on the premises every day.
  • Every possible attempt has been made to reduce class sizes and to ensure adequate physical distancing both in the classrooms and recreational spaces. Having created a full new arrangement of the timetable and rooming allocations in recent weeks we know that we have done the very best with the resources and capacity that we have.
  • Face coverings:
  • All classrooms will be set up for physical distance of 1 meter between students/staff and one another. Where this is not possible students will be required to wear facial covering (Faceguard or Mask) especially for practical subjects such as Home Ec, Wood, Metal, Art or Science etc.
  • It will be mandatory for all members of the school community to wear facial covering while travelling on school corridors as it will not be possible to maintain a 1m physical distance in spite of various strategies being introduced to ease the flow of ‘traffic’.
  • All students will be required to have a face guard or mask with them and stored in a clear plastic bag for hygiene reasons. While perhaps not mandatory in most classrooms, students will have permission to wear them if they wish. Teachers may ask students to wear their masks when they feel it is necessary to do so.
  • Students will be assigned seating in classes by the teacher and must adhere to this.
  • Corrections and assessment:
  • Copybooks will not be collected for now, students will take a photo of work completed and email or submit it on MS Teams to their teacher. Each year group will receive training in the use of their MS Teams account.
  • Included in the student school charges this year is the Microsoft office suite of programs. As a student of CPR your son /daughter will receive their own email address and password. They will be trained in its use and setup. They will also as part of this be given the access to all these programs and they can download them to 5 devices at home. There will be no photocopying / handouts provided this year. Resources will be shared with students via their digital MS Teams account.
  • Access to IT at home: while we are preparing for a return to school we also need to be prepared for homeschooling, therefore we will be training all students in use of MS Teams and their education suite of resources.

 

 

          Communication systems and supports at the college:

 

There will be much more information available in the       coming weeks, but it should be noted that the safe and          successful return to school will be dependent on the        support and co-operation of parents, guardians, staff and           students. The most critical part of managing the risks of COVID-19 in schools is to do everything practical to avoid the introduction of COVID-19 into the school.

  • VSWare: please use your username and password to access to our school’s VSWare platform. Timetables will be available to view on VSWare in the days before your son’s/daughter’s return to school.
  • Students and staff will use the MSTeams platform at the college as part of their learning and skills development.

 

  • Digital Calendars: We maintain a live calendar of school dates, events and activities, which is very useful also for parents as the year progresses. This can be found on the school website and may be updated as the situation unfolds.
  • Contacting us: The office and school will only be open via pre arranged appointment to parents and visitors this year. Please phone the office if you require an appointment.

 

 

 

  • Attendance

Whilst normally we encourage full attendance in school,                    this year we will be operating “Stay at home if unwell”                Policy at Coláiste Phobal Roscrea. This means that if any             student displays symptoms of Covid-19 they    should stay at           home. Should a student display symptoms in class, they           will be immediately isolated on the school premises and                    the parent /guardian will be contacted         to collect the                          student.

 

Similarly, if your student has a medical / dental or other              appointment this year, please keep them at home for the               full day. This is to minimize sign in / sign out and entry of                visitors to the school.

 

If you are called to the school to collect your son/daughter,               please remain in your car and phone reception to say you                    are outside. Your details and that of your child will be                          verified before your child is    released. You will then                         give permission to reception to sign out your child.

 

The office is not manned at break or lunch so no sign                outs can occur at this time.

 

  • Most contact with staff will be done over the phone this year. We will be limiting external visitors to the school.
  • Email and phone details: Please contact the school office if you have changed your email or contact phone number. Parents must also provide an emergency contact number of someone who will be available to collect their son/daughter from school if he/she is unwell.
  • In addition to our Year Head supports the following personnel are available to and form part of our student support team.

 

  • Career Guidance Counsellor: Ms. Leyne & Mr. O’Brien

School Chaplain:  Fr. Kenny

Additional Needs Coordinator: Ms. Ormond

Student Support team: Above personnel along with Ms. McDonnell, Ms. O’Gorman, Mr. Flynn & Mr. O’ Connor

 

I know that the changes outlined in this letter are significant but rest assured that our focus has been on ensuring that the doors of the college reopen for the 2020/21 academic year whilst maintaining our delivery of excellence in education for each Coláiste Phobal Student.

 

That being said, there is a huge responsibility being placed on us both as educators, and parents and we do have a collective duty to look after the educational, emotional, mental and social wellbeing of our students. We will no doubt need to tweak and modify our routines further once students arrive back in the building and see what further improvements can be made on our current plans.

 

The year will present many challenges for our school community and it will be important that we are understanding as a school community and adhere to the new world order.

 

There are always opportunities that arise from challenges and while I am concerned about what lies ahead because it involves huge changes, I am also optimistic because I know the students, staff and parents within our school and that we will all try our very best to make this work and to mind each other.

 

 

I also appreciate that this is a huge amount of information to take on board and I realise that many parents and students will have concerns. However, I am appealing that you give us time to try and arrange everything for our reopening at the moment, so if there are questions or queries it is not that we are ignoring them it is just we simply do not have time to reply to everything at the moment.

 

This will be a challenge and school will be different but we will do what Coláiste Phobal Roscrea has done for the previous 20 years and that is to protect, mind and guide our students and help them to learn and prepare for life.

 

Kind regards,

 

Michael O’ Connor

Principal.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Covid-19 Specific Information

  • Just a reminder if your son/daughter has or has had to travel abroad to a country that is not on the green list he/she must self-isolate for 14 days on return and under no circumstances can he/she return to the school building.
  • If your son/daughter is returning from a country that is on the green list it is advised that he/she return home a week in advance of school commencement and be symptom free.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

COVID-19 RETURN TO SCHOOL SAFELY INDUCTION FOR STUDENTS
GENERAL
Name: Date of Return to School:
·  CPR has set forth new measures designed to minimise of risk of Covid-19 in the school. Covid-19 Response Plan is available to all parents / guardians from the school website and has been developed to address the risk of Covid-19. It outlines the measures we are committed to implementing in addressing these risks.

·  Parents / Guardians / Students need to familiarise themselves with the Symptoms of Covid-19 i.e. Fever or Chills, Cough, Shortness of breath, Fatigue, Aches and Pains. Students should immediately inform their Teacher should they experience any of these symptoms.

·  Covid-19 Self Declaration Form must be completed at least 3 days in advance of returning to school. This form shall seek confirmation that the student has no symptoms of COVID-19 and also confirm that the student is not self-isolating or awaiting the results of a COVID-19 test.

·  “Stay at home if unwell” Policy is in operation at Colaiste Phobal Roscrea. This means that if any student displays symptoms of Covid-19 they should stay at home. Should a student display symptoms in class, they will be immediately isolated on the school premises and the parent /guardian will be contacted to collect the student.

·  Classrooms – Teacher based classrooms are in operation. The timetable will be hour long classes to minimise student movements.

·  Student Lockers will not be available– students are advised to bring copybooks to school.

·  Cleaning – We will see increased cleaning schedules from the start of the new school year. Cleaners will now start earlier and will focus on sanitising touch points i.e. handrails, door handles, in addition to our normal schedule of cleaning.

·  Hygiene – Students are expected to wash hands thoroughly for 20 seconds using hot water and soap at various points throughout the school day i.e. before and after each break.

·  PPE Packs – will be available in each classroom comprising of Hand Sanitiser, Disposable Gloves & Face Masks (for those presenting with symptoms).

·  Hand Sanitising Stations are located as follows – All Student Entrances, Outside each toilet block, Outside the staff room door, In each classroom, In all meeting areas, Additional drums of sanitising wipes are located in the practical rooms i.e. to ensure desks, tables, equipment etc. are cleaned down at the start and end of each class and when sharing equipment between students. They should be used throughout the day. Students are asked to bring their own sanitiser also. Students are advised to not (either intentionally or accidentally) ingest hand sanitiser.

·  Respiratory Etiquette – Students are reminded to cover their nose and mouth when sneezing / coughing. Used tissues should be discarded immediately in the nearest available waste bin. Cups, bottles, pens are not to be shared.

·  Contact Tracing Log – VS Ware is in operation for the detection and isolation of close contacts of a suspected / confirmed case of Covid-19. It will be the primary tool used for retrospectively tracing movements of students.

·  Only authorised personnel allowed in the building i.e. those who have filled out the Covid-19 Self Declaration Form. Visitors to the school are now by appointment only. Students should now bring with them what they need to school each morning.

·  Collecting students from school – Parents / guardians are asked to not come to the reception when collecting a student. They should phone the school office, indicate that they are in the car park to collect the student. The secretary will sign the sign out book as confirmation and then let the student leave.

·  Social Distancing is important – Maintain at least 2 metres between you and anyone else where at all possible.

·  Use of PPE – we will follow the latest Public Health Advice regarding use of Face Masks in Colaiste Phobal Roscrea.

·  Water Dispensers / Fountains have been disconnected as a key control measure in preventing the transmission of the Covid-19 in the school. Students are expected to bring their own water to school each day.

·  Blended Learning Plan – as the Covid-19 crisis continues to evolve, Colaiste Phobal Roscrea will take appropriate steps to safeguard our school community. This may see a return to distance learning / blended learning environment using   Microsoft office teams and other technologies. We will provide more information if / when this is likely in the school.

·  If you or a student develops Covid-19 Symptoms in school the procedure is as follows:

·  Provide the suspected case with a mask and disposable gloves from the PPE Pack in each classroom. Suspected Case shall wear the mask at all times up until they leave the school premises.

·  Accompany the suspected case to the First aid room (the primary isolation room) or where already occupied the Waiting Room (opposite reception) (the secondary isolation room) keeping at least 2 metres distance at all times.

·  Arrange transport home or to hospital for medical assessment. Public transport of any kind should not be used.

·  Suspected Case shall avoid touching people, surfaces and objects so far as is reasonably possible.

·  Suspected Case should cover their mouth and nose with disposable tissue provided when they cough or sneeze and put the tissue in the waste bag provided.

·  Once the suspected case has left the premises, appropriate cleaning of the isolation area and classrooms will take place.

·  Colaiste Phobal Roscrea will provide assistance if contacted by the HSE.
 

SIGNATURE: ……………………………………………………                                       DATE COMPLETED: …………………………………………

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

COVID-19 RETURN TO SCHOOL SAFELY INDUCTION FOR STUDENTS
GENERAL
Name: Date of Return to School:
·  CPR has set forth new measures designed to minimise of risk of Covid-19 in the school. Covid-19 Response Plan is available to all parents / guardians from the school website and has been developed to address the risk of Covid-19. It outlines the measures we are committed to implementing in addressing these risks.

·  Parents / Guardians / Students need to familiarise themselves with the Symptoms of Covid-19 i.e. Fever or Chills, Cough, Shortness of breath, Fatigue, Aches and Pains. Students should immediately inform their Teacher should they experience any of these symptoms.

·  Covid-19 Self Declaration Form must be completed at least 3 days in advance of returning to school. This form shall seek confirmation that the student has no symptoms of COVID-19 and also confirm that the student is not self-isolating or awaiting the results of a COVID-19 test.

·  “Stay at home if unwell” Policy is in operation at Colaiste Phobal Roscrea. This means that if any student displays symptoms of Covid-19 they should stay at home. Should a student display symptoms in class, they will be immediately isolated on the school premises and the parent /guardian will be contacted to collect the student.

·  Classrooms – Teacher based classrooms are in operation. The timetable will be hour long classes to minimise student movements.

·  Student Lockers will not be available– students are advised to bring copybooks to school.

·  Cleaning – We will see increased cleaning schedules from the start of the new school year. Cleaners will now start earlier and will focus on sanitising touch points i.e. handrails, door handles, in addition to our normal schedule of cleaning.

·  Hygiene – Students are expected to wash hands thoroughly for 20 seconds using hot water and soap at various points throughout the school day i.e. before and after each break.

·  PPE Packs – will be available in each classroom comprising of Hand Sanitiser, Disposable Gloves & Face Masks (for those presenting with symptoms).

·  Hand Sanitising Stations are located as follows – All Student Entrances, Outside each toilet block, Outside the staff room door, In each classroom, In all meeting areas, Additional drums of sanitising wipes are located in the practical rooms i.e. to ensure desks, tables, equipment etc. are cleaned down at the start and end of each class and when sharing equipment between students. They should be used throughout the day. Students are asked to bring their own sanitiser also. Students are advised to not (either intentionally or accidentally) ingest hand sanitiser.

·  Respiratory Etiquette – Students are reminded to cover their nose and mouth when sneezing / coughing. Used tissues should be discarded immediately in the nearest available waste bin. Cups, bottles, pens are not to be shared.

·  Contact Tracing Log – VS Ware is in operation for the detection and isolation of close contacts of a suspected / confirmed case of Covid-19. It will be the primary tool used for retrospectively tracing movements of students.

·  Only authorised personnel allowed in the building i.e. those who have filled out the Covid-19 Self Declaration Form. Visitors to the school are now by appointment only. Students should now bring with them what they need to school each morning.

·  Collecting students from school – Parents / guardians are asked to not come to the reception when collecting a student. They should phone the school office, indicate that they are in the car park to collect the student. The secretary will sign the sign out book as confirmation and then let the student leave.

·  Social Distancing is important – Maintain at least 2 metres between you and anyone else where at all possible.

·  Use of PPE – we will follow the latest Public Health Advice regarding use of Face Masks in Colaiste Phobal Roscrea.

·  Water Dispensers / Fountains have been disconnected as a key control measure in preventing the transmission of the Covid-19 in the school. Students are expected to bring their own water to school each day.

·  Blended Learning Plan – as the Covid-19 crisis continues to evolve, Colaiste Phobal Roscrea will take appropriate steps to safeguard our school community. This may see a return to distance learning / blended learning environment using   Microsoft office teams and other technologies. We will provide more information if / when this is likely in the school.

·  If you or a student develops Covid-19 Symptoms in school the procedure is as follows:

·  Provide the suspected case with a mask and disposable gloves from the PPE Pack in each classroom. Suspected Case shall wear the mask at all times up until they leave the school premises.

·  Accompany the suspected case to the First aid room (the primary isolation room) or where already occupied the Waiting Room (opposite reception) (the secondary isolation room) keeping at least 2 metres distance at all times.

·  Arrange transport home or to hospital for medical assessment. Public transport of any kind should not be used.

·  Suspected Case shall avoid touching people, surfaces and objects so far as is reasonably possible.

·  Suspected Case should cover their mouth and nose with disposable tissue provided when they cough or sneeze and put the tissue in the waste bag provided.

·  Once the suspected case has left the premises, appropriate cleaning of the isolation area and classrooms will take place.

·  Colaiste Phobal Roscrea will provide assistance if contacted by the HSE.
 

SIGNATURE: ……………………………………………………                                                DATE COMPLETED: …………………………………………