Wednesday 11th March 2020
Dear Parent/Carer
We continue to monitor the developing situation in relation to COVID-19 (Coronavirus) and are following advice from the Public Health Agency (https://www.publichealth.hscni.net/news/covid-19-coronavirus) and the Department of Education. In line with this advice we are adopting a ‘business as usual’ approach, alongside a number of general precautions to help prevent the spread of infection. However, as this is a rapidly evolving situation, we have been doing some contingency planning to ensure we would be ready for a range of scenarios, including school closure.
The prospect of a closure is merely hypothetical at this time, however, if it were to arise, we would prioritise the continuation of teaching and learning, primarily for those who have public exams this summer and those who are completing qualifications.
Subject departments are planning ahead and will advise pupils of the mechanisms they would be using (e.g. Google Classroom, Office 365, Fronter, School Email etc) to provide resources, as well as set, monitor and assess work. With this in mind, it is imperative that all pupils ensure they have checked their C2k passwords and can log-on to MySchool from home. Any pupils requiring a password reset, or who are unfamiliar with this process, should speak to our ICT technician, Mr C Clarke, without delay.
We have a number of events and excursions planned over the next few weeks and, at this time, we hope they can go ahead. The same applies to our school trips, although it is possible some of these may have to be cancelled or postponed if government advice changes, or if the organisers feel they cannot provide sufficient safeguards for participants. In any case, we will provide updates as required through our school Twitter feed (@cpcballycastle), Facebook and through our parent text service. I would be grateful if you would pay particular attention to communications from school in the coming weeks.
If pupils have symptoms consistent with COVID-19 (Coronavirus), they should stay at home and consult the family GP. If pupils are tested for the virus, I would be grateful if you would contact our school office by telephone or email info@crossandpassion.ballycastle.ni.sch.uk
In the meantime, in school, we are taking all reasonable precautions to prevent the spread of viruses and bugs and would ask parents to remind pupils of the importance of good hand and respiratory hygiene. In addition to their normal cleaning duties, our cleaners are disinfecting areas (door handles and light switches etc.) daily.
Best wishes
Paul McClean
Principal