Back to school

August 11th 2020

Dear parents,

On behalf of my staff and governors I hope you all have had a restful and healthy time over the school holidays. We are looking forward to starting a new school year. However please note that there will be some adjustments due to advice and guidance from the Department of Education for Northern Ireland following Covid-19 restrictions.

When your child returns new routines will be in place to ensure safe practices are followed by everyone. We ask that parents do not enter the school building until we as a school are advised otherwise. This is a challenging time for families and our school community but I assure you we will do all we can to safeguard your children’s health, well-being and learning. Staff at Faughanvale PS will be doing their utmost to welcome and settle your child into school.

At present we are making preparations for the new term and will be monitoring how best to make the school environment compliant with DE guidance.

All children will return to school on Monday 24th August in full classes, with the exception of P1 who will come in small groups over the course of the first week. P1 parents will receive an additional note. Each class will be in its own protective ‘bubble’ in order to reduce the risk of transmission. There will be staggered drop off and collection times and classes will enter and exit the school via a number of doors to avoid overlap of bubbles.

Hygiene procedures including frequent hand washing will be carefully followed by everyone. Pupils will be required to wear a clean uniform every day. There will be no school dinners in the first week and I will keep in contact with the Catering Service as we decide what meal provision is likely thereafter. Classes will have separate break and lunch times with most children eating in their classrooms. Children may bring packed lunches to school providing the containers can be thoroughly washed each day. Otherwise plastic bags may be used.

Pupils from P3 upward will need their own stationery which should be contained in a washable/plastic pencil case or bag. This should include at least 2 pencils, rubber, sharpener and glue stick as a basic requirement. School bags will not be needed on the first day and we ask that you do not send any other personal items to school until otherwise notified by your child’s teacher. To prevent a build-up of lost property please ensure all your child’s belongings are labelled.

There will be no breakfast club, after school clubs or group events until we receive further guidance from the DE.

Please see below for further information in regard to the start of the school year.

We look forward to meeting and greeting our children later this month and thank you for your understanding and support.

Anne McGroarty

Return to school for week beginning Aug 24th 2020

Class Teacher Entrance/Exit point Start/Finish Time

P1 Mrs McDonnell P1 door 6 or 7 pupils daily from Mon to Thur and full class on Fri. Parents will be notified by a separate email. 9.00am – 2.00pm

P2 Mrs McLaughlin P2 door 9.15am – 2.00pm

P3 Mrs Mc Groarty/ Mrs O’Hare Play trail door/ P4 door 9.15am -3.00pm

P4 Mrs O’Hare P4 door 9.15am - 3.00pm

P5 Miss Moore Fire Escape door in big playground 9.00am – 2.45pm

P6 Miss Feeney Green doors 9.00am – 2.45pm

P7A Mrs McKeever Fire Escape door in big playground 9.15am – 3.00pm

P7B Mr O’Hare Green doors 9.15am – 3.00pm