Newsletter to 6th year parents 26th Feb 2021

26^th Feb 2021

Dear Parents/Guardians,
We are at the end of the 6^th week of remote learning. It was great to see everyone refreshed after the midterm break. We are very much looking forward to welcoming our 6^th years on Monday March 1st. Our main priority at this time is to ensure a safe re-opening of our school for everyone in our school community. A collective effort between pupils, staff, parents & the Board of Management made for a very successful and safe first term in Mountrath C.S. Let’s continue to work together to keep each other safe again this term when our school reopens.
Policies & Plans
In line with the most recent guidance issued from the Department of Education, the school’s Covid-19 Response Plan and Covid-19 Risk Assessment have been updated. These documents will be uploaded to the school website in the coming days. All Covid-19 Response Plan measures are firmly in place throughout the school.
Return to school for 6^th years:
We met with our 6^th years yesterday and were delighted to see them. We took note of and took on board their concerns. Obviously everyone is anxious to make sure that the return to school is done in a safe manner.
The main concerns that students had were

• A fear of over assessment
• A fear of Mocks

To alleviate their anxiety and stress, we have asked teachers to adhere to the following:

• NO TESTS are to be organised/ done for next week to allow everyone to readjust.
• There will be a rota organised next week for dates where specific subjects can test.

We would also like to point out that:

• All project work must be done by students as it is considered coursework.

We informed our 6^th years that the following will be in place:

• Stick to the TT – Rooms TBD – check compass on Monday morning
• Must stick to Seating Plan
• Measures of hygiene pre-Christmas apply
• Lunch and break will be in the hall but spaced out.

We have been told that CIE buses will travel as normal. However, you will need to contact private operators yourselves.
We also reminded students that they had a personal responsibility to make this return to school work. We are aware that there are a lot of 18^th birthdays coming up. We told our students that if they go to/ hold a party, that they will put everyone in the school at risk.
Please do not allow your child to come to school if s/he has been at a party. It is unfair to put other people at risk.
Return to School Declaration Form
Parents / Guardians of 6^th years must complete a Return to School Declaration Form on Google Forms prior to returning to school on the 1st March. In this form, you are asked to declare that there is no reason to believe that your child has infectious disease and is safe and well to return to school. The form must be submitted on line before 1^st March 2021. No student will be allowed go to class without this form being submitted to the school.
Going forward, the Return to School Declaration Form must be completed any time a student is returning to school after an absence. Absences should also be noted on Compass
Students Who Should Not Attend School
If your child is in one of the following categories, they should not attend school –

• Students who have been diagnosed with Covid-19
• Students who have a suspected case of Covid-19 and the outcome of the test is pending
• Students who have COVID-19 symptoms (fever, a cough, shortness of breath, breathing difficulties or loss or change to their sense of smell or taste)
• Students who have been in close contact with a person who has been diagnosed with Covid-19
• Students who have been in contact with a person who has a suspected case of Covid-19 and the outcome of the test is pending
• Students who live with someone who has symptoms of the virus
• Students with underlying health conditions who have been directed by a medical professional not to attend school
• Students who are identified by the HSE as a close contact of a confirmed case of COVID-19
• Students who have travelled outside of Ireland; in such instances parents are advised to consult and follow latest Government advice in relation to foreign travel.
• Students who are generally unwell

We request that parents cooperate with any public health officials and the school for contact tracing purposes and follow any public health advice in the event of a case or outbreak in the school.
Many thanks for your continued support & cooperation in this. Please do not hesitate to contact us in relation to any of the information contained in this email or with any queries/concerns that you may have.
Attached please find

• A Letter from the Minister for Education,
• Advice on coming back to school.
• Information and resources from the DES.
• A Guide to the State Examinations and Accredited Grades for LC 2021

Have a lovely weekend
All at MCS