I am sure our mums and dads were happy to learn that schools start back this Monday after two weeks of holiday.

This continues to be an uncertain time for everyone and we all have our opinions about how this crisis is being handled.

At Moneyrea our number one priority continues to be the health and wellbeing of our pupils, staff and families. 

To that end, our policies and practices remain unchanged, save for one observation alluded to by the Minister for Eduction.

I would ask all parents not to gather at the school gates or in the school grounds at pick up and drop off times. 

Indeed, there is no need for Yr4 - Yr7 parents to come into the school grounds at drop off. The children know the morning drill and can go to their classroom entry point by themselves.

We have endeavoured to make drop off and pick up as practical and safe as possible, but inevitably, without staggered drop off and pick up times, large no.s of pupils and parents are arriving/departing school at the same time.

I would therefore support the Minister’s suggestion that parents wear face masks at drop off and pick up times. 

As we start back we are asking our families to continue to:

1. Sanitise - school bags, lunch boxes and water bottles before coming to school and after coming home from school;

2. Take children’s temperatures in the morning before heading into school;

3. Keep children at home if they exhibit C-19 symptoms or have symptoms of other minor ailments. 

Please do not be tempted to give your child Calpol and send them into school;

4. Emphasise our key messages on handwashing, respiratory hygiene, playground zoning and walking on the left;

5. Continue to maintain social distancing at drop-off and pick-up times;

6. Keep positive. 

Despite the new routines we have put in place our school remains a happy vibrant place. 

We look forward to welcoming our children back on Monday and thank you as parents for your continued support, prayers, encouragement and patience.

R. Greer