December Newsletter
Dear parent/ guardian,
It’s hard to believe we are almost into the month of December and have only a short time left in this term. The children will begin their Christmas holidays at 12 noon on Wednesday 22nd December.
We are continuing to see a rise in cases of COVID19 in our community and I want to remind parents to please continue to support the school by adhering to social distancing at pick up times and we would encourage adults collecting children to wear a face covering if possible.
Please do not sent children to school if they develop;
- a new continuous cough and/or
- a high temperature and/or
- a loss of, or change in, normal sense of taste or smell (anosmia)
Please book a free PCR test, even if an earlier one was negative. Your child should stay at home and self-isolate until you receive the result.
St. Vincent de Paul Appeal
This year has been a particularly challenging year for many families and we as a school community plan to work with St. Vincent de Paul to help support those less fortunate in our community. Traditionally, at this time of year, parents often buy gifts for their child’s teacher to show their appreciation for their support. However, this year instead of giving gifts to teachers, we are asking parents to donate non-perishable food products to the school which can be then used to create food hampers which will be distributed by St. Vincent de Paul. Donations should be sent in with your child in a plastic bag and given to the teachers at the school gates.
Christmas Concerts
Due to COVID19 restrictions, we are not in a position to have Christmas concerts or carol services this year. The teachers in all year groups are preparing the children for a virtual Christmas celebration which will be uploaded on to the school website. The classes will be recorded week beginning Monday 13th December and children should wear a Christmas jumper or Santa hat for the day of recording only. Parents will be informed of the date of recording for their child closer to the time.
Christmas Party Day
Similar to last year, we are planning to have a Christmas Party day on Wednesday 15th December which will involve a party meal of chips and chicken nuggets. This school meal needs to be booked in the usual way before Wednesday 8th December so the kitchen can order the appropriate amount of food. Orders after this date cannot be included. Children can wear Christmas jumpers on the 15th December.
School Transport & Parking
I would strongly encourage parents not to park in the bus layby at the front of the school at 2pm. There has been a number of occasions where the bus has been unable to park in the layby and children have had to board the bus while it was parked on the road. This presents unacceptable danger to the children.
The morning bus will follow a new timetable from Monday 6th December;
Lurgan (Market Street) 8.41am
Shankill ( Rectory Park) 8.45am
Victoria Street 8.49am
Kilwilke Estate 8.51am
Kilmore Rd Junction 8.55am
Lake Street 8.56am
School Entrance 9am
This week is the final week for PE for all classes until the new term. The Healthy Kidz after school clubs will continue as usual.
School will reopen for the new term on Wednesday 5th January 2021.
Yours Sincerely
Seamus McCreesh
Principal
