Letter from Miss Weir

Dear Parents/Guardians 

The children have recently been giving thanks for everything they have, and we the staff of St Joseph’s would like to take this opportunity to give thanks for you our parents.  Thank you for your cooperation and understanding as we adapted and changed routines to keep your children and our staff safe during this global pandemic. 

We know things have not been easy for parents.  This has been an extremely anxious time for all of us.  

We have all heard the rumours that schools are to close early, on 11th December.  Earlier this week the Education Minister, Peter Weir, said there were “no plans to close schools early.”  As schools and families, we are aware that advice and directions from the Department of Education can change with very little notice.  Therefore, we have planned to have all our school Christmas events finished by  this Friday 11th December.  Next week, the children will be working on Christmas fun activities that you will see enclosed in a pack given to your children today.  Some classes will send these activities via Seesaw. 

As long as schools are open, we will all be here for your children.  However, from the 11th December, we must ask you to go above and beyond again.   

A SINGLE CASE OF COVID 19 IN YOUR CHILD’S CLASS FROM 11TH DECEMBER ONWARDS WILL MEAN YOUR CHILD, THEIR CLASSMATES, TEACHER AND CLASSROOM ASSISTANTS WILL HAVE TO SELF-ISOLATE FOR 14 DAYS – THIS WILL INCLUDE CHRISTMAS DAY AND THE DAYS THEREAFTER. 

Christmas is such a special time and we all need, more than ever this year, to have a happy and safe celebration.  Therefore, particularly from 11th December, we ask you to pay special consideration to advice to stay at home, socially distance and wash hands.  If your child has any symptom of Covid-19, they need to stay at home, get tested and you need to inform the school as early as possible. 

REMEMBER THAT A SINGLE CASE OF COVID-19 FROM THE 11TH DECEMBER WILL MEAN THAT THE WHOLE BUBBLE AND POTENTIALLY YOUR WHOLE FAMILY WILL HAVE TO SELF-ISOLATE ON CHRISTMAS DAY.   

Please note that our school term will now finish on FRIDAY 18TH DECEMBER 2020 and not 22nd as previously advertised.  Friday 18th will be a full school day finishing at 1.30 or 1.45.   The school will be closed on 21st and 22nd.  We will make these two days up over the next two terms and inform you of these new school days before the end of next week.  This is a decision that has been made in consultation with the Chair of Governors, many other schools in West Belfast and across the North.   

Again, thank you, to our amazing parents and guardians for everything you have done and for your help in ensuring that we all have a happy and safe Christmas. 

Take care and keep safe 

Miss M Weir