(Updated by DR 12.03.2020)
Dear Ard Rí Community,
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has announced that from 6pm today schools will close. The restrictions will take place until 29 March.
I am very aware this will be a stressful time for families. Talk to your children. They need factual, age appropriate information about the virus and concrete instruction about how to avoid spreading of the virus. Without the facts, they often imagine situations far worse than reality More info Reassure your child that everyone is working hard to keep them safe.
Let the child/young person’s questions and their age guide as to how much information to provide:
- Very young children need brief, simple information and reassurance that they are safe and that the people they care about are safe.
- Reassure them that the Government is working hard to ensure that people throughout the country stay healthy.
- Explain that at the present moment very few people in this country are sick with the virus.
- Tell them that not everyone will get the virus and that the vast majority who get it recover fully.
(NEPS)
Teachers have prepared small work packs for the children. Do not worry about your child falling behind. A little bit of reading, board games, colouring, LEGO and jig saws will keep them occupied.
Most of all look after each other. Focus on the present moment. Reflect on what is important to you and treasure it.
Kind regards,
Darragh Roe
Príomhoide
talking-to-children-and-young-people-about-covid-19-coronavirus-advice-for-parents-and-schools
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(Updated by DR 11.03.2020 16:30)
The Department of Education have released guidance on talking to children and young people about Covid-19. You can access this information through the following link (click here)
I would also like to direct your attention to a child-friendly interview that Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr Ronan Glynn did with RTÉ’s new2day programme last week, that may also be a useful resource when talking about Covid-19 with your children (click here)
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(Updated by DR 10.03.2020 17:30)
As a school we are continuing to promote hand-washing, good cough etiquette and regular cleaning of surfaces. We have stopped any activities which encourage hand-holding (incl. Irish Dancing) however, with children this can be difficult. We do not want to panic or stress the children. Teachers are doing their best to inform children in an age appropriate manner.
As of today (10.03.2020) we do not have direction to close. The Department of Education and Skills has not advised us of school closures. Any decision to close schools will be made on public health advice. There is no such advice at this point. We will only close if we receive official direction from the Department of Education and Skills. In the event of a school closure, please consider how you will organise childcare as closure would likely be at short notice.
We will only contact you via official school text message. We will not contact you via Parent Association, class WhatsApp or Facebook groups. Please ensure we have your up to date contact details.
Aura Swimming pool Navan assure us they are following HSE guidelines. There has been no direction from HSE or Department of Education against children going swimming. At this point we intend to go swimming tomorrow. If you do not wish for your child to go swimming please notify your child’s class teacher, in writing in the morning.
We ask that anyone who feels they might be affected by COVID-19 that you follow the guidelines of the HSE (click here). If any member of your family contracts COVID-19 you must inform us as soon as possible to 087 1341007 or by email to [email protected].
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(Updated by DR 06.03.2020)
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A letter titled: Advice from the Chief Medical Officer to Parents of School Children has been issued.
It explains the decision to close a Post Primary school in Dublin, facts about Covid-19 and a FAQ section.
(Updated by DR 03.03.2020)
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We are receiving regular advice from LMETB and the Department of Education on how to protect ourselves from the Coronavirus at school.
The advice recommends that we:
- Wash hands properly and regularly
- Cover our mouth and nose with a tissue or our sleeve when we cough and sneeze
- Put used tissues into a bin and wash our hands
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces
- Follow up to date guidelines from the HSE
We recommend your child carries a small personal hand-sanitiser and packet of tissues and gets into the habit of using these. We will be displaying HSE Information Posters around the school. We will be holding a Poster Competition to promote good habits in reducing the spread of germs. We encourage parents to inform their children about the facts of Coronavirus in an age appropriate manner. Have a calm and positive approach even if you are worried.
(Updated by DR 01.03.2020)
