LETTER FROM THE PRINCIPAL REGARDING COVID-19 UPDATES AND ISOLATION FROM SCHOOL

Dear Parents,

We at Dromintee primary school share your concern and anxiety about the potential spread of Covid-19.  We are following the guidance of the UK government and will continue to operate as normal until we are instructed otherwise.  Our risk assessment is on the school website  - www.drominteeps.com.  Keeping our children safe in school is our priority.  Education and good hygiene habits are also part of our curriculum at present.  We are concerned that some children are experiencing anxiety due to the intensity of media focus and some overly negative social media exposure.  We are working with our classes today to share the following advice from An Roinn Oideachas:

Children and young people look to the adults in their lives to guide them on how to react to worrying and stressful events. If the adults in their lives seem overly worried, their own anxiety may rise.

o If they are anxious, let them talk about their feelings and guide them in reframing their thoughts and concerns to a more helpful way of thinking.

o Give them extra attention and time, to talk about their concerns, fears, and questions.

o Remember they do not always talk about their concerns readily. Watch for clues that they may want to talk, such as hovering around while you do the dishes etc.

o It is very typical for younger children to ask a few questions, return to playing and then come back with further questions.

ï‚· Reassure children and young people that many stories about COVID-19 on the internet may be based on rumours and inaccurate information.

o Remember factual information about the virus can help reduce anxiety.

o Avoid constantly monitoring or discussing updates on the status of COVID -19, as this can increase anxiety.

o Try to limit their access to information on the internet/television/social media that might be upsetting to them.

o Remind children/young people that no individual or group is ‘responsible’ for the virus.

It is not within the capacity of the school to provide individualised home-learning packs.  Some parents have asked for guidance on what educational tasks to do at home.  Revision of prior learning is always a good idea ie spellings/homework tasks.  Use Mathletics (P2 – P7)  – teachers have set tasks for classes.  Read plenty.  Twinkl are offering a free month to parents.  There are printable worksheets on every subject from pre-schoolers up. https://www.twinkl.ie – use the code IRLTWINKLHELPS.  You could pick a topic and get the children to research it and put together a project.  Scoilnet primary is a website with a wealth of worksheets and topics for researching - https://scoilnet.com.  Older children can practice their tables, younger children their number bonds.  How many different ways can you make 8?  What added to 5 makes 8?  Instant recall is good consolidation.

It is good for children to have some pattern of learning continued but don’t be worrying about progression in subjects or individualised class reading books.  Exposure to any print materials is going to benefit your child.

The Department of Education is liaising closely with Public Health professionals who will contact schools if any action is to be taken.  Our school website will be the main conduit for information over the weekend until we re-open on Wednesday 18^th March.  We also intend to share any change in our status with you via parent text.  In the meantime please stay calm, be sensible and follow the guidelines. 

Beannachtaí Lá Fhéile Phadraig libh.  Happy St Patrick’s Day.

Le dea-ghuí

Wendy Bean Mhic Eoin