Email to all parents in Prep and Grammar

Dear Parent/ Guardian,

This is a very challenging time for schools and it is difficult to know what is the right thing to do.

Due to self-isolation and illness we are understandably seeing our staffing levels drop which means we will struggle to provide a safe learning environment for pupils irrespective of virus transmission. On consultation with the Chairman of the Board of Governors and Senior Leadership Team I have decided the following which will be reviewed on Friday 20th March:

Wednesday 18th, Thursday 19th and Friday 20th March

• Pupils in Years 8-10 should not attend school

• Pupils in Preschool and Preps 1-7 should attend school as normal

• Pupils in Years 11-14 should attend school as normal

The reasons for this decision are:

• A dramatic reduction of pupil numbers in school buildings giving some improvement on social distancing

• Specialist teachers can cover for absent colleagues more so – better progress towards course completion at GCSE and A Level

• Improved pupil teacher ratio making for a safer learning environment

I also understand the anxiety parents have about the health of their children and family members. Please carefully consider the advice given by the Public Health Agency when deciding if you wish your child to attend school - https://www.publichealth.hscni.net/news/covid-19-coronavirus

I wish everyone well at this very difficult time.

Best wishes
Michael Carville