End of year Letter to parents

Dear Parents/Guardians,
First of all, I want to sincerely thank you all for your support this year, and particularly over the last three months. I know it’s been a difficult time, but hopefully the worst is behind us. As we finish the school year I want to update you on some information (as best I can at the moment!)
 The current plan is to re-open on Thursday 27th August for all children. I will text each parent this week with details of what classes children are in. Given the situation classes have been kept small (very small at infant level) up to and including 3rd class. This means 4th to 6th will be bigger classes, but we know they are more mature and better able to deal with hand hygiene, cough etiquette etc. Class lists are provisional-Department of Education & Skills (DES) guidelines or changes in numbers could require changes to class lists!
 We are awaiting clear guidelines from the DES on re-opening procedures. Once issued we will complete and publish our policies. At the moment we expect that there may be changes in routine, some of which may be disruptive. Safety will be our priority. Any changes will be communicated well in advance.
 Book lists will issue shortly. The delay is due to the setting up of electronic payments, which has taken a lot longer than expected. Once the bank confirm setup, we will include these details on the booklist and send them out. We will be discouraging cash payments as much as possible!
 Some parents are enquiring about tracksuits. We had planned to review tracksuits with the Parents’ Association this year. Don’t worry about school tracksuits for the moment. If you wish, you could buy a cheap navy sweatshirt and tracksuit bottoms (no big logos please), but don’t spend too much-we have no idea what impact DES guidelines will have on PE!
 If you need to contact the school over the summer please email me at ronantighe@stmacartans.ie There won’t be anyone in the building full time, so please don’t ring the school!
We hope everyone has a great, safe summer!
Thanking you for your continued co-operation,
Yours sincerely,
___________
Ronan Tighe