Dear Parents/ Guardians,
Taoiseach Micheál Martin announced that nation-wide Level 5 restrictions will operate until January 31st, 2021 and the school Christmas closure is extended by 3 days to allow 10 days of these restrictions before we return to school. There will be a reassessment of Level 5 arrangements based on the spread of the virus before schools reopen on Monday, January 11th, 2021.
Both Ministers Madigan and Foley have acknowledged the role the school community played in maintaining a safe school environment.
“I am hugely grateful for the work of school staff, students, and families across the country in ensuring that schools could reopen safely and remain open in 2020. Their dedication has never been in doubt.”
The ministers urge everyone to prioritise the safe and sustained opening of our schools on January 11th by,
“actively deciding to reduce and limit their contacts over the coming period.”
Although it is important to reopen schools safely, the protection of public health is a far more critical. It is expected that our Health System will come under sustained pressure in the coming days and weeks, inevitably impacting on the most vulnerable in society. Health is a priority. For these two reasons, please limit your contacts in the coming weeks.
2020 brought many challenges but people showed resilience and good cheer. Most importantly, they acted. As in every year, there will be high and low points in 2021. By acting now, we can absolutely control the lows. Light is growing at the end of this COVID 19 tunnel, and with continued focus, we look forward to celebrating the end of its hold on humanity soon.
We can do this.
On behalf of us all in St. Anne’s NS, thank you for your cooperation and help in 2020 and I wish everyone health and happiness in 2021.
Athbhliain faoi Mhaise daoibh.
Le meas,
Paul Corcoran.