19/112/21 Update:


HSD Parents & Guardians


We recently reached out to the school, to seek an update on ongoing school measures, around COVID 19

Details received, below:

  • ​From commencement of this academic year the Department of Education has stated that The High School must continue to implement control measures across the grounds and property of the school to mitigate risk to the safety, health, and welfare of staff and pupils.  


  • To date our measures have supported a limited case number within the school and no large volume outbreaks. The measures have also been subject to audit from the Department of Education.


  • Specially,  the current control measures in place within the school are listed below following substantial financial investment.


 Process:

  • Social distance dedicated spaces by year group at break periods.
  • Pre-Ordering canteen system to avoid built up of pupils at break periods.
  • Room ventilation, windows/doors are open and promotion of mask wearing .
  • Limited access to changing rooms in line with sporting guidelines.
  • All internal and external events are reviewed for covid safety on a case-by-case basis.
  • Clear protocol in the event of a pupil becoming aware of covid symptoms or advise from authorities , there is an isolation room and process.
  • All covid management and protocol was revisited with teachers this term and there are Covid officers in place within the school.

 
Investment:

  • A large marquee has been installed with heating provision to add extra indoor space during the winter months.
  • Hand sanitisers, protective screens, and cordless temperature measurement at entry and throughout the school.
  • Substantial investment and increase in cleaning and supervision costs.
  • Outdoor seating , benches have been purchased across the grounds to support outdoor socialisation where possible.

 
Hepa filters:

  • Regarding the PA query related to Hepa filters, we are actively monitoring recent governmental announcements of potential supports/grants for the same.
  • We should have a clear picture in early 2022 if the investment is feasible within the existing school financial budgets.
  • I am happy to revert to the PA with a formal position at the start of next term.

​​​PARENT NEWS & UPDATES...………..SCROLL DOWN FOR THE LATEST...……….

HSD Pa UPDATE Wednesday 29th July 2020

 Government Return to School Details

29/07/20 Update:


HSD Parents & Guardians

 As we are all no doubt aware, the government has recently published a wide set of material around the planned return to school in September 2020. 


Minister for Education, Norma Foley has provided various communications for school staff and parents alike, as well as a set of re-opening guidelines.


We've uploaded the details below, so you can review


Enjoy the rest of the summer and we'll continue to provide updates, as we receive them​

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H.S.D. Parents Association​

 

HSD Pa UPDATE Tuesday 15th June 2020

 School 2020/2021 scenario planning

Addittional HSE/Govt back to school guidelines issued Wednesday 26/08/20

Pa Speaker Session with Dr colman Noctor Wednesday 18th November

School - COVid 19 approach update

December 2021

19/11/20 Update:


HSD Parents & Guardians

 Big thanks to Dr Colman Noctor for a great session on navigating the ongoing COVID 19 landscape, taking perspectives from the teenager and parent perspective.


Very informative and food for thought


​Link to the recorded session below​​ .

15/06/20 Update:


HSD Parents & Guardians

 A quick note to advise that we are continuing to engage with the School Management on the approach for the next school year, to ensure all relevant detail is passed on to parents in a timely manner, to keep the wider school community up to date and to facilitate any actions that may be required.


As you no doubt saw from last week's update, from the Principal, the school is engaged in scenario planning, aligned with requirements and current Department of Education/wider health considerations. Right now the scenario that will face us is unclear, but it may involve some form of blended in person/remote approach. We're all keeping up to date via the media, on wider social implications,  so we can surmise what might face the school and students, come next September.


Our input to the school Board of Management on this topic, at the last meeting, was to ensure we had momentum here, to ensure a state of readiness aligned with September and ongoing clear messaging to parents.


Related to this, we've also engaged on the recent device survey where, interestingly, it was identified that there may be a need to review how the students will access remote activity, in some areas..


Similarly, our ask here, is to ensure the approach drives a clear parent message around what may be needed and what type of access will be required. More details to follow here, directly from the school


Given the uncertainties here, the summer break will no doubt provide a good opportunity at personal level to review items such as home broadband speeds & WiFi capabilities,, along with ongoing home study locations and device readiness.


We'll continue to seek ongoing updates, but as always, feel free to contact us via email or through your PA year rep.


Rgds

PA Committee

Avril, Birgitta, Elaine, Evelyn, Linda, Susannah, Debo, Gavin, Ray, Steve, Nigel

 


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