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Gibson Primary School, Omagh

School Closure

1st Jan 2021

Dear Parents

I, like you, learned of the latest announcement to close schools via the media this morning. As things currently stand we will be moving to online learning next week with pupils, at present, scheduled to return to school on Monday, the 11th of January.

Online learning will begin on Tuesday, the 5th of January for all pupils as this is when our pupils were due to return to school.

Online learning will be delivered via Seesaw or Showbie apps and will consist of three lessons per day ( Literacy, Numeracy and one other subject). Each of these lessons will have a teacher video explaining the concept and outlining what the children need to do. Work should be completed and submitted before 9 am of the following day. Detailed information on all this will be sent home via these apps on Monday, the 4th of January

We believe that this will prove to be an effective alternative as all staff, pupils and parents are now familiar with how these apps work. As always if you’ve any concerns please contact me via my email ksterritt616@c2kni.net

Naturally parents of Year 7 pupils sitting AQE tests will be extremely anxious. Unfortunately, I have no further information regarding plans for these tests but will keep you informed as soon as I know anything.

We also intend to be open from 9 am to 3 pm for key worker children from Tuesday, the 5th of January. Please be aware that this should only be used where there is no viable alternative as the aim of this closure is to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

Please note, this provision is not additional teaching, pupils will have the opportunity to complete online learning however this will not be school as normal. Pupils will have to remain within their bubbles at all times.

It is my understanding that DE has instructed schools that both parents (or one if you are a single parent) need to be a key worker to be eligible for a place. If this applies to you and you wish to apply for a place for your child it is essential that you email me at ksterritt616@c2kni.net before 1 pm on Saturday with the following information:

Your name:
Your occupation:
Children’s names and classes:
Days which you require:

It is imperative that I receive this information before 1 pm on Saturday 2nd January to enable me to arrange staffing and put suitable plans in place.

As always I appreciate your support and understanding at this most challenging time.

Yours sincerely

K Sterritt
Principal