Dear Parents and Guardians
Last night the State President addressed the nation regarding, inter alia, school closures. This has raised a number of questions and concerns about our particular situation here at St Catherine’s and several parents approached me outside the gate this morning to raise their concerns about the current uncertainty. I write to clarify any possible queries.
- The closure of schools applies to State schools only. Independent schools such as ours will continue to operate in the usual manner.
- We will therefore continue with our programme next week (27th-31st July) and only close next Friday, 31st July as per our revised calendar.
- Pupils will be expected to attend school next week in the normal manner.
- All scheduled activities will continue as planned. This includes all assessments and tests and pupils are required to present themselves at school as usual.
Please note that school will close at 12 noon on both Thursday and Friday next week. You are requested to make the necessary arrangements to collect your children timeously. As indicated on the revised calendar, school will re-open on Tuesday, 1 st September for all our pupils.
Once again, I can only imagine the effect that this uncertainty has on both families and pupils. There can be no doubt that collective levels of stress and anxiety are rising. For this I apologise. As a school we have done all we can to navigate these difficult times with as little disruption as possible. I want to assure you that we have the best interests of our school community at heart and that any decision made is done so after careful consideration by and discussion with the School Executive.
Enjoy the weekend and stay safe.
Yours faithfully
Mr D.I. Maritz
Head of School