Important COVID-19 Correspondence from St. Peter's N.S. 27th of November 2021
Dear parent/guardian,
I sincerely apologize for the weekend correspondence but given the prevalence of COVID-19 in the community at the moment, I felt it necessary to reach out to all of our families in order to keep our school community (pupils, staff and parents) as safe and secure as possible. Unfortunately, these late emails/messages might become the norm into the immediate future as we learn to live with COVID-19.
Since the start of the school year, where a child or staff member has tested positive for COVID-19 (using a PCR test) the parents of other students and staff in the relevant class have been notified. I want to sincerely thank all of the parents/staff who have notified the school of positive PCR test results so that we could inform other parents/staff members as swiftly as possible.
This correspondence is available for translation into a range of other languages in the news section of the school website (www.stpetersns.net).
I have attached the Isolation Quick Guide for under 13s. I would strongly recommend all parents familiarize themselves with these updated guidelines particularly in relation to any COVID-19 related incidents within a household setting (once a family member tests positive, is awaiting a PCR test or PCR test result, or is showing symptoms of COVID-19, all other family members must restrict movements (unless they have had a confirmed COVID-19 infection in the past nine months)). If you are in any doubt, please consult your GP.
From Monday, 29th of November, new arrangements re: antigen testing for asymptomatic children (children not showing symptoms) in primary schools will commence.
I am again attaching the Department of Education's letter to parents regarding these new guidelines relating to the use of antigen tests for close contacts.
The parents/guardians of a child who tests positive for COVID-19 using a PCR test are asked to inform the principal (please ring the school on (01) 8680501 or email office@stpetersns.net (if outside of school hours) or rryan@stpetersns.net) that there has been a confirmed case of COVID-19 within that pod (group).
The school will then inform you by text and email if there is a positive PCR result in your child's pod (group). The child will not be identified to other parents.
Antigen tests will be made available to the parents of children in a pod where a PCR test has detected COVID-19 in a child within that pod. The text/email will explain how to order free antigen tests which will be delivered to their homes. Asymptomatic children can remain in school when using the free antigen tests as long as they don't provide a positive antigen result (from any of the three tests- the first test taken when the tests arrive (Day 1), the second test two days later (Day 3) and the third test two days after that (Day 5)).
Please note that antigen tests should only ever be used for asymptomatic children or adults (children or adults not showing symptoms).
If you child is displaying any Covid-19 symptoms, you should immediately consult your GP and book a PCR test.
Antigen tests will also be made available to all parents of a class where 2 or more children have been confirmed as having Covid-19 within a 7 day period and outside of the same pod.
Please continue to monitor your child for symptoms of Covid-19 and do not send them to school if they are displaying any of the following symptoms:
The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are
• Fever
• Dry cough
• Fatigue
• Sore throat,
• Headache,
Other symptoms may present as :
• Loss of taste or smell,
• Nasal congestion,
• Muscle or joint pain,
• Chills or dizziness
• Nausea or vomiting,
• Diarrhoea,
Kind regards,
Ray Ryan,
Principal
