Glengormley school providing ‘home learning’ ahead of Christmas holidays

The principal at Glengormley High School has contacted parents and guardians today (Monday) to detail plans for home learning in the run-up to the Christmas break.
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Head teacher Mr Ricky Massey, sent a letter this morning, detailing the reasons behind the move, which will see parents have the choice of whether their child will attend classes at the Ballyclare Road school or study at home.

Mr Massey said: “At this stage, the Education Minister has stated that he has no intention to start the Christmas holiday early, but this might ultimately change with MLA and public pressure.

“I am therefore making the decision to move learning for all year groups online (home/online learning) from Monday, December 14.

Head teacher Mr Ricky Massey.Head teacher Mr Ricky Massey.
Head teacher Mr Ricky Massey.

“This will mean that from Monday to Wednesday (December 16), my teaching staff will remain in school setting online work for your child to complete at home.

“We will also provide hard copy material that your child can use at home. This will not negatively affect their attendance figure as we will code your child’s attendance as ‘home learning’.

“Two School Development Days will remain in place for Thursday, December 17 and Friday, December 18 and only staff attend school on these two days.

“I am hoping that this early decision will help facilitate your planning needs.”

He added: “If you are unhappy (for any reason) that your child is home learning for these three days, your child is still welcome to attend school and we will ensure that they will have a safe space to learn.

“I fully understand that this decision will have implications for those families with younger pupils in Year 8.

“I would like to stress that this decision is not being made lightly. I genuinely have the physical and mental wellbeing of our pupils at the heart of this decision.

“This has been a busy and difficult term, and I believe that each child needs to have time to de-stress with freedom to go outside and to meet close relatives during their Christmas holiday. I do hope you understand my decision.”

In a statement issued to the Times, Mr Massey explained: “Since September, we have had only three incidences where a pupil has been in school within 48 hours of testing positive with Covid-19.

“There have been very few close contacts in each of these incidences as all seats in every classroom are allocated.

“We are fortunate that no members of staff have tested positive with Covid-19. Our parents have been flawless in supporting our processes and procedures to date.”

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