NI primary school to shut early to avoid risk of Christmas quarantine

The principal of St Anthony’s P.S. in Craigaon has written to parents and guardians of pupils informing them that the school will close today for face-to-face contact.

Mr Patrick Mallon said tomorrow’s half day would be run online.

In a letter to parents and guardians Mr Mallon said: “After much consideration and in consultation with the Chairperson of the Board of Governors and our Senior Management Team, we have decided to make Monday 21st December our last face-to-face school day before the Christmas Holidays.

Tuesday’s half day will now be online. Teachers will post activities for the children on class dojo/google classroom and will be available up to 11am.

This decision has been made to reduce the risk of pupils and staff having to quarantine for the entire Christmas period and school staff potentially having to work with the PHA over Christmas Day.

Although ending face-to-face contact on Monday does not eliminate the risk of quarantine over the Christmas period, as any confirmed case this week would result in quarantine over Christmas Day itself, it does provide some breathing space.

“I would like to take this opportunity on behalf of our school staff to thank you for the support and encouragement you have given our school community over this difficult term. We would like to wish all our families a safe and happy Christmas and we look forward to welcoming all of our pupils back on Tuesday 5th of January.”