August Update 1  EDUCATION AUTHORITY - NORTH EASTERN REGION

Principal: B.S. Gray B.A, P.G.C.E, P.Q.H     Tel: 028 256 84402

20 Hazelbank Road Aughafatten Ballymena Co Antrim BT42 4LP

Dear Parents Just a quick note to say that, as outlined by the Education Minister Mr Peter Weir, we will be returning to school in a full time capacity from September.  Primary 7 pupils will begin the autumn term on Mon 24^th September as previously arranged and all other classes will begin on Tuesday 1^st September. As the summer progressed and as Scotland and England made announcements about full time returns we had anticipated that this would be the case but were waiting for confirmation from our own Education Department. This announcement was made yesterday, albeit to the media before it was communicated to schools, but we have been advised that it may well be Thursday of next week before we get all the information and revised guidance we need. With that being the case I wanted to at least give you this quick outline as I am aware that time is very short before the start of school and it may be the end of next week before we can give you full details. What we do know is that school will resume with full classes, full time but within class bubbles limiting the interaction between groups at school. The school meals service will be operational and the yellow bus will run on its usual routes although there may have to be slight alterations to timings etc. Arrival and departure times may have to be staggered in some way but should be within the normal parameters. Primary 7 parents should note it appears that there will be no transport/ meals available for the week beginning the 24^th so pupils will need to be dropped off and collected and bring a packed lunch that week. School uniform will be available in school on Wednesday 19^th and Thursday 20^th August between 1pm and 3pm. Please bring your cheque book as it would be preferable for us if you could use this payment method rather than cash. I appreciate there will be concerns regarding the return to school but you will I hope be reassured by the knowledge that we will do everything possible to make sure your children are safe and protected in school. I will be in touch again at the end of next week with an update on anything required by the new guidance when we get it B Gray Principal HAZELBANK PRIMARY SCHOOL   BALLYMENA F: 028 25684402 E: bgray559@c2kni.net W: www.hazelbankps.co.uk