Our duty of care towards our pupils, parents, teachers and staff is of paramount importance. With this in mind the following procedures will come into effect in the event of extreme weather at any future time throughout winter/early Spring:
Every effort will be made to clear safe pathways from the main school gate to the entrance doors (Junior & Senior entrances). Pupils, parents and staff are advised to make use of these routes. The school heating system will be regularly checked over weekends/holiday periods during periods of freezing weather in order to minimise the risk of breakdown. On icy mornings/afternoons parents are advised to park cars in the village /harbour /Summit car parks and walk the short distance to the school rather than attempting to drive up the steep side roads at Scoil Mhuire.
During spells of extreme weather we will be happy to accept pupils arriving into school after normal opening time (8.50 a.m.). This allows a parent set out from home at a time when (s)he is satisfied that road conditions have sufficiently improved to allow a safe journey. Roll call will be delayed on these occasions to facilitate latecomers.
Parents collecting junior/senior infant pupils at 1.30 p.m. may also, if they wish, collect brothers/sisters in other classes at the same time and so avoid an unnecessary extra journey.
On mornings of extreme weather pupils will be allowed into the school hall where they will be supervised until brought to their classroom by their own teacher at normal reception time – please note that this procedure will apply only where
exceptional weather conditions dictate and will be at the discretion of the school’s Board of Management.
In the interest of health & safety, worsening weather /breakdown of heating system/ disruption to water storage system may make it necessary to close the school. Parents will be informed at the earliest opportunity by one of the following means. Text messaging service / Note in journals/notices on school doors/letters home. Church announcements – where time allows.
Parents will also be informed of predicted re-opening dates. Class representatives will contact parents with up to date information where arrangements need to be made.
