Letter to Support Staff re School Closure in response to Covid-19

Dear Support Staff,

In response to the announcement made by the Taoiseach on 12^th March, Ashton School will be closed to students until 29^th March to support efforts to contain the spread of Covid-19.

Further information from the DES following the initial announcement gave better clarity on the position.  While schools are closed to students, schools are open to teachers where necessary for the online delivery of lessons, and open to support staff as required.

It is our intention that the school will be more closed than open during the current period of closure to students.  This is in keeping with the aim of supporting efforts to contain the spread of Covid-19. Teachers will work at home where possible.  We are advised that teachers must be facilitated if they need to work in the school. Some attendance by support staff members will also be required.

In the meantime school management will continue to plan to ensure that all jobs get done. Where your attendance at the school is required, you will be advised, and it will be in line with HSE advice on social distancing.

I wish to thank and compliment staff members on their response to the pandemic during the past week.  It is a difficult time for all members of the school community.  I have every confidence that working together we have to capacity to get through.

Yours sincerely,

Adrian Landen
Principal