Covid Update - W/c 5 October Hamilton

Dear Parents

Thank you to everyone for your support and understanding as we continue to ensure school life is as safe and comfortable as possible for all our pupils and staff. I hope you all enjoy the well-deserved upcoming break and please remember that pupils return on Monday 26^th October, not 19^th as detailed in the original school calendar. Prior to the mid-term break I wanted to provide some reminders as regards COVID precautions.

Face Coverings

Please supply your child (as appropriate depending on year group and personal circumstances) with at least two face masks / coverings for each day in school.  We are experiencing a large number of pupils arriving at school without any masks or losing them in the course of the day with the school having to provide replacements. On our return, we will be charging for masks where there are 3 or more instances of the school having to supply a pupil with a face covering.

Uniform

All pupils should come to school in PE uniform on days that they have PE and bring a waterproof jacket.  At this time indoor PE is not permissible so this will be outdoors where possible.

We have noted that some pupils are breaking the rules on nails and piercings, please be aware staff will put sanctions in place where pupils are not adhering to the rules regarding this.

Mobile Phones

We understand the need for senior pupils to carry a phone in school, however with Chromebooks being issued pupils should only use their phone out with school hours.  There is no need to use them in classes or be in contact with home in this way.  We have also noted that pupils who are unwell are contacting home via their own phone and not going through first aid, this breaks our Health and Safety protocols and Covid measures.  Please work with us to make sure we follow all the correct procedures to make sure your child is a safe as possible.  Mobile phones will be confiscated where they are used during the school-day.

Drinking Water

Pupils should come to school with an appropriate supply of water taking into account requirements for PE and after-school clubs.  Due to COVID restrictions, pupils are unable to refill their water flasks during the day.  Bottled water is available at lunch time but please assess your child’s needs and supply 2 water bottles if necessary.

Quarantine / Self-Isolating

The Government rules around self-isolation and quarantining must be strictly complied with.  If you visit an area on the quarantine list, you must comply with the Government rules as regards quarantining.  Any breach as regards a return to school will be regarded as a serious infringement of health & safety.

Please keep the school updated on any household restrictions as regards self-isolation which may impact the school. During the holiday period please either e-mail [email protected] or text 07474 410485.

General Precautions

The alterations made to school operations on the return from the September weekend have gone smoothly.  Staff and pupils will be consulted on their views and any required changes implemented across the mid-term break.  However, at this time, we foresee no wholesale changes to our current system.

We will inform parents on any updates as regards SQA courses and country-wide restrictions as more information becomes available.

I hope you all have a wonderful October break.

Kind regards

Katie Morton
Chief Executive Officer
Hamilton College