COVID Update - 30 October Hamilton

Dear Parents 

We have this afternoon received the updated educational Guidance following on from the First Minister’s announcement yesterday with respect to the COVID-19 Tier System.  This is in addition to the updated Strategic Framework which can be accessed here.

As you will be aware South Lanarkshire is currently within Tier 3.  As regards practicalities for our pupils, this means this following from this Monday 2nd November–

1. All pupils in the senior phase – S4 to S6 – must wear masks in all classroom settings. This precaution is in addition to social distancing, meaning that we cannot return to complete social distancing without masks.  Please therefore ensure that pupils come to school with spare masks in case of breakages / loss.
2. All after school clubs (other than aftercare) will be cancelled from J4 upwards.
3. The Guidance is clear that Level 4 may require partial school closures and/or blended learning and we, as a school, are preparing for that eventuality where classes are not able to be staffed due the pandemic or if there is a high number of cases across the school.
4. Pupils who are of high clinical list should speak to a GP to ensure that they are happy for them the attend school in Tier 3.  If we move into Tier 4, these pupils will not be able to attend school and will be educated remotely through the use of Teams.

Can I please take this opportunity to remind parents that where a pupil shows symptoms or tests positive, they should NOT come to school.  Where a member of the household is showing symptoms, is waiting for a test / results of a test, pupils should also remain at home until the results are received and then follow Track & Trace guidance.

With respect to self-isolation through Track & Trace, families must comply with the advice given to them – we cannot provide specific advice as each case is being dealt with on an individual circumstance's basis.

If you need to contact the school out with normal school hours on a COVID matter, please use the following number – 07474410485

We thank each and every one of you for your co-operation with this changes.

Hamilton College Senior Leadership Team.