17 March 2020
Dear Parent/ Carer
You will appreciate the measures to counter the spread of the Coronavirus have been widened significantly. Advice from the Scottish Government and Health Protection Scotland continues to guide our response.
I realise this is a very worrying time for everyone but please be reassured that the Council is doing all it can to protect and support our communities. I want to reassure you that the health and wellbeing of all our colleagues, pupils and service users is of paramount importance.
The updated national advice is that anyone living in the same household as a symptomatic person should self-isolate for 14 days. The most common symptoms are recent onset of a new continuous cough and/or high temperature.
Parents/carers of children and young people with underlying health conditions should seek advice from NHS Inform and consider self-isolation.
Everyone needs to continue to observe the recommended hygiene advice and avoid personal contact which includes not holding any meetings unnecessarily. Pupil Support Leaders and Deputes are able to speak with you by phone.
All school trips, including day trips and residential events/experiences arranged up until the end of the session have been cancelled. School transport will continue to operate.
The school has already made arrangements to update SQA data for examination candidates.
Teaching staff have made preparations for online learning opportunities and this information will be communicated as soon as possible. For pupils who are currently not in school please refer to the Faculties section of our website http://staugustinesrchs.uk/faculties/ .
Please ensure the school has an up-to-date email address for you as soon as possible.
Below are the very latest links to the Coronavirus advice on the NHS Inform website and for educational settings which you may find helpful:
NHS Inform – Covid-19
UK Government – COVID-19: guidance for education settings
Obviously, this is an extremely dynamic situation which is under constant review and we will update everyone should any advice change.
We appreciate this is an uncertain time for everyone but please be reassured that the Council and the school is doing all it can to minimise any impact.
Yours sincerely
M McGee
Website http://www.st-augustines.edin.sch.uk
Twitter @stahsnews
Please see below for a formal version of this letter.