Dear Parent,
As I’m sure you’ll be aware, the INTO (teacher union) is planning to take industrial action on the morning of Wednesday 18th January 2017. This is a dispute between teacher unions and the employers; it is not a dispute with the school.The action, (a half day strike), will result in class or whole school closures across Northern Ireland.
The decision to close the school and / or send pupils home is never taken lightly, but in this instance, where staff have elected to take lawful industrial action, I will have no choice but to take appropriate steps to ensure the health, safety and wellbeing of all pupils.
We know that class / school closures inconvenience parents and carers and so I am writing to give you advance notice of the likely impact of the action on this school.
On the morning of the 18th January, the following arrangements will be in place:
The school will close for the morning session for all pupils on the 18th January and will be open to pupils from 12.30. Please do not send your child into school before this time as staff will not be present to supervise your child. Your child should line up in the yard in the usual manner when they arrive at school.
Please note that there will be no dinners served on this day.
If your child is entitled to a free school meal, please indicate on the reply slip below that you wish your child to have a snack provided for them when they arrive to school. If you intend to order a snack please return the reply slip by Friday 13th January to the class teacher. If your child pays for their dinner or goes to lunches they can have lunch before coming to school or bring in a packed lunch with them.
I remind parents that this is a lawful industrial action reluctantly taken by union members across all schools. Should the situation change in the lead up to the strike I will inform you immediately via text and the school website.
Thank you for your patience and understanding.
Yours Sincerely,
Mrs F Boyd
Principal