Dear parents and students
As you are aware, we are in the midst of a rapidly changing situation with regard to COVID-19. The introduction of a new variant into the mix has created a new level of uncertainty and the need for us to be more vigilant. We know that Omicron is spreading much more quickly than the Delta variant. However, we do not yet know the severity of illness caused, or how much protection is given by vaccination. Given the increase in transmissibility and requirement for self-isolation, I anticipate some staffing pressures in the last week of term. I will advise you by email, should any contingency arrangements that affect your child be required.
Keeping each other safe in the last week of term and beyond
Please support us to keep everyone safe by reinforcing the following COVID measures with your child.
- Face Coverings
- Avoid Crowded Places
- Clean Your Hands Regularly
- Two Metre Distance (where possible)
- Self-Isolate if
- you have symptoms that may be caused by COVID-19 (and book a PCR)
- you’ve had a positive test result
- someone you live with has symptoms but has not yet been tested or received their test result
In addition, please encourage everyone to test regularly using a lateral flow testing kit (available from the school office) and, for those who can, to get vaccinated. Drop-in clinics are now available in all mass vaccination centres as well as community locations for people over the age of 16. Vaccinations are also now available at some centres for young people between 12 and 16. Please see link below for more information:
Face Coverings
The wearing of Face Coverings and the engagement with other safety measures has been very strong at Forrester and we thank you for your continued support with this. However, with the increase in transmissibility of Omicron, it becomes more important than ever for everyone to play their part.
Finally, this term is due to finish on Friday, 17th December, and the Spring Term due to start on Thursday 6th January. I will, of course, keep you informed of any developments, and I also plan to provide a brief Christmas Newsletter to round off the term.
Thanks and best wishes
Stephen Rafferty
Head Teacher