Familyworks School Counselling Service
Zoom meeting between pupils and the Minister of Education
Congratulations to Amy Jones Year 13 pupil who was involved in the first ever Zoom meeting between pupils and the Minister of Education, Peter Weir. 6 pupils from other schools took part in the question and answer session with the Minister and Amy asked a number of questions about what it would be like returning to school again in September during the pandemic. Well done Amy in keeping the Minister on his toes and trying to give us some idea what it might look like in September.
Northern Ireland Blood Transfusion Service
Due to the current situation with covid-19 our donation session in Magherafelt High School will only be open 25.03.2020 1.30pm-4pm & 5.15pm-8pm.
We do still need blood donations, so if you are fit and well, please check our website for upcoming blood donation sessions.
www.nibts.org
Supervised Study Area
Dear Parents/Guardians,
In line with guidance from the Minister of Education, Peter Weir MLA, there will be a supervised study area available from Monday 23rd March from 9.00am - 3.00pm for those pupils in Years 8 - 10 who are the children of key workers. Key workers are defined as those who are essential to maintaining public services during the COVID-19 response, who without this supervised school service, would have to stay at home to supervise their children.
Please be aware that school will not operate as a 'normal' school day but more so as a supervision facility as we may have a significant reduction in staffing and this may worsen over time. Staff will not be teaching specific classes as they must also be available to provide online/remote learning to pupils staying at home. More details will follow on the structure of the day and other necessary arrangements.
In order for us to plan for this we would ask any parent who is a key worker and wishes to avail of this facility to contact the school office before 3.00 pm today and indicate which days next week that they would like their child(ren) to attend.
We would like to thank all the parents for their continued support in these challenging times and in particular extend our gratitude and thanks to those members of the community who are working to protect us all.
Please share this information if you can.
Kind Regards,
Stephen Fleming, Acting Principal
*** Please note, unfortunately there will be no transport available for pupils ***
Exceptional Closure Mental Health
19th March 2020
Dear Parent /Guardian
Based on the information shared yesterday that schools are now officially closed to pupils from this week. I feel it is important to inform you of the arrangements for pastoral care during this time. Although your child will not be in the school building and we may not get the opportunity to connect face to face, we would like to continue to provide pastoral support or guidance if necessary, to pupils and parents. If you have a concern or require any support with an issue please contact the This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. account and a member of the pastoral team will endeavor to be in touch.
Please remember that there is additional support available within your local community and I have enclosed the Children and Young people support list from EA. I would also encourage you to download the Here2Help app which includes details of organisations that can provide additional support for a variety of issues. There are many categories within this app and I have found it useful as a source of signposting others to support.
If, at any point, you have serious concerns about your child’s mental wellbeing, please contact your GP for additional support and advice. The current situation is very worrying for all of us and this uncertainty and fear may become too much for our loved ones to deal with. Please be vigilant and if you have any concerns seek advice immediately.
On a day to day basis, feeling isolated and the worries of this COVID-19 outbreak can have a significant impact on all our mental health, so please encourage your child to maintain relationships by staying in touch with friends and loved ones. It is also important if we are feeling low ourselves, that we remain kind to others e.g. social media. If someone is already feeling isolated and vulnerable, unnecessary hurtful comments may cause others additional upset. In these times, we will need a little bit more affection and human kindness, so I would really appreciate if you would reiterate this message to your child(ren).
Please take care of yourselves and your loved ones.
Thank you for your continued support
E Beckett
Acting Vice-Principal
Magherafelt High School, 30 Moneymore Road, Magherafelt, Co. Londonderry, BT45 6AF Acting Principal: Mr S Fleming MA (Hons) PGCE
Tel: 028 7963 2385 Fax: 028 7963 4854
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Website: www.magherafelthigh.org