Coronavirus: Lisneal College in Derry suspends classes and may close school to pupils on Wednesday

Michael Allen, in a letter to parents, said the decision to call off classes tomorrow was to allow staff prepare access to online resources for pupils to learn from home in the event of a lengthy closure.

"You will be aware that there is great uncertainty and speculation in regard to appropriate actions needed to combat the spread of the coronavirus.

"Indeed, it is evident that our political leadership cannot even agree on the best way forward.

"Yesterday, our First Minister stated that schools will close and that the period of closure would last longer than 16 weeks.

"I, like you, was taken aback by the statement and it became apparent to me that schools must be afforded time to prepare access to online resources so that pupils can access learning and teaching provision from home.

"At this point I do not know if pupils or staff will be able to access our campus. I do not know if lessons to prepare students for GCSEs and A Level examination /assessments will be allowed to go ahead and I do not know if public transport will be available for pupils to travel to school.

"What I do know is that teachers and non-teaching staff have a great deal to do to prepare for the potential closure of our school. We want pupils to continue learning and we want to set up systems that will allow us to do that," wrote Mr. Allen.

He explained that all classes were suspended on Monday and meetings with parents, pupils and other partners have also been postponed.

"Tomorrow morning, I will discuss the current situation with the Board of Governors via telephone and a decision may be taken to close school to pupils on Wednesday, March 18, to allow staff to continue preparing online access to learning.

"Many of us have elderly relatives and/or family members who are particularly vulnerable to serious illness or worse as a result of contracting Covid 19.

"I understand that many parents are deeply concerned that their child may become ill or transmit infection to other relatives. I can offer no medical advice or expertise on this matter; however, I can offer you a reassurance that I will fully support any decision you take as a family to protect your loved ones," he stated.

Mr. Allen stated that the decision was taken in the face of an unprecedented health crisis.

"The current situation we face is like no other I have seen in my lifetime. My priorities at the moment are to protect vulnerable children, staff and family members, and to prepare learning resources for our pupils.

"Therefore, I ask for your understanding and support in any decision taken by the governors and senior leaders.

"I recognise that any decision taken will have consequences for all families, so please accept my apology for any inconvenience our decisions may cause. This is a ‘no win’ situation," he wrote.