Half-term thanks to all education staff

All schools, colleges and nurseries have received letters of praise today for their efforts in being one of the only places in the British Isles to open schools, colleges, and nurseries, so far, this year. 

Jersey’s Deputy Medical Officer of Health Dr Ivan Muscat, and Children Young People, Education and Skills Director General Mark Rogers and Education Director Seán O’ Regan have sent heartfelt letters of thanks to all staff ahead of half-term next week.

It comes after a successful back to school return with consistently very low numbers of COVID-19 cases, high attendance rates, and increased testing for schools and some secondary school students. 

In his letter to schools, parents, and the education community, Dr Ivan Muscat thanked everyone for playing their part to keep the Island safe, while reminding the school community of the public health guidelines on symptoms, mask wearing and gatherings advice ahead of half-term.

Dr Muscat wrote: “I would like to thank everyone across our school, college and nursery community and all students and parents for playing their part to ensure the risk of COVID-19 is minimised to support children and young people’s education. 

  
“I appreciate the huge efforts being made by parents, carers, students, school, college and nursery staff who continue to follow the public health guidelines, which helps to keep our community safe.”

In a joint letter to all school, college and nursery staff, CYPES Director General Mark Rogers and Group Director of Education, Seán O’Regan, said: “As we finish the first half-term of 2021 and meet the mid-point of the academic year, we want to express our profound appreciation to each and every one of you for all you are doing. 

“Your direct work with Jersey’s children and young people at the frontline is at the heart of all of our efforts to combat the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Jersey is unique across the British Isles in keeping all our nurseries, schools, and colleges open. This has only been possible thanks to your patience, endeavour, commitment and hard work.”

“Together, we have got so much better at working with colleagues in Contact Tracing; on the increasingly rare times positive cases have appeared in the school age population or the workforce, we have seen dramatically fewer individuals and families affected. Indeed, in the past two weeks no one has had to isolate from school or nursery. 

“We hope you are able to have a proper and most well-earned break this half-term.”

All the latest school statistics are published on the Government of Jersey website.