Message about school closure from Ysgol Dinas Bran head

Following this afternoon's announcements of school closures across Wales due to the coronavirus outbreak, Mark Hatch, headteacher of Ysgol Dinas Bran, has sent out a special message to parents and guardians:

Dear Parents/Guardians,

We fully embrace the Prime Minister’s statement this evening and see our school as essential to safeguarding vulnerable children and adults within our community. I am very pleased that the mental wellbeing of the students has been considered and exams have been cancelled. This was a huge concern, causing lots of anxiety for students and staff. We will continue to work with the LA, WJEC and the Welsh Government to ensure that the students gain the results they deserve.

The ability to remain open has been challenging throughout the week due to diminishing staff levels. Consequently, as of 08:45 Thursday 19^thMarch, 2020 we will be closed to the majority of students until further notice. However, we remain open to the children of key workers and the most vulnerable students.

On Thursday, we will also remain open for those students for whom childcare cannot be found at short notice. 

Using the prime minister’s statement this evening, examples of key workers follow. Please be aware that this is not a definitive list.

·        NHS workers / Medical staff

·        Teachers/Nursery staff

·        Emergency services

·        Social services

·        Delivery drivers of essential services

·        Supermarket workers

School transport will be running as normal on Thursday and we will keep you informed of any changes.

Please can all students go directly to the school hall to meet staff.

19^th and 20^thMarch will be reading days and we will update the school website over the next two days with information regarding work for the students.

I hope we can all fully comply with the Government advice and contribute to keeping everyone safe.

Kind regards,

Mr Hatch

Pennaeth