Dear Parents, Children and Staff,
A Red Alert has been issued this evening by Met Éireann relating to severe wind for counties Clare, Kerry and Cork. A status orange warning has issued for counties Limerick, Waterford, Galway, Mayo, Wexford, Dublin, Louth, Wicklow, Meath. Met Éireann has advised that there is a strong possibility that the status of parts of these counties currently in status orange are likely to change and escalate to status red.
Due to the significant nature of Storm Barra as forecast by Met Éireann and to give sufficient notice to schools and parents/guardians, the Department of Education is advising that all schools covered by the Red Alert and Orange warning from Met Éireann should not open tomorrow, 7 December.
A Status Red Weather Warning is the most severe weather warning and implores all citizens to take appropriate action in order to protect themselves from the anticipated conditions.
Met Éireann recommends that in the event of a Status Red Weather Warning families “take action to protect themselves and/or their properties; this could be by moving their families out of the danger zone temporarily; by staying indoors; or by other specific actions aimed at mitigating the effects of the weather conditions”.
I expect that we’ll be able to reopen again on Wednesday morning after the storm has passed but please see our website and Facebook page for updates from school and check for messages via Aladdin Connect.
Given this late notice and the emergency nature of this school closure, we will not be able to offer remote teaching and learning tomorrow so hopefully children (and adults) can try to enjoy this unexpected day off and will take the opportunity to rest, play and recharge.
Apologies for the short notice.
All the best,
Principal Dermot
https://www.gov.ie/en/press-release/9102b-statement-on-storm-barra/