Latest News at Botanic

 

 

Dear parents

 

By now you will be aware of media coverage regarding strike action from a number of sectors on Thursday 18^th January 2024. As previously suggested, I can now confirm that Botanic Primary School will be closed to all pupils on that day.

 

I know there is further Industrial Action planned – but the media seem to have the dates before I am given the information from the Education Authority! There is an Industrial Action EA webpage for further information which can be accessed at www.eani.org.uk/industrialactionupdates

 

There is one specific union that are striking for a number of days which include Thursday 18^th January. This will impact one particular class – Primary One - and other specific pupils. I have spoken to the parents of those pupils directly – so if I haven’t spoken to you, your child is unaffected. It does affect my P1 class – which will not be operational on 8 days over the next 3 weeks. Primary one pupils cannot attend those days. The dates involved are…….

 

                Wednesday 17^th January               No P1 class (P1 online via Seesaw) and other individuals will only be here until 10.30am

 

                Thursday 18^th January                    SCHOOL CLOSED for ALL PUPILS

 

                Friday 19^th January                          No P1 class (P1 online via Seesaw) and other individuals will only be here until 10.30am

 

 

               

                Wednesday 24^th January               No P1 class (P1 online via Seesaw) and other individuals will only be here until 10.30am

 

                Thursday 25^th January                    No P1 class (P1 online via Seesaw) and other individuals will only be here until 10.30am

 

                Friday 26^th January                          No P1 class (P1 online via Seesaw) and other individuals will only be here until 10.30am

 

 

               

                Thursday 1^st February                    No P1 class (P1 online via Seesaw) and other individuals will only be here until 10.30am

 

                Friday 2^nd February                         No P1 class (P1 online via Seesaw) and other individuals will only be here until 10.30am

 

I note that this situation might be viewed as far from ideal – but greatly appreciate the fact that a number of you, have also assured me that they recognise that education staff cannot be left without pay uplifts / promised regrading for literally years.

 

I would appreciate it if you could make your views on the current situation in Northern Ireland – especially the fact that education and other public sector workers are resorting to industrial action, known to political representatives. Their email addresses can be found using the following link https://www.writetothem.com and inserting your postcode.

 

There will not be a second round of parental interviews this academic year due to industrial action.

 

Your sincerely

 

Mr Bell

 

At both the Nativity and the Carol Service there will be an opportunity to contribute to the Foodbank – the Charity adopted by the school this year. Mr Gardiner-Crehan (Foodbank manager for South Belfast) took Assembly on Friday and pictured here are some of the items that they need. Tinned pies, tinned fish, long life orange juice, washing powder and washing up liquid. You can choose to donate money (Friday’s collection split between PTA and Foodbank / Carol Service – Foodbank) and this will be appreciated, alternatively you might choose to bring one of the 5 items listed here. We will make sure we have a donation basket available at both events and it will be available at school reception right up until Christmas. Thank you.