Dear parents
By now you will be aware of media coverage regarding strike action from a number of sectors on Thursday 18th 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 18th 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 17th January No P1 class (P1 online via Seesaw) and other individuals will only be here until 10.30am
Thursday 18th January SCHOOL CLOSED for ALL PUPILS
Friday 19th January No P1 class (P1 online via Seesaw) and other individuals will only be here until 10.30am
Wednesday 24th January No P1 class (P1 online via Seesaw) and other individuals will only be here until 10.30am
Thursday 25th January No P1 class (P1 online via Seesaw) and other individuals will only be here until 10.30am
Friday 26th January No P1 class (P1 online via Seesaw) and other individuals will only be here until 10.30am
Thursday 1st February No P1 class (P1 online via Seesaw) and other individuals will only be here until 10.30am
Friday 2nd 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