16 March 2020
We are aware that some parents are concerned that a small number of children who have recently returned from the ski trip now have symptoms of colds and coughs. There is also some false reporting circulating on social media about illness at the school.
Please be aware that there are NO confirmed cases of COVID-19 for any staff member or student connected with Durham Johnston Comprehensive School. We continue to take advice and guidance from Public Health England and the Department for Education. That advice clearly states that if your child has a fever and/or a new and continuous dry cough then you should call 111 and seek advice from a GP and self-isolate if necessary. We are sorry that we are unable to deal with individual queries in respect of pupils who have returned from the ski trip at this time due to a necessary focus on increased workload and planning in school.
In addition, if your child is currently absent from school our main priorities must be based upon teaching the children who are present, ensuring a calm and safe environment for all and making sure that resources are available online for all of our students when possible. This will take time and will clearly not be possible immediately. As noted in a letter sent to all Parents & Carers on Friday 13th March, we will prioritise Years 11 and 13 and will then focus our attention on other year groups. It is important that we have the time to do this and our teachers and support staff are working very hard in order to do so.
I would like to thank you for your ongoing support and to assure you that we will continue to provide regular updates for all parents as we receive guidance and instruction from the Department for Education and National Health England.
Please click on the following link to ready today's bulletin from the Department for Education
Please click on the following link for a copy of the letter sent home to parents and carers on Friday 13 March.