Welcome to our News section!

• Half Term reflections!

  Fri 23 Oct 2020

   

  Can you believe we're at the Halloween break already? 2020 has been a rollercoaster ride for every one of us so we couldn't possibly have predicted how well the return to school life would go for the Brooklands family over the last 7-8 weeks!

  Thank you to all our pupils who have adapted so well to the changes to their school day and to teachers and assistants for working so hard to support and encourage them each and every day.

  Thank you parents for playing your part in ensuring our pupils made a happy return to their new class 'bubbles' and for supporting them with their online homework using Education City & Bug Club.

  Thank you supervisors, cleaners, kitchen ladies, secretary and building supervisor for carrying out your jobs in such a positive and cheerful manner.

  The dedication of the entire team at Brooklands has ensured a relaxed and reassuringly safe start to the new school year!

  Brooklands has become a very familiar name on television and the internet thanks to some wonderfully positive reports and articles on Belfast Live, BBC Newsline and Sky News since August. Our new ventures into social media are enjoying quite the following online too, with 500+ followers on Instagram and 150+ subscribers to our YouTube channel. 

  Our online assemblies continue to unite our classes and families in a digital way, spreading positivity and sharing light relief to all who tune in to watch them.

  Have an safe and enjoyable extended half term break one and all! See you in November! 😀

  

• NI Executive's Announcement: Extended Half-Term Break

  Wed 14 Oct 2020

  Dear Parents and Guardians,

   

  This afternoon we have received an email from the Minister for Education confirming that schools will close from Monday 19th October, and will reopen on Monday 2nd November 2020.

   

  Below is a direct quote from the Education Minister regarding this extended break:

   

  "Education settings will be closed to all pupils during these two weeks, including for vulnerable children and children of key workers. As this is an extension of the half-term break, it is not intended to be used for remote learning."

   

  Parental interviews will still take place next week as scheduled, via the telephone consultation arranged, where teachers look forward to talking to you, and discussing your child's well-being and progress in school. 

   

  We would like to thank you sincerely for your support during this first term back to school. We are extremely disappointed to have to close school early, but we understand the reasons behind this decision. 

   

  Our Fun Fitness event will be rescheduled once we are all safely back to school. 

   

  Following the First Minister's announcement at 1030 this morning, we were honoured to receive a visit from Sky News, and our school is expected to feature on this evening's Sky News broadcasts. 

   

  Our very best wishes to you all for a safe and happy half-term.

   

  J Armstrong 

• It's time to order your Christmas cards!

  Mon 12 Oct 2020

  ***Final order date now extended to Thursday 5th November***

  Please check your child's schoolbag for details about how to order Christmas cards and a range of Christmas gifts featuring your child's own design!  Final orders must be returned to your child's teacher by Thursday 22nd October please.

• Covid Communication

  Thu 08 Oct 2020

  Dear Parents and Guardians,

   

  I wish to inform you that a member of our school community tested positive for Covid-19.

   

  I have sought the most up-to-date advice from The Public Health Agency (PHA) and a full Risk Assessment was carried out by telephone. They have advised that due to the timescales involved, and our action to close the affected area yesterday, as per Education Authority advice, we are safe to reopen the classroom.

   

  Any pupils or staff who were affected were notified and advised separately, based on advice from the Education Authority and PHA.

   

  I fully appreciate and understand the concerns of parents, pupils and the wider school community and wish to reassure you that every precaution has been taken.

   

  Ensuring the safety of our pupils and staff is our absolute priority and we will continue to monitor the situation carefully, and keep you informed of any changes as they arise.

   

  May I take this opportunity to thank you for your ongoing support during difficult times for us all.

   

  I would ask you to please adhere to social distancing guidance when within the playground and pathways, at those busier times when you are arriving into, or exiting the school grounds. Even with our staggered finish times, these times are busy, and we appeal to you to practice distancing as much as is possible when here.

   

  If you have any questions or concerns, you are welcome to email me on jarmstrong775@c2kni.net.

   

  Kind Regards,

   

  J Armstrong.