Northern Ireland

Coronavirus: Lisnagarvey High School closes early for Christmas

Lisnagarvey High School in Lisburn has announced it has closed early for the Christmas holidays.

The school revealed it had two separate Covid-19 cases, which meant about a fifth of its staff were forced to isolate.

Pupils will be taught online for the rest of the term.

In a letter to parents, principal Jim Sheerin said "large numbers" of staff have had to self isolate.

He said the two seperate cases involve a Year 9 class and the Special Educational Needs department.

Four year groups at Methodist College in Belfast, are learning remotely following 35 positive coronavirus cases being reported in one week. 

Elsewhere, Scoil na Fuiseoige in Twinbrook has said any child that remains at home after Thursday will be marked as present.

In a letter, principal Caoimhín Williamson told parents that if there were any positive cases in the school from Friday, entire class bubbles would have to isolate on Christmas Day.

He said he was removing his own two children from school from today so they could spend Christmas with their grandparents.

"I understand that some of you may be returning to work this Friday and have no other option but to send your children to school," he wrote.

"Therefore the school will remain open until 22nd December as planned. Any child that remains at home after Thursday 10th and engages in remote learning, will be marked present for the remainder of term."

Read more: Peter Weir again says exams will not be cancelled

Principals at Ebrington and Lisnagelvin primaries in Derry said they would be "annoyed if families could not enjoy the Christmas period like they had hoped".

St Ronan's in Newry and Braniel Primary School in Belfast have also decided to offer parents the chance to have their children educated remotely from 11 December.

Glengormley High has offered parents the choice of remote or in-school learning for their children from next week.