Nativity plays and Christmas dances cancelled at schools for second year

The local authority sent out a letter to parents and carers this week informing them that Christmas performances will not be held again this year due to Covid safety advice.

The council's executive director, Douglas Hendry, said in the document, distributed on Monday: "We are writing to update you on the current NHS advice regarding gatherings leading up to Christmas where traditionally dances, nativity plays and fayres would be hosted by our schools.

"The Education Service Covid Recovery Group has considered the current Scottish Government guidance to ensure we continue to put the wellbeing of our school communities and staff at the heart of all we do.

"Given the current guidance it is with regret that we are writing to let you know that schools will not be holding Christmas dances and nativities again this year. This is in line with practice across our local authority partners.

"Schools may continue to hold in-class Christmas activities (within their bubble)."

READ MORE: Christmas nativity at St Joseph's Primary in Helensburgh

Children at St Joseph's Primary School in Helensburgh still managed to stage shows last December within their own class bubbles, with the performances filmed and uploaded to Google Classroom for parents to see.

The council letter also addresses the question of outside performances, where parents are invited into school grounds to watch.

It continues: "The current Scottish Government advice is for parents to drop off their children at a safe and suitable distance from schools to avoid mass parent gatherings in school grounds.

"Consequently, it would follow that parents should not be invited onto the school grounds to watch outside school shows during the day.

"Parents/carers are permitted into school where it is essential and appropriately risk assessed.

"Whilst we understand this communication may be disappointing these mitigations will continue to keep us all safe, well and learning."