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Guernsey's three private schools will reopen on 1 June, after closing to most pupils at the same time the Bailiwick's States' run schools shut ahead of the covid-19 lockdown.
It was announced last week that all States run schools will reopen on 8 June - a full week after the end of the half term break, to ensure staff have prepared for social distancing measures and increased hygiene standards.
The colleges will reopen to all students a week earlier, subject to approval by Public Health, having also remained open for the children of essential workers or vulnerable students throughout the lockdown.
Blanchelande College's Principal, Robert O'Brien said it is "wonderful and exciting news to be returning to school!"
Pictured: Blanchelande College will reopen to all pupils on 1 June (file image).
Although the new half term starts tomorrow, he told parents staff will spend the next few days "setting up the school environment appropriately" and that he is confident that approval will be given to reopen to all year groups on 1 June.
Mr O'Brien also said that staff are "producing resources to aid the transition back to relative normality" for the last few weeks before the summer break.
Elizabeth College Principal Jenny Palmer said both the junior and upper school should both reopen next week after a successful time remote learning since 20 March.
Pictured: Elizabeth College will also reopen to students on 1 June.
"It has been superb to see our students and families engaging with the Elizabeth College Virtual School over the last half term, alongside the virtual clubs and our community activities. We are very grateful to parents for all the support you have given to your children over this time, for your feedback and your messages of support to the College at what has undoubtedly been a very challenging time in very different ways for every member of our community. It has been really lovely to see examples of your children’s work but I am hugely looking forward to welcoming everyone back to our College sites for our new normal.
"My final thank you goes to all of the College staff, both Junior and Upper School teams, who have supported the planning and delivery of the Virtual School as well as keeping both sites up and running for those students who have been in with us and in preparation for the return of everyone."
Pictured: The Ladies College.
Principal of The Ladies College, Ashley Clancy wrote to parents recently to confirm the school is "working hard to have plans in place, which we can share with you in advance, to assure you of our priorities for personal safety when we return, whilst we continue with our approach to encourage personal health and to provide meaningful, relevant and sustainable work. Our plans will follow expectations from Public Health and the Committee forEducation, Sport & Culture and seek to sustain and develop our provision for our College community."
The Ladies College has said it plans to reopen the entire school - Melrose and the Senior School - "as soon as it is safe to do so as directed or as agreed by Public Health and the Committee for Education, Sport and Culture and by our Board of Governors. The date we are now planning for all to return is Monday 1st June 2020".
The college will share details with parents as soon as it can, and a face to face briefing will take place with pupils, reinforced by appropriate signage, when they return next week.
Pictured top: Guernsey's three private colleges.
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