Dear Parents and wider school community
Over the past few weekends we have had break ins to the school grounds. For what ever reason the culprits are targeting the Foundation Stage play area (likely because it is fenced in and they would be very hard to detect) They have tried unsuccessfully to smash a poly-carbonate window in the toy shed, but only managed to distort it. this has resulted in the rain leaking into the shed. there has been a small table smashed to pieces and sectarian and unsavoury graffiti scrawled on the walls. Needless to say this is only harming the children in their own community. During the summer I did encounter a group in the school grounds late one evening. However with hoods up it was hard to identify them conclusively. One of them who could not escape in time gave me a false name. I know it to false as I know the boy whose name he gave me! On one occasion they have been seen climbing over the school gates into the grounds.(The last thing any of us want is barbed wire)! There was also a break in the perimeter fence which we have reported to EA maintenance several weeks ago.
I would urge the vandals to stop breaking in to start with, but also ask that our parents and wider community be extra vigilant over the next while especially as the darker evenings approach. Police have been notified and will increase patrols in the area.(If anyone has any has seen or has any evidence please contact PSNI on 101 quoting reference number 489 11/09/19). It may only a matter of time before something more sinister or serious occurs so please help by keeping an eye out for suspicious activity.
I would request that if you do see someone in the school grounds that shouldn't be there that you contact the PSNI on 101.
Finally please share this information as widely as possible within your family circle.The youths I encountered during the summer were around 13 - 15 years of age and may not have siblings at St Mary's. I hope to meet with our community police officers in the next few days to discuss the matter in more detail with them.
