10th May 2020

Dear parents,

I hope that you and your family are keeping safe and well.  The Taoiseach has directed all schools in Ireland to remain closed until September.  Whilst the Taoiseach’s recent announcement in relation to schools remaining closed brings welcome clarity, it also brings a sense of sadness in the knowledge that we will not see the children for the remainder of the academic year.  

I wish to take this opportunity to thank you for the incredible effort you are making at home each week in helping your child to engage with their educational programme.  I know that it is not easy and I appreciate the many challenges that you face each day – juggling family life, caring for loved ones, working from home and now home schooling.  Thank you for encouraging your child to engage in the online activities and for sending in samples of your children’s work each week. The teachers love receiving it as it gives them opportunities to offer praise and encouragement to your child. 

We will continue to do our very best in school to provide structure to your child’s learning while they are at home.  We are very aware that one size does not fit all.  The programme is there to help you; it is not meant to be a source of stress so please tailor the teacher’s suggested programme to suit your child and your own circumstances.  

The hyper-links on the weekly plan offer extra advice and resources to help scaffold your child’s learning.  If you are printing off these plans each week, please remember to return to a digital device in order to follow the relevant links  for each lesson.  

The Department of Education has also indicated that Standardised Testing will not take place this year.   Therefore, the school reports will not contain test scores this year.  The reports will be published on Aladdin Connect in mid- June.

The Bishop of Limerick circulated letters recently to our sacrament classes.  We will let you know as soon as possible when Bishop Brendan decides on his plans for rearranging dates for Confirmation and First Holy Communion.

Traditionally, the summer term is a hectic time of the year.  Apart from all the revision, testing and report writing it is a time filled with fun and outdoor activity – school tours, sports day, sporting events, nature walks, outdoor classes, First Holy Communion and Graduation night. 

Unfortunately, we are unable to celebrate with our Sixth Class pupils during their ‘Swansong’ months in primary school. We are extremely proud of their progress and development and we feel very privileged to be a part of their journey through primary school.  They are wonderful ambassadors for Milford N.S.  We will liaise with the Parents’ Council / Sixth CLass parents and do our very best to organise Graduation Night for a date later in the year.  

Finally, thank you so much for your continued support and cooperation.  Your kind words to our teachers are very much appreciated and gives us all strength through these unprecedented times.  Please do not hesitate to contact the school via office@milfordns.ie if you think we can help you in any way.  

Wishing you and your family the very best.

Take care everyone.

Le gach dea-ghuí,

Diarmaid