25th February 2021

Dear parents,

I hope that you and your family are keeping safe and well.  Earlier this week, the Government published the plan for the next phases of return to in-school learning for our pupils.  On Monday, 1st March, the first four classes at primary level – junior and senior infants, first and second class pupils  will return to in-school provision.  

The arrangements for morning drop-off and afternoon collection will be the same as they were prior to the Christmas holidays.   The arrangements for next Monday are as follows:

• School starts at 8:55am for pupils in Senior Infants – 2nd Class. We will receive children from 8:45am.  The children will go directly to their classrooms via the designated routes that they used during  Term 1.
• School starts at 9:00am for Junior Infants.  Class teachers will meet the Juniors on their spots, as usual, at 9:00am.  

Please note

• Children should remain in their parent’s vehicles until at least 8:45am in the morning.  There is a 10 minute window to allow children to enter the school building from this time. 

Hometime

• Junior Infant hometime is at 1:30pm.  Collection point is the Infant Courtyard.
• Hometime for Senior Infants is at 1:40pm.  Collection point is the Infant Courtyard.
• Hometime for 1st Class is at 2:35pm.  Collection point is the Church Carpark
• Hometime for 2nd Class is at 2:40pm. Collection point is the Church Carpark

Parents should maintain social distance and wear a face covering at all times in the car park and when collecting their children.  In a letter to parents, the Minister for Education has stressed the necessity for everyone ‘…to abide by all social distancing guidance and stay home apart from essential journeys. Parents can help schools by being individually responsible and not lingering outside school at drop off and collection times. It is welcome that children will see their friends in school, but please do not organise playdates or home visits.’

Please click here to read the full letter from the Minister for Education, Ms. Norma Foley, T.D. (also attached to this notice)

Classes 3rd – 6th will continue with the learning from home programme until at least the 15th March.  Hopefully, at that stage, all primary school pupils will return to in-school provision.  It is very important for these pupils to continue to engage daily with their lessons and to submit their assignments to their teachers via Google Classroom.  The pupils have demonstrated remarkable resilience and engagement so far this year and I wish to commend them on their efforts. 

A huge thank you to our staff and Board of Management members for their support and effort in getting everything ready for our school reopening.  We are looking forward to seeing the children in person again and helping them to settle back into their daily school routines in a gentle and safe way.  Our plan to reopen the school will be monitored and reviewed on a regular basis and we will keep you informed of any changes via Aladdin and our website.  

Here are some reminders and notices:

Schoolbooks (1st and 2nd Class only)

If you collected your child’s school books box during the closure you may return it to the school prior to this weekend (by 3:30pm Friday).  The box should be labelled with your child’s name and class teacher’s name.  The box should be returned to the Main Door hallway.

Schoolbooks (Junior & Senior Infants)

Books and folders may be returned in your child’s bag on Monday morning.

Laptops and iPads (Junior Infants – 2nd Class only)

Families who borrowed an ICT device may return it in their child’s school bag on Monday

Pupil Collection

Pupil collections outside of normal hours must be by appointment and be essential collections. The sign out sheet will be completed by the secretary in the presence of the parent. Please do not enter the school building upon arrival.  Instead, call the school office 061339123 or press the buzzer located next to the main door.  The pupil will be brought to the front door located next to the After School Facility. 

Wellness in Education 

The Department of Education NEPS psychologists have developed advice and resources for parents, students and school staff to support them during school closure due to COVID-19.  Please click here to access the resource site.

Return to Education Form

Parents are required to complete the Return to Education Form in respect of children returning to school and after any absence from school.  This form may be completed via the Aladdin Connect App or via the school website.

Communion & Confirmation

The school is still awaiting word of when the sacraments will take place this year.  They are unlikely to take place before the end of May.  Once we receive information in relation to these dates we will let you know as soon as possible.

HSE Quick Guide to Isolation (17/02/2021)

Please click here to view a HSE Quick Guide to Isolation for children 3months to 13 years of age.

Wishing you and your family the very best.

Take care everyone.

Le gach dea-ghuí,

Diarmaid