Dear Parent / Guardian / Colleague / Board Member,                                                                                               

Covid-19 Update – in total, as of today, we have 30 active cases broken down as follows;

Mrs Kelly’s Classroom = 1

Ms Dunlea’s Classroom = 4

Mr Earley’s Classroom = 3

Mrs Coffey’s Classroom = 9

Miss Denmead’s Classroom = 3

Mrs McGrath’s Classroom = 4

Mr Brunnock’s Classroom = 4

Staff = 2

Attendance – Our attendance rate for the week averaged 57% ranging from 54% on Monday to 60% on Friday. Last week we were notified of 21 cases while this week, the figure has decreased to 10 to date. This equates to 15% of our school community with active Covid, similar to wider community levels. Hopefully, we have reached our peak and that the graph will continue its downward trend. I expect to see more pupils back on Monday. I have spoken to all relevant families and my sense is that children are thankfully, not suffering noticeably from this strain of virus.

Antigen testing – When cases are reported, the parents of fellow pod members are informed if the infected child has been in school, directing them to a free phone number which entitles them to free antigen tests for that particular child. We commenced this process on Monday last. When a case is notified to us, an email will be sent detailing this process. It is of utmost importance that the principal is notified of each and every positive PCR result as promptly as possible. Please don’t reply to this email. The phone lines can be very busy, understandably, so we ask for your patience in trying to contact the school. (Please keep correspondence through school office phone or discrete email only.)

Face Masks – There has been a recommendation that pupils between Rg 3 – Rg 6 wear face masks in primary schools.

HSE Guidance – I include the latest HSE guidance for those up to 13 years of age.

Isolation Quick Guide for U-13’s

In the interest of adults within the family, I also include the adult version for anyone over 13 yrs of age.

Isolation Quick Guide for over 13’s

Zoom and See saw – Teachers are engaging twice a day with those isolating /restricting movements through educational platforms. I thank the staff for this and express the hope that we will be in a position to continue this support until the end of next week, pending review of case load and self isolation rates.

Parent Teacher Meetings – Teachers have been contacting parents this past week and while we still have some staff absent, please be patient on waiting for the teacher’s PTM call. As of today at 3pm we have reached 40% completion. Please be mindful that it may be a private number as staff are facilitating these meetings both in and out of school.

Ray Power – Our photography day went very well indeed and Rose has distributed all ordered packs to date. As some people have said that they did miss the opportunity to order, under the circumstances we will take a final order on Wed next. If interested, please return pack with money to Rose.

Advent – Our crib and advent wreath feature in our display in the Entrance Halla as we prepare for the coming of Christ at Christmas. Hopefully a Christmas tree can be added next week. I hear the elf is also back on the rounds!

Dream For Danny – The school will host a raffle in aid of Dream for Danny. 1^st Prize is a PS5 bundle-disc PlayStation 5, extra controller & game worth over €600!! 2^nd Prize is a Samsung Galaxy tablet A7, 32GB worth €250!! Tickets will go on sale in school from Mon 6th Dec. – €7.50 each or €15 for 3!! The raffle will take place on 31^st of Jan 2022! Ms Dunlea & Danny’s classmates are coordinating this. All monies raised will go to ‘Dream for Danny’! Thank you for your support!!

Best wishes to both Nire & Ballymacarbry Senior Football Teams in their respective Munster Club exploits this weekend.

Is mise,

Michael J. O’ Ryan – Principal