Dear Parent / Guardian / Colleague / Board Member,

Welcome Back – I hope that you all had a lovely midterm. It’s hard to believe that almost a full year after school closing for the first time, we are not yet fully operational. However I write this on Wednesday in lieu of Friday because of some “white smoke” in the distance.

Update – The Dept of Education and Skills has announced that mainstream schools will incrementally reopen on Monday next for children attending Junior Infant to Second Class inclusive. It is also their intention to reopen the remaining classes a fortnight later i.e. Monday 15^th March. Remote teaching and learning will continue for the senior classes in the interim. In light of this development, we look forward to welcoming back Junior Infants to Second Class pupils along with their teachers and other school staff on Monday morning for a 9:20am start. Buses will recommence for this group on the day. PE uniform to be worn on Monday, Wednesday and Friday – Full uniform Tuesday and Thursday. A letter has been posted to families with children returning for them to complete for each individual child. This form should be returned on Monday morning with each child –

This is essential for every child to recommence school.

To prevent Introduction and Spread of COVID-19 in Schools the Dept has asked that we circulate the following;

• Advise staff and pupils to self-isolate or restrict their movements at home if they display any signs or symptoms of COVID-19 and contact their family doctor to arrange a test.
• Advise staff and pupils not to return to or attend school in the event of the following:
• If they are identified by the HSE as a close contact of a confirmed case of COVID-19.
• If they live with someone who has symptoms of the virus.
• If they have travelled outside of Ireland; in such instances families are advised to consult and follow latest Government advice in relation to foreign travel.
• Advise staff and pupils to cooperate with any public health officials and the school for contact tracing purposes and follow any public health advice in the event of a case or outbreak in the school”

Sacraments – Both parish priests have been in contact with me to schedule religious ceremonies for both Rang 2 & Rang 6 in late spring and while the Communion dates have been provisionally distributed, next week I hope to distribute the entire Sacramental Programme, subject to Covid restrictions and the easing of same.

Family Quiz Winner – Well done to you all on attempting the recent school Quiz. We had many participants and a high proportion with many correct answers. The winner chosen for this was Callum Sexton and family. Not a bad week really – an appearance on RTE and winner of the Quiz! – Maith sibh Callum & family.

Conclusion – As I said earlier, there is white smoke in the air and that is good. Hopefully the worst is behind us and we can replicate the progress made at school from September–December into the March-June term.

Le gach dea ghuí.

Michael J. O’Ryan – Principal.