Dear Parent / Guardian / Colleague / Board Member,                                                                                               

Attendance:  Attendance has been a little lower this week as expected at 94.8%. In November as a whole it was 96% while last November returned a figure of 93.1%; the lowest during my time as principal. We are seeing more absences of late but this is as expected with others issues to the fore also.  On this note I have been asked by Dr. Seamus and his staff at the Health Centre to share a letter in relation to public Health. Please find this on page 2 of this email.

PTM’s:  10 minute time slots have been given to parents for between 3-5pm on Monday –Thursday next week. The first four classes will be carried out on Monday and Tuesday while Rang 3–Rang 6 will be held on Wednesday and Thursday. Monday and Tuesday will be carried out via phone call. Parents have a choice of zoom or phone call if their child is in Rang 3 or higher. Please let your teacher know. A link will be posted early next week to attend zoom meetings with the senior class teachers. Please make sure you are available for the time allotted as families have been given concurrent times. Unfortunately timeslots can’t be rearranged at this juncture but we will assess the process immediately afterwards. Hopefully we will be able to revert to our “in person” meetings next year.

N.B. Can I ask that as many parents as possible try to engage in Zoom calls with teachers from Rang 3 – Rang 6. It is also an option that the video setting can be turned to off during these calls. The school has only one phone line and we are depending on the goodwill of staff in using private phones for this year. I would appreciate your help in this regard. Please let your teacher know if you would like to avail of zoom.

Covid Inspection: On Wednesday last we had a Covid Inspection from our School inspector. She met with the Principal, Mrs Kelly, LWR and seven other members of staff. She did a robust check on our Covid Policy visiting different locations including classroom settings, An Seomra Tinn and the staff room. Initial feedback was very positive. Full reports will issue to the school, the Board of Management and the Parents Association in time. We are delighted with how the assessment went but acknowledge that it was a result of all staff, pupils and their families putting their collective shoulders to the wheel since August. Needless to say, this effort must continue for as long as is deemed necessary.

Sacraments: From speaking with our two priests this week we hope to have an announcement on 2021 Holy Communions in early December. The remaining dates for Rang 6 Confirmation may not be known for another while.

Jersey Day: We participated in “Jersey Day” today to show support for our four past pupils of the school and their team mates in their quest to reach an All Ireland Hurling Final tomorrow against Kilkenny. Best wishes to Fourmilewater’s Jamie, Conor, Shane and Tom and the entire Déise set up this weekend. Thanks also to Ronan Ryan Chair of FMW HC and his Committee for presenting us with sliotars and facemasks today at our school. Much appreciated. Bainígí taitneamh as an “Toy Show” níos déanaí agus an cluiche iománaíochta amárach!

Michael J. O’Ryan – Principal.