Cregmore National School

School Note. Friday, 15th January

16-January-21
School Note. Friday, 15th January

Dear Parents, Guardians, Teachers and Pupils,

"Happy Friday" is a phrase we use here amongst ourselves in the school, and this Friday is no different.

I hope you are all well and that you are coping as best you can...... to be very honest, I don't have much to correspond, except that I have been in touch with a number of you this past week and I now realise that we are all in the same boat. Some parents are concerned that they and their children are finding this process of schooling very challenging. While some children have adapted very easily to home / school teaching and learning, others have not. A number of parents are concerned that their child may be "left behind" and unable to catch up. Others are wondering if "repeating the year" is a consideration......others are concerned about the length of time it is taking children to complete tasks......some children show little interest and are .lacking in motivation.....some parents are concerned about the length of time children are sitting in front of a screen and naturally some children are lonely, miss their friends and are "bored". I understand totally. Unfortunately there are no quick fix solutions nor complete answers. All I do know is that regardless of how much or how little children are engaging, we should focus on their mental wellbeing, their contentment, their physical wellbeing and on creating a positive atmosphere in the house. It must be very strange and difficult for young people to comprehend what exactly is going on throughout the world. Deep down, children must find all this overwhelming and there must be a certain level of confusion and misunderstanding. In my humble opinion, children will catch up educationally. This crisis will come to an end. We will return to normality very soon and this will be but a distant historical memory.We are all playing off a level playing pitch. Stop worrying.

So therefore....just do your best. Do not focus on how "little" your child is doing, but be grateful for any amount. Be positive and offer praise.Make sure that there is routine, (bedtime and getting up). If at all possible, please encourage some form of exercise in the fresh air. Try to initiate board games / card playing. Reading (or reading to or with) is very rewarding. Puzzles. Jigsaws. Music. Construction (lego etc). Regardless of how much or how little is done, avoid comparisons, negativity and anything which may lead to stress at all costs. And finally, please do not be afraid to communicate with your class teacher or indeed myself or any member of staff. We are available for a chat, guidance and support at all times.

Finally, I would like the school community of children to know that we miss them very much. We had a lovely time here together from September to December and it is very sad that this was called to a halt. However, we live in hope and look forward very much to hearing the school bell ring and the sounds and laughter of children echo throughout the building. We will have a remote Silver Circle draw for those of you who kindly paid in full and we will publish our monthly newsletter. Should you have any photo you would like us to include, please email it to cregmorens@ymail.com So until next Friday, stay safe, be kind to each other and please do not hesitate to contact us if necessary. We are here to help.

Kind Regards Joe Kennelly

Cregcarragh, Claregalway, Co. Galway, H91YD28.
091 799 037
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