Cregmore National School

School Note; Friday, June 19th

20-June-20

School Letter; Friday June 19th 2020.

Dear Parents, Guardians, Pupils and Colleagues,

I hope this note finds you all in good spirits, It was really lovely to meet so many of you on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings last, and it was particularly reassuring to learn that you are all coping so well and adjusting to this strange and unusual lifestyle. It is very obvious that the easing of restrictions has helped in removing some of the anxiety that people were experiencing and a further sense of normality should return to our lives over the next few weeks. However, please be aware that more accidents happen at sea when the crew are disembarking their boat, (getting off) than at any other time. Beijing and New Zealand are a testament to that and we as a nation must continue to adhere to the advice of our medical experts and not yet remove our “lifejackets” nor become complacent, distracted or careless.

Probably the most pleasing aspect of the Covid 19 crisis for me personally is the way our young people have reacted to the restrictions, behaved and coped. It has to be a very difficult time for teenagers particularly, but overall I think that they have represented our country with distinction. Yes indeed they are entitled to go to the river an odd day to “party”, or maybe even to camp out. Meeting up at the school or at the pitch is another harmless social activity. These are not the biggest crimes in the world and teenagers need the assurance and support of each other. Over the past number of weeks I have met several teenage past pupils at the school and I really want to commend them on several counts. First and foremost, for their conduct. I have experienced nothing other than good manners and respect for the school grounds. They are engaging, chatty, having fun and respectful of each other and of everyone else. I haven’t seen as much as a sweet paper thrown around and I now realise that this generation of young people are filled with a pride of place........ and that is a very special feeling. Over the past 2 decades Cregmore has seen a huge influx of new families from every corner of the globe, but through the influence of our hurling club, football club, Foroige, Lackagh Comhaltas, fundraising initiatives such as the recent OSKARS and indeed our school, these people have knitted together to create a beautiful community, one which we are all very proud of. So, I commend our youth and I laud them for the example they are passing on to the younger generation.

I want to thank the teachers, parents and pupils for engaging in “home schooling” over the past number of weeks. It would be foolish of one to think that every single pupil engaged fully, daily and with enthusiasm. That is not so. Children aren’t robots, (Thank God), and while some children were comfortable engaging in distant learning, others weren’t. And that’s no problem and should not be causing any anxiety, disappointment or worry. Be assured that when we return to school in September that we will have reconnected, caught up and progressed in no

time at all. Traditionally we never asked children to do homework the week before the Summer holidays, so if you feel that you have reached the end of the schooling road, then tidy out the school bag and put it away until September. Instead, encourage a physical or creative activity and have fun.

Reports and booklists will be posted to you soon and keep an eye on our website for further updates. Speaking of website, please take a look at Turloughmores rising star, Jack Hession, as he displays a range of hurling skills and also please see a very beautiful video that Mr Madden put together as a tribute to Rang 6.

Hopefully we will have a new government in place very soon and in particular I personally look forward to the appointment of a new Minister of Education. Deputy McHugh was shambolic. He offered little or no guidance, created confusion, raised the hopes of several parents through inaccurate statements, (especially parents with children of need), has left us in limbo about the future, provided no financial aid to prepare schools for a safe reopening.....nothing. In recent months, it was really a case of “make it up as you go along”, and but for the daily contact with Margaret and a number of very dedicated and supportive teachers, I simply would have been lost. I also want to thank Odhran O Mahony who is an absolute gentleman, always on hand for assistance and sound advice. Thank you.

So until next week, take care and be kind to yourselves and to each other.

Kind Regards,

Joe

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