June 5th 2020.
Dear Parents, Guardians, Pupils and Colleagues,
I hope this brief weekly note finds you all well and content.
Following the recent unique spell of weather our spirits were further lifted with the daily reporting of the progress being made in battling Covid 19. Let us hope that the trend will continue and that very soon a new normality will return to our lives.
It is only in recent days that I have become really aware of the impact this pandemic is having not just on families, communities, workplaces, jobs, schools, tourism etc. but also on voluntary charity organisations. I am aware that from June 1st annually, literally hundreds of events, (some very large, others small), but all very significant, take place all over Ireland. Walks, runs, swims, climbs, games, golf classics, festive events, challenges of all sorts are held in every town and parish all financially supporting various initiatives and worthwhile organisations. Let us hope that the organisations that depend so much on these fundraising initiatives will survive and will continue the great work which they do.
Collection and Returning of belongings; We have made arrangements for all your children’s belongings that remain in school to be collected or indeed school items to be returned, (including the 6th class blazers), on the week beginning June 15th. Teachers will make all belongings available from 5pm to 7pm over the following evenings.
Monday, June 15th – Ms Crehan, Mr Connell and Ms McCormack Tuesday, June 16th – Ms Coyne, Ms O’Dea and Ms Mogan Wednesday, June 17th – Ms Greene, Ms O’Carroll and Mr Madden.
Needless to say, it is very important that we follow strict guidelines and ensure the safety of all who visit the school to collect and / or return items.
Therefore,
1.Can I ask that just one parent representative per family visit the school. Absolutely no children please.
2. That a face mask is worn and hands are sanitized if at all possible when entering the school. Please avoid touching door handles etc.
3. That we enter from the gate at the Main car park and exit the small gate on the Grange Road, while walking around then carefully to the Main car park.
4. That each parent has a bag / box for carrying the items.
5. There will be one parent entering the classroom at a time and those waiting outside on the yard are asked to maintain a 2m social distance. The class teacher will have all items ready for hand over and each class teacher will be supported by another member of staff who will coordinate from outside.
6. 6TH Class are asked to return their blazers and tie, properly cleaned and labelled. Mr Madden will return all the deposits on the evening.
7. Rita has informed me that there is no need to return any rented musical instruments until September next. However, please mind them carefully and enjoy playing them.
8. Finally, please be respectful of each other and be very careful not to cause any upset or offence.
I hope all this is to your satisfaction and I look forward to communicating with you again next week.
So until then, stay safe and be kind to each other,
Joe