Scoil Mhuire na Trócaire

25^th March 2020

Dear Parents/Guardians

I hope you and your family are keeping well during these very tough and worrying days. As stated in our previous letters and texts, the priority for all families is to keep everyone safe and well and to cope with the new challenges we’re facing.

You are probably aware that our Taoiseach has announced that school closures will extend until April 19^th. The 12^th of March, when schools closed, already seems like a long time ago. On that day we sent work home to cover the two-week period up to 27^th March. Our teachers have prepared work for the week of Monday 30^th March to Friday 3^rd April and this will be posted on our website on Friday 27^th March. Meanwhile, we are exploring new ways of communicating with you and we will share our plans with you in the coming weeks. This is an experience that none of us has ever had before and we thank you for your patience and support as we work to manage it with you.

During the “Easter Break” we would encourage pupils to catch up on any unfinished work, enjoy the great outdoors whilst observing social distancing, do fun activities like making Easter cards and playing board games, learn some age-appropriate life skills ( for example learn how to tie laces or for older pupils learn to sort the laundry & turn on the washing machine at the right setting etc) . Focus on making positive memories of these extraordinary times we’re living through.

As a parent I am very aware of the challenges families face in relation to this new way of schoolwork. I know many of you may be working from home so there may be limited time and IT facilities to accommodate everyone’s needs. Please don’t be under too much pressure to try to replicate the work of teachers. Remind children that their education is important but don’t let schoolwork be a source of conflict or stress in your home. Happy minds all round is more important than worksheets completed. One to two hours of “schoolwork” a day, with breaks as needed, will go a long way and all you and your child can do is “your best”.

These are unprecedented times and children may pick up on the anxiety in this new world we’re living in. The reality of having to stay at home, not seeing their friends is probably sinking in. You may see some changes in their behaviour, and this is normal under the circumstances. Right now, children need to feel loved and re-assured, so take the time to talk, relax and share some reading time together…. when all else fails…. Read, read, read!

We’ll be in contact again very soon,

Kind regards,

Mrs Sweeney

12^th March 2020

Dear Parent(s) / Guardian(s)

We have been advised by the HSE / Department of Education and Skills to close our school for a period of time, from 6pm today 12^th March to 29^th March.

We fully understand that you are concerned about your daughter’s welfare and education during this period of school closure.

Our teachers have planned some activities to help your child continue with learning at home for a two-week period. The necessary books are in your child’s school bag. We recognise that this is not a substitute for actual teaching in school but will help children practise some skills they have been working on. The activities listed should be spread over the two-week period and any guidance and support you can offer will be useful.
If you have access to the internet in your home, we have also listed some Website Activities that children can explore.
Your priority is to keep your children and family safe and well. Keep up the good work reminding children to wash hands properly and often and to sneeze/cough into the bend of their elbow.
Please exercise good judgement and best practice to ensure you, your family and our community at school and at home keep safe and well. There are many vulnerable people in our communities and it’s our duty to do as much as we can to protect our school family and those at home. Please continue to follow all the advice, guidance and up to date information on the Covid-19 (Coronavirus) at www.hse.ie

Re-assure your child that things will be alright and that their teachers are looking forward to seeing them soon. Please note that any information regarding the re-opening of school and other updates will be texted to you.

We look forward to seeing all our pupils and families back in school soon and we wish you and your family an illness free break from school.

Yours sincerely

Deirdre Sweeney & staff

Please click below for more information on how to talk to your child about Covid-19:

https://www.education.ie/en/The-Department/Announcements/talking-to-children-and-young-people-about-covid-19-coronavirus-advice-for-parents-and-schools.pdf

We have uploaded some activity sheets to keep your daughter/s involved during the school closure. Please click on the links below to access the activity sheets for your children:

Please note: These worksheets open in a new window. You may need to allow popups from the school website in your browser.

It is my pleasure to welcome you to our school website which I hope gives you the essential school information you seek as well as an insight into the happy, vibrant and productive life of Scoil Mhuire na Trócaire. In our school you will find happy children supported by a team of dedicated and enthusiastic staff. It is with immense pride that I carry out my duties as Principal and I am always extremely grateful for the hard work and support of our parents, pupils, staff, Board of Management and Parents’ Association and the wider community who make Scoil Mhuire na Trócaire the unique and welcoming school that it is. Scoil Mhuire na Trócaire has been serving the town of Ardee since 1956 and our dedicated staff and Board of Management continuously work to build on our excellent reputation and caring ethos. Our website will give you a flavour of the many activities we undertake to develop the intellectual, physical, cultural, moral and emotional well-being of our pupils.
Bainigí taitneamh as.
Deirdre Sweeney
Principal

Recent Posts