Dear parents,

I wish to update you on a few matters as we come towards the end of the school year and prepare for a new year:

Preparation for re-opening:

Please note that while preparations are going on in the background, we still need to wait for Department of Education guidelines, before finalising arrangements for the return to school. Current discussions on maintaining 1 or 2 m distance will affect numbers in classrooms and there are education-specific requirements that will have to be taken into consideration for our own context. We also are awaiting updates regarding any summer programme going ahead.

We will liaise with the PSG committee on ways foward , from an education perspective as well as practical arrangements such as signage, car parking, hygiene practices etc.

We will revert as soon as possible as I know everyone is anxious to get information on this. The important thing is to put children’s minds at ease and talk to them about what is happening in as positive a way as we can.

 

Booklists:

Booklists for the coming year will be uploaded to the school website this week. Please note that on some lists are references to shared materials. Again we await DES advice-  we propose that these materials are shared amongst a group of 3 or 4 children (same group) and will be wiped down after use. If advice is that each child has his/her own book then we will order and put the subscription from the booklist towards the new book. 

In some cases, particularly with younger classes, teachers have added materials for children’s own use, rather than sharing. We will also update re any hygiene products etc that may be needed in September. 

Regarding payment of the school expenses part of the booklist (to cover additional curriculum materials and resources for use in class) a link will be sent from Aladdin Connect for same.

 

Tracksuits

The school tracksuits can be ordered directly form K Sport at the link below

https://ksport.ie/product-category/primary-schools/st-annes-national-school-ardclough/

 

School Resources and Children’s materials

Arrangements will be put in place, over the last week of June, for the return of schoolbooks and collection of books which children have left behind. I will send out a list of books, which children from each class should have, and which can be returned, in advance of that. We will arrange time slots for this to ensure social distancing.

Classes for next year:

The allocation of teachers to classes will be issued in the last week of June also (website).

 

Calendar for the year ahead

This is currently in draft format and will issue on the school website once DES updates are forthcoming

 

Graduation for 6^th class:

Again we await DES updates re restrictions on travel and entering the school grounds. We will endeavour to mark the occasion in the best way possible and will be in touch with all 6^th class parents/children shortly.

 

Finally class reports will be available on Aladdin Connect for your child from Monday June 22^nd.

 

Of course we all wish that some normality will resume soon. I’m sure it will!

In the meantime we will continue with preparations and will communicate with you on all plans as soon as we can.

Thanks to you all for your support and co-operation. Stay safe and well

Best wishes to our wonderful students who continue to work well- we are proud of you all

Kind regards

Mary Manley