Dear Parent/Guardian, 

I hope that you are all well and that you have been able to enjoy some additional contact with family and friends under the government’s current phase of the lifting of lockdown. I’m sure that this has been an emotional time for many of you, who have been able to visit much loved grandparents and relatives once again.  This social distancing has been very difficult for us all but with careful adherence to the guidelines being given, we will hopefully emerge safely on the other side. In some ways this is a more testing time, as we must be extra vigilant and mindful of our responsibility to others, despite the welcome additional freedom now given. We must respect this freedom and use it wisely. 

At present, there is much talk about schools in the media and about how pupils will return to school in September. All schools welcome this return of pupils but as yet there have been no specific guidelines given to us about the management of this. I want to assure you that the Board of Management and staff of Scoil Bhríde Cailíní will work to minimize the risk for all our school community, pupils, parents and staff and that we will keep you informed of all relevant information as it is issued over the coming weeks. However, none of us know exactly how the landscape will look in September, as we cannot predict what stage the virus will be at. Therefore, it may be necessary for schools to revise and amend plans on an ongoing basis and so we ask for your patience and understanding with this.  

In the meantime, we will continue with distance learning for our pupils and with planning for other school events that would normally take place at this time of the year. 

Book Returns/Distribution of Reports 

• You will receive a message today, asking you to come to the school hall at an appointed time slot on either Wednesday or Thursday to collect your daughter’s items and return school books. 
• Only one adult is permitted to come to the school. Children should not accompany parents. 
• Please park outside the school campus and walk to the school hall via the yard where the girls assemble in the mornings. Staff will be there to assist you. 
• Any items belonging to your daughter will be returned to you in a bag. 
• You will also receive an envelope containing her school report, school insurance form and school booklist. (I am aware that many of you have already paid for your books online so this booklist is only really of relevance to those who wish to purchase the books themselves and do not wish to avail of the school book rental scheme.) If you are availing of the school insurance, this form should be filled and returned to the school in September. 

• N.B. Today’s message from your daughter’s teacher will name the exact books that must be returned to the school. These books are school rental books and will be required for other pupils next year. 
• Please place all the school return books in a bag, clearly labelled with your daughter’s name so it can be ticked off our returns’ list.  
• The time slots start with 6th class and work downwards. When collecting and returning books, you will be permitted to collect any items belonging to another daughter/s in a lower class level. 

Please be mindful of all HSE guidelines, correct social distancing and wearing of gloves when coming to the school. 

First Class Seesaw 

Girls, I’m hearing wonderful reports from Mr McCrudden and Ms Duffy about your work on Seesaw. I’m so thrilled to hear this but not really that surprised because I always knew you were such great little workers. Keep it up girls! I’m very proud of you all.  

School Hub 

The Home School Hub is finishing on the 19th of June. I would like to congratulate our own staff member, Clíona Ní Chíosáin, for her involvement in this wonderful programme and for her invaluable contribution to distance learning for so many children throughout Ireland, over the last few months. She has informed me that they have filmed a lovely graduation episode for June 19th which I’m sure will be worth tuning in to, so watch out for that, particularly our 6th class pupils. Comhghairdeas a Chlíona! Rinne tú sár- obair ar an gclár and táimid go léir an-bhródúil asat.  

Aladdin Connect 

You will have received a unique code last Friday evening, which will allow you to download the Aladdin Connect App. If you have not already clicked on this link, we would ask you to do so, as soon as possible, to enable us to communicate with you more effectively. 

Junior Infants September 2020 

The staff have been working on a PowerPoint presentation for parents of our incoming Junior Infants. This will be sent out shortly and we hope that it helps to give you a flavour of life in Scoil Bhríde Cailíní. We are looking forward to meeting you and your daughters in person in the autumn. 

Sixth Class Graduation 

The countdown is now on girls to the virtual graduation on the 26th! You’ve already received your invite with the programme of events. I’m indebted to the teachers for all the hard work that has gone in to this behind the scenes. It promises to be a very memorable occasion and a fitting tribute to these young ladies, as they close one door in their lives and prepare to open another. 

And finally, 

Girls, I want to complement you hugely on the amazing work you’re sending in to the website all the time. I’m very impressed by the cooking, gardening, skipping, dancing, phonics, sums, project work and all the happy, smiling faces beaming out at me from the website. Even President Higgins has been featured. You’re simply the best!! I’m a very lucky Principal! 

Don’t forget your random acts of kindness too girls. Try and do one kind act every day. I hope also you’re remembering to fill a jar with all the lovely things you’ll do when lockdown is over. Maybe you’ve even got to do some of these things already. I certainly hope so! 

Take care of yourselves, 

Le gach dea-ghuí, 

Paula Dargan