Dear Parents/ Guardians, 

I hope that you are all keeping well and staying safe. This is a challenging time for us all, as we observe social distancing and are without so many of our normal, daily routines. As adults, we are finding it difficult to adapt and adjust to this new, curtailed way of living. However, it is even harder for young children, who may be very confused and worried at this time. It is up to us, to reassure them and to remind them, that this too will eventually pass. What is important is, that we work together, support each other and follow the trusted advice and guidance, being given to us daily by the government and the HSE.  

Ireland is only a small nation but we can be justifiably proud of how we have all responded to date and complied with everything that has been asked of us. In an age, where there is often so much talk about personal rights, it is heart-warming to see that we are also keenly aware of our personal responsibilities to others and have risen to the challenges being presented to us. All of the small steps we take, will ensure that we safeguard and protect others in our family, our community and our wider, global community. Never before have our actions had the capacity to have such an immediate and visible effect on our fellow human beings worldwide. This in itself, is an important message and key learning experience for our children. It highlights the responsibility we all have to care for our fellow human beings. People of all nationalities, regardless of race, colour or creed, have united in a common purpose, to halt the spread of Covid– 19. This is what being a good citizen is all about. 

There are two mottos displayed in Scoil Bhríde Cailíní, which I’m sure you’ve noticed when visiting the school. They both struck a chord with me when I first joined the staff last November. One is displayed in large writing downstairs, as you enter the school. It says, Treat each other as you would like to be treated. The other is displayed on a huge banner, made by the girls and is hanging upstairs. It reads, Ar scáth a chéile a mhaireann na daoine, which literally translates as, ‘People live in each other’s shadows’. What this really means is, that we rely on each other for protection and shelter. Our response to the current crisis reflects this wise, old Irish proverb. We have stood tall and worked together to provide shelter and safety for each other. We must now continue to do so, for as long as is required. 

I would like to assure you, that all staff are actively liaising and engaged in regular Microsoft Teams meetings to plan further activities and educational resources for your daughters. These will be posted on the school website directly after the Easter break, in the event that schools are instructed to remain closed. If you do wish to engage in some additional work, I would encourage you to check out the educational, online resources, already available on our website. These have been carefully selected by the staff and are added to on a regular basis. However, I would recommend, that the coming two weeks, should also provide some down time for your daughters, if possible. 

I am aware that this Easter break will be a very different one for us all. However, on behalf of the entire staff of Scoil Bhríde Cailíní, I would like to extend our best wishes to you all and to wish you and your loved ones, both at home and abroad, every blessing at this time.  

Take care agus go dté sibh slán. 

Le meas, 

Paula Dargan