October 2020

Dear Parents/Guardians, 

I am pleased to report that all has been going well in the school over the last six weeks. The girls have been great, in observing and co-operating  with all the new procedures and  measures that have been put in place. Hand washing and sanitizing are now a routine  part of the school day and there is a lovely atmosphere of calmness throughout the school and work is proceeding as normal.  

I would like to acknowledge the continued dedication of the whole school community; teachers, SNAs, caretaker, secretary, cleaners, parents and BOM, who together have made our reopening a success. It  has been a great team effort.  

Traffic 

We remind all parents again to please drive slowly and with caution in the vicinity of the school and that only drop offs in the designated bay are permitted. We are keen to ensure that the improvement in the traffic situation is maintained throughout the year. This can only be achieved with the continued respect and cooperation of all parents. 

Aladdin Connect  

We are now using Aladdin Connect to communicate with all parents. We hope that you find this new platform beneficial in receiving messages and notifications from the school.  

Communion  

I would like to commend all the girls in 2nd class who were due to make their First Holy Communion on the 10th October but unfortunately had their special day postponed for the second time. They have been very patient, despite it being a very big disappointment for them. They are wonderful girls and an example to us all. 

GAA 

We were delighted to welcome back out GAA coach, Colm, last week to work with some of the younger classes. He will work with the other classes later in the year. All coaching took place on the astro turf, which we are very fortunate to have and  all equipment was sanitized between groups. 

Child Safety Statement Review 

The BOM wishes to inform you that the annual review of the Child Safety Statement took place in June 2020. This statement is available on the school website. 

Face Masks 

In the interest of  everyone’s safety, we request that all parents  please wear face masks when on or around the school premises.  

Seesaw 

As you know, due to the Covid-19 restrictions on items coming in and out of the school, we are using the Seesaw platform to manage homework. However, many of the features which were part of the Seesaw package during the lockdown have since been withdrawn and must now be paid for as part of a ‘premium package’. We would like to be in a position to continue to use these features but in order to cover these costs, we are requesting a once off charge for the year of  €5 per child or €10 per family. As you will appreciate, the school has incurred huge additional costs in implementing the extra cleaning and sanitizing procedures necessary during Covid-19. While the school has received Covid-19 funding from the government, it is rapidly being absorbed by the high costs associated with cleaning and safety. We would therefore appreciate your support with this. A notice about the contribution will be sent out separately on Aladdin shortly. 

Return to Educational Facility Parent Declaration Form 

If your child has been absent from school due to illness, please fill the Parent Declaration Form and send it in to the school on their return. This form is  available to download from the link below. It is also available  from the school office.  

  https://www.rashinans.com/hse-return-to-educational- facility-parental 

Midterm 

We remind everyone that the school will be closed for midterm from 26th to 30th October inclusive and we wish everyone well for the break. Take care and stay safe. 

 Le gach dea-ghuí,

P. Dargan  

(Principal)