There was a tremendous return on our parental survey. Many thanks to all the parents who took the time to complete it. The survey was analysed and discussed by the staff at their meeting today Tuesday 26th May. The feedback was excellent and the staff really appreciate the kind words expressed by so many which helps us to stay motivated during these times. Based on the feedback the class teachers will continue to set work for their pupils through the month of June gradually easing back and providing more thematic and active challenges. 

On the weekend of Friday 5th June the teachers will be posting physical activities for the children to try as part of our Virtual Sports Day. Hopefully parents will be able to take part as well! 

Our thanks to all the parents from JI - 2nd who both, collected their children's books and dropped school books back in. With regard to 3rd - 6th classes we will have an afternoon in the coming weeks for parents to collect any belongings left in school. School books from 3rd - 6th are reused in our book rental every year so they will not be sent home at this stage. Parents will be asked to return any books that went home in March on this collection day to enable us to count and order for September. 

Regarding September the school is planning as normal for a new school year. Our calendar for next year is available on this website but parents should note that it is dependent on HSE/Department of Education and Skills guidelines and is therefore subject to change. Any changes to our normal routines will be communicated to parents. 

Booklists for September have been finalised and are available on this website. The school will again be running the book rental scheme in 20/'21. Details of the scheme will issue to parents in the next fortnight.

End of year reports will issue to parents through the Aladdin app towards the end of June.
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The allocation of teachers to classes for September is as follows:
Junior Infants: Ms. O'Mara
Senior Infants: To be appointed
First Class: Ms. Daly
Second Class: Ms. McDermott
Third Class: Mr. Brennan
Fourth Class: Ms. Dunne
Fifth Class: Ms. Ging
Sixth Class: Mr. Maher.

Parents are asked to complete a second survey on remote home learning over the next week. The school has now been using the SeeSaw platform to deliver remote learning for five weeks and would appreciate feedback on how this has been working for parents. Also, as we plan ahead for the rest of this term it would be very helpful to know what parents would like with regard to content and volume of work. 

Every parent should receive a link to complete the survey via the school app or text. Alternatively you can click on this link forms.gle/rrNkCpDTktepZRXx7 which should take you to the survey. If you have any difficulties accessing the survey please contact us at office@theheathns.com. Thank you for your support.

​Collection of Junior Infant – Second schoolbooks & materials.
The school invites parents of Junior Infants, Senior Infants, First Class and Second class to collect their children’s schoolbooks and materials next Tuesday 26th May.
Parents who are interested in collecting are asked to adhere to the following guidelines and times to ensure the collection takes place as safely and quickly as possible.
 

• Social distancing guidelines apply at all times.
• Please follow staff instructions on the day.
• Parents should park outside the school and use the small pedestrian gate to access the school opposite the hall door.
• The books/materials will be in labelled packs/bags by class in the school hall in alphabetical order.
• Entrance is via the school hall doors only
• When admitted please collect your child’s books/materials and exit without delay.
• If parents have more than one child in Junior Infants – 2nd Class they should collect all books at the one time.
• Collection Times:
  • Junior Infants 12.00 – 13.00 according to family surname:
    • A – E    12.00 to 12.15
    • F – L     12.15 to 12.30
    • M – R   12.30 to 12.45
    • S – Z    12.45 to 13.00

 

• Senior Infants 13.00 -14.00 according to family surname:
  • A – E    13.00 to 13.15
  • F – L     13.15 to 13.30
  • M – R   13.30 to 13.45
  • S – Z    13.45 to 14.00

 

• 1st Class 14.00 – 15.00 according to family surname:
  • A – E    14.00 to 14.15
  • F – J     14.15 to 14.30
  • K – P    14.30 to 14.45
  • Q – Z    14.45 to 15.00

 

• 2nd Class 15.00 – 16.00 according to family surname:
  • A – E    15.00 – 15.15
  • F – K    15.15 – 15.30
  • L – O    15.30 – 15.45
  • P – Z    15.45 – 16.00

The Board of Management held a remote meeting on Wednesday 13th May. The meeting conducted a review of the school's Child Safety Statement and Risk Assessment. Distance learning which has not previously been a part of the school's Risk Assessment will now be included and the updated document will be available on this website under school policies. Notification to parents of the review has been posted under school policies/child protection. 
At the meeting the Board also considered parental and staff input on the school's new admissions policy. The Board would like to thank the staff and parents who took the time to participate in the consultation phase. A new admissions policy has now been drafted in line with legislation and has been forwarded to the school's patron, Bishop Denis Nulty, for approval. 
The school calendar for the school year 2020/'21 was also agreed and is posted on this website. Parents should note that this calendar is provisional and is subject to change according to public health advice regarding the Covid19 pandemic. 
The Board regrets that this school year has been disrupted and hopes that sufficient progress will be made in the coming months to allow our school to fully re-open for the new school year. The Board will monitor all developments in the coming weeks and months and will keep parents informed through this website and the school's administrative application Aladdin schools.

The government announced last Friday 1st May that all schools are to remain closed for the rest of this school year. While this provides clarity to us all it is very disappointing that schools will not re-open before September. Little did we think when we closed on Thursday 12th March that our children's school year in school was over. We will miss all of the events that traditionally take place in the lead up to Easter and during the summer term and in particular we miss meeting one another and the daily interactions that brings about. For our children they miss their friends and classmates and the many activities they can normally engage in at home, school and in their locality. 
The school and staff will continue to offer support to parents and children up until the summer holidays via the SeeSaw learning platform, school mobile, email, this website and our school facebook page. If you have any concern or query please get in touch. The staff understand that all families are in different situations and that it may be easier for some families to engage with our suggested weekly activities. Parents should not feel under pressure 

Why is it that it seems so much to get caught up with the hard things and the struggles than it is to remember the happy moments?
Joyce Rupp

As we leave the Easter season and begin the month of May with its brighter evenings, warmer days and wonderful growth, can we teach ourselves to notice all the insignificant little things that happen every day. It is so easy to let the bigger problems over which we have little control to cloud our thinking. Learn to look for, appreciate and celebrate the simple, precious moments in your life.