Second Class 22nd-26th June
| dlweek10__1__2nd_class.docx |
Second Class 15th-19th June
| dlweek9_2nd_class.docx |
Message from Bishop Denis
First Holy Communion & Confirmation: I am very aware that we are entering the ‘high season’ for First Holy Communion ceremonies. I am also conscious that 39 out of our 56 parishes have not yet celebrated Confirmation. In honesty it is difficult to see a huge change post the current restrictions, which expire on May 5th. With that in mind, as First Holy Communion ceremonies are already diaried for the weekends of May, I suggest they, like Confirmation ceremonies are now postponed until we get further guidance regarding large public gatherings.
I want to thank our Principals and teachers for the great work they do in helping prepare our young people for the sacraments, work done in cooperation with the local parish and the families of the young people. I also thank Maeve Mahon, our Coordinator for Primary Education. This is a hugely regretful decision, but it is important that while the ceremonies may be postponed, the preparation continues. In early May resources will be sent out by email from Maeve for parishes and for schools and available to families and the wider community on the KandLe website.
I want to thank our Principals and teachers for the great work they do in helping prepare our young people for the sacraments, work done in cooperation with the local parish and the families of the young people. I also thank Maeve Mahon, our Coordinator for Primary Education. This is a hugely regretful decision, but it is important that while the ceremonies may be postponed, the preparation continues. In early May resources will be sent out by email from Maeve for parishes and for schools and available to families and the wider community on the KandLe website.
After Easter Home Learning
Dear Parents,
I hope this finds you and your family well at this extraordinary time. I am writing to you with regard to the third term of our school year.
While schools are currently to remain closed up until 19th April it seems very unlikely that schools will be allowed to re-open on Monday 20th April. We are preparing therefore for the very likely continuation of school closures into the third term of the year.
Based on the feedback we received from parents, through the parental survey, we are offering a more structured approach to learning after Easter. In short each class teacher will be providing a suggested timetable of work, Monday to Friday, which we will be encouraging all children to engage with. Initially the focus after Easter will be on revision however if the school closure continues it will become necessary to move onto new learning content.
Engage as much as you can. Not every family will be in a position to participate in all activities or perhaps have the technology required. As a staff, we understand this and value every family’s decision equally. There is no obligation on families to complete the activities and work we will suggest however we do believe that they will be beneficial to your child for when school reopens. Everyone's main focus however should be on keeping safe and healthy during this time.
The connection between home and school is very important to us and we hope that our new approach will strengthen that connection and be of support to children and parents.
This pack aims to let you know how I will be interacting with you and your child(ren) in the third term until school re-opens and to give you a chance to get set up before the 20th April.
Things you need to know:I will be using Seesaw to upload resources for lessons. Your child will need the class app on a device. I have sent all parents the 12 letter code to sign into this through their Family app.
Seesaw is best suited to a tablet or phone, but laptop/PC/Kindle Fire works just as well.
*System requirements: iOs 10.3 and newer, Android API 22 and newer.*
I will upload a weekly plan on the school website (2nd class page) every Sunday, with notes. This is not to be completed in order, or in full, but whatever suits your home life and availability.
I will be available to answer any messages from you in the Family app throughout the week. I can also be contacted at alannajmcdermott@theheathns.com
Ms O’ Connor will also be providing support to children through Seesaw, and will be assigning support activities there. She can also be contacted through the app when needed.
Additional Materials:It would be useful to have a copy/refill pad or paper, and stationery. We will also be using our 2nd class homework books.
Expectations.As stated above, it is not my expectation that children must complete the weekly plan in order and in full. All family situations are different, and it is not my intention to create more stress in what is a difficult time for many.
As a rough guide, we are hoping that children can work on core subjects (Gaeilge, English, maths) for 10 minutes per year of age per day. That is; an 8-year-old should be spending about 80 minutes on their Gaeilge/writing/maths.
I hope in the plan that I have included a mix of curricular as well as fun and engaging activities. If you have any ideas or suggestions, please contact me!
Assessing WorkA great benefit of Seesaw is that children can take pictures of their learning and share it with me. I will offer praise and feedback for all efforts. I will be asking families for help in some assessments by asking you to check if your child(ren)’s answers are correct (for example, Master Your Maths), and that appropriate levels of effort are shown for the work being completed at home. I will provide feedback where appropriate.
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Any other questions?If you have any non-teaching/learning concerns please contact office@theheathns.com or you can phone the school secretary Monday to Friday between 10am - 11am on 0861806094.
Thank you for all the support and engagement I have already seen through Seesaw, I really appreciate all of the effort.
Is mise le meas,
Alanna J
Ní neart go cur le chéile.