Principal’s Newsletter, August 20th 2021.

Principal’s Newsletter, August 2021.

Welcome to the first newsletter of the new school year. I hope you have enjoyed the summer break and that our students and families have managed to unwind and recharge the batteries ahead of the new school year. 

As you would expect, preparations have been well underway for some time ahead of reopening and we are looking forward to welcoming all our students and teachers back over the coming weeks. The current guidelines dictate that we return to a similar scenario as we had before the summer.

The schedule for the opening days is as follows:

Return to School Calendar  

Please note carefully the days and times your child is expected to attend.

Department guidelines:

The Department of Education & Skills has produced material for parents and students ahead of our return and I would ask that you take the time to view the relevant material here:

https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/a04fc-advice-for-students-and-their-families/#returning-to-school

and here:

https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/a04fc-advice-for-students-and-their-families/#returning-to-school

Communications to Parents regarding School Transport – SEN and Post Primary is available here:

https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/64a88-school-transport/

Changes in Assessment:

As we are all aware, the past two years have been disrupted by nationwide school closures and the Department of Education & Skills has published the following document which outlines the changes they have made to assessment for both Junior Certificate and Leaving Certificate to take account of the disruptions. The document can be accessed here:

https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/9c82d-leaving-certificate-2022/

Updated covid 19 response plan:

The Department has also published an updated COVID-19 Response Plan for the safe and sustainable operation of Post Primary Schools. This plan will be adopted by the Board of Management at their next meeting but it remains broadly similar to the system in operation last year. It is available elsewhere on the website and I would ask you to familiarise yourself with its contents.

Therefore, the wearing of face masks is mandatory for all staff and students and distancing will be maintained in so far as possible. Sanitising and cleaning routines will also be in place. We enjoyed a fantastic team effort from the entire St Farnan’s PPS community (Parents, students, teachers and all staff members) last year and I look forward to same this year.

Changes in personnel:

Before the summer, our School Secretary Mrs. Sheila Walsh let me know of her intention to retire in October. Sheila has served our school for over 28 years and will be greatly missed. Her dedication to her position in our school was exemplary and will be hard emulate. We wish Sheila the very best for the next phase of her life’s journey.

At this stage you may also be aware that it is my intention to retire in October also. A new Principal has recently been appointed to the position. His name is Mr Andrew Purcell who is currently Deputy Principal in Lucan Community College. Mr Purcell takes up position from the beginning of October. We wish him well in his new position.

Finally…

Enjoy the remainder of the summer period and hopefully the weather will improve.

As always, I am contactable on 045 868152 or at principal@stfarnans.ie

Kind regards,

Eddie Collins, Principal.