Dear Parents and Guardians,
We hope you and your family are doing well during these trying times and taking all of the necessary precautions to ensure your safety. The past few weeks have been extremely challenging for all of us. Despite these difficulties we arevery proud of our St. Mark’s SNS staff and families. We are all working together to do what is best for our children.We are aware how important it is for your child to continue learning. Our teachers are working to provide learning activitieswhile your child is at home.I I wish to draw your attention to the following:
Teacher Making Contact with Parents
During the course of this week you can expect an email from your child’s teachers. Pleasecheck your email regularly for this communication. If by any chance you have changed your email address or telephone number, please send a quick email to let me know at principal@saintmarks.ie.
Special Needs Assistants
Our ten Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) have been in contact with the children they are supporting and their parents by email / telephone over the past week.They were delighted to be able to chat and check in with the children and their parents. The general consensus from all parents contacted was that the calls were very welcome and appreciated.The S.N.A.swill be making further contact this week by email. Each SNAwill be doing their best to have a telephone conversation with the child they are supporting and their parents on Friday of this week.
Confirmation
Today I was informed by Fr. Pat that it is with deep regret that the Confirmation ceremony due to take place on 15th May is postponed indefinitely. I would like to take this opportunity tothank our teachers and staff who have worked so hard during the year preparing the children for the sacrament. Please be aware that Fr. Pat has informed me that the parish is committed to facilitating the reception of the Sacrament of Confirmation for the children but they are not in a position to say when or under what circumstances this will take place. This depends entirely on when government restrictions onlarge gatherings might be lifted.
Google Classroom
As of today Tuesday 21st April all classes are working hard with their teacher on Google Classroom. We have found that this is an effective platform for the children and teachers working together, using online learning for class work. Using Google Classroomall children are able to access instructional media. This platform also allows them to ask questions of their teacher if they are experiencing difficulties with the allocated work. I am requestingall parents to only access Google Classroom through their own child’s account.
Lack of Internet Access
We are aware there isa very small number of families that do not have internet access and we are working closely with those families so that the children can continue their learning. If anybody is having issues with Google Classroom or accessing the work from the school website please contact me on the above email address.
Your child’s teacher can be contacted by email or through the Google Classroom if assistance is needed with any matter pertaining to your child’s schooling. With every good wish.
Kind regards,
Richie Walsh
Principal