IMPORTANT NOTICE Regarding the First Day Back on 27th August 2020
Dear parents- please share this.
I hope you are well and your son is excited (if a little nervous) to return on Thursday. Please try to reassure them as best you can.
Children must enter through the pedestrian gate near the credit union (picture 1 below) or through the lane way coming from Clonmel road. (Picture 2 below). Ms Hickey will be at the credit union entrance.
They will follow the green line (pictured below 3 ). This line will bring them to their lines at the back of the boys school where their teacher will meet them and they will be socially distanced and brought into the school. (Picture 4 below).
On Thursday they will get a polypocket mesh document folder. Picture 5 below. They can bring this home. Please wipe it down when they bring it home and before they bring it back each day. They can place their water bottle and hand towel in this each day. They can bring their personal stationary for school (labelled colouring pencils in a pencil case etc. We will have spare and replacements here) in this on Friday. We will keep the this stationary in school from Friday until the end of the year.
They must bring in a coat with a hood. This will be at the back of the chair each day. They do not any other materials in this folder.
Glanmore lunches start on Thursday. Ms Hickey.
I hope you are well and your son is excited (if a little nervous) to return on Thursday. Please try to reassure them as best you can.
Children must enter through the pedestrian gate near the credit union (picture 1 below) or through the lane way coming from Clonmel road. (Picture 2 below). Ms Hickey will be at the credit union entrance.
They will follow the green line (pictured below 3 ). This line will bring them to their lines at the back of the boys school where their teacher will meet them and they will be socially distanced and brought into the school. (Picture 4 below).
On Thursday they will get a polypocket mesh document folder. Picture 5 below. They can bring this home. Please wipe it down when they bring it home and before they bring it back each day. They can place their water bottle and hand towel in this each day. They can bring their personal stationary for school (labelled colouring pencils in a pencil case etc. We will have spare and replacements here) in this on Friday. We will keep the this stationary in school from Friday until the end of the year.
They must bring in a coat with a hood. This will be at the back of the chair each day. They do not any other materials in this folder.
Glanmore lunches start on Thursday. Ms Hickey.
Confirmation logistics - 20th August 2020
Church will be fully disinfected.
*Masks* *for* *everyone* *is* *mandatory* . No entry without a mask.
Everything is set out showing 2m distances. We will use centre aisle seats.
Every second row is unused.
Confirmand should be seated on outside of seat with sponsor beside him.
*First* *come* , *first* *served* *on* *seating* .
One full seat for each family pod of 3+Confirmand.
At the Rite, Frank and I will go down to the children. Child will turn sideways to face Frank. Sponsor will place right hand on child's shoukder. Frank will administer chrism blessing with cotton bud and I, standing beside him, will collect cotton buds in a safe bag for disposal later.
Frank will call each child by first name and ask them what name they have chosen.
Church looks lovely with banners, flowers and red and white decorations.....but strange with evidence of distancing and no access to altar...but not a sight of yellow COVID posters so as not to overwhelm thep kids!
The very essence of the Sacrament will shine out, I believe. We'll all be like apostles locked in the Upper Room, shaking in our boots, waiting for the Holy Spirit 🕊️ 💓
*Masks* *for* *everyone* *is* *mandatory* . No entry without a mask.
Everything is set out showing 2m distances. We will use centre aisle seats.
Every second row is unused.
Confirmand should be seated on outside of seat with sponsor beside him.
*First* *come* , *first* *served* *on* *seating* .
One full seat for each family pod of 3+Confirmand.
At the Rite, Frank and I will go down to the children. Child will turn sideways to face Frank. Sponsor will place right hand on child's shoukder. Frank will administer chrism blessing with cotton bud and I, standing beside him, will collect cotton buds in a safe bag for disposal later.
Frank will call each child by first name and ask them what name they have chosen.
Church looks lovely with banners, flowers and red and white decorations.....but strange with evidence of distancing and no access to altar...but not a sight of yellow COVID posters so as not to overwhelm thep kids!
The very essence of the Sacrament will shine out, I believe. We'll all be like apostles locked in the Upper Room, shaking in our boots, waiting for the Holy Spirit 🕊️ 💓
News and Events
Letter from Ms Hickey - Re-Opening of OLV BNS - 4th August 2020
RE: Re-opening of OLV BNS
Dear Parent / Guardian, Staff Member,
I hope you and your families are keeping well.
As you are aware, our school has now been closed since 12thMarch due to the COVID-19 situation. We are now hoping to re-open our school safely, in line with current guidance and recommendations.
We intend to reopen as scheduled on August 27th for all children.
Re-opening the school safely will require the co-operation of all members of our School Community – BoM, School Leadership, Staff, Parents and Pupils. We will all be called on to play our part in ensuring that re-opening of the school is done in a safe manner which prevents the spread of the virus and allows the vital work of Teaching and Learning to proceed with as little disruption as possible.
We have been working on our plan for the safe reopening of the school for some weeks now and have published the DES COVID-19 Response Plan for the safe and sustainable reopening of Primary and Special Schools on our school website. The Response Plan gives details of
• Physical preparation, signage, hand sanitiser stations,
• Advice, procedures and training for the safe return to working in the school for all school staff and pupils
• General and specific advice on how all pupils, staff, parents and visitors will prevent the spread of the virus
• We have also published our COVID-19 Policy Statement on the school website. We will keep you informed as to the progress of our re-opening plans and provide you with the information required by you to play your part in safely re-opening the school.
The following websites provide further information on COVID-19 and on government advice and recommendations regarding the re-opening of schools: -
• https://www.education.ie/en/covid-19/
• https://www2.hse.ie/coronavirus/
https://www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/a128d-back-to-school/?referrer=http://www.gov.ie/backtoschool/
RE: Physical Distancing and Safe School Attendance
We are currently working on upgrading our procedures and routines within the school to ensure that there is as much Physical Distancing as is possible in our building. We will apply physical distancing in a practical and sensible way, recognising that the learning environment cannot be dominated by a potentially counterproductive focus on this issue.
Physical Distancing will be achieved in two ways: -
Increasing Separation. This will be achieved by re-configuring the classrooms to maximise physical distancing. Each class will be referred to as a bubble and we will ensure that there is as little contact as possible between children in different bubbles. Within the bubbles, children will be organised into pods. A pod is a group of children (normally 6) who will sit together and who will stay in their pod while in the bubble, or classroom.
Decreasing Interaction. This will be achieved by decreasing the potential for children from different bubbles to interact. There will be marked routes for various bubbles to enter and exit the school and to access their classrooms. Bubbles will have different mid-morning and lunch-time access to the playground. We will make these routines enjoyable activities for the children, emphasising safety at all times.
While all children will be welcome back to school, we would remind parents that, where children are displaying colds, coughs or flu like symptoms, they should not be sent to school. Children who display such symptoms in school will be isolated and parents asked to collect them from the school.
Children who have travelled from countries not on the Green List should not attend school during the 14-day self-isolation period
Further information on COVID-19 symptoms in children is available at: -
https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/coronavirus/if-your-child-has-symptoms.html
Teachers will make children aware of the proper hygiene procedures regarding hand washing and etiquette related to sneezing, coughing or spitting. We would be grateful if you could also emphasise safe behaviour in this regard to your children at home as part of the preparation for returning to school.
Our aim remains to re-open the school in an orderly safe manner, while reassuring the children and making them feel comfortable, safe and relaxed with their friends in the new school environment. This will be achieved by all of us working towards this common goal.
We are really looking forward to welcoming our children back to school and will be doing all that we can to ensure that the return to school is a safe and enjoyable experience for the children. We will be in touch with you again before school re-opens.
Your Sincerely,
Roisin Hickey
Principal.
Dear Parent / Guardian, Staff Member,
I hope you and your families are keeping well.
As you are aware, our school has now been closed since 12thMarch due to the COVID-19 situation. We are now hoping to re-open our school safely, in line with current guidance and recommendations.
We intend to reopen as scheduled on August 27th for all children.
Re-opening the school safely will require the co-operation of all members of our School Community – BoM, School Leadership, Staff, Parents and Pupils. We will all be called on to play our part in ensuring that re-opening of the school is done in a safe manner which prevents the spread of the virus and allows the vital work of Teaching and Learning to proceed with as little disruption as possible.
We have been working on our plan for the safe reopening of the school for some weeks now and have published the DES COVID-19 Response Plan for the safe and sustainable reopening of Primary and Special Schools on our school website. The Response Plan gives details of
• Physical preparation, signage, hand sanitiser stations,
• Advice, procedures and training for the safe return to working in the school for all school staff and pupils
• General and specific advice on how all pupils, staff, parents and visitors will prevent the spread of the virus
• We have also published our COVID-19 Policy Statement on the school website. We will keep you informed as to the progress of our re-opening plans and provide you with the information required by you to play your part in safely re-opening the school.
The following websites provide further information on COVID-19 and on government advice and recommendations regarding the re-opening of schools: -
• https://www.education.ie/en/covid-19/
• https://www2.hse.ie/coronavirus/
https://www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/a128d-back-to-school/?referrer=http://www.gov.ie/backtoschool/
RE: Physical Distancing and Safe School Attendance
We are currently working on upgrading our procedures and routines within the school to ensure that there is as much Physical Distancing as is possible in our building. We will apply physical distancing in a practical and sensible way, recognising that the learning environment cannot be dominated by a potentially counterproductive focus on this issue.
Physical Distancing will be achieved in two ways: -
Increasing Separation. This will be achieved by re-configuring the classrooms to maximise physical distancing. Each class will be referred to as a bubble and we will ensure that there is as little contact as possible between children in different bubbles. Within the bubbles, children will be organised into pods. A pod is a group of children (normally 6) who will sit together and who will stay in their pod while in the bubble, or classroom.
Decreasing Interaction. This will be achieved by decreasing the potential for children from different bubbles to interact. There will be marked routes for various bubbles to enter and exit the school and to access their classrooms. Bubbles will have different mid-morning and lunch-time access to the playground. We will make these routines enjoyable activities for the children, emphasising safety at all times.
While all children will be welcome back to school, we would remind parents that, where children are displaying colds, coughs or flu like symptoms, they should not be sent to school. Children who display such symptoms in school will be isolated and parents asked to collect them from the school.
Children who have travelled from countries not on the Green List should not attend school during the 14-day self-isolation period
Further information on COVID-19 symptoms in children is available at: -
https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/coronavirus/if-your-child-has-symptoms.html
Teachers will make children aware of the proper hygiene procedures regarding hand washing and etiquette related to sneezing, coughing or spitting. We would be grateful if you could also emphasise safe behaviour in this regard to your children at home as part of the preparation for returning to school.
Our aim remains to re-open the school in an orderly safe manner, while reassuring the children and making them feel comfortable, safe and relaxed with their friends in the new school environment. This will be achieved by all of us working towards this common goal.
We are really looking forward to welcoming our children back to school and will be doing all that we can to ensure that the return to school is a safe and enjoyable experience for the children. We will be in touch with you again before school re-opens.
Your Sincerely,
Roisin Hickey
Principal.
Logistics for Re-Opening of OLV BNS - 4th August 2020
Plan for Re-opening of the School OLV BNS
Dear Parents,
We are now preparing for a return to school. Please read this letter fully and carefully. Please share it will anyone that you think may not check their email regularly. It is extremely important. As you are aware, it is very important that we return to school safely and we all have a role to play to ensure that our school stays open and safe for our children, our staff and the whole community. This will not be easy and I am sure that you can appreciate that we must all be patient with the new Rules that we are all operating under.
You will be notified next week the name of your child’s teacher and their Room Number.
Please inform us if your phone number, address or email address has changed over last few months.
We are relying solely on email messages at the moment—our text messaging system is under review and we will notify you in due course when it is re-instated. You can continue to leave voice/text messages on the school mobile number-083-408-5564.It will be monitored regularly so bear with us as it is always a very busy time re-opening. Contact email is [email protected] or [email protected]
• The school has a responsibility to make effort to ensure the safety, health and well-being of all members of our school community – children, parents and staff. This plan has been formulated to better ensure that the school can exercise that duty of care.
• Assuming it is in keeping with public health advice and guidelines issued by the Department of Education and Skills, it is preferable for all children to return to school for all five days of the school week and for a full school day.This plan has been formulated to achieve that aim.
• It is not possible to eliminate the risk of infection. However, with the co-operation of all members of our school community, it is possible to minimise the risk of the virus being introduced to school and the consequent risk of its spread.
• As well as co-operation, the flexibility and goodwill of all will be required to ensure the plan can be implemented.
• All children return to school and classes operate within a bubble system
• The school is split into 3 groups with each group having the same starting and finishing times but separate break timesand lunch times.
• The day will include 2 breaks.
• Hand sanitiser will be available at all entry points and in all class and support rooms
• Children will be asked to wash their hands upon entry to school, after using the bathroom, before eating, upon returning from yard and after sneezing of coughing if their hands are used. Please speak to your child about the importance of handwashing.
Arrival at school
• All children should aim to arrive at the school not more than 10 minutes immediately preceding the start of the school day. We must consider the girls and Infant school and avoid a clogging of the campus.
All Children– 8.40 – 8.50
Parents must not linger at drop off time unless they have an appointment. It is the whole school communities’ responsibility to observe this nationwide directive.
All children in the senior school should walk on their own up to the senior schools. There will be marking on the ground. A teacher will stand at the entrance to show the children where to go. We must reduce the number of people on the grounds and therefore each child should walk through the pedestrian entrance on their own (unless another arrangement has been made with the Principal) up to the boys’ school yard and into their line.
• Each class should line up at their designated point with social distancing observed.
• The class teacher will invite the children to enter the building via their designated entrance point at the appropriate time, the door will be locked from the inside after that point.
• Late comers must come through the main door.
• No adults, other than staff members, should enter the building. If you come to the office you must use the intercom and you may leave your message at the new post box outside the school. If you need to make an appointment, please call the school land line between 9.00 and 12.00 or 1.00 and 2.00
Messages for teachers can be sent by email or by phoning the school office.
Meeting with teachers are as important to your child’s learning and well-being as ever before and we will make these arrangements with you on a case by case basis. Some of the options include, phone meetings, zoom meeting,meetings in the garden under the canopy or meeting in the school hall before school (this must be scheduled at considerable notice). Any teacher who makes an appointment must inform the office of the appointment so we are ready for a visitor.
End of School Day
• When the school day for that class is over the following arrangements will apply –
2rd – 6th Class – the class teacher will accompany each class of children to leave the school separately and in order, to minimise contact. They will be brought to the front of the school. Some children will exit via the lane way and the remainder will exit via the pedestrian Exit near the credit union. Children and adults must disperse as quickly as possible and you should arrange to have your child meet you, if possible, at a particular parking spot. If your child travels to school independently – please remind them that they must travel away from the front of the school as quickly as possible. If a child is usually collected and the person who collects them has not arrived, they must return to school and the teacher on afternoon duty will remain there until 2.45. The teacher will bring any child who has not been collected back to my office. Please remind your children to come back to my office if they are not collected by the usual person. You must remind them NOT TO GO with anyone else. Each year we have children who go with another person, usually a well-meaning family friend, and this is EXTREMELY upsetting for everyone. The child must have this lesson taught to them from home by you. Please DO NOT BRING any child home without prior notice given to the teacher. We follow our procedures here asthoroughly as possible, but this continues to be an issue and to avoid distress we must insist that each family speaks to their child about this. It is ABSOLUTELY VITAL.
As ever, we ask that you do not approach the teacher when you are collecting your son. The teacher is still working and is saying goodbye to the children and ensuring they leave with the correct person. It is difficult for them to refuse to have a conversation with you but they must keep a close eye on the children.
Collection of Children during the School Day
If an adult has to collect a child during the course of the school day, the following arrangements will apply
• When the adult arrives at the school, they should either phone the office or use the intercom at the front door of the school to alert the office that they have arrived
• The child will be brought from their class to the adult by a member of staff
• No adult should enter the school building, unless invited to do so
Dealing with a suspected case of Covid-19
Pupils should not attend school if displaying any symptoms of Covid-19. If a pupil displays symptoms of Covid-19 while in the building, the following are the procedures will be implemented:
• Parents/guardians will be contacted immediately
• The child will be accompanied to the designated isolation area via the isolation route by a member of staff. The staff member will remain at least 2 metres away from the symptomatic child and will also make sure that others maintain a distance of at least 2 metres from the symptomatic child at all times
• A mask will be provided for the child presenting with symptoms, if one is available. He should wear the mask if in a common area with other people or while exiting the premises
• An assessment will be made as to whether the child who is displaying symptoms can immediately be brought home by parents and call their doctor and continue self-isolation at home
• The school will facilitate the child presenting with symptoms to remain in isolation, if they cannot immediately go home, and will assist them by calling their GP.
• The child presenting with symptoms should be advised to cover their mouth and nose with the disposable tissue provided when they cough or sneeze and to put the tissue in the waste bag provided
• The child should go home as soon as possible and will advise them to inform their GP by phone of their symptoms. Public transport of any kind should not be used
• If they are too unwell to go home or advice is required, the school will contact 999 or 112 and inform them that the sick child is a Covid-19 suspect.
• Arrangements will be made for appropriate cleaning of the isolation area and work areas involved.
The HSE will inform any staff/parents who have come into close contact with a diagnosed case via the contact tracing process. The HSE will contact all relevant persons where a diagnosis of COVID-19 is made. The instructions of the HSE should be followed.
Children who should not attend school
If your child is in one of the following categories, they should not attend school –
• Children who have been diagnosed with Covid-19
• Children who have been in close contact with a person whohas been diagnosed with Covid-19
• Children who have a suspected case of Covid-19 and the outcome of the test is pending
• Children who have been in contact with a person who has a suspected case of Covid-19 and the outcome of the test is pending
• Children with underlying health conditions who have been directed by a medical professional not to attend school
• Children who have returned home after travelling abroad and must self-isolate for a period of 14 days
• Children who are generally unwell
Supporting the Learning of Children who cannot attend school
If a child is not able to attend school for an extended period of time, the class teacher (and/or the learning support teacher, where relevant) suggested activities to support the child’s learning athome will be shared with parents.
Impact of a Suspected or Confirmed Case of Covid-19 in a Class
If the school is notified that a person in your child’s class has a suspected or confirmed case of Covid-19
• The parents of all children in the class will be notified upon advice from the Public Health officials
• Public health advice will be sought and followed
Personal Equipment
We request that children from 2st to 6th Class will have their own pens, pencils, colours, rubbers, etc., to school in their own pencil case to avoid the sharing of equipment. These will remain at school and not be shared. Please have another set at home. In early September we will provide your child with a Mental Maths book, an English Spelling or workbook, A Read at home Book and a set of Maths tables. This will be your child’s homework for this year. As we have school lunches provided by Glanmore. The lunch that is provided by Glanmore is a healthy balanced mix each day and we discourage children from bringing in extra food. We have a healthy lunch policy and therefore bringing in chocolate, biscuits and treats is not allowed. Exceptions will be made for dietary requirements. Glanmore lunches will start on August 27th this year, you will get their online code in September where you can adjust the menu yourselves. Please mark down something for each school day.
• Your child should only have a bottle of water and a coat to bring to school each day. This will minimise contact of materials.
• It is further requested that all items have the child’s name on them for ease of identification. Please label all the children’s stationary.
• All children should bring a hand towel to school for the drying of hands after handwashing. This should be a small fresh towel in a Ziploc bag each day.
• The boys can’t bring in their own footballs at this time.
Shared Equipment
By necessity, some classroom equipment needs to be shared including tablets, laptops and the equipment used for structured activities and play in Infant classrooms. Cleaning of such shared equipment with wipes or other cleaning products will take place at regular intervals to minimise the risk of the spread of infection.
Yards
Each bubble of 3 or 4 classes will have access to the yards during their allotted break times as follows –
Yards will be supervised by class teachers, learning support teachers and SNA’s working within those bubbles.
Learning Support
In keeping with our Special Education policy, learning support will be provided by a blended approach of in-class support and withdrawal. The provision of support will be organised to ensure our support teachers will work within the confines of a bubble.
• Where a support teacher is working alongside a class teacher in a classroom, both teachers must be mindful of maintaining social distance from one another.
• Where children from 3rd to 6th Class receive support in one of the SET rooms, social distancing of 1 metre will be maintained between each child in the group.
• The tables and chairs in SET rooms will be wiped clean in between different groups attending
PPE
While it is not envisaged that PPE will be worn by staff in general, staff who are attending to particular care needs or who are administering first aid will wear appropriate PPE including gloves and face masks.
Teacher Absence and Substitution
In the event that teacher is unable to attend school, every effort will be made to secure a substitute teacher for the class. If a substitute teacher is not available, it is not appropriate for the class to be divided into groups and accommodated in other classes. In such circumstances, it may not be possible for the class to attend on that day. If that is the case, as much notice as possible will be given to parents.
PE
Where possible, PE will take place outdoors and use of equipment should be confined to the sets that have been distributed to class groupings. If the PE hall is being used by class groupings, common touch points should be cleaned at intervals throughout the school day.
Extra-curricular Activities
The possibility of facilitating extra-curricular activities (such as afterschool clubs) will be explored. However, it would not be recommended that children from different bubbles would participate in extra-curricular activities at the same time. Further updates will be provided in September.
Uniform-O Farrell school wear, Airside are our tracksuit provider-get in touch with them directly regarding your order please. We do not sell /have stock in school. We feel it is unrealistic to expect parents to have a laundered uniform each day for the boys having a spare tracksuit top and pants in grey from a department store will mean that you can have clean clothes on them each day. Send in a second pair of pants and socks on wet days.
Outdoor classroom life will play a greater role than ever before in your child’s day and so make sure they have a coat and a hat for cold days. We will be ventilating the classrooms thoroughly and often.
Paying close attention to the handwashing/sanitizing, distancing and touching only their own personal items will play a great part in this regarding safety of all. It is time to reinforce this message at home please.
Again-if you know someone who is unable to access their emails please pass on any information if you can.
Thank you, as always for your continued co-operation with us. I know that some of you are extremely worried and I understand that. I know that some of the boys will be anxious about returning to school. Please know that our school will have the warmth and kindness that it has always had in it. The boys will be happy and have so much fun when they return. We can’t wait to see them and how much they have grown in 6 months.
Regards
Roisin Hickey
Principal
Dear Parents,
We are now preparing for a return to school. Please read this letter fully and carefully. Please share it will anyone that you think may not check their email regularly. It is extremely important. As you are aware, it is very important that we return to school safely and we all have a role to play to ensure that our school stays open and safe for our children, our staff and the whole community. This will not be easy and I am sure that you can appreciate that we must all be patient with the new Rules that we are all operating under.
You will be notified next week the name of your child’s teacher and their Room Number.
Please inform us if your phone number, address or email address has changed over last few months.
We are relying solely on email messages at the moment—our text messaging system is under review and we will notify you in due course when it is re-instated. You can continue to leave voice/text messages on the school mobile number-083-408-5564.It will be monitored regularly so bear with us as it is always a very busy time re-opening. Contact email is [email protected] or [email protected]
• The school has a responsibility to make effort to ensure the safety, health and well-being of all members of our school community – children, parents and staff. This plan has been formulated to better ensure that the school can exercise that duty of care.
• Assuming it is in keeping with public health advice and guidelines issued by the Department of Education and Skills, it is preferable for all children to return to school for all five days of the school week and for a full school day.This plan has been formulated to achieve that aim.
• It is not possible to eliminate the risk of infection. However, with the co-operation of all members of our school community, it is possible to minimise the risk of the virus being introduced to school and the consequent risk of its spread.
• As well as co-operation, the flexibility and goodwill of all will be required to ensure the plan can be implemented.
• All children return to school and classes operate within a bubble system
• The school is split into 3 groups with each group having the same starting and finishing times but separate break timesand lunch times.
• The day will include 2 breaks.
• Hand sanitiser will be available at all entry points and in all class and support rooms
• Children will be asked to wash their hands upon entry to school, after using the bathroom, before eating, upon returning from yard and after sneezing of coughing if their hands are used. Please speak to your child about the importance of handwashing.
Arrival at school
• All children should aim to arrive at the school not more than 10 minutes immediately preceding the start of the school day. We must consider the girls and Infant school and avoid a clogging of the campus.
All Children– 8.40 – 8.50
Parents must not linger at drop off time unless they have an appointment. It is the whole school communities’ responsibility to observe this nationwide directive.
All children in the senior school should walk on their own up to the senior schools. There will be marking on the ground. A teacher will stand at the entrance to show the children where to go. We must reduce the number of people on the grounds and therefore each child should walk through the pedestrian entrance on their own (unless another arrangement has been made with the Principal) up to the boys’ school yard and into their line.
• Each class should line up at their designated point with social distancing observed.
• The class teacher will invite the children to enter the building via their designated entrance point at the appropriate time, the door will be locked from the inside after that point.
• Late comers must come through the main door.
• No adults, other than staff members, should enter the building. If you come to the office you must use the intercom and you may leave your message at the new post box outside the school. If you need to make an appointment, please call the school land line between 9.00 and 12.00 or 1.00 and 2.00
Messages for teachers can be sent by email or by phoning the school office.
Meeting with teachers are as important to your child’s learning and well-being as ever before and we will make these arrangements with you on a case by case basis. Some of the options include, phone meetings, zoom meeting,meetings in the garden under the canopy or meeting in the school hall before school (this must be scheduled at considerable notice). Any teacher who makes an appointment must inform the office of the appointment so we are ready for a visitor.
End of School Day
• When the school day for that class is over the following arrangements will apply –
2rd – 6th Class – the class teacher will accompany each class of children to leave the school separately and in order, to minimise contact. They will be brought to the front of the school. Some children will exit via the lane way and the remainder will exit via the pedestrian Exit near the credit union. Children and adults must disperse as quickly as possible and you should arrange to have your child meet you, if possible, at a particular parking spot. If your child travels to school independently – please remind them that they must travel away from the front of the school as quickly as possible. If a child is usually collected and the person who collects them has not arrived, they must return to school and the teacher on afternoon duty will remain there until 2.45. The teacher will bring any child who has not been collected back to my office. Please remind your children to come back to my office if they are not collected by the usual person. You must remind them NOT TO GO with anyone else. Each year we have children who go with another person, usually a well-meaning family friend, and this is EXTREMELY upsetting for everyone. The child must have this lesson taught to them from home by you. Please DO NOT BRING any child home without prior notice given to the teacher. We follow our procedures here asthoroughly as possible, but this continues to be an issue and to avoid distress we must insist that each family speaks to their child about this. It is ABSOLUTELY VITAL.
As ever, we ask that you do not approach the teacher when you are collecting your son. The teacher is still working and is saying goodbye to the children and ensuring they leave with the correct person. It is difficult for them to refuse to have a conversation with you but they must keep a close eye on the children.
Collection of Children during the School Day
If an adult has to collect a child during the course of the school day, the following arrangements will apply
• When the adult arrives at the school, they should either phone the office or use the intercom at the front door of the school to alert the office that they have arrived
• The child will be brought from their class to the adult by a member of staff
• No adult should enter the school building, unless invited to do so
Dealing with a suspected case of Covid-19
Pupils should not attend school if displaying any symptoms of Covid-19. If a pupil displays symptoms of Covid-19 while in the building, the following are the procedures will be implemented:
• Parents/guardians will be contacted immediately
• The child will be accompanied to the designated isolation area via the isolation route by a member of staff. The staff member will remain at least 2 metres away from the symptomatic child and will also make sure that others maintain a distance of at least 2 metres from the symptomatic child at all times
• A mask will be provided for the child presenting with symptoms, if one is available. He should wear the mask if in a common area with other people or while exiting the premises
• An assessment will be made as to whether the child who is displaying symptoms can immediately be brought home by parents and call their doctor and continue self-isolation at home
• The school will facilitate the child presenting with symptoms to remain in isolation, if they cannot immediately go home, and will assist them by calling their GP.
• The child presenting with symptoms should be advised to cover their mouth and nose with the disposable tissue provided when they cough or sneeze and to put the tissue in the waste bag provided
• The child should go home as soon as possible and will advise them to inform their GP by phone of their symptoms. Public transport of any kind should not be used
• If they are too unwell to go home or advice is required, the school will contact 999 or 112 and inform them that the sick child is a Covid-19 suspect.
• Arrangements will be made for appropriate cleaning of the isolation area and work areas involved.
The HSE will inform any staff/parents who have come into close contact with a diagnosed case via the contact tracing process. The HSE will contact all relevant persons where a diagnosis of COVID-19 is made. The instructions of the HSE should be followed.
Children who should not attend school
If your child is in one of the following categories, they should not attend school –
• Children who have been diagnosed with Covid-19
• Children who have been in close contact with a person whohas been diagnosed with Covid-19
• Children who have a suspected case of Covid-19 and the outcome of the test is pending
• Children who have been in contact with a person who has a suspected case of Covid-19 and the outcome of the test is pending
• Children with underlying health conditions who have been directed by a medical professional not to attend school
• Children who have returned home after travelling abroad and must self-isolate for a period of 14 days
• Children who are generally unwell
Supporting the Learning of Children who cannot attend school
If a child is not able to attend school for an extended period of time, the class teacher (and/or the learning support teacher, where relevant) suggested activities to support the child’s learning athome will be shared with parents.
Impact of a Suspected or Confirmed Case of Covid-19 in a Class
If the school is notified that a person in your child’s class has a suspected or confirmed case of Covid-19
• The parents of all children in the class will be notified upon advice from the Public Health officials
• Public health advice will be sought and followed
Personal Equipment
We request that children from 2st to 6th Class will have their own pens, pencils, colours, rubbers, etc., to school in their own pencil case to avoid the sharing of equipment. These will remain at school and not be shared. Please have another set at home. In early September we will provide your child with a Mental Maths book, an English Spelling or workbook, A Read at home Book and a set of Maths tables. This will be your child’s homework for this year. As we have school lunches provided by Glanmore. The lunch that is provided by Glanmore is a healthy balanced mix each day and we discourage children from bringing in extra food. We have a healthy lunch policy and therefore bringing in chocolate, biscuits and treats is not allowed. Exceptions will be made for dietary requirements. Glanmore lunches will start on August 27th this year, you will get their online code in September where you can adjust the menu yourselves. Please mark down something for each school day.
• Your child should only have a bottle of water and a coat to bring to school each day. This will minimise contact of materials.
• It is further requested that all items have the child’s name on them for ease of identification. Please label all the children’s stationary.
• All children should bring a hand towel to school for the drying of hands after handwashing. This should be a small fresh towel in a Ziploc bag each day.
• The boys can’t bring in their own footballs at this time.
Shared Equipment
By necessity, some classroom equipment needs to be shared including tablets, laptops and the equipment used for structured activities and play in Infant classrooms. Cleaning of such shared equipment with wipes or other cleaning products will take place at regular intervals to minimise the risk of the spread of infection.
Yards
Each bubble of 3 or 4 classes will have access to the yards during their allotted break times as follows –
Yards will be supervised by class teachers, learning support teachers and SNA’s working within those bubbles.
Learning Support
In keeping with our Special Education policy, learning support will be provided by a blended approach of in-class support and withdrawal. The provision of support will be organised to ensure our support teachers will work within the confines of a bubble.
• Where a support teacher is working alongside a class teacher in a classroom, both teachers must be mindful of maintaining social distance from one another.
• Where children from 3rd to 6th Class receive support in one of the SET rooms, social distancing of 1 metre will be maintained between each child in the group.
• The tables and chairs in SET rooms will be wiped clean in between different groups attending
PPE
While it is not envisaged that PPE will be worn by staff in general, staff who are attending to particular care needs or who are administering first aid will wear appropriate PPE including gloves and face masks.
Teacher Absence and Substitution
In the event that teacher is unable to attend school, every effort will be made to secure a substitute teacher for the class. If a substitute teacher is not available, it is not appropriate for the class to be divided into groups and accommodated in other classes. In such circumstances, it may not be possible for the class to attend on that day. If that is the case, as much notice as possible will be given to parents.
PE
Where possible, PE will take place outdoors and use of equipment should be confined to the sets that have been distributed to class groupings. If the PE hall is being used by class groupings, common touch points should be cleaned at intervals throughout the school day.
Extra-curricular Activities
The possibility of facilitating extra-curricular activities (such as afterschool clubs) will be explored. However, it would not be recommended that children from different bubbles would participate in extra-curricular activities at the same time. Further updates will be provided in September.
Uniform-O Farrell school wear, Airside are our tracksuit provider-get in touch with them directly regarding your order please. We do not sell /have stock in school. We feel it is unrealistic to expect parents to have a laundered uniform each day for the boys having a spare tracksuit top and pants in grey from a department store will mean that you can have clean clothes on them each day. Send in a second pair of pants and socks on wet days.
Outdoor classroom life will play a greater role than ever before in your child’s day and so make sure they have a coat and a hat for cold days. We will be ventilating the classrooms thoroughly and often.
Paying close attention to the handwashing/sanitizing, distancing and touching only their own personal items will play a great part in this regarding safety of all. It is time to reinforce this message at home please.
Again-if you know someone who is unable to access their emails please pass on any information if you can.
Thank you, as always for your continued co-operation with us. I know that some of you are extremely worried and I understand that. I know that some of the boys will be anxious about returning to school. Please know that our school will have the warmth and kindness that it has always had in it. The boys will be happy and have so much fun when they return. We can’t wait to see them and how much they have grown in 6 months.
Regards
Roisin Hickey
Principal
6th Class Confirmation
Dear Parents,
I hope you are all well. As you know we have been fortunate in securing the date of the Confirmation. As you are aware, restrictions imposed due to prevention of spreading of Covid19 have not been lifted in the way that the country has hoped for. Both myself and Ms Greene in the Girls school met with the Fr Reburn this morning to discuss the ceremony. To ensure that we are following the restrictions outlined last week by the Government we have to make you aware of the following:
• Any person or family who has traveled outside of Ireland to a country not on the green list must be back in Ireland for 14 days before the date of the confirmation.
• We have to revise the number of people who can attend the ceremony. When we made the initial arrangements for the confirmation in June, we expected that indoor gatherings of up to 100 people would be allowed at this stage. Unfortunately, we must adhere to the rule of 50 or less people for indoor gatherings. With our class sizes of 16 we can now only have the child and3 other adults at the ceremony. The church has installed the webcam for those who would like to watch the ceremony online and it has also installed large outdoor speakers for those who are outside and would like to hear the ceremony. The number of those inside the church will be very strictly enforced. I know this will come as a disappointment to many but we have the entire community of OLV to protect.
• The ceremony will be shorter than usual- it is not a full mass, and the children will not leave their seats. Fr Frank will be the only person at the Altar and will do the readings. We have attached the ceremony below. Please go through the ceremony with your child. There will not be pamphlets given out on the day and printed copies of the attached should not be brought to the church.
• The main church doors will open for entry 15 minutes before the ceremony and no earlier. There will be stewards on duty to indicate where you should sit. Once seated, you must remain there until the ceremony has concluded. After the ceremony we must leave the church immediately, through the side exit doors. The church must be cleaned by the volunteers and fully ventilated afterwards in preparation for the next ceremony. If you wish to take photographs you may do that outside the church on the grounds, once you adhere to social distancing guidelines.
• There will be no toilet facilities available.
• There will be no physical contact at the ceremony. The anointing of oils will be done using a cotton bud.
We hope that this will still be a very special day for you and your family. It is difficult to manage all of the restrictions that must be adhered you and we thank you for your understanding.
Your sincerely,
Roisin Hickey, Lorna Greene and Fr Frank Reburn.
I hope you are all well. As you know we have been fortunate in securing the date of the Confirmation. As you are aware, restrictions imposed due to prevention of spreading of Covid19 have not been lifted in the way that the country has hoped for. Both myself and Ms Greene in the Girls school met with the Fr Reburn this morning to discuss the ceremony. To ensure that we are following the restrictions outlined last week by the Government we have to make you aware of the following:
• Any person or family who has traveled outside of Ireland to a country not on the green list must be back in Ireland for 14 days before the date of the confirmation.
• We have to revise the number of people who can attend the ceremony. When we made the initial arrangements for the confirmation in June, we expected that indoor gatherings of up to 100 people would be allowed at this stage. Unfortunately, we must adhere to the rule of 50 or less people for indoor gatherings. With our class sizes of 16 we can now only have the child and3 other adults at the ceremony. The church has installed the webcam for those who would like to watch the ceremony online and it has also installed large outdoor speakers for those who are outside and would like to hear the ceremony. The number of those inside the church will be very strictly enforced. I know this will come as a disappointment to many but we have the entire community of OLV to protect.
• The ceremony will be shorter than usual- it is not a full mass, and the children will not leave their seats. Fr Frank will be the only person at the Altar and will do the readings. We have attached the ceremony below. Please go through the ceremony with your child. There will not be pamphlets given out on the day and printed copies of the attached should not be brought to the church.
• The main church doors will open for entry 15 minutes before the ceremony and no earlier. There will be stewards on duty to indicate where you should sit. Once seated, you must remain there until the ceremony has concluded. After the ceremony we must leave the church immediately, through the side exit doors. The church must be cleaned by the volunteers and fully ventilated afterwards in preparation for the next ceremony. If you wish to take photographs you may do that outside the church on the grounds, once you adhere to social distancing guidelines.
• There will be no toilet facilities available.
• There will be no physical contact at the ceremony. The anointing of oils will be done using a cotton bud.
We hope that this will still be a very special day for you and your family. It is difficult to manage all of the restrictions that must be adhered you and we thank you for your understanding.
Your sincerely,
Roisin Hickey, Lorna Greene and Fr Frank Reburn.
Letter from our School Uniform Supplier - 23rd June 2020
O’FarrellSCHOOLWEAR
OLV Boys N.S Uniform 2020/21
Contact Details: O’Farrell Schoolwear, Unit 2, N1 Business Park, Swords, Co.
Dublin
Telephone: (01) 8139714 Email:
[email protected]
Website: www.ofarrellschoolwear.com
Dear Parents/Guardians,
Due to the current Covid-19 pandemic, our stores have been closed since March
16 th , and we re-opened on June 8 th , in accordance with public health guidelines.
As we re-open our doors our shops will look very different. It will be a new
working and shopping environment for everyone. For back-to-school 2020/21,
uniforms will be available to purchase online and also in-store. For the health
and safety of our customers and staff, we would ask, where possible, that
uniforms would be purchased online.
ONLINE SHOP: www.ofarrellschoolwear.com
Our online store is fully operational and open year round. Orders are usually
processed and dispatched within 2-5 working days, with free delivery on orders
over €50.00. A standard delivery charge of €5.00 applies to all orders under
€50.00. We fully understand that an incorrect size may be ordered. Don’t worry.
If this happens please email us at [email protected] with your
preferred sizes and we will reserve these for you. We have an extended returns
policy due to Covid-19
IN-STORE
Our shops are currently operating on an Appointment Only Basis for 1 st year
secondary fittings until Saturday July 4 th . From Monday July 6 th normal hours will
resume. To maintain social distancing, we will be implementing the following
measures:
Social distancing within the store and while queuing outside
Limiting the number of customers in-store (this will unfortunately result in
longer queuing times)
Our opening hours may vary to facilitate deep cleaning
Request each customer to use the available hand sanitizer upon entry.
Staff will be wearing a face shield/face covering
Each customer will have a staff member allocated to them for the duration
of their visit in order to assist them, in the most efficient manner possible
If not shopping alone, we would ask parents/guardians, where possible, to
bring as small a family unit as possible to the store.
Thank you for your cooperation and patience with these new measures during
the Covid-19 pandemic
Stay safe,
The O’Farrell Schoolwear Team
OLV Boys N.S Uniform 2020/21
Contact Details: O’Farrell Schoolwear, Unit 2, N1 Business Park, Swords, Co.
Dublin
Telephone: (01) 8139714 Email:
[email protected]
Website: www.ofarrellschoolwear.com
Dear Parents/Guardians,
Due to the current Covid-19 pandemic, our stores have been closed since March
16 th , and we re-opened on June 8 th , in accordance with public health guidelines.
As we re-open our doors our shops will look very different. It will be a new
working and shopping environment for everyone. For back-to-school 2020/21,
uniforms will be available to purchase online and also in-store. For the health
and safety of our customers and staff, we would ask, where possible, that
uniforms would be purchased online.
ONLINE SHOP: www.ofarrellschoolwear.com
Our online store is fully operational and open year round. Orders are usually
processed and dispatched within 2-5 working days, with free delivery on orders
over €50.00. A standard delivery charge of €5.00 applies to all orders under
€50.00. We fully understand that an incorrect size may be ordered. Don’t worry.
If this happens please email us at [email protected] with your
preferred sizes and we will reserve these for you. We have an extended returns
policy due to Covid-19
IN-STORE
Our shops are currently operating on an Appointment Only Basis for 1 st year
secondary fittings until Saturday July 4 th . From Monday July 6 th normal hours will
resume. To maintain social distancing, we will be implementing the following
measures:
Social distancing within the store and while queuing outside
Limiting the number of customers in-store (this will unfortunately result in
longer queuing times)
Our opening hours may vary to facilitate deep cleaning
Request each customer to use the available hand sanitizer upon entry.
Staff will be wearing a face shield/face covering
Each customer will have a staff member allocated to them for the duration
of their visit in order to assist them, in the most efficient manner possible
If not shopping alone, we would ask parents/guardians, where possible, to
bring as small a family unit as possible to the store.
Thank you for your cooperation and patience with these new measures during
the Covid-19 pandemic
Stay safe,
The O’Farrell Schoolwear Team
Live Nature Videos from Ms Hickey’s Home in County Kerry- 18th May 2020
A Video Message for you all - 2nd May 2020
To all of the boys and families of OLV BNS,
Here is a short video from the staff of Our Lady of Victories. We hope you like it!
We cannot wait to see you all soon.
Here is a short video from the staff of Our Lady of Victories. We hope you like it!
We cannot wait to see you all soon.
Message and Video from Coach Gerry - 26th March 2020
Hi all.
I hope everyone is doing well in this tough time.
Attached are a few GAA skill activities to do while at home.
Stay safe at home.
Kind Regards,
Coach Gerry
I hope everyone is doing well in this tough time.
Attached are a few GAA skill activities to do while at home.
Stay safe at home.
Kind Regards,
Coach Gerry
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Band and Choir Performance in Ballymun - November 28th 2019
Well done to all of the students who performed as part of the school choir and band in the turning on of the Christmas light in Ballymun. It was a wonderful evening. Thank you to everyone who came to support / sing along. A big special thanks to Ms Kilgarriff, Ms Healy and Ray for all of their help in the lead up to this and for making it happen!
Well done to all of the students who performed as part of the school choir and band in the turning on of the Christmas light in Ballymun. It was a wonderful evening. Thank you to everyone who came to support / sing along. A big special thanks to Ms Kilgarriff, Ms Healy and Ray for all of their help in the lead up to this and for making it happen!
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St Vincent de Paul Food Collection - November 28th 2019
Parents
Our annual St Vincent de Paul food collection has started. If anyone could possibly donate 1 or 2 non-perishable food items over the next 2 weeks---it would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance for your kindness to those in need.
Our band and choir are taking part in the Ballymun Tree lighting on Friday night Nov 29th at 6pm (outside AXIS)—all welcome to come along.
Every year our classes take part in “Crib Making”. Recyclable materials should be used please and there will be some class prizes. Olv church always display the cribs around the altar over the Christmas season and they are a big hit with the parishoners—we have some very artistic boys here who do wonderful work.
Lastly,our annual Christmas Carol /Nativity service will be coming up in December—date to be confirmed—but again we would love to see you all there.
That’s it for now, keep an eye on the emails / website and text messages. HO HO HO
Note for Parents - October 8th 2019
Activities for parents:
Coffee morning tomorrow morning@ 9am in Parents room. All welcome.
Story sacks afterwards --make a creative reading pack that your child can keep forever.
Making Dinner Interesting started Sept 24th for 8 weeks
ART,CRAFTS,FLORISRTY began 4TH Oct for 6 weeks
***Enquiries to Doireann at 0852569898
Note for Parents - October 7th 2019
Mid-term break: School finishes at 2.40pm on Fri Oct 25th. Re-opens Monday November 4th
PARENT /TEACHER meetings scheduled for NOVEMBER 12TH AND 13TH 2019. Notes/appointments will go home after mid term break.
6th classes last swim on November 4th
Parents
Our annual St Vincent de Paul food collection has started. If anyone could possibly donate 1 or 2 non-perishable food items over the next 2 weeks---it would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance for your kindness to those in need.
Our band and choir are taking part in the Ballymun Tree lighting on Friday night Nov 29th at 6pm (outside AXIS)—all welcome to come along.
Every year our classes take part in “Crib Making”. Recyclable materials should be used please and there will be some class prizes. Olv church always display the cribs around the altar over the Christmas season and they are a big hit with the parishoners—we have some very artistic boys here who do wonderful work.
Lastly,our annual Christmas Carol /Nativity service will be coming up in December—date to be confirmed—but again we would love to see you all there.
That’s it for now, keep an eye on the emails / website and text messages. HO HO HO
Note for Parents - October 8th 2019
Activities for parents:
Coffee morning tomorrow morning@ 9am in Parents room. All welcome.
Story sacks afterwards --make a creative reading pack that your child can keep forever.
Making Dinner Interesting started Sept 24th for 8 weeks
ART,CRAFTS,FLORISRTY began 4TH Oct for 6 weeks
***Enquiries to Doireann at 0852569898
Note for Parents - October 7th 2019
Mid-term break: School finishes at 2.40pm on Fri Oct 25th. Re-opens Monday November 4th
PARENT /TEACHER meetings scheduled for NOVEMBER 12TH AND 13TH 2019. Notes/appointments will go home after mid term break.
6th classes last swim on November 4th
Our Gardening Club - September 2019
GIY launched with the final of a challenge that they launched in September for primary schools across Ireland, as they set out a Food Growing knowledge challenge to find Ireland’s biggest ‘Know It All’. The finalist teams from Glór na Mara National School in Tramore County Waterford went up against the Our Lady of Victories Boys National School from Ballymun in Dublin. The two teams went head to head in a quick fire buzzer round challenge of questions of food and growing food and boys from the gardening club from Our Lady of Victories Boys National School from Ballymun in Dublin were awarded with the title – Ireland’s biggest ‘Know-it-All’! We won a brand new garden for our school!! We are so proud of Ms Healy and the gardening club students.
IMPORTANT notice - September 27th 2019
Dear Parents
Following on from the newsletter sent home last week we are now asking for everyone’s help with the following campaign:
(A pupil was knocked down while crossing over with an adult and the green man in place)
In the interest of safety for all and in particular, the school community we are applying to have a crossing guard in place at the main intersection crossing from the Ballymun road over to the school. A survey will be carried out and statistics collected (by the Road safety Authority to see if this is necessary) so it is vital we have as many people as possible walking across at school times. To support us, please park at the Ballymun Library and be seen using the junction. All of us, as parents aim to have our children crossing safely alone at some point and would have the extra reassurance of knowing that a crossing guard would be there at times as extra support.
Thank you in advance for your continued support
Rόisín Hickey
Principal
News - September 26th 2019
Dear Parents,
Welcome back to School everyone and a special welcome to the new 2nd class and their parents to our school. I really hope you have had a great summer.
Focus for this year. Last year we worked with the boys at assembly specifically on handwriting and kindness and we saw huge efforts in both areas. It was absolutely fantastic. This year we would like to see all the boys put the same amazing effort in making an impact on the environment. Encourage them to let us know what they are doing at home to make the world a greener place. I am hoping that this will be one of the last paper newsletters as we are putting an email list together and I will be sending you the newsletter via email. It will also be available on the school website blog at olvboys.scoilnet.ie/blog/ along with all other school information. You need to type the full address in. We want to reduce our paper use as much as possible. Please send in your email address if you haven’t already.
Health and Safety.
Please talk to the boys about using the pedestrian crossings and using the green man but also looking up and down after you have the green man. One of our boys was knocked down last week by a driver who broke the light. It was extremely upsetting and very worrying. We are hoping to get a crossing guard for the Collins avenue crossing but a final decision on this can take a very long time. Please get the boys to watch the Safe cross code with you on you tube. It’s an oldie but a goldie! And it might just save a tragedy. Please see the below petition set up by a relative of the boys who was knocked down.
https://my.uplift.ie/petitions/extra-lollipop-person-for-our-lady-of-victories.
Our Health and Safety policy, as laid down by the Boards of Management of the three school requires that Parents and pupils are NOT entering/exiting the school grounds at the main gate by the barrier .It is a staff /delivery van only access point for your safety. We simply do not have the space on the grounds of the school to allow people to come through that way. There are many delivery drivers throughout the school day and very often I see small children running through the car park. We do not want to have a major accident on the grounds and it is imperative that you co-operate with this. If you collect your child at the lane way, please stay at the laneway and wait for your child to leave the class group and say goodbye to their teacher. All pupils should line up for 9am every morning and they should only use the front door if they are late. Any late comers or early leavers will be logged up on the school roll database. Please leave your child in the line and allow him to go to class with his teacher. Due to our child protection regulations we don’t allow parents in to the school unless you are coming in for a pre –arranged meeting. Appointments must be made through the secretary’s office if you need to see the Principal or teacher.
Yard and the weather: As the winter comes in, we expect bad weather. The boys need fresh air and exercise and we will send them out at break time as much as possible. Children learn more effectively having had short breaks and it also prevents frustration and incidents in class. We are extremely lucky to have a great yard space and it will get mucky and wet as so the boys may come home dirty at times. Please be patient with this as some boys get anxious that they will be in trouble for coming home dirty. If you are concerned that your child will be wet please send in extra tracksuit pants and shoes, particularly if they walk to school in wet weather. Please don’t worry if there is muck on their tracksuits for the following day. Once they are dry and reasonably clean the boys will learn just as well!
Computer games and tiredness.
We have huge concerns that the boys are spending too much time playing computer games and particularly playing games online that are not suitable for their age. The language and the content of these games is clear to see in the behaviour of the children through the language they are using and also in the style of play on yard. It effects their concentration, their mood and is it also affecting their social skills. We have been made aware of arguments and abuse that is happening outside of school time, I strongly recommend that the boys do not have access to the internet in their bedrooms as it is a huge temptation to them and that they are not allowed to play games that are not appropriate for their age group. They should also not have social media profiles at primary school age. Parents need to monitor their child’s screen time and access on consoles etc.
We still have a number of people who have yet to pay the school fees. These fees cover the cost of art materials, stationary and photocopying and the quality of the resources that your son gets depends on these fees.€125 per pupil We cannot subsidise these fees. Please make sure the boys have pencils, erasers, a ruler and colours in their pencil case.
Reminder class meetings next week- Tuesday at 2.15 for 2nd/3rds Wednesday, 2.15: 5th and 6th. Thursday 2.15 :4ths . You will get a chance to meet the teachers at this general meeting and if you have a specific concern relating to your child please make an appointment to see the teacher separately. There will be a meeting for 1st communion children on the 16th of September.
CLASSES AND COURSES FOR PARENTS.
(1 )Storysacks starting 7th October for 6 weeks…parents room
(2)ARTS /CRAFTS/FLORISTRY starting 4th October for 6weeks..parents room
(3)Making dinner interesting starts Sept 24th for 8 weeks in parents room.
RAINBOWS is starting in the school for children of separated or divorced parents. If you think your son would benefit from this support, contact Doireann HSCL at 087-2569898
Lastly and VERY importantly the school will be closed on Wednesday October 2nd for In service for teachers.
We are really looking forward to the year and have lots of wonderful activities set up.
Yours Sincerely,
Roisin Hickey.
Principal.
Boys Overlooking the Pitch at Break Time - September 24th 2019
All-Ireland Final - September 13th 2019
Well done to all of the students and teachers who wore blue to support Dublin in the all-Ireland final. We won't forget a mention to Ms Hickey for staying true to County Kerry amongst a sea of Dublin fans! COME ON YOU BOYS IN BLUE!!
Well done to all of the students and teachers who wore blue to support Dublin in the all-Ireland final. We won't forget a mention to Ms Hickey for staying true to County Kerry amongst a sea of Dublin fans! COME ON YOU BOYS IN BLUE!!
News - September 11th 2019
Boys can wear a blue t-shirt or a green/gold t-shirt or jersey on Friday 13th in advance of the all-Ireland final on Saturday. Please note that a blue wrist band / t-shirt can be worn instead of a jersey.
News - September 5th 2019
School Closure IN-SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT
School will be closed for Language curriculum in-service day on Wednesday October 2nd.
News - September 5th 2019
Dear Parents
Schoolalerts.ie have informed us that Facebook/Messenger/Viber have withdrawn their service to their system. Over the coming weeks we will have to change our message provider. In order for parents to receive full messages (sms text systems do not allow enough space for our messages) we have decided to use emails to parents (it is fair to say that everyone now has an email address in use). Please provide your most used email address below for our records.
If your or your second contact mobile numbers have changed recently please fill in below.
Email address:__________________________________________
Mobile number _________________________________________
Second contact name and number._________________________
Rόisín Hickey
Principal
News - September 2nd 2019
Swimming starting for the two -6th classes-notes going home to be signed on 2nd.
This week---the two 6th classes and Miss McAuley's 5th class will visit the Sculptures exhibition in the Botanic Gardens.They will travel to and from the gardens by bus at 10.15am on Thursday September 5th.We expect the boys back to school at around 12.30pm.
A number of notices will go home over the coming days for your attention—please sign and return to class teachers where requested.
Thank you to those who have paid in full for school fees—there are still a number of outstanding payments overdue.
Please clearly mark your sons’ jumpers and jackets.
A copy of the school calendar is available on this site.
Swimming Lessons for 6th Class Students
The 6th class boys from Mr o Meara’s and Mr Boyce’s rooms will begin swim sessions on Monday September 9th 2019
Dates as follows, Sept 9th, Sept 16th, Sept 23rdth, Sept 30th Oct 7th and finally Oct 14th.
PLEASE KEEP THIS LIST OF DATES ON YOUR FRIDGE
The cost per pupil is €18. The boys will leave the school at approx 1.30pm and are into the pool from 1.50pm –2.20pm. Pupils will be supervised on the journey to and from the pool. Boys can go home from the pool, with your permission. Boys involved in the homework club will be walked back to the school.
The boys must have the consent form below signed and returned to Mr O’Meara/Mr Boyce by Thursday please.
Swimming hatsmust be worn and are available from the pool for €2.50.
Every pupil is expected to take part as PE is an important part of the school curriculum.
Yours sincerely
Rόisín Hickey
Principal
I give my son __________________________ permission to go swimming for the next 6 weeks.
My son has permission to go home directly from the swimming pool.
Parent signature _________________________
Date _________________________
Important Notice August 2019:
1.Tracksuits are now in stock at Pat O'Farrell schoolwear: Unit 2, Swords Road (near airside). Contact Number: 01-8139714
2.Log into Databiz Solutions for your online payments.
Books cannot be provided to pupils without payment and receipts will be issued from the office when payment is made in full. Cash payments are still accepted this year.
School reopens for all on Thursday August 29th.
New 2nd class boys will line up on the small yard near the bike shelter on Thursday and Friday. Ms Hickey will introduce pupils to their teachers and bring them to their class.
From Monday 2nd all pupils will line up on the big yard for 9am. Latecomers must enter the school through the front door at secretarys office.
Pupils will be supervised on the walk out each day to the small gate near the credit union wall.
Tracksuit Price List 2019/2020
Crew Neck Fleece Tracksuit Top (with school crest):
Size: 4/5yrs, 5/6yrs, 6/7yrs, 7/8yrs, 8/9yrs, 9/10yrs, 10/11yrs €15.95
Size: 11/12yrs, 13/14yrs, small adult €17.95
Fleece Track Pants:
Size: 4/5yrs, 5/6yrs, 6/7yrs, 7/8yrs, 8/9yrs, 9/10yrs, 10/11yrs €14.95
Size: 11/12yrs €15.95
Size: 13/14yrs, small adult €16.95
***THERE WILL BE NO MORE TRACKSUIT SALES IN THE SCHOOL. TRACKSUITS WILL BE AVAILABLE FROM AUGUST 10TH APPROX. PLEASE CALL SWORDS NUMBER BELOW TO CONFIRM.
Pat O'Farrell Schoolwear Ltd/
Unit 2, N1 Business Park,
Swords
01-8139714
Opening Hours: 9:30-5:30 Monday to Saturday
www.ofarrellschoolwear.com
***ARCHIVE NOTICES***
June 21st, 2019
The boys below are the winners of OLV's handwriting competition 2019. Well done to all of the winners! So many boys have worked extremely hard on their handwriting this year which made it very difficult to choose just three from each class!
June 11th, 2019
We had our annual end-of-year Art Exhibition in the school hall for all to see. The hall looked beautiful with all of the beautiful art work completed by the students this year. Check out the pictures below:
May 16th 2019
UPDATE: OLV Boys won the final!! The final score was 4-12 to 1-8. We are all so proud of the team and the coaches. The school were delighted to form a guard of honour for the team as they arrived back to the school. Hard luck to the opposing team at Priorswood.
May 15th 2019
After 13 years, we are delighted and proud to say that the senior team have won most of their matches and are in the final tomorrow against Priorswood. Throw in is at 11am in Abbotstown Stadium , Blanchardstown and the team will leave school by coach at 9.45am. We will provide a breakfast for the boys in the morning and advise that they get a good night’s sleep before the big event. Bottled water will be sent along also. Please apply sunscreen if necessary and anyone needing inhalers/anti-histimines should take them also.
We will also send the remaining 5th /6th class pupils and our junior team along as supporters and a bus is arranged to take them to the match. All pupil/parent supporters have to pay €2 at the grounds- so if any of you are free to come along and support the team -it would be great.
Gum shields must be worn by all. Don’t forget the gear boys.
I would like to thank the school team of coaches who have put in all the extra time with training etc…Well done to all!
Regards,
Rόisín Hickey
Principal
Boys can wear a blue t-shirt or a green/gold t-shirt or jersey on Friday 13th in advance of the all-Ireland final on Saturday. Please note that a blue wrist band / t-shirt can be worn instead of a jersey.
News - September 5th 2019
School Closure IN-SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT
School will be closed for Language curriculum in-service day on Wednesday October 2nd.
News - September 5th 2019
Dear Parents
Schoolalerts.ie have informed us that Facebook/Messenger/Viber have withdrawn their service to their system. Over the coming weeks we will have to change our message provider. In order for parents to receive full messages (sms text systems do not allow enough space for our messages) we have decided to use emails to parents (it is fair to say that everyone now has an email address in use). Please provide your most used email address below for our records.
If your or your second contact mobile numbers have changed recently please fill in below.
Email address:__________________________________________
Mobile number _________________________________________
Second contact name and number._________________________
Rόisín Hickey
Principal
News - September 2nd 2019
Swimming starting for the two -6th classes-notes going home to be signed on 2nd.
This week---the two 6th classes and Miss McAuley's 5th class will visit the Sculptures exhibition in the Botanic Gardens.They will travel to and from the gardens by bus at 10.15am on Thursday September 5th.We expect the boys back to school at around 12.30pm.
A number of notices will go home over the coming days for your attention—please sign and return to class teachers where requested.
Thank you to those who have paid in full for school fees—there are still a number of outstanding payments overdue.
Please clearly mark your sons’ jumpers and jackets.
A copy of the school calendar is available on this site.
Swimming Lessons for 6th Class Students
The 6th class boys from Mr o Meara’s and Mr Boyce’s rooms will begin swim sessions on Monday September 9th 2019
Dates as follows, Sept 9th, Sept 16th, Sept 23rdth, Sept 30th Oct 7th and finally Oct 14th.
PLEASE KEEP THIS LIST OF DATES ON YOUR FRIDGE
The cost per pupil is €18. The boys will leave the school at approx 1.30pm and are into the pool from 1.50pm –2.20pm. Pupils will be supervised on the journey to and from the pool. Boys can go home from the pool, with your permission. Boys involved in the homework club will be walked back to the school.
The boys must have the consent form below signed and returned to Mr O’Meara/Mr Boyce by Thursday please.
Swimming hatsmust be worn and are available from the pool for €2.50.
Every pupil is expected to take part as PE is an important part of the school curriculum.
Yours sincerely
Rόisín Hickey
Principal
I give my son __________________________ permission to go swimming for the next 6 weeks.
My son has permission to go home directly from the swimming pool.
Parent signature _________________________
Date _________________________
Important Notice August 2019:
1.Tracksuits are now in stock at Pat O'Farrell schoolwear: Unit 2, Swords Road (near airside). Contact Number: 01-8139714
2.Log into Databiz Solutions for your online payments.
Books cannot be provided to pupils without payment and receipts will be issued from the office when payment is made in full. Cash payments are still accepted this year.
School reopens for all on Thursday August 29th.
New 2nd class boys will line up on the small yard near the bike shelter on Thursday and Friday. Ms Hickey will introduce pupils to their teachers and bring them to their class.
From Monday 2nd all pupils will line up on the big yard for 9am. Latecomers must enter the school through the front door at secretarys office.
Pupils will be supervised on the walk out each day to the small gate near the credit union wall.
Tracksuit Price List 2019/2020
Crew Neck Fleece Tracksuit Top (with school crest):
Size: 4/5yrs, 5/6yrs, 6/7yrs, 7/8yrs, 8/9yrs, 9/10yrs, 10/11yrs €15.95
Size: 11/12yrs, 13/14yrs, small adult €17.95
Fleece Track Pants:
Size: 4/5yrs, 5/6yrs, 6/7yrs, 7/8yrs, 8/9yrs, 9/10yrs, 10/11yrs €14.95
Size: 11/12yrs €15.95
Size: 13/14yrs, small adult €16.95
***THERE WILL BE NO MORE TRACKSUIT SALES IN THE SCHOOL. TRACKSUITS WILL BE AVAILABLE FROM AUGUST 10TH APPROX. PLEASE CALL SWORDS NUMBER BELOW TO CONFIRM.
Pat O'Farrell Schoolwear Ltd/
Unit 2, N1 Business Park,
Swords
01-8139714
Opening Hours: 9:30-5:30 Monday to Saturday
www.ofarrellschoolwear.com
***ARCHIVE NOTICES***
June 21st, 2019
The boys below are the winners of OLV's handwriting competition 2019. Well done to all of the winners! So many boys have worked extremely hard on their handwriting this year which made it very difficult to choose just three from each class!
June 11th, 2019
We had our annual end-of-year Art Exhibition in the school hall for all to see. The hall looked beautiful with all of the beautiful art work completed by the students this year. Check out the pictures below:
May 16th 2019
UPDATE: OLV Boys won the final!! The final score was 4-12 to 1-8. We are all so proud of the team and the coaches. The school were delighted to form a guard of honour for the team as they arrived back to the school. Hard luck to the opposing team at Priorswood.
May 15th 2019
After 13 years, we are delighted and proud to say that the senior team have won most of their matches and are in the final tomorrow against Priorswood. Throw in is at 11am in Abbotstown Stadium , Blanchardstown and the team will leave school by coach at 9.45am. We will provide a breakfast for the boys in the morning and advise that they get a good night’s sleep before the big event. Bottled water will be sent along also. Please apply sunscreen if necessary and anyone needing inhalers/anti-histimines should take them also.
We will also send the remaining 5th /6th class pupils and our junior team along as supporters and a bus is arranged to take them to the match. All pupil/parent supporters have to pay €2 at the grounds- so if any of you are free to come along and support the team -it would be great.
Gum shields must be worn by all. Don’t forget the gear boys.
I would like to thank the school team of coaches who have put in all the extra time with training etc…Well done to all!
Regards,
Rόisín Hickey
Principal