Upcoming Parent Teacher Meetings... Nov 2020
We in Gilson NS recognise the importance of effective communication and collaboration with parents and parent/teacher meetings are an essential part of that process. Normally, we have our parent/teacher meetings around this time of year. Unfortunately, we are unable to facilitate face-to-face meetings this year as we continue to reduce the risk of spreading Covid-19. As an alternative means of conducting meetings with parents, as a staff, we have decided that the most effective way to facilitate this is by having the meetings via phone. This week teachers will be contacting parents to schedule suitable dates and times to discuss their children’s progress at school. Most of the calls will take place next week with some running into the following week depending on parents’ availability.
Thankfully, all children have settled back into school quicker than anticipated so there is no reason to postpone the meetings until a further date. We feel that now is an ideal time to update parents on pupil progress, to share successes and concerns, and to support parents in helping their children to learn.
The main objective of the first couple of weeks back at school was to ensure that children settled in and became comfortable with the new routines. After that, much of the emphasis has been on English, Irish, Mathematics, SPHE (Social, Personal and Health Education), PE, and Art. Group activities and some art activities have been curtailed because of the greater contact risk. Significant time is being spent on revisiting and consolidating, and, in some cases, relearning curriculum content previously worked on either prior to the school closure period or as part of distance learning.
Thankfully, all children have settled back into school quicker than anticipated so there is no reason to postpone the meetings until a further date. We feel that now is an ideal time to update parents on pupil progress, to share successes and concerns, and to support parents in helping their children to learn.
The main objective of the first couple of weeks back at school was to ensure that children settled in and became comfortable with the new routines. After that, much of the emphasis has been on English, Irish, Mathematics, SPHE (Social, Personal and Health Education), PE, and Art. Group activities and some art activities have been curtailed because of the greater contact risk. Significant time is being spent on revisiting and consolidating, and, in some cases, relearning curriculum content previously worked on either prior to the school closure period or as part of distance learning.
Covid 19 Update
While we are all delighted to hear the good news in relation to vaccines, it will take some time before they are available to the general public. We all still need to remain vigilant and adhere to the Public Health advice which will help ensure that the school runs as smoothly as possible during these challenging times. Thanks to the efforts of everyone involved with the school, everything is going very well to date. Long may it continue!
Tennis is back !!
Children in the senior end of the school will continue to receive GAA coaching up until Christmas, and in the new year, the junior end will get their opportunity.
Tennis coaching is underway, for Junior Infants, Senior Infants, and 1st class and will continue for a five-week block finishing up on Tuesday 1st December.
Both coaches split the classes in two and conduct the lessons in the schoolyard. All equipment is sanitised between classes.
Tennis coaching is underway, for Junior Infants, Senior Infants, and 1st class and will continue for a five-week block finishing up on Tuesday 1st December.
Both coaches split the classes in two and conduct the lessons in the schoolyard. All equipment is sanitised between classes.
Message from Dr Ronan Glynn to all parents. . . . .
To parents and guardians of school children in Ireland,
I am very aware that many of you are worried about the reopening of schools and the associated risk of Covid-19 for your children. This concern is natural and is to be fully expected after a period of six months during which we have all had to adapt to the challenges posed by Covid-19.
The decision to reopen schools has not been taken lightly and has been based on guidance produced by international bodies including the World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC); scientific evidence regarding the risk of Covid-19 in school children and staff; the experience of other countries that have not closed, or have reopened, their schools; our own experience having reopened childcare settings and summer camps since June; and evidence regarding the importance of school for the overall health and wellbeing of children.
International evidence shows us that child-to-child and child-to-adult transmission of Covid-19 in schools is uncommon. In addition, our own experience to date in Ireland, and indeed that reported internationally, demonstrates that for the overwhelming majority of children who are diagnosed with Covid-19, their symptoms will be mild.
The importance of schools for the overall health and wellbeing of children cannot be overstated, and the risk of Covid-19 has been carefully weighed against the very real harm that can be caused by sustained school closures. Schools play a fundamental role in the social life of children; they are where children are educated, make friends, share interests, learn social skills like self-confidence and empathy, and participate in sport and cultural activities.
Of course, as we continue to navigate our way through this pandemic, there are no zero risk options for reopening schools or indeed any other environment; the aim, therefore, is to reopen in as safe a way as possible by ensuring that all appropriate public health measures such as physical distancing, hand washing and respiratory hygiene are implemented where appropriate.
Schools are at the heart of our communities and the best way to protect them is to keep the level of Covid-19 in the community low. As parents and guardians, you can play a key role in this, both through your own actions and through the influence that you have on your family and friends. If all of us continue to make small changes to the way we live, we can - together - starve this virus of opportunities to transmit.
While it is okay to send your child to school or childcare if they only have a runny nose or a sneeze, if you have any concerns that your child has symptoms of Covid-19 - fever, cough, shortness of breath, loss of taste or smell – then please keep them at home until you have spoken with your GP by phone. Lots more information is available at gov.ie/backtoschool and hse.ie
There will be cases of Covid-19 among children over the coming days and weeks, as there have been throughout this pandemic to date. But when this happens our public health teams in the HSE will respond and liaise closely with the school involved and ensure that all necessary measures are taken to protect other students and school staff.
Finally, I want to take this opportunity to thank you for all you have done to keep your family and our communities safe over the past seven months. I also want to thank all teachers, principals and school staff who have worked so hard to ensure that our schools are ready to reopen – it is just one more example of the incredible solidarity that has defined the way in which people all across the country have come together to play their part in getting us through this pandemic.
Dr Ronan Glynn,
Acting Chief Medical Officer,
Department of Health
I am very aware that many of you are worried about the reopening of schools and the associated risk of Covid-19 for your children. This concern is natural and is to be fully expected after a period of six months during which we have all had to adapt to the challenges posed by Covid-19.
The decision to reopen schools has not been taken lightly and has been based on guidance produced by international bodies including the World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC); scientific evidence regarding the risk of Covid-19 in school children and staff; the experience of other countries that have not closed, or have reopened, their schools; our own experience having reopened childcare settings and summer camps since June; and evidence regarding the importance of school for the overall health and wellbeing of children.
International evidence shows us that child-to-child and child-to-adult transmission of Covid-19 in schools is uncommon. In addition, our own experience to date in Ireland, and indeed that reported internationally, demonstrates that for the overwhelming majority of children who are diagnosed with Covid-19, their symptoms will be mild.
The importance of schools for the overall health and wellbeing of children cannot be overstated, and the risk of Covid-19 has been carefully weighed against the very real harm that can be caused by sustained school closures. Schools play a fundamental role in the social life of children; they are where children are educated, make friends, share interests, learn social skills like self-confidence and empathy, and participate in sport and cultural activities.
Of course, as we continue to navigate our way through this pandemic, there are no zero risk options for reopening schools or indeed any other environment; the aim, therefore, is to reopen in as safe a way as possible by ensuring that all appropriate public health measures such as physical distancing, hand washing and respiratory hygiene are implemented where appropriate.
Schools are at the heart of our communities and the best way to protect them is to keep the level of Covid-19 in the community low. As parents and guardians, you can play a key role in this, both through your own actions and through the influence that you have on your family and friends. If all of us continue to make small changes to the way we live, we can - together - starve this virus of opportunities to transmit.
While it is okay to send your child to school or childcare if they only have a runny nose or a sneeze, if you have any concerns that your child has symptoms of Covid-19 - fever, cough, shortness of breath, loss of taste or smell – then please keep them at home until you have spoken with your GP by phone. Lots more information is available at gov.ie/backtoschool and hse.ie
There will be cases of Covid-19 among children over the coming days and weeks, as there have been throughout this pandemic to date. But when this happens our public health teams in the HSE will respond and liaise closely with the school involved and ensure that all necessary measures are taken to protect other students and school staff.
Finally, I want to take this opportunity to thank you for all you have done to keep your family and our communities safe over the past seven months. I also want to thank all teachers, principals and school staff who have worked so hard to ensure that our schools are ready to reopen – it is just one more example of the incredible solidarity that has defined the way in which people all across the country have come together to play their part in getting us through this pandemic.
Dr Ronan Glynn,
Acting Chief Medical Officer,
Department of Health
A Returning Story. . . Sammy Sloth Goes Back to School !
As we look forward to our return on Tuesday next Sept 1st we understand that some children and parents may be feeling a little fearful and nervous. Take a moment to download and enjoy the following story which might help younger children and others to understand the Corona Virus and allay their fears about returning.
We look forward to meeting all our pupils up to 3rd Class again on Tuesday and welcoming our new Junior Infants too!
Then on Wednesday we look forward to seeing our pupils from 3/4th up to 6th once again. We've been working hard to have our school safe and ready for everyone!
We look forward to meeting all our pupils up to 3rd Class again on Tuesday and welcoming our new Junior Infants too!
Then on Wednesday we look forward to seeing our pupils from 3/4th up to 6th once again. We've been working hard to have our school safe and ready for everyone!
| back_to_school_story.pdf |
A Further Update on our Return.
Dear Parents/ Guardians,
I have provided more detail in relation to what happens if a child displays symptoms of COVID-19 in school together with other matters below.
The following outlines what happens if a child displays symptoms of COVID-19 in school
Uniforms
While there is no reference in the public-health guidance to the washing of school uniforms, a much greater degree of flexibility will be exercised in relation to school uniforms this year. In the interests of practicality and to facilitate parents with more frequent washing the following adjustments have been made:
Books/School bags
The HSE have stated that it is safe for children to bring books and belongings to and from school. The important piece is, that they must not share any belongings with other children. The school is providing storage boxes for every child for their school books, copies and items that they will not be taking home with them every day. They will be kept under each individual child’s chair at school.
While no direct guidance has been given on schoolbags and lunch boxes it is advisable that lunch boxes are cleaned every evening and school bags wiped with disinfectant wipes.
Classes and class teachers
The following is a list of classes for 2020/2021 and their respective teachers.
Junior Infants Ms Ní Chéidigh
Senior Infants Ms Conaty
1st Class Mrs Galligan/Ms Chapman
2nd Class Ms O’Brien
3rd Class Ms Maguire
3rd /4th Class Mr. Geraghty
4th/5th Class Ms Barber
5th Class Ms Uí Fhlatharta
6th Class A Mr Harten
6th Class B Ms Flynn
Staff Changes
I would like to welcome Ms Barber and Ms Maguire to the staff, both of whom have been appointed to the school for the duration of this school year.
I would also like to welcome Michael Lynch to the staff. Michael has recently been appointed as the school’s caretaker. I would like to wish all the new appointments the best of luck for this school year.
Thanking you.
Regards,
Mark Carey (Principal)
I have provided more detail in relation to what happens if a child displays symptoms of COVID-19 in school together with other matters below.
The following outlines what happens if a child displays symptoms of COVID-19 in school
- If a child displays symptoms of COVID-19 in school, the parents/guardians are contacted immediately.
- The child is accompanied to a designated isolation room (Room 10) in the school. There is a procedure in place for this which will be explained to all children by their respective class teachers. The child will be accompanied by a member of staff in the isolation room and reassurance given, until such time as the child is collected.
- After a parent/guardian collects the child from the school they are advised to ring their GP who will advise if a test is necessary or otherwise.
- If a child is too unwell to go home, the school will contact 999 or 112 and inform them that the sick person is a COVID-19 suspect.
- In the event of a positive case 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. We have not been given any further information in relation to this.
Uniforms
While there is no reference in the public-health guidance to the washing of school uniforms, a much greater degree of flexibility will be exercised in relation to school uniforms this year. In the interests of practicality and to facilitate parents with more frequent washing the following adjustments have been made:
- Children do not need to wear the school tie.
- A plain v-necked jumper can be worn as an alternative to the crested school jumper.
- The light blue polo shirt can be worn as an alternative to the school shirt.
- Plain navy tracksuit bottoms can be worn as an alternative to the school trousers/skirt/pinafore.
Books/School bags
The HSE have stated that it is safe for children to bring books and belongings to and from school. The important piece is, that they must not share any belongings with other children. The school is providing storage boxes for every child for their school books, copies and items that they will not be taking home with them every day. They will be kept under each individual child’s chair at school.
While no direct guidance has been given on schoolbags and lunch boxes it is advisable that lunch boxes are cleaned every evening and school bags wiped with disinfectant wipes.
Classes and class teachers
The following is a list of classes for 2020/2021 and their respective teachers.
Junior Infants Ms Ní Chéidigh
Senior Infants Ms Conaty
1st Class Mrs Galligan/Ms Chapman
2nd Class Ms O’Brien
3rd Class Ms Maguire
3rd /4th Class Mr. Geraghty
4th/5th Class Ms Barber
5th Class Ms Uí Fhlatharta
6th Class A Mr Harten
6th Class B Ms Flynn
Staff Changes
I would like to welcome Ms Barber and Ms Maguire to the staff, both of whom have been appointed to the school for the duration of this school year.
I would also like to welcome Michael Lynch to the staff. Michael has recently been appointed as the school’s caretaker. I would like to wish all the new appointments the best of luck for this school year.
Thanking you.
Regards,
Mark Carey (Principal)
Guidelines on our return to school
Dear Parents/Guardians,
Please read attached file in relation to the reopening of Gilson NS.
Thanking You.
Regards,
Mark Carey (Principal)
Please read attached file in relation to the reopening of Gilson NS.
Thanking You.
Regards,
Mark Carey (Principal)
| reopening_gilson_ns.docx |
Mr Carey's Message on our return to school. . . .
Dear Parents/Guardians,
I hope that you and your families are keeping well.
We have finalised the procedures and routines to allow for the safe return to school. We aim to have that information for you by the end of the week. 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 the issue. In the meantime, I would like to bring the following important information to your attention:
Information for anyone attending school who has travelled abroad:
Government policy, which is based on official public health advice, continues to advise against non-essential travel overseas for everyone.
It is a requirement for anyone coming into Ireland, from locations other than those with a rating of ‘normal precautions’ (“green”), to restrict their movements for 14 days, and this includes school staff, parents and children or other students coming from abroad to attend school in Ireland. Restricting your movements means staying indoors in one location and avoiding contact with other people and social situations as much as possible.
Know the Symptoms of COVID-19
In order to prevent the spread of COVID-19 it is important to know and recognise the symptoms. They are:
https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/coronavirus/if-your-child-has-symptoms.html
Thanking you.
Regards,
Mark Carey
I hope that you and your families are keeping well.
We have finalised the procedures and routines to allow for the safe return to school. We aim to have that information for you by the end of the week. 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 the issue. In the meantime, I would like to bring the following important information to your attention:
Information for anyone attending school who has travelled abroad:
Government policy, which is based on official public health advice, continues to advise against non-essential travel overseas for everyone.
It is a requirement for anyone coming into Ireland, from locations other than those with a rating of ‘normal precautions’ (“green”), to restrict their movements for 14 days, and this includes school staff, parents and children or other students coming from abroad to attend school in Ireland. Restricting your movements means staying indoors in one location and avoiding contact with other people and social situations as much as possible.
Know the Symptoms of COVID-19
In order to prevent the spread of COVID-19 it is important to know and recognise the symptoms. They are:
- High temperature
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or breathing difficulties
- Loss of smell, of taste or distortion of taste
https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/coronavirus/if-your-child-has-symptoms.html
Thanking you.
Regards,
Mark Carey
Contact Us!
Gilson National School, Church Street, Oldcastle, Co Meath.
Tel: 049 85 41327
Fax: 049 85 41327
E Mail: gilsonprimary@gmail.com
Gilson National School, Church Street, Oldcastle, Co Meath.
Tel: 049 85 41327
Fax: 049 85 41327
E Mail: gilsonprimary@gmail.com