This page is one of a suite of pages to support families learning at home during Covid-19. We hope this page helps you to understand our approach.
These pages were originally developed during the closure of our school building from March - June 2020.
Now, in January 2021, our building is closed for the second time, so you might find this content useful once again.
Now, in January 2021, our building is closed for the second time, so you might find this content useful once again.
It's all about connection!
During school closures, we focus on the following:
Connection with friends through the Aladdin Connect app and class level assemblies
Connection with the school community through Our School Rocks
and showcase pages on our websites
Connection with teachers through teacher videos, Google Classroom and Seesaw app
Connection with ANAs through video calls for children in receipt of ANA support
Connection with the virtual community through Online Safety week
Connection with self through Well-being Fortnight
Connection with our school through Caitríona's videos on our school building page
Connection with friends through the Aladdin Connect app and class level assemblies
Connection with the school community through Our School Rocks
and showcase pages on our websites
Connection with teachers through teacher videos, Google Classroom and Seesaw app
Connection with ANAs through video calls for children in receipt of ANA support
Connection with the virtual community through Online Safety week
Connection with self through Well-being Fortnight
Connection with our school through Caitríona's videos on our school building page
School Closure due to Covid-19
For the second time, all schools in Ireland are currently closed due to Covid-19.
This page outlines our school's approach to learning during this time.
Introduction:
This is a worldwide health emergency. Nothing like this has ever happened before. There was very little preparation time for anyone. Everyone is learning how to do this - government, teachers, children and parents.
This is not school. Please don't put pressure on yourselves, on other parents or on your children.
The Minister for Education has instructed teachers to continue to plan lessons and that is what we are doing. This does not mean that families have to use them. They are there for you to use, should you feel up to it and find them useful.
If you are using them, we have broken them into core activities and bonus activities, the idea being that you focus on core activities first and foremost and use the menu of bonus activities to spark ideas for further family activities if you are looking for some. If you get none of it done at all, that is no problem.
The best you can do for your child at this time is:
Mental Health Comes First
Of greatest importance during this time is everyone's mental health. Different people will cope with being at home in different ways and the family dynamic may feel stretched or strained while everyone is pushed together. Keeping the family mentally and emotionally healthy is more important than getting through academic work.
Take the time to figure out what works for your family.
Here are some resources that might help families through this time:
Outline of resources:
Linked to this page are the following:
Happy learning - we look forward to welcoming everyone back soon!
This page outlines our school's approach to learning during this time.
Introduction:
This is a worldwide health emergency. Nothing like this has ever happened before. There was very little preparation time for anyone. Everyone is learning how to do this - government, teachers, children and parents.
This is not school. Please don't put pressure on yourselves, on other parents or on your children.
The Minister for Education has instructed teachers to continue to plan lessons and that is what we are doing. This does not mean that families have to use them. They are there for you to use, should you feel up to it and find them useful.
If you are using them, we have broken them into core activities and bonus activities, the idea being that you focus on core activities first and foremost and use the menu of bonus activities to spark ideas for further family activities if you are looking for some. If you get none of it done at all, that is no problem.
The best you can do for your child at this time is:
- Maintain a feeling of safety
- Show them they are loved
- Use the time for some happy family activities such as playing a game together, watching a movie together or sharing a tasty snack
- Many children thrive on routine while some breathe easier when life is less structured. You know your child best here.
- To emotionally support your child, you need to feel safe and loved and cared for and happy yourself. It is hard to feel that when you are constantly on the go or helping others. Please make sure to take time for yourself. That could mean allowing your child more time than usual on a device or loosening other household rules. That's ok!
Mental Health Comes First
Of greatest importance during this time is everyone's mental health. Different people will cope with being at home in different ways and the family dynamic may feel stretched or strained while everyone is pushed together. Keeping the family mentally and emotionally healthy is more important than getting through academic work.
Take the time to figure out what works for your family.
Here are some resources that might help families through this time:
- HSE list of services to support families at this time
- Childline: There to help children talk (or text) through a worrying time
- David Coleman helping children cope with anxiety: A download for parents
Outline of resources:
Linked to this page are the following:
- Information about Covid-19 and advice for talking with children about Covid-19
- Core curriculum - suggestions per class level
- Bonus activities - a menu to choose from if you are looking for more
- Guidelines for Online Safety
- Tips from our ANAs
- Advice for parents whose children are learning English as an Additional Language
Happy learning - we look forward to welcoming everyone back soon!
