Back to School – Online

Dear Parents/Guardians,

As the Department of Education and Skills has reversed it’s decision to reopen Special Schools on Monday 11^th January, we are now preparing for online teaching and learning.

I realise that it is very challenging for our pupils to learn from home and for you to support them. Having learned a lot from the previous experience and greatly improved our technology provision and skills, I believe that online teaching and learning has the potential to be much more effective this time. Our teachers are fully committed  to this goal and will be ready to engage with pupils from early next week.

I ask that you do all possible to maximise the engagement of your son or daughter. Please treat Monday to Friday each week as full school days.

Post Primary:

1. Our pupils and most especially those in exam years (6A, 6B, 6C, 6D 5A,5B & 3A/B should be ready to learn from 9am each day. All post primary pupils have Chromebooks, Gmail accounts and have developed the necessary skills to communicate directly with their teachers.

If access to a good internet connection is a problem in your area you should communicate this without delay so that teachers can plan accordingly.

2. Unless otherwise agreed, all pupils should ONLY contact their teachers using their Google email accounts and any live teaching or interactions will be via Google meets. This is a secure system. Parents are expected to take responsibility for the supervision of their son or daughter  while online. Any parent who has NOT already given permission for this engagement will be asked to do so.

3. Post Primary Pupils should follow their daily school timetable to engage with Teachers. Subject teachers will link in with students as per the timetable to either provide live classes or to communicate work to be completed. Please note NOT all classes will be live. Priority will be given to examination classes.

4. Teachers will record attendance and engagement and expect a prompt response to emails and work assigned. Class teachers will follow up with parents whose son or daughter is not engaging. If you son or daughter is unwell or for any reason cannot engage online please email Eugene Doyle, Deputy Principal dp@holyfamilydeafschool.ie

5. Mock examinations: mock examinations have been re-scheduled to the week beginning Monday 22^nd February 2021.

6. Respectful behaviour is expected at all times. Our school code of Conduct applies during online engagement. Parents must take responsibility for their son or daughter’s online behaviour. Regretfully, there was evidence of inappropriate messaging and hurtful comments being posted by pupils during the last school closure

7. SNAs will also be available to provide support. This support may be to support the subject teacher during Live classes, assist pupils to complete assignments or for a general check in and well being support.

Primary:

Primary teachers will continue to use email and SEESAW to communicate with parents and pupils. Class teachers will create individual learning packs for each pupil.

Chromebooks have been ordered and will be posted directly to senior primary pupils whose teachers have confirmed that use of this technology will support their learning. SNAs will also provide support.

Respectful behaviour is expected at all times. Our school code of Conduct applies during online engagement. Parents must take responsibility for their son or daughter’s online behaviour. Regretfully, there was evidence of inappropriate messaging and hurtful comments being posted by primary pupils during the last school closure

Early Intervention:

Teachers will email parents to outline tasks and activities for the children that will assist them to refresh and build on their language and communication skills programme. SNAs will also provide support.

Online teaching and Learning is challenging for all. We are here to support you.

Please remember; our school staff also have families to care for and support so unless very urgent, communication should take place during school working hours.

Please check the News Section of  the Website  daily for updates and suggestions for learning activities and Well Being support.

Please stay at home and stay safe.

Kindest regards,

Eimear