Dear All,

Over the last few weeks we have been challenged, as a community, to adapt to the new reality brought about by COVID-19.

I want to commend the teaching staff of the CBS, who have embraced new technology and methods of engagement in order to provide a meaningful and effective online classroom environment for students. The school’s investment in ICT infrastructure in recent years has left us in a good position to deal with the challenges of remote learning. I would like to thank the Parents Council for their support in this area. I’m sure these times have been equally challenging for you all as parents/guardians and students, but you have also risen to the challenge of the new practices and methodologies.

I want to say how proud I am of the students, particularly the exam classes, who are engaging with distance learning. I am confident as ever that ultimately, hard work will always pay off, and no learning is ever wasted. At the moment, we know that the State Examinations Commission (SEC) and the Department of Education and Skills (DES) are hopeful that the state examinations will go ahead on the proposed date. We will work together over the coming months to support and prepare our students in whatever way we can for the challenge ahead. For non-exam students, we intend to provide an end of term report. We would therefore encourage all students to focus on their study and keep a routine in the final term.

The CBS community, in keeping with the ERST Charter, are also concerned with student well-being. While I’m sure students are missing the many events and activities that support their well-being, I was very happy to see ‘Virtual’ Arts Week went ahead. We will continue to support our students in whatever way we can in the weeks ahead. The National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) has developed guidance for students and parents which can be accessed on the school website for advice on well-being.

In relation to the reopening of the school, further guidance will be issued by the SEC and DES in the coming weeks, and as always, will be based on the advice from public health officials. If we are directed to remain closed, remote teaching and learning will resume after the Easter Holidays, but for now staff and students are entitled to a well-earned break. In the meantime, continue to follow the HSE guidelines practicing social distancing, washing hands and staying at home.
My sincere wishes that you will all be safe and well through the Easter season.

Kind regards,

Mary Lyons 

Principal

April 7th, 2020