Dear Parent/Guardian
As we approach the Christmas Season I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude and congratulations to you and your sons on the wonderful effort that has gone in to keeping our school open and safe over the past term. The boys have been excellent in terms of wearing the masks in school, though it is not easy. Their use of the hand sanitiser and cleaning down desks before they move on has also been great. You, as parents and guardians have been very supportive in providing masks and in keeping your sons home when they were feeling ill or collecting them from the school when the need has arisen. Let us continue this good practice in the hope that the number of positive cases in Clare remains low.
If there was to be a positive taken from this school year to date it has been that Education has been placed at the “top rung of the ladder” The government and the whole country have realised the importance of keeping schools open. The collegiality among staff and students in coming together to stay safe has been very impressive. I would also like to acknowledge the huge involvement of the caretaker and cleaning staff in getting the school ready for opening back in August. This team effort was acknowledged by the Department of Education Inspector during his visit to check our Covid Response Plan.
Our Class Tutors have been working with the various groups over the term and most years have had a “Wellbeing Day “ which generally involved sports challenges, walks in the glen, food and time out from classes. It is hoped all years will have had such a day by the end of the year.
School life unfortunately does not have the variety students are used to and they miss the matches, trips, competitions and the “craic” at breaks. Their social lives have been impacted upon also outside of school and there is no doubt that our students have felt the impact of Covid 19. Some are finding it more challenging than others and our Care team are working closely with them and their families to support them in getting through this difficult time. The importance of sleep, good nutrition and exercise are all vital and even small treats or distractions can make a difference to the boys’ wellbeing. Remember we are all responsible for looking after ourselves and that includes our mental as well as our physical health.
To that end we worked hard in planning our CBS Variety Show which was streamed live on Facebook on Wednesday December 16th. at the earlier time of 6pm, as the Clare Minor Football team are playing Limerick at 7.00pm. Huge congrats to the six CBS boys involved in the wins over Tipperary and Limerick, we are very proud of them. You can still view the concert here; it was a beautiful uplifting evening which showcased the many talents of the boys and set the tone for the Christmas season. The artwork in this webpost was drawn live during one of the performances by Conor Farrell, a TY student.
We have marked the liturgical year, November , the month of the Holy Souls, with our Remembrance Tree, Advent with our Advent Wreath Blessing ceremony in first year and of course Christmas.
We have celebrated Culture Night and produced a video for Open Night. The collaboration between staff and students for all of these events has been heart-warming and is something that this school can be very proud of.
I would like to wish Mr Michael Clohessy the very best in his retirement after 40 years of service to the CBS. His commitment to the ERST Charter over all these years has been an example to staff and students alike. He went about his work with diligence and good humour and he won the respect and esteem of all.
We remember loved ones of staff and students who have departed this past year and we wish you and your family a safe and joyful Christmas.
Le gach dea- ghuí
Mary Lyons