Dear all,
We hope you are well as we write to share some information, news and observations from Clifden CS. Firstly, our Student Council from last year has been rolled over to this year with the addition of our new first years and some changes in TY representation. The Senior Prefects are working with the
first years and we have appointed our Head Girl, Aoife O Malley, and our Head Boy Tighernan Matz. In addition, we have 2 deputy girls and 2 deputy boys. Many thanks to Ms Sweeney who coordinates the Senior Prefect Team.
We are looking forward to the Fancy Dress on Friday. As you will know we are collecting €3 per student on Way to Pay which we will give to Down Syndrome Galway. Thanks to all of you who have donated already, and to our Senior Prefects who are supporting and promoting this worthy cause.
We will be, and have been, posting some news and snap shots of teaching and learning moments on our website and Face Book page. Participation in Maths Week was great with activities such as Maths Eyes, a 3rd year Quiz, some common maths bloopers and problem of the day. Congratulations to Georgia Walsh, the winner of the Spirit of Transition Year Award 2020, generously sponsored by
Clifden Connemara Credit Union.
Transition years have been making ice-cream (in Chemistry), batteries (in Physics) and organic weed-killer in Ag Science - recipe to be shared. The
Woodturning class has produced finely crafted unique pens. The TY Coordinator Ms Keating has reported positive experiences and feedback from the TYs who by all accounts are enjoying TY in all its aspects and making the most of what's on offer.
The PLC Business Level 5 is underway - a blend of on-site and remote teaching and learning. We are pleased to note that Evening Study is well attended - practice and preparation is key to success at school so keep up the work - it will reap dividends. Our third years and sixth years are
working hard as we approach the mid-term - reports will issue on their progress via VS Ware in due course.
Our newly established ASD class is progressing well. And plans are afoot to produce our very own 'virtual visit' movie, starring members of our school community after the Mid-Term break, for next year's first years.
Yesterday we had Internet Safety Talks for First and Second Years. Thanks to Ms Walsh HSCL for organising. The Parents Association have had their AGM and have recruited an executive which met last week. Thanks to all parents who supported the Cash for Clobber over the summer - the final lift took place last week. We haven't received the payment yet but we think it will be around €1200 to be spent on
resourcing student needs.
Now that Ireland is going to Level 5 restrictions in an effort to limit the spread of Covid 19, we remind everyone that it is essential to respect the schools Covid Protocols - in particular limiting contacts and maintaining distance. While the majority of students are remaining in their appointed
base rooms or assigned spaces, it has been observed that some are not. Similarly, most students maintain distance during breaks and in the yard, but some do not. We must all act responsibly and do our best to limit and reduce the spread of the virus. Unfortunately, it is to be expected and has been the case, that we will have Covid related absence. The cooperation of all in observing protocols, getting tested, and self-isolating as applicable, etc is necessary and appreciated. Teachers and students are using MS Teams to share work and keep in touch with those who are absent. Some teachers are requesting that students submit homework assignments via Teams. Please be aware that these can be very time consuming to mark depending on the subject and the format of the assignment.
Efforts to manage our yard space responsibly have given rise to a mini soccer league organised by teachers and students-so far in LC and 5th year - hopefully extending to all year groups. It is essential that the rules of play including the numbers taking part are respected. Well done to the
classes who are keeping their rooms sanitised, clean and tidy (especially the second years 😉 ) - the
rotas seem to be working well. Remember - all nagging is well intentioned. Many thanks to the students who provided feedback to the School Food Company- we have far less food wasted as a result. And well done to the School Food Company for taking on board the feedback.
There are so many rich and interesting learning and teaching moments happening and so many nice things to share despite the current responsibility we share to have as safe an environment as possible. Keep an eye on our Website and Facebook page for more news. And please... don't be
offended if something significant has been left out this time. There will be a next time. A special mention to two 3rd year students for their heartening feedback including their recognition of the efforts to keep the school safe, and their positive comments on maths, cooking, woodwork projects
and Romeo & Juliet.
Finally, sincere thanks to our teachers, SNAs and non-teaching staff for their unfailing dedication, support and commitment to our school, and the well-being of our school community.
With best wishes for a healthy, relaxing and safe Halloween break,
Mary Kelly & Jimmy O Toole