St. Brendan's Boys Primary School

Happy Birthday St Brendans PS Birr – 142 years old today ! – thanks to Brother Denis for joining Mr Crofton at school gate to acknowledge the proud heritage of Presentation Brothers who founded our lovely school back on Oct 2nd 1878 / covid safe celebrations today to acknowledge the event and please God we can create a gathering in future years – lovely photos of some of our school community this morning ❤️

Thanks to Glanmore foods for helping us celebrate school birthday with 200 individually wrapped muffins today so all the boys could enjoy the birthday in a covid safe way – 😀

21 school days back and back safely 😀- promoting school attendance is always important for our school as every day counts 👍 this year with COVID-19 the priority is safety at the moment so thanks to the boys and parents for keeping kids at home ur in doubt – symptoms 👏 – so getting 100% attendance this year is not a target – We will acknowledge “ sensible school attendance “ in our own way during the year – Finishing up from last year 2019/2020 to acknowledge 100% and only 1 day missed to march – presented in their class bubbles – well done boys 👍😀👏

St. Brendan’s PS
New COVID 19 Return to school
Drop-off and Collection arrangements

Dear Parent / Guardian, 24th August 2020
The BoM, the School Leadership Team and staff have been working to ensure a safe return to school for all pupils and staff for Friday 28th August. We have now finalised our plans for drop-off and collection of the children every day.
With over 190 boys arriving and leaving via Moorpark st. we have no option but to stagger morning arrival and afternoon dispersal times. This is to support social distancing which we are obliged by the Government to facilitate. We are staggering break and lunch times during the day also so that class bubbles do not mix in any way.
St Brendan’s PS appreciates your support as we try to safely reopen the school building. If at all possible we request you not to come onto the school grounds or into the school building unless it is essential. We appreciate that dropping off the Junior & Senior Infant pupils to their line in the yard is essential, but for the older pupils a drop off at the school gate is desirable. Working together we hope to be able to progress the reopening in as safe a manner as possible for all.
We would ask all parents to familiarise themselves with the following drop-off and collection routines for the safe delivery and collection of pupils from school. Please be patient as we endeavour to embed these necessary precautionary and protective practices at the beginning of the school year. They will make sense when you see them in action !

Class Arrival Morning Bell Home Bell
Junior Infants 9.10-9.20am straight to class N/A 12.30pm for first 2 weeks
Then 2.00pm
Senior Infants 9.10-9.20am straight to class N/A 2.00pm
1st Class From 9am 9.10am 2.50pm
2nd Class From 9.10am 9.20am 3.00pm
3rd Class From 9am 9.10am 2.50pm
4th Class From 9.10am 9.20am 3.00pm
5th Class From 9am 9.10am 2.50pm
6th Class From 9.10am 9.20am 3.00pm
Cairdeas pupils can liaise with bus/class teacher to whichever suits family best.

It is imperative that

• Parents wait at front gate / high st gate
• Adults at the gate / in waiting area do not come within 2m of each other
• Parents no longer wait on school yard at 3pm
• Parents no longer sit / wait in school shed at 2pm
• Parents do not try to have meetings with members of staff in the playground at drop-off and collection times – meetings between parents and teachers can only take place by prior arrangement and cannot take place indoors. We will establish a safe and accessible means in coming days and let you know how to arrange.
• all parents adhere to the drop-off and collection plans as outlined below
Drop-off Notes
All infants go straight to class for the first 2 weeks.
Parents can walk them to the school door at carpet area and then leave immediately.
All boys from 1st-6th class must to left by parents at the school gate- Supervised from 9am / 9.10am
Collection Notes
We will obviously work around any families who must collect from Mercy Primary at 2.50pm so just let us know if there are any issues. We can work around siblings leaving 2.50pm or waiting till 3pm also once we hear from parents.
Message from Allianz insurance
The school will open to receive pupils at the hour of 9.00am. No responsibility is accepted for pupils arriving before that time.
Boys must go to their own class areas on the yard during this time. If raining we will go straight to classrooms.

Junior Infants
The first day of school for Junior Infants is THURSDAY 27th August to allow the boys have that special first day experience. Each boy has been given a time slot from 10.00am till 10.30am in groups of five. Each boy is allowed 2 family members max to bring him to school. These adults can come inside the school but MUST wear face masks. We ask them to then leave as soon as possible before the next set arrives. On this day they will all finish at 12.30pm and teacher will walk them down to the front gate.
Junior Infants will finish at 12.30pm for the first 2 weeks as informed already by the school. Parents are asked to wait at the area just inside the front school gate and teacher will walk the boys down to you as there will be other classes on the yard. From Monday 14th September the boys will finish at 2pm. ( See arrangements above)
le meas,
Pat Teehan Niall Crofton
Cathaoirleach, An Bórd Bainistíochta Príomhoide

St Brendan’s PS School_Response_Plan_2020

PLEASE SEE LINK TO SCHOOL PLAN ABOVE –

Whilst we feel our plan is detailed , safe and achievable- we are still aware that return to the classroom will be different this year ! 🙂

Dear Parent / Guardian, Staff Member, 20th August 2020
RE: Physical Distancing and Safe School Attendance
We are currently working on upgrading our procedures and routines within the school to ensure that there is as much Physical Distancing as is possible in our building. We will apply physical distancing in a practical and sensible way, recognising that the learning environment cannot be dominated by a potentially counterproductive focus on this issue.
Some parents have worries over their child being separated from their friends in class by being in a different “POD”. However our smaller class sizes (Max 24 – Min 20) allow for each class to exist as a bubble and to use physical distancing , excellent hand and personal hygiene so that there is no need to create class pods. They would be less effective and cause far more anxiety and worry for pupils, parents and staff alike.
Physical Distancing will be achieved in two ways: –
Increasing Separation. This will be achieved by re-configuring the classrooms to maximise physical distancing- Please see our latest facebook post as an example of a room. Each class will be referred to as a bubble and we will ensure that there is as little contact as possible between children in different bubbles. Children who are supported through our special classes and Special Education team ( learning support) can continue to integrate as their own “POD” within the class bubble.
Decreasing Interaction. This will be achieved by decreasing the potential for children from different bubbles to interact. There will be marked routes for various bubbles to enter and exit the school and to access their classrooms. Bubbles will have different mid-morning and lunch-time access to the playground. We will make these routines enjoyable activities for the children, emphasising safety at all times. We are finalizing the details of staggered opening and closing school times and please rest assured that they will allow for pupils to come to and from school in a safe and orderly manner and also be mindful of similar times with Mercy Primary ( Siblings)
Parental responsibility : While all children will be welcome back to school, we would remind parents that, where children are displaying colds, coughs or flu like symptoms, they should not be sent to school. Children who display such symptoms in school will be isolated and parents asked to collect them from the school.
Children who have travelled from countries not on the Green List should not attend school during the 14-day self-isolation period
Further information on COVID-19 symptoms in children is available at: –
https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/coronavirus/if-your-child-has-symptoms.html
Teachers will make children aware of the proper hygiene procedures regarding hand washing and etiquette related to sneezing, coughing or spitting. We would be grateful if you could also emphasise safe behaviour in this regard to your children at home as part of the preparation for returning to school.
School attendance- The Department of Education has instructed ALL pupils to return to school this September. Any parent who is worried or anxious about this is encouraged to contact their GP and school. Our school will assist any pupil who is certified as high risk with their education through distance learning until they can return fully.
Our aim remains to re-open the school in an orderly safe manner, while reassuring the children and making them feel comfortable, safe and relaxed with their friends in the new school environment. This will be achieved by all of us working towards this common goal.
Le meas

____Pat Teehan__________________________ _Niall Crofton_________________
Cathaoirleach, An Bhóird Bainistíochta Príomhoide

RE: Re-opening of St Brendan’s PS

Dear Parent / Guardian, 14th August 2020
I hope you and your families are keeping well.
As you are aware, our school has now been closed since 12th March due to the COVID-19 situation. It has been difficult on pupils , parents and staff alike but we could not be prouder of how we adapted as a school community to engage in remote learning and continue to support each other. These supports have continued into the summer with school supports for some pupils and 100 lunch packs being distributed to our families.
As outlined by the Minister for Education Norma Foley, we are now all focused and determined to reopen our Primary schools. Our first day back at school for the academic year will be Friday 28th August as planned on our school calendar.
We have worked hard behind the scenes over the summer to re-open our school safely, in line with current guidance and recommendations for Summer provision (11 boys ) and summer literacy camp ( 36 boys). I would like to sincerely thank the staff, boys and parents involved for their trust and co-operation with our new COVID safety procedures.
The next step is now to re-open for 190 boys on 28/08/20. Re-opening the school safely will require the co-operation of all members of our School Community – BoM, School Leadership, Staff, Parents and Pupils. We will all be called on to play our part in ensuring that re-opening of the school is done in a safe manner which prevents the spread of the virus and allows the vital work of Teaching and Learning to proceed with as little disruption as possible.
We have been working on updating our plan for the safe reopening of the school for some weeks now and have published the DES COVID-19 Response Plan (Summer provision) for the safe and sustainable reopening of Primary and Special Schools on our school website. The Response Plan gives details of
• Physical preparation, signage, hand sanitiser stations,
• Advice, procedures and training for the safe return to working in the school for all school staff and pupils
• General and specific advice on how all pupils, staff, parents and visitors will prevent the spread of the virus
We have also published our COVID-19 Policy Statement on the school website. These will change again for the full re-opening but can give you a sense of what we are trying to achieve. We will keep you informed as to the progress of our re-opening plans and provide you with the information required by you to play your part in safely re-opening the school. Each family will be updated weekly regarding various new arrangements – class bubbles / break times / class layouts / morning and evening social distancing among a few issues that must be planned and implemented.
We are really looking forward to welcoming our children back to school and will be doing all that we can to ensure that the return to school is a safe and enjoyable experience for the children. We will be in touch with you again in the coming week with everything you will need to know.
Stay safe,

________Pat Teehan_______________________ ___Niall Crofton______________
Cathaoirleach, An Bhóird Bainistíochta Príomhoide

The following websites provide further information on COVID-19 and on government advice and recommendations regarding the re-opening of schools: –
• https://www.education.ie/en/covid-19/
• https://www2.hse.ie/coronavirus/
• https://www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/a128d-back-to-school/?referrer=http://www.gov.ie/backtoschool/

Another zoom milestone ! 1st ever zoom meeting for parents of junior infants starting in September 😀 Thanks to all the parents who managed to join us and thanks to Ms Hennelly and Ms Ryan for their helpful tips and advice 👍 Roll on September 😃

St Brendan’s PS Birr – Class of 2020
We were so proud to say a huge thank you and congratulations to our 24 boys from 6th class last Wednesday night as they “graduated “ primary school.
In light of NPHET recommendations we held a “ virtual Graduation “ via ZOOM which was a great success.
The boys all wore their special “ Class of 2020 “ hoodies which were purchased for them all by our generous Parents Association and BOM.

Niall Crofton
(Principal Teacher)

St Brendan’s PS Birr – Class of 2020
We were so proud to say a huge thank you and congratulations to our 24 boys from 6th class last Wednesday night as they “graduated “ primary school.
In light of NPHET recommendations we held a “ virtual Graduation “ via ZOOM which was a great success.
The boys all wore their special “ Class of 2020 “ hoodies which were purchased for them all by our generous Parents Association and BOM.

All were welcomed the large crowd who logged on with passwords and thanked for adapting to use technology for this event.
Mr Crofton then shared a video montage of their photos from the past 8 years and their great activities from this year ( See our YOU TUBE channel)
The boys and their wonderful families heard some words of wisdom from Ms Lena Grace ( class teacher ) and Mr Niall Crofton ( School Principal).
The boys were thanked for their good example and leadership especially during the COVID19 closure where 6th class boys really engaged with school learning activities through SEESAW.
Their stats for May/June were incredible with 79% engagement and 1657 activities / journal entries. Setting the standard and leading from the front !

Mr Cunningham then shared the reflective and thought provoking story of the Pencil / pencil maker.
The boys then shared some of their best and favourite memories with the virtual crowd which was lovely.
Ms Dani Dunne ( SCP) then congratulated the boys on completing a great transition programme this year and wished them well next year at their new schools.
Finally the boys decided to become the 1st ever class at St Brendan’s to create a TIKTOK movie –
We showed their contributions to great fun and laughter.
All that was left was to wish all a safe and happy summer and we will meet for part 2 of the Graduation in late August ( NPHET allowing of course).
The boys will share their traditions hero projects and speeches with the outside crowd for this long standing tradition that hopefully not even COVID19 can stop !
Best wishes to all our school community for the summer break, NC

https://youtu.be/bCpcFTtrJn0 6th class 2020 – Photo movie of their past years at St Brendans PS

https://youtu.be/1aghRIzTejQ 6th class TIKTOK movie !!!

Niall Crofton
(Principal Teacher)

12 March, 2020

STATEMENT FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION AND SKLLS

An announcement was made this morning by the Taoiseach Leo Varadkar TD of the closure of schools, pre-schools and further and higher education settings, for a period until 29 March 2020, to support efforts to contain the spread of Covid-19. This will take effect from 6pm this evening, Thursday 12 March.This is in line with the advice of the National Public Health Emergency Team.

All pupils and students, from pre-school to third level are urged to practice social distancing, and to minimise physical contact with each other, to help avoid the spread of Covid-19. This should include minimising social contact, avoiding meeting up and keeping physical space between them. Parents and guardians are urged to support their children to maintain this approach.

In order to minimise the impact on teaching and learning, all schools will be asked to continue to plan lessons and, where possible, provide online resources for students or online lessons where schools are equipped to do so. Schools are asked to be conscious of students that may not have access to online facilities and to consider this actively in their response.

Schools are asked to prioritise supporting exam classes to continue to prepare for State examinations.

Physical classes in universities and higher education facilities will not be held during the closure. Institutions can make other arrangements for teaching and learning and other activities in line with their business continuity plans and contingency planning.

Minister for Education and Skills Joe McHugh TD said:

“I am deeply conscious of the impact that school and education setting closures have on students, on families and on the wider community. This is a necessary and proportionate measure that we are taking as a pro-active measure to help contain the threat of Covid-19.

“This is the right decision at the right time. It is taken in the best interests of our children, our young people, our school and college communities and our wider society.

“At this point in time the closure is planned for two weeks, from tomorrow until 29 March. The Government, in conjunction with the public health authorities, will keep the situation under ongoing review. Any change to that date will be communicated widely.

“Pupils should take their books and learning materials home with them this evening.

“This is a very challenging time for our pupils, our teachers, our students and our colleagues in further and higher education.

“Ar scáth a chéile a mhaireann na daoine – we all live in one another’s shadow. If there was ever a time for us to appreciate how closely we are connected, how much what we do matters to others, how much we rely on each other, this is it. This is a time where we all need to work together for the best possible outcome for our students. The support of everyone across the sector is vital, as we all strive to ensure that this threat is dealt with as effectively as possible.”

The Department of Education and Skills will remain open and will continue to provide supports to the education sector at this time.

The Department of Education and Skills has been liaising closely on a continual basis with the Department of Health in relation to Coronavirus/Covid-19 since early January. This will continue.

ENDS

Contacts:
Pearse O’Caoimh
Department of Education and Skills Press office
T +353(0)1 8892304

Pearse Ó Caoimh
Higher Executive Officer — Communications.
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An Roinn Oideachais agus Scileanna
Department of Education and Skills

Sráid Maoilbhríde, Baile Átha Cliath, D01 RC96.
Marlborough Street, Dublin, D01 RC96.
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T +353(0)1 8892304