Dear Parents,

In the likelihood that school closures will be extended beyond March 29^th we are hoping to put measures in place to assist your child and yourself as parents as best we can during this time.

For the senior classes (3^rd to 6^th) we are aiming to setup Google Classroom which we hope to have up and running after Easter if needed. This is an online domain where teachers can assign work or activities e.g. well-being/P.E. activities to their class and when the work is complete & where appropriate it can be submitted by your child back to the teacher. The teacher then would have the opportunity to correct/assess the work. More importantly though it will provide an opportunity for the pupils to connect with their teachers and keep the communication open with them and other staff members during this closure.

Like any online activities Internet and a certain amount of I.T. skills are required. I am very aware that the internet in some areas of Newtown is very poor at times. With that in mind should the closure be extended we will also be using our school website to post work and activities for all classes from Junior Infants to 6^th. Please treat the list of activities like a menu – you and your child can pick and choose what they want to complete. It is so important that we try to strike a balance and please just do what works for your family. It is a very difficult time for everyone and I don’t want schoolwork to add any pressures to what is already a very stressful time for all.

Should you like your child join Google Classroom please read the following G-Suite for Education information, sign & return the permission slip. This can be returned by email to shandrumsec@gmail.com, post or can be dropped into the letter box at school by next Tuesday 24^th March.

Best Wishes,

Carmel Walmsley.