News from Week 2 Remote Learning

Attendance and Engagement

We are tracking, monitoring and supporting student attendance and engagement during this period of remote learning to support students in the continuity of their learning. We are reporting over 90% attendance in most classes. Many thanks for letting us know when there is a genuine reason that a student can't attend. Student engagement has been excellent and we are so proud of our students for their courtesy online. Well done.

Guidance

In advance of the CAO deadline, we have held a number of events to promote progression to third level and to inform students about how to apply to college. Thanks to Ms Hynes our guidance counsellor who has been working hard with 6th year students as they make their choices.

Past Pupil Career Journey

Thanks to past pupil Carla Hickey who presented to our senior students on college and career life. Carla left St. Mary's in 2015, studied accounting and finance at TU Dublin and now works as an accountant with PwC. It was an inspiring and motivating talk for all those who attended. Well done everyone.

Meditation

6th year students enjoyed some meditation to end another busy week of remote learning. Meditation is proven to lower stress and improve wellbeing and can have great benefits in these stressful times. Thanks to Ms Williams for hosting,

Young Social Innovators (YSI)

Our Transition years are busy at this time completing their YSI projects

YSI empowers and supports young people to realise their potential, giving them the skills and confidence to tackle the social issues facing them, their communities and wider society. It also builds wellbeing amongst young people and communities and helps build a more inclusive, empathetic, fair society. We are so proud of our girls and the impact they they are making in respect of their chosen issues.

Third Year Assembly

Ms. Harrington held an important assembly for third year students and their parents this week to check-in with all girls and encourage their engagement with remote learning. She also spoke about senior cycle options and the benefits of the Transition Year programme. Well done to all who attended.

• Students who study French in Transition Year will begin their week of intensive language tuition . This will really challenge students to improve both their oral and written skills. The Spanish students will be involved in a similar programme of learning the following week.
• A dance workshop is being organised by the Music department on Monday January 25th and Monday February 1st. This will hopefully combine exercise, fun and creative expression
• Ms Williams' class are involved in a project aimed at highlighting the dangers of inappropriate and high-risk interaction on social media for the upcoming national 'Safer Internet Day' on February 9th
• In Wellbeing class, Rang Swanzy are following the 'Good Food For life' module continuing their investigation of more nutritious food choices with a live food preparation class.
• An exciting photography competition was launched this week in Art class. Students were asked to capture the beauty of nature and add a suitable inspirational message. This should be an excellent opportunity for students to get out into the fresh air and partake of some much-needed exercise in the days to come
• Today, both Transition Year classes saw a very inspirational interview with a young veterinary student, Charlotte Moloney, who also happens to be one of Ireland's top young models. She shared her study tips for the Leaving Certificate and encouraged the girls to reach for the stars and set high personal goals. An emphasis was also put on the need for young people to share their gifts and talents with the community through volunteering.
• As always, the students are encouraged to be physically active and to keep reading for enjoyment and pleasure

Contact Us

If you need help/support or would like to speak to someone about your daughter’s remote learning plan, please call or email us and request a callback. We are more than happy to help with any issues or concerns you may be having at this time.

You can contact the school as follows:

By Phone: Call our switchboard on 01-831 0963. Select the line that corresponds with your daughter's Year Head and leave a message. We will get back to you as soon as possible and provide support during this period of restriction.

By Email: Email your daughter's Year Head directly for any information, help or support you may need:

General school enquiries: admin@hfk.ie

NB: The school office has been instructed to close except for essential tasks. Therefore, please leave a message if the phone is not answered as these can be picked up remotely and forwarded to the person who can best deal with your request. Many thanks for your patience at this time.