Return to School Arrangements August 2021

Dear Parent/Guardian,

As another extraordinary school year draws to a close, we are getting in touch to let you know about the reopening arrangements for August.

Firstly, a huge well done to all the students on completing the last academic year which involved both in-person and remote learning. We are grateful for the respect and cooperation that students showed to each other and to staff in order to keep the school running smoothly.

Congratulations to all students who were nominated for awards and/or won awards throughout the school year. We held numerous award ceremonies in the last few weeks of term including our TY and 6th year graduations which were beautiful ceremonies. Lots of photos were posted on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram for parents/students to see. Be proud of your achievements!

Congratulations to our Class of 2021 who are currently completing their exams. We wish all the students every success to the future as they now await their accredited grades and exam results.

Below is a calendar outlining the dates for reopening in August:

Full school day for all students in 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 5th and 6th on Monday, August 30th

School Reports

School reports are available on VSWare for 1st-5th year students. Please take some time to discuss the results and comments with your daughter to ensure that the feedback is used to build on the progress made and to set goals for the new term.

Booklists

Booklists for all school years are available at this link http://holyfaith.ie/page/Booklists/94075/Index.html

Uniforms

Uniforms are available at Lynches of Fairview: https://bit.ly/3gL6KQQ

Please be reminded that black shoes only can be worn.

Only one pair of ear studs can be worn and extreme hairstyles including unnatural hair colours are not permitted.

Student Leadership Team

Well done to all those students who will take up leadership roles in the coming year. Congratulations to our Head Girl Team: Maria Lidia Flores and Rebecca White.

Amenities

Amenity payments for the next academic year can now be paid on Easy Payments Plus http://holyfaith.ie/page/Payment/60448/Index.html

Covid-19 response plans

We thank you all for your support and understanding as we all work together to ensure the safety of our school community and for ensuring the continuity of schooling. It is a testament to your ongoing support for your daughter’s education that we can be proud of how we have all worked together in St. Mary’s.

It is expected that schools will continue to operate with the current infection prevention and control measures in place to support their safe operation during Covid-19 when they reopen in August/September. Schools will therefore continue to operate in line with their Covid-19 response plans as directed by the Department of Education. These plans will be updated by the Department during the summer and will be available for schools in advance of reopening. The response plans for St. Mary's are available at this link: http://holyfaith.ie/page/Covid-19/94542/Index.html

The Department will undertake a communications campaign with parents and students/pupils in advance of school reopening to inform and remind them of the arrangements in place in schools operating during Covid-19. This will include specifically targeted information at new pupils entering primary and post-primary schools to ensure they are familiar with the new arrangements.

Summer Holidays

May we take this opportunity to wish every member of our school community a lovely summer. Many of our parents/guardians and grandparents are now vaccinated. This is a sign of great hope. We look forward to better times ahead and the gradual lessening of restrictions in the coming months.

Please note that our school office be closed from July 1st to August 16th.

Please stay safe,

Ms. McLoughlin and Ms. Gilligan