I hope all our students and their families had an enjoyable and restful Easter break. Updates for this week below:
- Parents of State exam students are encouraged to respond to the NPCPP (National Parents Council Post Primary) survey in response to the DES deferral of State exams (link is on the school website in the News section). Closing date for the surveys is 10 am tomorrow April 21st
- In response to student’s requests teachers will be asked to only upload all work for each day for 1st and 2nd year students between 9 – 11 am to prevent the need to continuously check School wise. Only certain subjects will upload daily and number of subjects will be reduced to 2-3 per day. Longer assignment deadlines to be given with the focus on last term to work consistently each day 1-2 hours for non-exam year groups but no overburdening of students. With regard to the deferral of Junior Cycle exams until September we would encourage less of a workload each day but maintaining a consistent approach nonetheless. School is seeking advice on how to best support and motivate 3rd and 6th year students.
- Student body are designing a student survey requesting details of any challenges arising, learning focus they would like for this last term, levels of engagement with other students and teachers, for exam students their response to DES deferral of State exams. Feedback will be gathered reviewed by staff and supports/resources provided as needed. Encourage students to complete this survey as only 106/250 completed the school survey on remote learning before Easter.
- Data gathered from the student and teacher surveys on remote learning before Easter have been analysed. Feedback very positive regarding school work being provided and feedback from teachers on School wise. Just under 50 % students had initially difficulty submitting assignments but very positive about video support and FAQ provided by Mr Todd. 89% of students that responded to the survey have a device other than a phone to submit school work on. Teachers who have held lessons through TEAMS were very positive in their experience. 70% staff communicating with students through School wise. Very positive since it was only introduced to staff early 2020 and to students just before closure. Excellent response from students and staff to the online learning platform.
- There will be a school survey for all parents this week to gather feedback on challenges facing parents and any concerns they may have etc.