Coronavirus (COVID-19) - School Closure
Message from Principal - 18th April 2020
On Monday 20th April we begin our final term of the school year. Unfortunately the school is still closed until further notice due to Government restrictions to prevent the spread of Covid-19. I hope all members of our school community - pupils, parents and staff are keeping well, staying safe and following all guidelines on social distancing and preventative measures.
I am very conscious that many family members and friends of our students are working in frontline services - healthcare or community care or in jobs that are considered essential. We thank you so much for your efforts and dedication. The best that we can do for you at the moment is to continue to stay home and social distance in the drive to shorten this crisis and allow you to resume safer working lives.
While our school will remain closed for at least the next two weeks our schooling must still continue. I hope you all had a good break over the Easter and are ready to resume the final few weeks of term.
Leaving Cert Students
On 10th April the Minister announced the postponement of the Leaving Certificate Exams until a date later in the summer. This is by no means an ideal situation for you and I am very aware of the uncertainity you must be feeling. Decisions will only become clearer as this pandemic begins to receed and Health officials can become more certain on the advice they can give.
In the meantime you should really proceed to study and prepare for exams that may take place later this summer. Teachers will engage with you for the next two weeks via our Office 365 platform - please use it to keep up with your studies and work with your teachers. Nothing beats face to face class contact in teaching and learning but for the present we must all adapt to this very difficult situation. While there is uncertainity and a level of anxiety we can only work towards what we know at any given point in time.
There is still no clarity on practicals and project work - we will update you when we have been given any information. If you wish to read further into the current arrangements please read further information below or go to the ministers announcement at https://www.education.ie/en/Press-Events/Press-Releases/2020-press-releases/PR20-04-10.html
We know that this is a difficult and uncertain time and we will do all we can to help you through it.
Junior Cycle
On the 10th April the Minister also announced that "Junior Cycle final examinations due to take place in June will be replaced by school-based exams and assessments held early in the new school year" While this provides some clarity for you it is important to remember that some form of assessment that will replace your Junior Cycle is expected to take place in the new school year. It is important then to continue to engage with your teachers and curriculum to ensure that you will be confident in taking those tests later in the year. While the immediate pressure is off it will return later.
I believe that exam fees for the Junior Cycle no longer are required to be paid online and that refunds will be issued by the State Examinations Commission to those who have already paid.
Other Students
While you do not have the added pressure of state examinations this year remember that this time is equally important for your Junior or Leaving Certificate/LCA .Missing out on classes now will have knock on effects into the future so students are expected to engage with online learning and parents are asked to check work at regular intervals.
Teachers will continue to provide work and guidance to all pupils during this difficult time. We will be discussing over the next few days our plans and proposals for the final term and methods of continuing during this closure.
Plans for 2020/21
While school is closed we will continue to plan and prepare for next September. All parents of 3rd and TY students should now have indicated Senior Cycle options for next year. Those who will enter into traditional Leaving Certificate will receive a message in the next week or so seeking subject choices. We will be grateful if these can be returned as soon as practical We will notifiy all families of their place in TY/lca or Leaving Cert in the next few days.
I want to thank all of you who have engaged so positively over the last few weeks. Teachers have made a remarkable effort adapting to online teaching and learning over a very short period of time and I thank them for this huge effort. To all of the students who have engaged so positively I also thank you. While this has been a difficult time I believe it will stand to you in the future.
We will be in contact with parents via text message over the next few days with further updates. If a parent phone number has changed please email office@moynecs.ie to update your details.
We look forward to seeing you all again in the near future and hope you all stay safe
Kind regards
Des Cullen
On Monday 20th April we begin our final term of the school year. Unfortunately the school is still closed until further notice due to Government restrictions to prevent the spread of Covid-19. I hope all members of our school community - pupils, parents and staff are keeping well, staying safe and following all guidelines on social distancing and preventative measures.
I am very conscious that many family members and friends of our students are working in frontline services - healthcare or community care or in jobs that are considered essential. We thank you so much for your efforts and dedication. The best that we can do for you at the moment is to continue to stay home and social distance in the drive to shorten this crisis and allow you to resume safer working lives.
While our school will remain closed for at least the next two weeks our schooling must still continue. I hope you all had a good break over the Easter and are ready to resume the final few weeks of term.
Leaving Cert Students
On 10th April the Minister announced the postponement of the Leaving Certificate Exams until a date later in the summer. This is by no means an ideal situation for you and I am very aware of the uncertainity you must be feeling. Decisions will only become clearer as this pandemic begins to receed and Health officials can become more certain on the advice they can give.
In the meantime you should really proceed to study and prepare for exams that may take place later this summer. Teachers will engage with you for the next two weeks via our Office 365 platform - please use it to keep up with your studies and work with your teachers. Nothing beats face to face class contact in teaching and learning but for the present we must all adapt to this very difficult situation. While there is uncertainity and a level of anxiety we can only work towards what we know at any given point in time.
There is still no clarity on practicals and project work - we will update you when we have been given any information. If you wish to read further into the current arrangements please read further information below or go to the ministers announcement at https://www.education.ie/en/Press-Events/Press-Releases/2020-press-releases/PR20-04-10.html
We know that this is a difficult and uncertain time and we will do all we can to help you through it.
Junior Cycle
On the 10th April the Minister also announced that "Junior Cycle final examinations due to take place in June will be replaced by school-based exams and assessments held early in the new school year" While this provides some clarity for you it is important to remember that some form of assessment that will replace your Junior Cycle is expected to take place in the new school year. It is important then to continue to engage with your teachers and curriculum to ensure that you will be confident in taking those tests later in the year. While the immediate pressure is off it will return later.
I believe that exam fees for the Junior Cycle no longer are required to be paid online and that refunds will be issued by the State Examinations Commission to those who have already paid.
Other Students
While you do not have the added pressure of state examinations this year remember that this time is equally important for your Junior or Leaving Certificate/LCA .Missing out on classes now will have knock on effects into the future so students are expected to engage with online learning and parents are asked to check work at regular intervals.
Teachers will continue to provide work and guidance to all pupils during this difficult time. We will be discussing over the next few days our plans and proposals for the final term and methods of continuing during this closure.
Plans for 2020/21
While school is closed we will continue to plan and prepare for next September. All parents of 3rd and TY students should now have indicated Senior Cycle options for next year. Those who will enter into traditional Leaving Certificate will receive a message in the next week or so seeking subject choices. We will be grateful if these can be returned as soon as practical We will notifiy all families of their place in TY/lca or Leaving Cert in the next few days.
I want to thank all of you who have engaged so positively over the last few weeks. Teachers have made a remarkable effort adapting to online teaching and learning over a very short period of time and I thank them for this huge effort. To all of the students who have engaged so positively I also thank you. While this has been a difficult time I believe it will stand to you in the future.
We will be in contact with parents via text message over the next few days with further updates. If a parent phone number has changed please email office@moynecs.ie to update your details.
We look forward to seeing you all again in the near future and hope you all stay safe
Kind regards
Des Cullen
10 April, 2020 - Minister McHugh Announces Postponement of State Examinations
Changes following updated health advice regarding school closures until further notice
The decisions have been taken on foot of updated advice from the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET).
Minister McHugh said plans were being put in place for the postponed Leaving Certificate examinations to begin in the last week of July or early August, subject to public health advice.
Junior Cycle final examinations due to take place in June will be replaced by school-based exams and assessments held early in the new school year.
A series of other decisions has also been taken –
“The final arrangements for the exams, the exam centres, social distancing and other measures will all be determined by the State Examinations Commission (SEC) on foot of public health advice in June. I want to thank the SEC for its efforts to put in place these revised arrangements.
“Students and their families have been seeking clarity. Today’s announcement addresses that. It also provides them with several weeks of advance notice to prepare for the examinations. I hope it helps to alleviate some stress being experienced by students and their families at this time.
“Asking Leaving Certificate students and their families to refocus their attention from June to August is not something we do lightly. I know it will not be easy. However, I believe it is the fairest way of assessing students and giving them certification of achievement in school and a pathway to higher and further education and training, apprenticeship or work.”
Minister McHugh also said: “Students with special educational needs will be fully supported in sitting the rescheduled Leaving Certificate examinations in line with the reasonable accommodations as already arranged for them.”
Minister McHugh said the intention was to allow at least two weeks of class time, in school, before the Leaving Certificate examinations begin.
“Great work is being done by schools and teachers to connect with students and to keep them learning. We must give teachers, principals and school staff huge credit for their commitment to supporting students, in their schoolwork and in their wellbeing. And we want to provide students and teachers with an opportunity to build on that,” the Minister said.
As part of the changes to the Junior Cycle, discussions will take place with teacher unions and school management to allow these examinations, linked Classroom-Based Assessments, Assessment Tasks and project work to be completed as school-based assessments early in the next school year.
Minister McHugh acknowledged the positive engagement he has had with unions, management bodies, the further education and training and higher education sectors on all of these issues.
“I am grateful for the co-operation shown by all concerned, in what is a very challenging situation for our young people, their families and teachers. I am confident we can continue to work together in a supportive spirit to help secure the best outcomes for students,” the Minister said.
Minister of State for Higher Education, Mary Mitchell O’Connor said: “The tertiary level institutions look forward to welcoming this year’s Leaving Certificate students who have applied to enter their courses. I appreciate the particular challenges these students have had to face and I welcome the flexible approach indicated by the sector to enabling these students to take up a place in the year ahead.”
The admissions process for higher education, managed by the Central Applications Office (CAO), will operate as closely as possible to the usual timeframe for offers and the entry date for first year students will be delayed.
The Department has asked the Higher Education Authority and the higher education sector to explore ways of assisting access to higher education for students from under-represented groups.
The State Examinations Commission has developed an FAQ document for all exam students following the announcement of the postponement of the State exams
https://www.examinations.ie/misc-doc/EN-EX-94224992.pdf
Changes following updated health advice regarding school closures until further notice
- Leaving Certificate written examinations postponed until late July/August
- Junior Cycle examinations in June replaced with school-based exams and assessments early in the new school year
The decisions have been taken on foot of updated advice from the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET).
Minister McHugh said plans were being put in place for the postponed Leaving Certificate examinations to begin in the last week of July or early August, subject to public health advice.
Junior Cycle final examinations due to take place in June will be replaced by school-based exams and assessments held early in the new school year.
A series of other decisions has also been taken –
- As part of the wider public health measures, schools are closed until further notice.
- Practical examinations for Leaving Certificate students which were due to have been held in May are deferred. They will be rescheduled for late July/early August.
- The new Leaving Certificate exam timetable will be confirmed in early June.
“The final arrangements for the exams, the exam centres, social distancing and other measures will all be determined by the State Examinations Commission (SEC) on foot of public health advice in June. I want to thank the SEC for its efforts to put in place these revised arrangements.
“Students and their families have been seeking clarity. Today’s announcement addresses that. It also provides them with several weeks of advance notice to prepare for the examinations. I hope it helps to alleviate some stress being experienced by students and their families at this time.
“Asking Leaving Certificate students and their families to refocus their attention from June to August is not something we do lightly. I know it will not be easy. However, I believe it is the fairest way of assessing students and giving them certification of achievement in school and a pathway to higher and further education and training, apprenticeship or work.”
Minister McHugh also said: “Students with special educational needs will be fully supported in sitting the rescheduled Leaving Certificate examinations in line with the reasonable accommodations as already arranged for them.”
Minister McHugh said the intention was to allow at least two weeks of class time, in school, before the Leaving Certificate examinations begin.
“Great work is being done by schools and teachers to connect with students and to keep them learning. We must give teachers, principals and school staff huge credit for their commitment to supporting students, in their schoolwork and in their wellbeing. And we want to provide students and teachers with an opportunity to build on that,” the Minister said.
As part of the changes to the Junior Cycle, discussions will take place with teacher unions and school management to allow these examinations, linked Classroom-Based Assessments, Assessment Tasks and project work to be completed as school-based assessments early in the next school year.
Minister McHugh acknowledged the positive engagement he has had with unions, management bodies, the further education and training and higher education sectors on all of these issues.
“I am grateful for the co-operation shown by all concerned, in what is a very challenging situation for our young people, their families and teachers. I am confident we can continue to work together in a supportive spirit to help secure the best outcomes for students,” the Minister said.
Minister of State for Higher Education, Mary Mitchell O’Connor said: “The tertiary level institutions look forward to welcoming this year’s Leaving Certificate students who have applied to enter their courses. I appreciate the particular challenges these students have had to face and I welcome the flexible approach indicated by the sector to enabling these students to take up a place in the year ahead.”
The admissions process for higher education, managed by the Central Applications Office (CAO), will operate as closely as possible to the usual timeframe for offers and the entry date for first year students will be delayed.
The Department has asked the Higher Education Authority and the higher education sector to explore ways of assisting access to higher education for students from under-represented groups.
The State Examinations Commission has developed an FAQ document for all exam students following the announcement of the postponement of the State exams
https://www.examinations.ie/misc-doc/EN-EX-94224992.pdf
Message from Principal - 24th March 2020
Since 13th march we have been closed in an effort to restrict the spread of COVID-19.
The staff of Moyne Community School have been working on contingency plans to ensure that our students will continue to have access to the curriculum over the coming weeks.
All students have a Microsoft 365 account. this allows them to access email and a whole host of Microsoft applications. Many of these applications such as Outlook and Teams can be downloaded as apps to their phones. Many students use this account to store notes and resources in the knowledge that as exams approach they will have all their materials stored in one place. Access to this account is through www.office.com
We would ask that parents consider asking their child for access and to regularly view this account. It is for school use only and is not to be used as a public address or account.
Teachers have or are establishing Microsoft Teams for each class so that work can be easily shared with students online. Work is posted to these groups regularly and timelines and deadlines set for producing work are set much the same as class given homework.. It is important for parents to familiarise themselves with the process so that you can monitor and encourage your childs participation in this new world of learning.
For many of us this is a new form of learning. New skills are been learned rapidly by teachers, students and parents as we embark on this journey through distance learning.
Please visit our school Facebook and Twitter feeds where we will continue to share information and resources that we think you may find useful
We will continue to keep you informed of developments as we receive them here on our website and via our text messaging service.
In the meantime stay safe and keep well. Please ensure that all pupils follow social distancing guidelines. While schools are closed it is not a time for putting our families and communities at risk by not following expert advice.
Kind regards
Des Cullen
Since 13th march we have been closed in an effort to restrict the spread of COVID-19.
The staff of Moyne Community School have been working on contingency plans to ensure that our students will continue to have access to the curriculum over the coming weeks.
All students have a Microsoft 365 account. this allows them to access email and a whole host of Microsoft applications. Many of these applications such as Outlook and Teams can be downloaded as apps to their phones. Many students use this account to store notes and resources in the knowledge that as exams approach they will have all their materials stored in one place. Access to this account is through www.office.com
We would ask that parents consider asking their child for access and to regularly view this account. It is for school use only and is not to be used as a public address or account.
Teachers have or are establishing Microsoft Teams for each class so that work can be easily shared with students online. Work is posted to these groups regularly and timelines and deadlines set for producing work are set much the same as class given homework.. It is important for parents to familiarise themselves with the process so that you can monitor and encourage your childs participation in this new world of learning.
For many of us this is a new form of learning. New skills are been learned rapidly by teachers, students and parents as we embark on this journey through distance learning.
Please visit our school Facebook and Twitter feeds where we will continue to share information and resources that we think you may find useful
We will continue to keep you informed of developments as we receive them here on our website and via our text messaging service.
In the meantime stay safe and keep well. Please ensure that all pupils follow social distancing guidelines. While schools are closed it is not a time for putting our families and communities at risk by not following expert advice.
Kind regards
Des Cullen
Notice of School Closure - 12th March 2019
. An announcement was made on the 12th March 2020 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 Moyne Community School is therefore closed to pupils. All pupils have been advised to bring home books and copies to continue their studies. Each pupil has an Office 365 account which they should use during the course of this closure. They have been assigned to subject TEAMS on this platform and teachers have put up work for pupils to cover. Teachers will continue to communicate with pupils on this platform and to support their learning. We will contact parents via our text messaging service with any information and updates we become aware of. Parents are asked to ensure that your mobile phone details are up to date. Any changes should be notified to the school. |
Statement from the Department of Education and Skills -24th March
From: Department of Education and Skills All schools, pre-schools and further and higher education settings will remain closed to students until 19 April 2020. The decision has been taken following advice from the NPHET (National Public Health Emergency Team) as part of efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19 . All young people and children are urged to practice social distancing, and to minimise physical contact to keep themselves and others healthy and to limit the spread of infection. This should include minimising social contact, avoiding meeting up and keeping physical space of two metres between each other. Parents and guardians are urged to support young people and children to follow those simple guidelines. Minister for Education and Skills Joe McHugh TD said: "This is an extremely difficult time for everyone, not least students and their parents. "The decision to keep schools closed until after the Easter break is based on public health advice. It is a hugely important aspect of our continued effort to limit the spread of COVID-19. "My message to students facing exams is that they should keep focused, keep working and try, as much as possible, to prepare as normal for the state exams. We are doing everything in our power to make sure those exams happen. "Teachers and students have answered the call to remote learning with exceptional flexibility and adaptability. You are all a credit to the education system. "I am also deeply conscious of significant work being done to ensure continuity of learning across our higher and further education institutions. The impact of emergency measures has not stopped education, it has inspired innovation and we are indebted to all those continuing to provide education in these trying times.” |
A Guide for Parents on supporting children and young people with daily routines while schools are closed
The National Educational Psychological Service and Department of Education and Skills have published advice for parents on routines and schedules - "A Guide for Parents on supporting children and young people with daily routines while schools are closed"
This guide can be found by clicking on the box below
The National Educational Psychological Service and Department of Education and Skills have published advice for parents on routines and schedules - "A Guide for Parents on supporting children and young people with daily routines while schools are closed"
This guide can be found by clicking on the box below
State Examinations Information - Update 19th March
Minister for Education and Skills Joe McHugh TD has today (Thursday 19 March 2020) announced the cancellation of oral and practical performance tests of the state examinations which were originally scheduled to take place from Monday 23 March to Friday 3 April 2020.
All students who were due to take these tests will be awarded full marks for this portion of the exam.
The decision was taken in light of the closure of schools as a result of the Covid-19 virus and it will be implemented by the State Examinations Commission (SEC).
Orals & Practical Performance tests (originally scheduled from Monday 23 March to Friday 3 April) are cancelled. These tests are in the following subjects:
Project and Course Work completion deadlines are extended to Friday 15 May for the following subjects:
Second phase of practical examinations remain as originally scheduled from Monday 27 April to Friday 8 May, as well as the final written examination in the Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme (LCVP) scheduled for Wednesday 6 May, a range of oral and practical tests in the Leaving Certificate Applied (LCA) programme, along with the first examination in Leaving Certificate Computer Science on Wednesday 27 May, and the final written examinations commencing on 3 June.
Full details of the Ministers announcement can be found https://www.education.ie/en/Press-Events/Press-Releases/2020-press-releases/PR20-03-19.html
Minister for Education and Skills Joe McHugh TD has today (Thursday 19 March 2020) announced the cancellation of oral and practical performance tests of the state examinations which were originally scheduled to take place from Monday 23 March to Friday 3 April 2020.
All students who were due to take these tests will be awarded full marks for this portion of the exam.
The decision was taken in light of the closure of schools as a result of the Covid-19 virus and it will be implemented by the State Examinations Commission (SEC).
Orals & Practical Performance tests (originally scheduled from Monday 23 March to Friday 3 April) are cancelled. These tests are in the following subjects:
- Leaving Certificate Irish and the Modern Languages of French, German, Spanish, Italian, Russian and Japanese
- Leaving Certificate Music
- Junior Cycle Music and Home Economics
Project and Course Work completion deadlines are extended to Friday 15 May for the following subjects:
- Leaving Certificate Computer Science, Physical Education, Technology, Art, Agricultural Science, Agricultural Economics, History, Geography, Religious Education, Politics and Society, Music, Constructions Studies and Home Economics;
- Junior Cycle Metalwork, Materials Technology Wood, Technology and Religious Education;
- Junior Cycle Assessment Tasks in English, Irish, Modern languages, Science and Business Studies.
Second phase of practical examinations remain as originally scheduled from Monday 27 April to Friday 8 May, as well as the final written examination in the Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme (LCVP) scheduled for Wednesday 6 May, a range of oral and practical tests in the Leaving Certificate Applied (LCA) programme, along with the first examination in Leaving Certificate Computer Science on Wednesday 27 May, and the final written examinations commencing on 3 June.
Full details of the Ministers announcement can be found https://www.education.ie/en/Press-Events/Press-Releases/2020-press-releases/PR20-03-19.html
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Contacting the School
For the H&S of our clerical and admin staff the office will only be manned for limited times. Should you wish to contact the school please use our email office@moynecs.ie and we will get back to you as soon as possible |
Concerns Re: State Examinations
We have been notified that
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Online Resources for students and teachers
Online Resources List
Scoilnet is a resource to support schools, teachers, students and parents and can be accessed at the following link: https://www.scoilnet.ie/scoilnet/news/article/news/detail/News/des-announcementand-scoilnet-supports/
Scoilnet has a number of home usage supports for teachers and students to benefit from, including:
1. Scoilnet Website – students and teachers can access over 20,000 resources shared by primary and post-primary teachers anytime, anywhere. Search materials by class/year group, subject, strand, and learning outcomes.
2. World Book Online – all students in Ireland have open and free home access to World Book Online. World Book is a trusted encyclopedia containing thousands of informational articles with stunning illustrations, videos, interactive maps, research help, and activities.
3. Scoilnet Dedicated Subject Pages – the Scoilnet team is working hard to bring teachers and students dedicated post-primary subject pages where they will find teacher-shared collections, collections by organisations, and what's in demand or popular on Scoilnet right now for their subject area. Choose from: Maths, Science, Irish, English, History, Modern Foreign Languages, Geography, Politics and Society.
Online Resources List
Scoilnet is a resource to support schools, teachers, students and parents and can be accessed at the following link: https://www.scoilnet.ie/scoilnet/news/article/news/detail/News/des-announcementand-scoilnet-supports/
Scoilnet has a number of home usage supports for teachers and students to benefit from, including:
1. Scoilnet Website – students and teachers can access over 20,000 resources shared by primary and post-primary teachers anytime, anywhere. Search materials by class/year group, subject, strand, and learning outcomes.
2. World Book Online – all students in Ireland have open and free home access to World Book Online. World Book is a trusted encyclopedia containing thousands of informational articles with stunning illustrations, videos, interactive maps, research help, and activities.
3. Scoilnet Dedicated Subject Pages – the Scoilnet team is working hard to bring teachers and students dedicated post-primary subject pages where they will find teacher-shared collections, collections by organisations, and what's in demand or popular on Scoilnet right now for their subject area. Choose from: Maths, Science, Irish, English, History, Modern Foreign Languages, Geography, Politics and Society.
Links to further information
Please click on the links to access further information
Please click on the links to access further information
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