St.

Michael’s Scoil Mhichil,

Rackwallace Rath Mhic Mhalais
Monaghan Muineachán
H18 XY66 H18XY66

secretary@stmichaelsns.com 047-85282

18 October 2021

Dear Parents,

Covid Update: Many thanks to all those parents who are keeping their children at home if
they show any symptoms at all. We are hearing of schools where parents are not being so
careful and Covid is spreading though their classes. In our own school we have only two
classrooms so any person, child or adult, coming into the school with Covid could potentially
spread it throughout the school.
This is yet another occasion where the motto, ‘Ar scáth a chéile a mhaireann na daoine’
(People live in each others shelter’) is particularly apt. We are depending on every member of
the school community to protect every other member of the school community.
Please ensure you child has a coat to school every day as we aim to get the children outside at
least once a day even if it is drizzling.

Emergency Works: As you will have seen if you drop your child off to school or heard from
your child; our works on our Wastewater Treatment Unit has begun. We must say that the
contractor Ciarán Sherry is very thorough and seems to be doing a very good job. The plan is
that the children will return to school after the Hallowe’en break to a newly surfaced play
yard.

Website: About once or twice a week one of the teachers will update the school’s website. I
would encourage you to have a look at it to see what’s happening in our school. I should also
say that if you see a photo of your child on the website and would like a copy just email us
and we’ll email it you.

Reading: If you have looked at our website you’ll have seen the photos of the children
reading as they wait to come into school each morning. Our initiative to encourage children
to read is certainly taking effect. Parents are also reporting that taking the emphasis off
written homework and onto oral work has made homework less of an issue at home, which is
also good. In an effort to further promote reading I have some forms for Monaghan Library
and if you would like one for your child/ren just let me know. Monaghan Library is a terrific
library and the staff are so welcoming and always make time to help children find an author
or a book they’ll enjoy.

Hallowe’en: We are looking forward to our ‘Trick or Treat for Temple Street’. Each child
(and adult!!) in the school is invited to dress up and make a contribution to Temple Street
Hospital. We will send out a text on Friday afternoon with the final tally, once the Sixth Class
have finished counting. It goes without saying that any contribution is entirely voluntary.

Roll number: 16954C Charity Number: 20132170 twitter: @rackwallacens website: www.rackwallacens.com
 As the children will be coming to the school in their costumes we will be allowing the
children to come straight into school if the weather is bad. (We don’t want to risk costumes
being destroyed in the rain.)

I gave a list of costume guidelines in a previous letter but it’s no harm to repeat them here:
 The children will come to school and spend all day in their outfits so please make sure
they’re comfortable.
 Teachers will not be allowed to assist with costumes.
 Make sure your child can use the toilet while wearing their costume.
 Costumes should not be too scary as we have some young children in the school
 If the child is wearing face paint please be aware that when it comes off during the
day (as it will) teachers won’t be allowed to help reapply it.
We hope the children have a nice time dressing up. In the afternoon each of the classes will
have a small party as a reward for all their hard work this term.

School will finish at 2:40pm on Friday 22nd October and reopen at 9am on November 1st.
I know this is the day after Hallowe’en but schools don’t get to choose the dates for the
October mid-term: they are chosen by the department. I’m sure we’ll all still be glad of the
break after a busy term.

On my own behalf and on behalf of Mrs. Ferguson, Ms. King and Dympna I take this
opportunity to thank you for your continued support of our school.

Have a nice break.

Yours sincerely,

------------------------------
Séamus Grundy
Principal

Roll number: 16954C Charity Number: 20132170 twitter: @rackwallacens website: www.rackwallacens.com