From the Assistant Principals...

Welcome Back!

It has been so lovely to see all the children returning to school over the past couple of weeks.  I have seen so many smiles as children are excited to be back with their friends and teachers.  We have seen great maturity as all children have walked into school on their own and have been participating well with their continued online learning. I would also like to express how amazed I am with all the wonderful work that the children are completing and the creative ways we have seen tasks presented, Well Done!

As lockdown restrictions are slowly being lifted to varying degrees, we enter a time of transition and adjustment. The circumstances of this situation have significantly impacted us all. For some it has been an opportunity to reflect on what is important, whilst others have embraced the opportunity to learn new things.

Many young people may be excited at the prospect of restrictions being lifted; others may feel mixed emotions. Reactions will differ depending on how well they cope with stress and change. Keeping a check on your child’s mental health and wellbeing as they adjust to new routines, will be vitally important.

There is still a lot of uncertainty ahead of us, so focusing on the things you can control or enjoy doing or even value, can help establish predictability and familiarity for the whole family. Adult carers need to provide young people with reassurance by acknowledging any concerns and fears they may have at this time. Consider this to be a normal reaction, however it may be best to focus more on their feelings and emotions, rather than the practicalities at this stage.

In this Special Report, we share a few ideas to help ease this time of transition and adjustment. We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this Special Report, and as always, we welcome your feedback.

If you do have any concerns about the well being of your child, please contact the school for further information or seek medical or professional help. Here is the link to your special report https://stmarysarmidale.catholic.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-coronavirus-transition-back

Uniform

As you would know, we are continuing our managed return to school next week and so children will still wear their sports uniform.  Coloured shirts on their scheduled days and Gold shirts on the other days. As of the week after, Monday 1st of June, students will wear their full winter uniform and we will advise of sports uniform days next week. 

On the note of uniform, please remember that large earrings are not part of the school uniform and pose a risk to the students when playing. Small studs or sleepers are the only earrings allowed at school. Also a reminder that nail polish is not permitted and other jewellery is limited to a watch.