Our Blog

Online Learning January 2021.

8th January 2021

Good afternoon everyone,

I would like to take the opportunity to wish you and your families a safe and Happy New Year for 2021.

Certainly education has been very much dominating news coverage this past week with the ongoing challenge of Covid 19 facing our country. Indeed we are very proud that several of our students have had their voices heard during the national debate about reopening our schools.

The confirmation last night that all students will commence online learning beginning next Monday morning for the next few weeks, at least gives clarity for all, you as students, your teachers and your families.

January is a busy month for school communities for many reasons, regarding selecting subject choices, presentations on CAO and the TY programme, Mock Examinations – and be assured we will be keeping you updated on all of these matters as time goes on.

For today I would like to focus on our return to remote learning on Monday morning:

We have been here before – last March – and we have learned a lot about what works best in terms of our engagement with online learning:

You will all be expected to follow your regular timetable from Monday to Friday. Routine will be very important
Make sure you check your school email and Google Classroom regularly for work set and instructions to be followed
Lessons will be a combination of set tasks, live lessons, videos….
Upload your work as soon as you have completed it and submit as an assignment on Google Classroom unless your teacher has specifically requested an email.
Contact your teachers through Classroom asap if you don’t understand or can’t access your work
Do not contact your teachers outside of school hours
Observe email/online etiquette in terms of language and tone.
Make good use of studyclix.ie for resources and live chat support which is an excellent support available to all of you in all subjects.

Let’s work together and make the very most of every learning opportunity we are given this Month.

Meanwhile, I hope you all have a good weekend.

Stay safe, stay well, stay connected.

E Deeney

Principal

Goal Mile.

A huge thank you to all students, teachers, staff and parents of PCS for YOUR kindness and support. We raised a whopping €1050 for GOAL.

Special thanks to Mr McNeive and Ms Malone for incorporating the GOAL MILE in their PE classes and a final thanks to Ms O’Dea, Mr Murphy, Mr McGuiness, Ms Breen, Ms O’Connor, Mr O’hAonghusa, Mr Redmond, Ms Howell and Ms Clarke for running their mile too. Looking forward to many more miles next year.

Happy Christmas All

Ms McDonald

Support Therese and Mike (aka Ms McDonald and MrMcNeive!) by donating to a great cause using the link below:

http://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/PortmarnockCommunitySchoolGOALMILE

Remember giving a little will go a long mile

Watch our Brilliant Mask safety Video made by PCS students.

StudyClix Access for PCS Students.

We are aware that many students have not yet availed themselves of the school licence that we purchased at the start of the academic year

If your son/ daughter already has a StudyClix account the school code (provided in the letter attached : Letter for Parents Portmarnock CS) enables them to upgrade to a ‘plus’ account for free. The school has covered the cost.

If your son/daughter does not yet have a StudyClix account we ask that you encourage them to open one as soon as possible so that they can avail of the extensive resources that are available.

The school code should be entered in the space for ‘payment details’.

We are very grateful for your support in encouraging students’ independent learning and study habits.

Uniform News.

The Girls Uniform Trousers are now available in stock in O’ Farrell’s Schoolwear shops in Portmarnock and Swords. You can purchase the trousers by calling the shop, who are providing a collection service at the door. Please contact the store regarding any alterations that may be required.

Smiles Under Masks

The prefects organised a dress up day in aid of the volunteer fire service and there were some great costumes. We are looking forward to the Friendship Concert on Thursday.