Information will be added to this page on a continual basis throughout the school year. Please check regularly for updates.
Summer Assessments, 3rd and LC blocks 2023
News item on the website:
Summer-Assessment,-3rd-LC-Block-May-23
or
Find a Downloadable Pdf at this link:
Summer Assessments, 3rd & LC Blocks 2023.pdf
Sports Day
Sports Day Information Letter 23
Transition Year Exams
TY Exams May 2023.pdf
Letter to Parents/Guardians of Leaving Cert Applied (LCA) students 2023
Date: 27/4/2023
Dear Parent/ Guardian,
The following dates are coming up and should be noted for Leaving Certificate Applied students:
- English and Communications oral exam 12th May 2023 9.30am
- Hotel, Catering and Tourism cooking exam 19th May 2023 8.30am
- Irish Oral Examination 11th May 2023 9am
- Also attached below is the written exam timetable for June 2023
Students should ensure they are in school at 8.08am in order to prepare for these examinations. They should ensure they have all relevant equipment needed for these exams and should all be in Full School Uniform. If there are any questions or queries in relation to these exams please do not hesitate to send me an email on hollykinsella@griffeencc.ie .
Kind Regards,
Holly Kinsella
Programme Coordinator
Information Letter for Mock Exam Students
Mock-Exams-Information-Letter
Mock Examinations 2023
The Mock Exam timetables can be found at the following link. If students have any questions about the timetables or their Mock Exams, they can ask their tutor for help.
Mock-Exams-Timetables
State Examinations 2023
Timetables and further information for the 2023 State Examinations may be found on our website under the 'Curriculum' tab at this link
Third Year Parent Teacher Meeting
Follow the link to find information on how to book your slot with the teachers of Third Year 2022-23:
Third Year Parent Teacher Meeting
December 2022 Hamper Appeal
Dear Parents/Guardians,
For Christmas 2022, the TY and LCA students of Griffeen Community College are working on a Community Project to give back to local families in need and the homeless people of Dublin. We are working in partnership with local woman Bernadette Fagan, who runs the ‘Lucan Homeless Donations’ Facebook page.
Thank you to everyone who has made donations so far. We are continuing to accept donations until Friday, 16th December.
Please see lists below for items we are accepting for Christmas Food Hampers, Homeless Ladies Handbags, Homeless Men’s Backpacks and Toys for local children and homeless children in need: Hamper Appeal
First Year Parent Teacher Meeting
Follow the link to find information on how to book your slot with the teachers of first year 2022-23:
First Year Parent Teacher Meeting
November Assessments
Timetables can be found at this link:
November Assessment Timetables
Third Year CBA
The CBA Calendar for Third Year Students can be accessed in printable pdf format at this link
GCC CBA Calendar 3rd Year 2022-23
or
View in the image below:
Second Year CBA Calendar
The CBA Calendar for Second Year Students can be accessed in printable pdf format at this link:
GCC CBA Calendar 2nd Years 2022-23
or
View in the image below:
Information Letter for Parents / Guardians August2022
|
26-Aug
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Friday
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3rd and 6th Year Induction (8:45 am to 11am)
|
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29-Aug
|
Monday
|
1st Year Induction (8:45 am to 11am)
|
|
30-Aug
|
Tuesday
|
2nd Year Induction (8:45 am to 11 am)
|
|
31-Aug
|
Wednesday
|
TY Induction (8:45 am to 11am)
|
|
01-Sept
|
Thursday
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Full School Day for all (8:08 start; 2:45pm Finish)
|
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02-Sept
|
Friday
|
Full School Day For All (8:08 start; 12:55pm Finish)
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Information letter for Parents / Guardians June2022
Resource Lists may be found on the Website at this link: Resource Lists 2022-23
The Book store may be found at this link: Educate Books
The Uniform store May be found at this link: Schoolwear House Uniform Store
State Examinations Information 2022
State Exams Commission Exam Rules and Regulations
Junior Cycle:
JC Exams Timetable 2022
JC State Exams letter to parents 2022
LCA:
LCA Exams Timetable 2022
LCA State Exams letter to parents 2022
Assessment May 2022
Assessment timetables and 3rd year block timetable available on our news item and at this link: Timetables May 2022
Transition Year Information Presentation
Keep up to date with the latest transition year information, including last night online presentation.
Now available on our specialised Transition Year page (under the curriculum tab) or click the link here: Transition Year Page Update
Sports Day May 25th
Click on this link for access to our Sports Day letter to Parents/Guardians, or see content below: Link to Sports Day Letter
NB*** Please complete the permission form at this link: Sports Day Permission Form
Re: Junior Cycle Examinations 2022
Dear Parent/Guardian,
Please find enclosed the Junior Cycle Examination Schedule and a short version of the Instructions and Regulations for the Conduct of Candidates during Examinations from the State Examinations Commission.
We would ask you to ensure that your child arrives on time for exams.
Students must have all their own equipment for every exam; they will not be provided with these by the exam supervisor. They must have their own pencils, pens, calculators, mathematical sets and drawing equipment etc., as required for sitting each examination.
Students will sit their exams in full school uniform.
Please note:
- The start and end times for each exam.
- For the majority of exams there is a 2-hour break between the morning and afternoon exam.
- Students must leave the building after each exam is complete.
- There will be no supervision of students between the morning and afternoon exam and students are not permitted to stay on the premises.
Wishing all students the very best in their exams.
Kind regards,
______________________ _____________________
Edel Morrow Audrey Ward
Principal
Re: Leaving Certificate Applied Examinations 2022
Dear Parent/Guardian,
Please find enclosed the Leaving Certificate Applied Examination Schedule and a short version of the Instructions and Regulations for the Conduct of Candidates during Examinations from the State Examinations Commission.
The current LCA 1 class will only sit their Spanish Exam this academic year. They will sit the rest of their LCA exams in June 2023.
We would ask you to ensure that your child arrives on time for exams.
Students must have all their own equipment for every exam; they will not be provided with these by the exam supervisor. They must have their own pencils, pens, calculators, mathematical sets and drawing equipment etc., as required for sitting each examination.
Students will sit their exams in full school uniform.
Please note:
- The start and end times for the Spanish exam.
- Students must leave the building after their exam is complete.
Wishing all students the very best in their exam.
Kind regards,
Edel Morrow______________________Audrey Ward___________________
Principal Exam Secretary
Transition Year Online Presentation
Transition Year Information
Transition year information will appear on the dedicated Transition Year page on the website at the link below. To find from the menu, it is located in under the Curriculum tab.
Transition Year
Safe Return to School
Safe_Return_to_School_August_2021.pdf
SCHOOL CALENDAR 2021-22.pdf
Covid Response Plan
GCC_COVID19_Response_Plan.pdf
Child Protection
Child Protection note for parents.pdf
Enrolment 2022
Wishing to enroll with us for First Year September 2022?
Enrolment for First Year September 2022 will not open until Friday 1st October 2021.
Link Sent 09/04/21
Return to Educational Facility Parental Declaration Form
Return Form
Letter Sent 26/01/21
Safe Return to School April_2021.pdf
Letter sent 22/01/21
Dear Parent/Guardian,
As we come to the end of the 2nd week of Virtual Learning, I wanted to bring the following to your attention.
Staff will be attending two Virtual JCT Whole School days over the next 2 weeks:
- Thursday 28th January.Therefore, there will be no live classes next Thursday. Staff will set work or ask students to continue with project. However, staff will notbe available to answer emails/Teams messages as they will be at training.
- Thursday 4th of February: again, classes will be postponed and staff will notbe available to answer emails/Teams messages as they will be at training.
Parents/Guardians of Third and TY students will be contacted next week regarding Senior Cycle for 2021.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our students for their participation in online classes and with the materials been set for them by their teachers. The assemblies with the students this week were very well attended. The main message and goal of the assemblies was:
- for students to stay engaged with schoolwork and course content
- for students to know who and how to contact a staff member if they needed help
- for students to look after themself with ideas on how to stay active and fit.
Finally, for this week we look forward to having our students back at school soon, but until them, stay safe and stay engaged with the work.
Kind Regards
Noel Kelly
Príomhoide
Principal
Coláiste Pobail Ghrifín
Griffeen Community College
(01) 621 2392
Letter sent 14/01/21
First Year Online Timetable.pdf
Second Year Online Timetable.pdf
Third Year Online Timetable.pdf
Transition Year Online Timetable.pdf
Dear Parent or Guardian,
Please find attached the Remote Timetables for Live classes. There are 4 documents attached:
- First Year Remote Timetable
- Second Year Remote Timetable
- Third Year Remote Timetable
- Transition Year Remote Timetable
Teachers and students will follow their timetables. If a class is not listed on the attached timetable as LIVE, the teacher will upload work to teams for the students to complete independently or will be available to take emails to support their students who may be working on projects etc.
We are more than halfway through the first week of our Remote Teaching and Learning and teachers are reporting that students who are going online are engaging well.
As Third Year parents are already aware, we have postponed the Mock Examinations. We will provide more information on this as soon as possible.
In the coming days we will begin a consultation process with the parents of Third and TY students in relation the Senior Cycle 2021.
Edel and I, along with the Year Heads will hold Virtual Assemblies with all year groups next. The assemblies with the Third Year and TY Students will also have a focus on the Senior Cycle.
Kind Regards,
Griffeen Community College
Letter Sent 08/01/21
Letter emailed to Parents/Guardians on Friday 8/1/2021. Please contact info@griffeencc.ie if you have not received this email.
Remote T&L Information Update.pdf
Letter Sent 11/12/20
Letter emailed to Parents/Guardians on Friday 11/12/2020
SNA_Rotation.pdf
Letter Sent 02/12/20
Letter emailed to Parents/Guardians on Wednesday 2/12/2020
December 2020 Update.pdf
Letter Sent 20/11/20
Letter sent by email to Parents/Guardians on Friday 20/11/2020
Covid19 HSE 20th November 2020.pdf
Letter Sent 20/11/21
Griffeen Community College
Date: 20th November 2020
Dear Parent/Guardian,
A confirmed case of COVID-19 in Transition Year has been notified to the Department of Public Health HSE.
A public health risk assessment has been undertaken and the parents of any children deemed to be close contacts of the confirmed case have been contacted and advised accordingly. If you/your child is not identified as a close contact, you/ your child does not need a test for Covid-19, they can continue to attend school, and no further actions are required at this time.
If you/your child develops any symptoms suggestive of Covid-19 infection (such as a cough, a fever, loss or change in sense of taste or smell), please do not send your child to school, contact your GP and begin restricting your child’s movements, as per public health advice.
Restricted movement means avoiding contact with other people and social situations as much as possible. It is also sometimes called ‘self-quarantine’.
Further information on COVID-19 is available at: www.hpsc.ie and www.gov.ie
Yours sincerely,
Noel Kelly
Principal
Letter Sent 19/11/20
Please see letter sent by email at the following link:
Covid19 19th Nov 2020.pdf
November Assessments 2020
See Timetable for Semester one Assessments at the following link:
Semester One Examinations Timetable 2020.pdf
Wisdom-Inclusion-Dignity
Letter Sent 12/11/20
Griffeen Community College
November Assessments 2020
12th November 2020
Dear Parents/Guardians
The first set of formal assessments for this academic year will take place from Monday 23rd November - Friday 27th November as per the school calendar. All students will complete examinations or CBA work from Monday to Friday of that week. The school day will run from 8:20am to 12:15pm. Students will not have afternoon exams or classes. This will allow for students to study and unwind after each day.
In order to accommodate these examinations, we ask that you support your child’s preparations and read the following information carefully.
- The week of the Semester One Exams is a tiring week as students may complete up to 3 assessments per day. Study and preparation is therefore key. Students have been scaffolded in class in preparation and should give the assessments their best efforts.
- The timetable of examinations/CBAs will be available online from Monday 16th We would encourage you to look at this timetable with your child, so they are fully aware of the assessments that are scheduled for them each day.
- To ensure the smooth running of the assessments all students must be in their designated exam rooms/seats on time. Students should always bring resources with them to study for their next exam or a book to read should they finish early. However, please note this option will only become available after the first 45min of assessment time has passed.
- Study periods will be included in the timetable and students should make every effort to use this time wisely.
- An exam atmosphere must prevail during all exams – no talking/disrupting other students will be allowed. Any student attempting to copy or disrupt other students will be removed from the exam centre and parents/guardians will be contacted to take the students home. If the level of disruption is serious they may be asked to stay at home for the duration of the exams.
- Paper will be provided for each exam, but students should bring required equipment as the sharing of resources will not be allowed. Students need to be organised before the assessments and will bring to every exam:
-
- Pens
- Pencils,
- Rulers,
- Maths sets,
- Calculators,
- Erasers,
- Pencil sharpeners,
- Specialised resources for art/technology/woodwork etc. (teachers will advise)
Feedback – Reports
You will receive a text once the reports are available to view.
We wish all our students the best of luck in their up-coming assessments and CBAs.
Yours sincerely,
Noel Kelly,
Principal
Letter Sent 5/11/20
5/11/20
Dear Parents/Guardians,
I hope this message finds you all well. I am delighted to have been appointed the position of Principal at Griffeen Community College, and I look forward to working with you, our students and the staff over the coming years.
I am delighted to be arriving to at the school as the new temporary building is soon to be available for our use. There are great opportunities in store for our students, especially as our College grows and develops.
In relation to my background, I have been a teacher of science, chemistry and maths for the last 20 years. Throughout my career, I have worked as Year Head, Programme Coordinator, Home School Community Liaison Coordinator and Deputy Principal in two other schools.
At this stage I am sure your son/daughter has informed you that I will be using my surname and so too will the staff. I have assured students that the name change will be transitioned at a slow and relaxed pace, and I would like to assure you as parents that the staff and the management of Griffeen Community College will continue to maintain and foster extremely positive relationships with the whole school community.
I look forward to working with you into the future.
Yours sincerely
Noel Kelly
Principal
Griffeen CC Lucan
Letter Sent 14/10/20
The letter at this link below was sent home to parents by email. If you have not received this email, please contact us at info@griffeencc.ie
Letter to parents OCT 14th 2020.docx
Update 17/9/20
Reopening our post primary schools gov.ie website
Letter sent 8/9/20
Dear Parent/Guardian,
It has been a busy start to the new school year as we attempt to get used to our new routines and learn how we can all best work, in a safe and considerate manner.
We would like to note a few small items that have arisen in the last few days.
Evening pick up:
Please collect your child from the layby on the main road outside the school. Students will exit the pedestrian gate here every evening.
Cars are not permitted in the staff carpark.
Social distancing:
Please remind your child of the importance of social distancing. We need to do all we can to look after each other and to take care of those that are more vulnerable. Students need to remain one meter apart and to wear their masks. Full cooperation is needed and leading by example is encourage from all students.
Class pods:
It is important to limit the number of contacts during the school. This will help us ensure efficient contact tracing. Students are asked to adhere to the seating plans set out by their teachers. A great deal of time and effort has been put into developing these plans and we have attempted, as much as is possible, to make the learning environment suitable for each student's needs. Please reinforce the importance of following instructions in this regard. These measures are intended for the health and safety of all.
Thank you for your ongoing support. We very much appreciate the tremendous efforts that have been made by our school community during these challenging times.
Letter dated 2/9/20
Parent_Letter_2_9.pdf
Letter From CMO 31/8/20
Open Letter ACMO to Parents English.pdf
Open Letter ACMO to Parents Gaeilge.pdf
Letter Dated 26/8/20
An email was sent to all parents 26/8/20 including the following attachments:
Letter from School: Update for GCC return to school.pdf
Links for information sent from the Department of Education 26/8/20
Poster: Advice for parents EN.pdf
Poster: Information from HSE for parents.pdf
See Print version below: Letter from Minister Norma Foley to Principals.pdf
25 August 2020
Dear Principal
I hope that your plans for school re-opening have gone well and that you have found the supports and resources provided so far useful.
Once again, I would like to thank you and your whole school team and community for all the work that you have undertaken to fully re-open our schools.
I have seen some of this work at first-hand and I know the ingenuity and effort that has gone in to your re-opening plans. I am proud of the huge effort that the teams across our schools have made to make this important re-opening happen.
We have updated gov.ie/backtoschool with new materials for parents and for students. These are designed to be age-appropriate and have been developed in consultation with children and young people and parents. I am grateful to everyone who has participated in giving us this feedback and support and I hope you find them useful.
I would be grateful for your support in ensuring that parents receive the following, important information from the Department and the HSE with regard to returning to school. Links to each of these are in the attached document, so that it is as easy as possible for you to send on the relevant items to your school community:
- Video for parents with key information on supporting children to return to school available here and here
- Fliers for parents – these are attached in this email but are also available for download here. The HSE has prepared material on recognising symptoms, which complements the material from the Department on returning to school. This is available here
- Age-appropriate videos for children and young people at different stages. Videos for primary (both junior and senior level) and post-primary students are available here
- Resources in a wide range of languages. Many schools will enjoy a huge diversity among their student and parent community. To support these parents, we have translated guidance for parents at ie/backtoschool.
The Covid-19 World Service project has also consulted with the Department and has used our key messages to produce a range of videos in a variety of languages which your school community may find helpful – please see more at https://nascireland.org/covid-19-world-service
The Department has also produced a series of induction training videos for all school staff at primary and post-primary level.
This series includes further detailed information for Cleaning in schools, SNAs, School Bus Escorts and the new Covid-19 Lead Worker Representative in schools. This training will outline the steps that all staff need to take to ensure a safe return to schools for everybody and are all available here
It is also envisaged that further guidance will be issued later this week on the protocols that will underpin the arrangements for dealing with a suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19. I think this will be very helpful and reassuring for all school communities.
Ultimately, the key message is that where there is a suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19 amongst school staff or pupils, schools will be required to follow the public health instruction of the HSE Public Health.
Finally, the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) has developed webinars and resources to support the wellbeing of school communities, which are all available at gov.ie/backtoschool.
The re-opening of schools will require everyone to adjust and get used to new arrangements and routines. This change of culture won’t happen overnight and will take a bit of time in the initial re-opening period to get fully established and embedded into the daily operation of our schools.
If you have concerns with regard to your re-opening plans, I encourage you to contact reopeningschools@education.gov.ie. We have been working with schools all around the country to support them to solve some of the challenges they are facing and together have found solutions to many of the issues that arise. Some of the most common issues have now been detailed in the schools sections on gov.ie/backtoschool and you may find that useful.
I’d like to thank you once again for your efforts, and to wish you and all the students a very happy and heathy return to school.
Yours faithfully,
______________________________
Norma Foley TD
Minister for Education
GCC COVID 19 Response Plan 21/8/20
The COVID 19 Response Plan for Reopening Griffeen Community College, as emailed on 21/8/20, may be found at the following link:
Students GCC COVID-19 Response Plan.pdf
Letter Sent 18/8/20
Dear Parent/Guardian,
Under Government and DES guidelines, we are introducing several new measures in our school to make it as safe as possible for our whole staff community for the school year 2020/21. This document has been prepared in accordance with the return to school guidelines issued on the 27th July 2020. Changes may occur as advice and guidelines may change.
Please take the time to read this information and to discuss with your child.
1. Hand sanitiser
- There will be hand sanitiser at the entry point to every classroom and at toilets.
- There are also mobile hand sanitisers placed at the entry to the school building.
- All students are also encouraged to carry their own sanitiser.
- Owing to the high use of hand sanitiser which can cause skin irritations, we encourage students to carry a hand moisturiser to protect your hands.
2. Face mask and visors
- It is now recommended that teachers and secondary school students wear face coverings, similar to those worn in shops or on public transport, when a physical distance of 2 metres cannot be maintained.
- Students must purchase their own face mask and visor.
- Students must bring their own face mask to school every day and wash their masks in accordance with government guidelines. Appropriate face masks must be worn (No offensive pictures/logos/words/signs should be on face masks).
- Classrooms are laid out in adherence with the 1 metre guidelines.
- Face masks should be worn on corridors.
- A face mask and a visor will be required in some practical classes. Students must clean their visor every day.
- Students must carry a plastic zip lock bag for storage of their face mask, visor, sanitiser etc.
- Students will be reminded of how to put on and take off their face mask and wash their hands correctly.
3. Use of toilets
- There can be no group gatherings in or around the toilet areas.
- Floors outside the toilets will be marked in adherence with social distancing guidelines.
- Access to toilets will be managed by staff to ensure that everybody adheres to social distancing.
4. Lockers
- Students will not be using lockers for the foreseeable future. This is to limit contact and possible cross contamination.
5. Water bottles
- There will be no access to the taps or water filter. Students must arrive to school with their own filled water bottle.
6. Cleaning of classrooms
- While in practical rooms/option subjects, students will sit with other students from their base class.
- In line with government protocol, all classrooms will be cleaned and sanitised after use.
- If students are leaving a base room, they will be asked to clean their own chair/desk before they leave the room. The school will provide all cleaning materials for this purpose.
- Students must bring all of their classroom materials with them when leaving a room.
- Students should place any tissues used in a separate ‘COVID19’ binwhich will be placed in each classroom.
7. Entering and exiting the building
- Students will enter the building via the main Kishoge entrance. They may not come in through any other door.
- Students will exit via the side fire exit when leaving the building. They will exit with their year group observing social distancing rules.
- All procedures for entry and exit will be communicated again on the first day back to school.
8. Hand and respiratory hygiene
- All students are expected to follow government guidelines in relation to good respiratory etiquette and hand hygiene
- Students will be reminded of procedures to follow for washing hands during tutor classes.
9. Student belongings
- Students must ensure that they have everything they need in school with them every day. Borrowing of any items from another student or staff member will not be permitted.
- Students should clean their i-Pad, books and copy covers, stationery items, etc. every day after school.
- Students should not touch anything belonging to another student or staff member.
10. School uniform
- All students wear their full school uniform to school every day.
- Students will be permitted to wear their school track suits on PE days ONLY as changing facilities will not be available.
11. Lunch times
- All students will have lunch in their base classrooms.
- Each student will clean and sanitise their own desk and area after their lunch.
- Students will have an assigned outdoor space to go to after they have eaten lunch.
- No eating will be permitted in the outdoor spaces and all students are advised to wear a face mask in these areas.
- The canteen facility will not be available for students to purchase food this year.
- Students should ensure that all lunch boxes, bottles, etc. are washed thoroughly each evening.
12. Social distancing
- All students must always keep a minimum of 1 metre distance from each other
- Students must keep a minimum of 2 metre distance from staff members.
- There will be no hugging, close contact, handshakes, high fives, etc.
- All these measures are always in place to keep all members of our school community safe.
13. Movement around the building
- All corridors will be marked clearly with tape and students must always keep to the left of this tape.
- All stairs are clearly marked to go up on the left and come down on the left.
14. Visitors to the school
- Parents and guardians are requested not to enter the school building except if you have an arranged meeting/appointment.
- In this case, we ask that you adhere to social distancing guidelines in the foyer of the school.
- You will also be asked to wear a face mask if meeting with a staff member and to maintain a 2-metre distance. You must also sanitise your hands-on entry to the school.
- No items can be dropped to school for students. Items forgotten by students are NOT to be handed into reception.
15. Student illness
- If a student is displaying colds, coughs, high temperature or flu like symptoms, they must stay at home.
- Children who display such symptoms in school will be isolated in a designated area and parents asked to collect them from the school as soon as possible. They must not use public transport under these circumstances.
- We have a dedicated isolation room with contact less thermometers, PPE and assigned toilet facilities if necessary. Our isolation room will be referred to as a first aid room in our school.
16. Travel
- We are encouraging students to walk/cycle to school where possible.
- If students/families have returned from a country not on the current government green list in the last 14 days - they cannot return to school until 14 days’ quarantine is complete.
- Government policy, which is based on official public health advice, continues to advise against non-essential travel overseas for everyone.
- It is a requirement for anyone coming into Ireland, from locations other than those with a rating of ‘normal precautions’ (“green”), to restrict their movements for 14 days, and this includes school staff, parents and children or other students coming from abroad to attend school in Ireland. Restricting your movements means staying indoors in one location and avoiding contact with other people and social situations as much as possible.
17. Accommodation
- It has come to our attention that several articles were printed over the weekend in online media forums. The headlines were very misleading and may have caused unnecessary anxiety for families with students attending GCC. As per previous emails and correspondence, we have secured classrooms in Kishoge CC for this academic year in the absence of our prefabs. The rooms assigned ensure that each base class in GCC has a designated classroom where social distancing of 1 m can be ensured. Therefore, reports of overcrowding or no access to accommodation for GCC are both misleading and untrue. GCC is working in line with the Department of Education roadmap, in the same manner as all schools throughout the country, to ensure the safe re opening of our school.
- Contractors will be onsite to commence work by the end of August 2020 on our temporary accommodation.
A detailed COVID response plan for parents and students will follow later this week after the Board of Management meet.
Please keep an eye to our website and to your emails for updates as we get closer to a re-opening.
Letter Sent 14/8/20
14th August-2020.pdf
DES - Wearing of Masks in School 7/8/20
It is now recommended that teachers and secondary school students wear face coverings, similar to those worn in shops or on public transport, when a physical distance of 2 metres cannot be maintained.
The size of the classrooms in Kishoge CC allows us to fit 24 students , one teacher and 1 SNA in a classroom. This allows for 1 metre social distancing of students apart as per guidelines (Teacher is at 2 metre distance).
Letter Dated 5/8/20
Dear Parents/Guardians and Students,
We hope to find you all safe and well and we look forward to re connecting with you in the coming weeks as schools begin preparations for safe re opening in late August.
We wish on behalf of the BOM and DDLETB to update you regarding the provision of temporary accommodation for GCC.
We appreciate that there are concerns about the return to school. The Department of Education is working with schools to ensure that the safety of children and staff is paramount at this time. Measures are clearly indicated for schools to keep physical distancing and hygiene a priority so as to avoid incidences of Covid 19 within our schools. The building in Kishoge has more generous circulation space in corridors and stairwells than most schools. In collaboration with Kishoge CC, Griffeen CC has secured base classrooms for each class in GCC. Timetables may need to be adjusted in the coming weeks but we will be in touch regarding measures that will be taken to ensure the safety of all.
Delays to the previously shared timeline in relation to the delivery of temporary accommodation have been incurred due to the Covid 19 pandemic.
The delay has been caused by:
- Steel assigned to this build being re-assigned to medical projects over the past number of months.
- Crew numbers and safety protocols/training have changed, and the 100 building crew has been reduced to max 70 on site to adhere to social distancing and HSA guidance. This has added to longer timeline.
- The cleaning and dis-infecting of the site means that building time has been reduced hence a longer timeline will be required.
It is hoped the proposed temporary building will be ready for occupation towards the end of the first week in November (6th November).
The internal works Contractor has also been appointed and it is expected that these works will be completed by the end of August.
Over the last three years we have overcome many obstacles as a school community and I believe that this year will be no different. We are doing everything possible to ensure a calm and safe return to school for our students. Staff are excited to meet our new students and staff members in the coming weeks.
Stay safe,
Rachel, Edel and the GCC Team.
School Calendar 2020/21
The provisional calendar for 2020 may be found at the following link. Please note this is subject to change due to anticipated guidelines from the Dept of Education. 2020_Provisional_Calendar.pdf
Letter Sent 26/6/20
Calendar:
There is a DRAFT calendar now available on the school website highlighting the return to school dates and times. Again, there is no confirmation or guidelines from the Department of Education outlining how social distancing will impact our school day, however we will share updates with you as they emerge.
School day:
Again, there is no confirmation or guideline's outlining what this might look like and we will share these with you once confirmed. Once guidelines have been issued and while we continue to share accommodation in Kishoge CC we need to make some changes to our daily timetable for the coming academic year.
These changes will ensure our students get maximum access to facilities and practical rooms in Kishoge CC.
School will now start at 8.45 with Tutor time. Classes will commence at 9am. We will then have 3 classes until 12pm. Lunch will be from 12 :00 - 12.55. There will be no morning break and we will factor in movement/snack breaks if needed. Classes will then resume from 12.55- 3.55 from Monday - Thursday and we will finish at 12:00 on Friday.
Monday – Thursday: 8.45 am – 3.55pm
Friday: 8.45 – 12:00pm
I understand this is a big change, but we have examined all options and it's the only way we can move forward whilst sharing facilities and minimizing school cross over. This decision can and will be revisited with the school community when we no longer rely on access to another schools' facilities. We thank you for your continued support of GCC.
Accommodation Update:
Due to Covid, there have been some delays in the timeline for temporary accommodation. That said, we are still aiming for 12th July when works will begin onsite. The date for occupancy has not being confirmed, so we are acquiring 2 more classrooms on the 1st floor in Kishoge CC and a small room for TY students on the second floor. We will keep you updated re developments here.
Uniform & Resource Lists
Information for resources required for each year group are now available online.
Uniform details and price lists are also available on the website. Please note the requirements for school shoes and jackets worn to school. Non-approved shoes include all types containing logos, even if they are black. Runner style shoes are not permitted.
While there may be issues purchasing the official school jacket due to supply, it is recommended to purchase a jacket that is similar in style and not branded or containing logos.
Please check the website regularly for all updates and information pertaining to school resumption and school life.
School Office
School office will close from Fri 26th June until Tuesday 4th August (urgent contact can be made via info@griffeencc.ie)
We wish you all a restful and safe summer and look forward to welcoming our current and new students back to GCC for the coming academic year.
School Warehouse - School Uniform
Our partners at School Warehouse are in the final stages of preparing return to work on JUNE 8th 2020 in line with the Roadmap for Reopening Society & Business. With due regard for the health and safety of all customers and staff they are asking all customers (where possible) to purchase their uniform for the academic year 2020/21 online. They would appreciate if all parents register on their web site www.schoolwearhouse.ie so that they can keep you up to date with any new changes to how they operate based on additional guidance as issued by the Government. Please review the attached document SCHOOLWEAR HOUSE REOPENING which contains details of how they propose to operate on reopening as well as guidance for parents on how to measure their child to ensure they order the correct size uniform. www.schoolwearhouse.ie
DES - JC Exam Fee Refund 2020
In reference to the announcements made by the Minister for Education and Skills, Mr. Joe Mc Hugh T.D., on Friday 10th April and Friday 8th May regarding the postponement and the revised arrangements of the Junior Cycle and Leaving Certificate examinations. As a result of these decision I wish to confirm that the State Examinations Commission (SEC) is refunding all candidates who have paid their examination fee for 2020.
Refunds were processed on May 26th for all candidates that paid the examination fee online. Refunds will go back to the card/account which was used to pay the fee. The process can take up to 7 days to process.
If candidates have not received the refund by June 10th , they should email us at fees@examinations.ie with their exam number.Thank you for your continued co-operation and support in this regard, it is very much appreciated.
Letter Sent 21/5/20
2nd & 3rd yr student letter for fees and uniform (1) (1).pdf
Student Vaccinations 2020
We have been advised that the second round of vaccinations due to take place before lockdown will now be scheduled for the next school year.
The vaccines are boosters so some immunity has already been provided and not affected by the delay.
Our information is that it will not be possible to get the vaccines from your GP.
One thing for certain is that they won't be forgotten about.
Letter Sent 1/5/20
Please see letters including TimeTables sent by email to parents on Friday May 1st:
Teaching & Learning Guidelines - 1st & 2nd Yr
Given continued restrictions and school closures it has been agreed by staff that as the school year comes to an end that students will be sent 1 piece of work per subject to do weekly for the next 3 weeks.
This work will be assigned on a set day (timetables attached) and should be submitted maximum 5-7 days later. If work is completed before that, it may be submitted via Edmodo as normal. If students need help over the course of the week, they may contact their teachers via email or Edmodo as is currently happening and there will also be the option for online meetings hosted via Microsoft teams. The guidelines for these online meetings are also attached as a separate document.
Work posted will be left visible after the 5-7 day deadline to allow students to access at a later date if they have a change in circumstances.
Each piece of assigned work will be presented in a way that it is manageable for students with full instructions. Every subject has different requirements/layouts but all tasks will be in parts. For example this may look like an exam question of varying parts, a comprehension of different sections, an art assignment based on topic. In some cases if you see CAPITAL LETTERS in a question this may be used as a guide for the following
Capital G = Go Section- this is work achievable by all students
Capital B will be more challenging
Capital G = Grit requires structure and effort. This is an 'Extension Challenge' for students and all students are capable of attempting.
Students should attempt ALL sections and we ask you encourage them to complete all sections - in full preferably or part where challenges arise. We encourage students to challenge themselves at their own level and we hope that all tasks would be attempted in some form.
** Please note this is a structure/format and may not be an identical document for every subject as content in subjects can vary.
Each subject teacher will have a scheduled online video check-in time where they will meet with small group of students – invitations will be sent via school email. These check in’s will take place between the work being assigned and submitted to provide support if needed. Online Check ins are not compulsory as we understand some students may not be comfortable with this and in some cases, depending on each households circumstances, this may not be possible to arrange. If this is the case please just let the teacher know and further communication can be arranged via another platform, for example, Edmodo.
Teachers will continue to be are available via Edmodo and students can email for guidance as normal.
Success criteria will be shared and marks/weighting will be assigned to work. Feedback will follow but please allow time for this as providing feedback online can take longer than face to face feedback typically would.
Where possible there will be a range of modes of expression- text/ presentation/ video/ poster etc. invited.
End of year reports will reflect an average of the work submitted (during this period as well as from January to March). Reports will therefore reflect performance and engagement with online tasks and formative feedback will be provided.
Stay safe and well,
The Griffeen CC staff.
Teaching & Learning Guidelines - 3rd Yr 1/5/20
Given continued restrictions and school closures it has been agreed by staff that as the school year comes to an end that students will be sent 1 piece of work per subject to do weekly for the next 3 weeks.
This work will be assigned on a set day (timetables attached) and should be submitted maximum 5-7 days later. If work is completed before that, it may be submitted via Edmodo as normal. If students need help over the course of the week, they may contact their teachers via email or Edmodo as is currently happening and there will also be the option for online meetings hosted via Microsoft teams. The guidelines for these online meetings are also attached as a separate document.
Work posted will be left visible after the 5-7 day deadline to allow students to access at a later date if they have a change in circumstances.
Each piece of assigned work will be presented in a way that it is manageable for students with full instructions. Every subject has different requirements/layouts but all tasks will be in parts. For example this may look like an exam question of varying parts, a comprehension of different sections, an art assignment based on topic. In some cases if you see CAPITAL LETTERSin a question this may be used as a guide for the following
Capital G = Go Section- this is work achievable by all students
Capital B will be more challenging
Capital G = Grit requires structure and effort. This is an 'Extension Challenge' for students and all students are capable of attempting.
Students should attempt ALL sections and we ask you encourage them to complete all sections - in full preferably or part where challenges arise. We encourage students to challenge themselves at their own level and we hope that all tasks would be attempted in some form.
** Please note this is a structure/format and may not be an identical document for every subject as content in subjects can vary.
Each subject teacher will have a scheduled online video check-in time where they will meet with small group of students – invitations will be sent via school email. These check in’s will take place between the work being assigned and submitted to provide support if needed. Online Check ins are not compulsory as we understand some students may not be comfortable with this and in some cases, depending on each households circumstances, this may not be possible to arrange. If this is the case please just let the teacher know and further communication can be arranged via another platform, for example, Edmodo.
Teachers will continue to be available via Edmodo and students can email for guidance as normal.
Success criteria will be shared and marks/weighting will be assigned to work. Feedback will follow but please allow time for this as providing feedback online can take longer than face to face feedback typically would.
Where possible there will be a range of modes of expression- text/ presentation/ video/ poster etc invited. End of year reports for 3rd years will reflect a range of assessment modes. Reports will therefore reflect performance/engagement on a number of levels over a period of time.
As per the Minister for Educations announcement, 28th April 2020, this end of Junior Cycle Assessment can be decided locally and will take into consideration the students work over the last 3 years .
We wish you well in the final 3 assignments of your junior cycle. Your commitment and growth over the last 3 years will no doubt be celebrated in your efforts and resilience during these challenging times.
Stay safe and well,
The Griffeen CC staff.
3rd Yr Assignment Schedule 5/5 - 28/5 2020
. 
24th April 2020
Dear Parent/Guardian,
We hope you and your families are staying safe and well in these challenging times. We would like to take this opportunity to check in with you and provide an update on a few things as we come to the end of the first week after the Easter break.
- Please email the school at any time for advice, support or a check in and a member of staff will contact you as soon as they can. The email is info@griffeencc.ie
- We understand that there are mixed emotions and stresses in your homes, so all we ask is that your sons/daughters make efforts to engage with at least some school work each day. Routine is sometimes so re-assuring at stressful times. We are looking at adapting the way school work is being made available in the hope that some variety may provide new opportunity. For those struggling we recommend they work on favourite subjects for now. There are also lots of non-curricular activities they could engage in that are educational; helping in the house, prepping meals, working in the garden; so please bear that in mind. The activities and work we are sending, are to give structure to their day and keep them thinking. So please as parents/guardians know we are all doing our best in these challenging times. Households have enough going on and wellbeing for all is a priority. The students will be fine and if anything, more resilient after this.
- We do understand that there are very difficult situations in some homes, and everyone is dealing with challenges that none of us would ever have foreseen. If any student is having trouble uploading work etc, they, or you on their behalf, can communicate this privately on info@griffeencc.ie . There are guidelines for using the online platform on the school website also.
- If you think some hard copies of resources/work might help instead of online work, please email us and we will try and accommodate this. If your son/daughter needs access to an iPad please let us know.
- If your son/daughter is struggling with anxiety or any other issues and you think they may need additional support, please contact us and we will try our best to access supports on your behalf.
- We will keep you updated on any changes to circumstances e.g.; school closures/ returns/ exams. We would like to thank you again for your support and cooperation during these times.
On a final note, we ask you to be cognisant of the new working conditions our teachers find themselves in. These are challenging times for us all as we care for our families. I would therefore ask that you do not email individual teaching staff outside of working hours unless this has been agreed. If it is the case that an email is sent, please do not expect a response until the next working day at the earliest.
I cannot commend the staff enough for their level of commitment and continued engagement with the students under what are very difficult circumstances. We are all working to the best of our abilities and I ask that you bear that in mind. Remote learning is new for all of us, so flexibility on both sides is required.
As a school, we will continue to support, guide and motivate our students on our online learning platform. We would like nothing more than to have our school community in its proper school environment, however for the moment, the priority is that we all stay safe and well and support and look after each other.
Stay safe and well,
Rachel, Edel and all the staff at Griffeen CC
Impact of School Closures - Examination
Announcement on 10th April - Postponement of the Leaving Certificate and Junior Cycle Examinations.
You may have heard about the decision to postpone this year’s Junior Cycle and Leaving Certificate examinations. At Leaving Certificate, all final written examinations due to take place in May and June will be rescheduled to a new timetable commencing at end July/early August. At Junior Cycle, the written examinations are postponed and will be rearranged as school based tests when schools reopen.
Below you’ll find a few questions and answers to try and explain what the changes mean, who is affected by them and why this unprecedented action was taken. There is no perfect solution to the difficulties our education system is facing as a result of school closures and the impact of measures to stem the spread of Covid-19.
But these decisions are being taken with the best interests of students and their families in mind. We know that this is a time of real stress and worry for you. In making these decisions we wanted to try to provide some certainty about your examinations.
Why was this decision necessary?
The ongoing public health emergency means that at the moment we cannot be sure that it would be safe to bring students together to sit their examinations as normal in June. Students need certainty about the start of their examinations a number of weeks in advance, so acting on the best available public health information, we believe that by the end of July, it will be possible to hold the Leaving Certificate examinations under the conditions required by the public health authorities.
When will the new timetable be available?
Other than advising that the rescheduled Leaving Certificate examinations will commence in late July/August it is not possible right now set out the examinations timetable. The public health situation remains fluid and so decisions in respect of the details of running the examinations can only be made closer to the commencement date. The SEC plans to issue these detailed arrangements to schools in early June
What advice would you give to Leaving Certificate students at this time?
You should continue to prepare for your examinations by engaging in the teaching and learning arrangements that have been put in place for you by your school. We know that this is a really stressful and challenging time, so we also recommend that you stay in touch and connected with your friends,