‘There is still some great work going on’ – says school principal

‘There is still some great work going on’ – says school principal

By Maurice Garvey

IN TIMES of a crisis, schools are doing their best to educate students remotely.

Some, like Coláiste Bríde in Clondalkin, are well equipped to handle the challenge with an online communication system in place for teaching and learning.

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Coláiste Bride principal Marie-Therese Kilmartin

Communication is the key, according to Marie-Therese Kilmartin, Principal at Coláiste Bríde, who wrote a blog last week on remote teaching for Education Matters.

“We have a very strong communication plan in place. Last week we published a student and parents newsletter on our website.

We are also texting and emailing parents, using as many forms of communication as possible. My advice is to keep checking our website and Twitter, or contact the school.”

Feedback from parents has been positive and a couple are set to contribute pieces to upcoming newsletters.

Shortly after speaking with Ms Kilmartin on Tuesday, Minister for Education Joe McHugh confirmed schools will not be reopening in the short term.

In Coláiste Bríde, as in other secondary schools, Leaving Cert students are the focus and priority, but Ms Kilmartin stresses the importance for “all age groups to keep on top of their work.”

“There is still some great work going on,” she said.

“Teachers are saying ‘wow, I couldn’t believe I could do this much’. The students have been amazing. People are loving the engagement.”

Teachers use Outlook 365/Microsoft Teams online platform to email work to students and there are also videos and cloud-based class notebooks, to share and discuss information online.

However, it is not all plain sailing, and certain issues will arise such as lack of access to a laptop in some homes, and feelings of isolation.

“What’s missing is we are not seeing the body cues,” said Ms Kilmartin.

“Different teachers are checking in with students at different times. We have a tutor system every Wednesday. That is 20 minutes for a class group of 25-30. We are doing that with staff for a coffee break with up to 80 teachers and 100 staff in total.”

On Tuesday, the school made a public appeal online for any offers of laptops for a few Leaving Cert students that do not have access to one.

“We identified students who lacked access and if they don’t have the facilities, parents know they can call and get help. There is a possibility of posting out two weeks of work to affected students.

“If a student says they have no access, we still expect work that needs to be done. Even phones are a fantastic source.”

For the rest of the school year, Kilmartin feels the structures in place now will be adequate to address the challenge.

“The supports remain the same. Teachers links will continue, they want the best for students. School leaders want the best for the students. Communicate. If you don’t know something, ask us.”

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