Good Afternoon All,

This is a settling in period as with all new systems/approaches/ideas/procedures ... there will be a 'settling in period'.

As Douglas Adams in ' The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy ' wrote, printed in BOLD, at the back of the book wrote

'DON'T PANIC'.

This current situation is a marathon, not a sprint. I suspect we will be in this mode for some time to come. initially some of us will panic because 'I did not receive this or that email,. The teacher did not contact me... Other schools have done this or that'. 

I can tell you what St Edward's College is doing - We have been discussing this scenario for the past 3 weeks. Our teachers are well prepared, we have the IT helpline and I have today given you a taste of the psychological aspects. We are in the first few days, Do not panic. Stay rational, if you have issues with connection, if you never know your password or how to connect with MySchool we will help you. 

So, for the moment have a read of this; https://www.rte.ie/brainstorm/2020/0316/1123492-mental-health-tips-coronavirus-lockdown/

The technical aspects of today can be ironed out, if you are having problems. 

Please pay attention and recognise that we will all have to take care of our head space and recognise the angst that will grow, especially over the coming week.

Do not only criticise the Government or the Health Department (who as I have said previously have given concrete answers to concrete questions from us).

'The Government' should do this, the Health Department' should do that ... ' What should WE do as individuals - are you minimising your contacts, are you regularly washing your hands, are you arranging 'play-dates' for the little ones?'

We will continue to teach, your children will learn, provided you can give them the structure that they will need at home.

I have often said that the teachers at St Edward's College are professionals and as importantly are caring. Thank them, support them, along with you we will continue to be the best.

Sincerely,

Mr Nollaig Mac an Bhaird
Headmaster