Information for Students and Parents Monday 30 March 2020

Dear Parents & Students,

We hope you continue to stay safe during these exceptional times. Please click on the links below to view the most up to date access codes for individual teachers and classrooms on Google Classroom and/or Edmodo online learning platforms. Each link begins with a brief graphic/explanation of how to log into a Google classroom. We are now beginning our 3rd week of online support for student learning, and feedback from staff, students and parents has been very positive. It is important, however, that all of us who support learning continue to be realistic in our expectations of the impact of online (virtual) teaching. With the best of intention and purpose online platforms cannot replace the normal face to face interaction of the standard school day. Online platforms do, however, make guidance and resources available. Delivery of content may be uneven as will return of assignments from teachers to students (and vice versa) and we must all allow for this. Please be cognisant also of the very short lead in period to the school closure and the limits placed on school staff and students in terms of access, broadband speed and other factors in the home at this time. Under these exceptional circumstances we appreciate that staff, students and parents are doing their utmost to ensure continuity in learning programmes.

GCC Virtual Wellness Space

We would like to remind parents and students about the importance of keeping up to date on all work assignments and we ask you to continue engaging with teachers (as far as is practicable) during normal school hours. We are aware that some students, particularly in our exam years, are starting to feel the strain. Indeed, some of our staff are finding the current adjustments to delivery of programmes very challenging. As highlighted in previous updates, parents and students need to be vigilant around the impact of online platforms to daily work routines. During this uncertain period it is essential that Wellbeing for all who are part of our school community continues to be prioritised. Please click on the link below to view GCC’s Virtual Wellness Space which provides some ideas to help us all stay well. Our thanks to our School Chaplain Ms Marie McInerney for developing this resource:

GCC Virtual Wellness Space

Our online Google Classroom is a very useful means for us to support your child’s continuing engagement in learning. It is important to highlight once again, that access to and use of this platform is a privilege and should be treated with the utmost respect. The terms of use are underpinned by our Internet Acceptable Use Policy and by our Code of Behaviour. Parents are asked to review and discuss your son/daughters online class activity regularly. We are also asking parents to ensure your son/daughter has changed their password, which only they know. You should be aware that any inappropriate commentary or online activity will result in your son/daughters account being suspended and they will be denied access. S/he may also be held solely responsible for the content posted and subject to any actions, as outlined in our policies.