Hi All

I hope that this message finds you well. Over the last few days, several parents have contacted me regarding Work Experience for TY students. We know that participating in Work Experience is a central reason why some students apply for TY. We also accept that in the current situation, placements are difficult and in some cases impossible to source. With that in mind, we will still be encouraging students to try to source some form of work experience in a sector that interests them. This placement must not cause the student to break any COVID protocols or engage in activities that would put them in danger. The dates of these placements are 2 weeks from Monday 15th March to Friday 26th March. While students are ordinarily asked to source 2 separate placements, (and are still encouraged to do so where possible), students can also work for 2 weeks in the same placement, Students who are unable to source placements can attend School as normal. Students who can only source 1 week are asked to so this on the week of the 15th March, and can attend school as normal during the other week. In order to make sure that no students are disadvantaged by this, Work Experience will no longer count towards end of year assessment. (although students will still be asked to reflect on this experience in the usual way in order to maximise the benefits).

Finally, I would like to thank you for all your help in facilitating Online Learning. Engagement from the TY students has been excellent overall and you have all executed your roles as auxiliary teachers in great style. This Friday to mark the end of the half term, we are having a “Big Fat Quiz of Lockdown 2021” with our TY students. We hope that this will be a light hearted and enjoyable way to end the term. I have attached the poster and you will notice I have asked the students to log on dressed as their favourite Movie or TV Character. I hope that you will encourage them to Log on at 12 and help them with inspiration for their outfit. (One more role for the Auxiliary teachers). Prizes for the best dressed so well worth a bit of an effort.

Thanks All
Ciarán
ciaranmurphy@stpatscs.com