End of week one and I know that I have certainly learned a lot.

When we called parents our “partners” in education little did we realise that many of you would be sharing in the supervising and delivery of classes.  I can’t express how much we appreciate your cooperation and support.

For the moment this is the way that classes will be continuing and most teachers and parents are reporting that they are working very well.  Some students may find it difficult to adapt to the new online learning so please keep us informed if there are any problems.

I think that nearly everyone has a device/Chromebook and internet connection because the attendance figures are extremely high.  If you have any difficulties please contact us.
Some students may have books/devices left in school  that they need. If you contact the tutor or year head they will arrange a time.

The best (easiest) way to contact teachers, check on attendance, explain absence, etc is through the VSware app. Let us know also if you have a problem.

For Leaving Cert students let’s continue with our studies and whatever the examination method you will be well prepared for it.  Predicted grades or seated exams or whatever we will be there to give you every support and you will not lose out.

Once we get classes more established we will build in a few “wellbeing” initiatives - maybe we can get parents to participate as well!.

Above all, let’s mind each other, allow time for a laugh or two, and collectively share in delivering the best for our young people.

Thank you.

​

From Monday we move online for all students.

At this stage all students should have got or collected their Chromebooks to allow teachers to deliver classes to them. (Google Classroom can also be accessed through XBox or Playstation 4)

We pride ourselves on being the first Google Reference School in Ireland and have staff well trained in delivery of class material through electronic means prioritising Google Classroom.

Classes will be delivered according to the normal timetable which students have followed in school ( Also available through VSware)

Every effort will be made to follow the timetable with teachers using Google Hangouts and Google Classroom to replicate the classroom experience as much as possible.

Attendance
We appreciate that complications may arise during this current rise in infection but we would ask parents to encourage as much engagement as possible.  Parents will be able to check “virtual attendance” through our VsWare app and teachers will also be able to communicate with parents and vice versa through this app.

Homework
We will endeavour that most of the work will be completed during the class period in order to minimise on homework outside of class time.

Leaving Certificate
Additional work may be assigned for Leaving Certificate students.  Just prior to the Christmas break we held intensive classes for LC students to assist with some of the practical work.

Special Needs
We will be contacting the relevant homes to see how we can best assist to engage with the students who may need support

Please feel free to contact us if you have any difficulties either through the VSware app, mail@athycollege.ie or 059 8631663

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​To allow students to collect their books/Chromebooks for online classes which begin on Mon 11th the school can be accessed on Friday 10am -12noon for junior students and Saturday 10am -12noon for seniors.  If you need to collect items please wear a mask, sanitise on entry, wait until invited in (keeping 1m distance).

Details of arrangements for Leaving Cert students will be posted here later. www.athycollege.ie

Sadly the national Covid picture has deteriorated alarmingly during this week causing the closure of schools and the moving of teaching to online methods except for Leaving Certs.  

Classes will be held online from Monday next 11th January.  Arrangements for Leaving Certs will be posted here.

Further details here when everything is arranged

​

Covid cases are now higher than at any time since the pandemic began and the risk of transmitting the infection is three times higher.

If we are allowed to reopen the schools on Jan 11th it will require even stricter measures than we have had to date in order to keep our students, staff and families as safe as possible. Your help is needed in supporting our new safety measures.

Between now and the return to school please, please, please observe the recommended isolation at home to ensure that nobody is bringing infection into the school.  There should be no visits between households over the coming week - except for care needs.  Please discuss the safety procedures below with your son or daughter before return to school.  We will do everything to protect them but we need your help and support

WE CAN STAY SAFE IF THESE ARE OBSERVED

PUNCTUALITY  We need to be able to close the school door with all corridors empty at 9.am.  Classes start at 8.50 so this is allowing 10 minutes

TOILET BREAKS.  Except in emergency situations toilets should not be used during class time as these are danger areas for the transmission of infection.  Cleaning and disinfection schedules for toilets are planned around their use at break time.

DISTANCE We know how difficult it is for young people to observe safe distance but it is a regulation we have to insist on.  Travelling between classes, during break time, going to and from school this has to be observed.  Being too close is our biggest danger

LOCKERS  We will still try to operate the use of lockers but NEVER during class time as corridors have to be empty for safety reasons.

MASKS.  Masks must be worn at all times.  Teachers will continue to allow mask breaks where students may go outside periodically throughout the day.

END OF DAY Students will be released at end of day in 3 minute intervals between years (beginning with first years at 3.32pm)

HAND SANITISERS  Hand sanitisers are placed outside all classrooms and entry points.  They must continue to be used regularly throughout the day.  Sanitising wipes are used on desks at the beginning and end of each class.

VISITORS  Sorry, whether it’s forgotten books or forms to be signed please do not call to the school during the school day.  Please use post, email or phone where possible.  Student attendance, exam results, explaining absences, etc can all be checked and messages sent through our Vsware app.

PHYSICAL CONTACT  Maintaining a social distance throughout the day is important.  Students who have to be repeatedly reminded about this behaviour will be sent home in the interests of safety.

FOOD  Food (individually wrapped) will continue to be provided daily.  While eating students must maintain 2m distance as maska are removed.  We have installed several picnic benches in the courtyard which are the safest option if the weather allows.

WATER BOTTLES In the first few days after our return we will be promoting individual water bottles which students should fill at home.  This prevents cross contamination at taps or drinking fountains and eliminates the current waste where all students are provided with individual plastic bottles of water daily.

CLASS SIZE  All classes are of 24 or less in rooms which allow a 1m distance.  Special arrangements exist in practical subjects.

ONE WAY SYSTEM  We will continue with our one way system in the school corridors.  This allows students to maintain safe distance in the corridors without running into others coming in the opposite direction

ARRIVING AND LEAVING: Arriving and leaving school students are asked to observe the same safety procedures as in the school building (masks, distance,sanitising)

ONLINE MATERIAL  We will continue to deliver as much material as possible online - even within the school building.  Every student has access to a Chromebook either through providing their own or through our rental scheme.  This diminishes the amount of paper, copies and books.

AFTER SCHOOL STUDY Teachers have arranged after school study for LC students only which finishes at 5.30pm

USE OF SCHOOL  Outside of daytime class activities the school premises are not in use for any other activity.  Pitches, outdoor gym, astro pitch, cinema are not available.

It is also vital that we all follow the full lockdown procedures until the end of January or as long as recommended.  Our safety and the lives of many of our loved ones depend on it.  

Thank you for your help in keeping us safe so far.

​

Following today's announcement the re-opening date for Athy College will now be Mon 11th January.
We remind all of our students that we are now in Level 5 and it is vitally important that the restirctiona and safety measures are followed.  This includes a ban on all household visits which gives a 10 day isolation term before students return to school.
Please ensure that these  restrictions are followed to allow us to resume school on 11th.
​Stay safe.

Many many thanks to the staff, parents, students, delivery people and general public who helped us to stay safe over the last term.  We have almost completed half of the school year safely and will face into whatever the new year brings with confidence and courage.  Sincere thanks.  It has been a difficult term but with your help we have got there.

​Thank you and Happy Christmas.

Athy College reopens on Wed 6th January

So proud of our students and staff of Athy College who this year presented St Vincent's hospital with a gift for every resident, a hamper for every ward, a number of care packs and a financial donation.  Particular thanks to student Niamh Fitzgerald who helped organise the venture.  Wishing all at St. Vincent a very happy Christmas.

The above link to YouTube will be active at 7pm.  We hope you enjoy and thank you for watching.

​Happy Christmas to all and to all a Good Night

Athy College's annual Christmas musical event takes place online this year.  The show will go live on Youtube at 7pm on Thursday evening.  Open to everyone! Sit back and get in the Christmas mood.  We will post the link on www.athycollege.ie just before 7.pm  Enjoy!