On Friday 24th April, Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Dr. Katherine Zappone launched a range of supports for children and parents to support them during this challenging time. The new online resource for parents, entitled Parents Centre will provide additional support for parents and their families during this difficult time. Parents Centre contains information for parents and provides links to a wide range of trusted and high quality online resources including learning, parenting and information on supports for parents. It is easy to navigate and will help parents access the information and support they need quickly. It will be updated as new resources and information for parents are developed.
Here is a video message recorded by Páiric Clerkin, IPPN CEO for parents on the topic of ‘Learning through ordinary things’ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pDLqJYs3ha0
Barnardos has launched a national telephone support service for parents in response to the challenges they are facing during the Covid-19 pandemic.
https://www.barnardos.ie/how-you-can-help/fundraising/covid-19-crisis-appeal-for-children/support-for-parents-during-covid-19-crisis/barnardos-parent-supportline
On 10th April the Minister for Education and Skills Joe McHugh announced that Primary schools will remain closed until further notice. Taoiseach Leo Varadkar also announced that current restrictions will remain in place until the 5th May when they will be reviewed.
One really important message we in St. Brigid’s B.N.S. would like to convey to our pupils is the absolute need to practise social and physical distancing, and to minimise physical contact with each other, to help avoid the spread of Covid-19. Please avoid meeting up and in all circumstances to adhere to HSE guidelines.
In order to support our school community, information notices (in 17 different languages) are available here: www.hse.ie/eng/services/news/newsfeatures/covid19-updates/partner-resources/covid-19-translated-resources/
This is a very challenging time for schools, teachers, pupils and parents. It is critical that during these challenging times we continue to work together and that the focus of all is on the best possible outcomes for our pupils. The support of everyone across the sector is vital, as we all strive to ensure that this public health threat is dealt with as effectively as possible. The guidance provided by the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) of this Department for parents, for young people and for teachers is also being updated on an ongoing basis, and is available at www.education.ie/covid19 https://www.education.ie/covid19#15
To our whole school community, please stay safe. Regards from N. Cullen and all the staff
CMO Letter To Schools (
