End of Year Message from Mr. Troy
Dear Parent/Guardian,
We have come to the end of a school year like no other. We could not have imagined what was to come when we received the news of the imminent school closure on March 12th last. Our school community responded to the many challenges faced in working remotely at home.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the children for the part they played in this. I heard many great stories from the teachers about their engagement and participation from the children. I saw numerous great examples of baking, art, science, etc coming into the school email. It was amazing to see what could be achieved at home. I know I speak for everyone when I say that we are all looking forward to seeing and hearing the children back in Ennis National School. Congratulations to our 6th class who will move onto secondary school in September. They have been fantastic ambassadors for our school and we wish them every success.
I want to thank the parents for their role in all of this. You were not only parents, but you were also teachers and SNAs during the school closure. I know that this could not have been easy but you stepped up to the mark in many ways. I am acutely aware that circumstances were different in every household and I want to reassure you that when your child/children return to the school we will endeavor to make sure that they feel happy and safe in school and secondly, that their learning will continue from where they are. I would like to thank you for your support of the school and look forward to that continued support in September.
Thank you to our fantastic staff for leading teaching and learning with such commitment, energy and skill. Well done to an incredible group of professionals. Thank you to Ger and Emer for working tirelessly behind the closed doors to keep the school running and ensure it will be ready to greet you at the end of August.
I would like to thank the Parents’ Association for all their hard work throughout the year. In these exceptional times, they are leaving no stone unturned to make sure our 6th class get the farewell they deserve. Well done to Elaine and her team. I would like to thank the administrators of the Parents’ Facebook page for helping me to communicate to the school community in these difficult times.
On behalf of all of us at Ennis National School, I would like to say a special thank you and farewell to parent and volunteer, Deirdre McQuillan. Deirdre has been the leader of our walking bus since its inception in 2014. Day after day, hail, rain or snow, Deirdre has walked our children from Curley’s to school. She has carried bags, cautioned and cared for our children, listened to their stories and entertained us with hers. Her commitment to the school and to the biggest walking bus in the country is appreciated by us all. Deirdre has walked 29 marathons on the walking bus but the time has come to hand over the baton as her youngest son is off to secondary school in September. Little did we know on March 12th that it would be Deirdre’s last day. Thank you Deirdre and indeed thank you to all of the volunteers on the walking bus and on the pedestrian crossing.
I would also like to thank the Board of Management of Ennis National School on behalf of the whole community. During these uncertain times, their guidance and expertise has been very much valued and appreciated. It is very reassuring to know that we have this group of people who give freely of their time to make sure Ennis National School is the best it can be.
Our school community suffered a huge loss this year with the passing of Euodia Fitzgerald and more recently, Geraldine Barry. Both people were valued members of our school community and they will be dearly missed. May They Rest In Peace
Thank you for your participation in the ENS Active Schools/Health Awareness week last week. It was a great success and I hope you got to spend some fun time with your children participating in the activities. Results will follow later on the school website.
As expected, there will be changes in the new school year that we will have to implement into the school day. When these changes are decided on I will communicate them to the school community. I have no doubt that with the co-operation of everyone, the changes will not affect the smooth running of the school day. Thanking you in advance for your assistance with this matter.
Finally, I wish you all a happy and safe Summer. Enjoy the break and I look forward to working with you all again at the end of August.
Kind Regards
Brian Troy
Principal