Tobar an Léinn has updated both its Acceptable Use Policy in light of the current circumstances and distance learning. We have also updated our Admissions Policy. We welcome any parental feedback on these before 20th May when we plan to have them ratified by the Board of Management. 

The following are some very helpful websites that might help everyone keep occupied over the next few weeks.

• Mental Maths practice -  www.topmarks.co.uk/maths-games/hit-the-button
• Maths games and coding - www.mangahigh.com
• ​Movement and mindfulness activities - www.gonoodle.com 
• Educational resources - www.twinkl.ie (free password: IRLTWINKLHELPS)
• Literacy activities - www.bookcreator.com
• Reading and Maths - www.oxfordowl.co.uk/for-home/Follow this link to access resources designed by specialists especially for children with special needs  https://ncse.ie/online-resources 
• https://padlet.com/fitzpam2/Bookmarks?fbclid=IwAR2pq-nHJ8llUJACmjatvgwgRz96NAipIrDIc-MR50WzOkDzvKkeXawXPF0  Lots of resources for all ages and curricular areas here
• https://www.edcolearning.ie/login                                                      Use username: primaryedcobooks and password: edco2020 to access online books and resources
• https://www.folensonline.ie/ Click registar, select 'teacher', fill in a username, email and password, for roll number use Prim20. This site can be used to access online ebooks and resources

This list will be updated as time goes on. The school's Facebook page is very active with lots of accessible ideas and links.

On Thursday the school building will reopen for parents to collect new packs of work that the teachers have prepared. This work is not being created to add any additional pressure or stress to parent's lives. The work for older classes can be done independently and without constant parental supervision. A little work often is the best method to keep children motivated.
The support materials are based on three weeks work excluding the Easter Holidays. We have no further information on when schools are returning and we are expecting an update at some stage this week. We have planned this work to last a longer length of time so that we are prepared if further restrictions are put in place.
The school will reopen at 9.30am, times will be staggered for parents to allow for social distancing. We will be operating a one way system: In through the front door , collect support materials in the Hall and exit through the back door. Please bring a pen as you need to sign in and please provide an email address.
Junior - Senior Infants 9.30-10.30am
Ist -2nd class 10.30-11.30am
3rd-4th class 11.30-12.30pm
5th -6th class 12.30- 1.15pm
You may collect siblings learning materials so you only have to make one trip. Please observe the 2 metre rule and if at all possible please refrain from bringing children with you.

Dear Parents,
We find ourselves in this very strange and surreal situation where our school is closed and many local businesses have closed around us too. On Thursday last when Leo Vardakar made the announcement about schools closing we all hoped that we would reopen after the Easter holidays and life would resume as normal however it is becoming increasing likely that the current situation will last much longer.
We as a staff will do our utmost to support and help in any way we can considering current restrictions. We aim to open the school once a week to allow for parents to collect additional material and resources. These times will be staggered and timetabled so we don't have people arriving in large numbers.
We will continue to update our Facebook, Twitter and Website pages with additional resources and recommended websites etc .Please email the school office@tobaranleinn.ie if you have any questions and enquiries as our phone will only be checked on a irregular basis.
The school building itself is receiving a deep clean at the moment and Con our caretaker will be carrying out maintenance that needs to be done now.
A few months ago we held a wonderful Grandparents Day in our school and the theme and message of that day was the importance that Grandparents play in the lives of the children in our school. It must be so difficult and frustrating for our children and Grandparents that must keep their distance and stay isolated at this time. Encourage your child to write a letter, make a card and draw a picture and explain to them that this is keeping Granny or Grandad safe.
It is important to maintain a routine in the house as all children thrive using a routine no matter how tempting it is to hide under the duvet especially during these difficult times. Stay positive and try not to expose your child to headlines and the concerns you may have..
this is will not be easy as I know some parents are facing temporary lay off from work and have financial considerations on top of everything else.
Home schooling will begin in a lot of homes today, mine own included. It will be different for them and me. Will there be disagreements? Absolutely!!! Not all learning will be carried out around the kitchen table but outside in the garden, the woods and in the kitchen. We will do our formal lessons but also we will garden, cook, exercise and clean ! Yes we will clean, the amount of children that come into my classroom and think the sweeping brush is a foreign object and should come with an instruction manual is unbelievable..
Please keep safe and look after yourself .
Yours Sincerely,
Niamh Campion.
Principal.