Letter to Parents regarding Remote Learning Policy

Dear Parents

Hopefully, this email finds you and your families well. These are difficult times for everyone and unfortunately, we are going to have to endure restrictions for a while longer.

Our remote learning programme has been going very well. There has been an extremely high level of engagement from our pupils. Teachers are very pleased with the quality of assignments that are being posted on Seesaw and are very grateful for the support that parents are giving to their children.

We are aware that it has been a number of weeks since many of our pupils have had a chance to see and talk to their school friends and teachers. With this in mind, we have decided to introduce Zoom meetings to our remote learning plan. The primary purpose of these meetings is to provide a social connection for pupils. It is envisaged that teachers will set up meetings, one for this coming week and if successful, then two for each week going forward. (Information on how to access Zoom is described at the end of this email.)

Meetings will last for approximately 15/20 minutes at a time. In order to make the meetings more manageable, classes will be divided into groups. It will be important that proper etiquette is maintained at all times. I have attached information on Zoom protocols for pupils and parents that must be observed and an “etiquette at a glance” sheet.  It is very important that all parents and pupils read these attachments as they contain information that is necessary for their success. A new policy on remote learning will be posted on the website shortly and I would recommend that you read this policy when you get an opportunity.

We feel that pupils will really enjoy the Zoom meetings. However, I would encourage you to ensure that the protocols are understood by both yourself and your children.  Our regular Seesaw lessons will continue as before and please keep up the great work. If you are having any difficulties with either Seesaw or Zoom, please contact me on seesaw@callystownnationalschool.ie.

Finally, I would like to thank our pupils and their families for their efforts in these very unusual times. Thanks also to our teachers and staff for the wonderful work they have been doing each day to ensure a meaningful learning experience for all our pupils. I know that by working together, we can make the very most of these challenging times and we can look forward to being back together safe and well in the future.

Please stay safe.

Regards,

Ambrose Mc Ginnity

Principal.

How to access Zoom

• Please download the Zoom App onto your device or alternatively parents can login to the Zoom website.
• You do not need to open an account or make any payment whatsoever.
• For Zoom calls, parental permission is implied, as the link to a video call will be communicated via the parent/guardian’s email address. Essentially, by virtue of the pupil logging on to the call, permission is assumed.
• Teachers will forward a Meeting ID and Passcode to parents’ email addresses through which parents/pupils can login.
• Before the meeting starts ensure that all mobile or recording devices are switched off and put away.
• Type in the Meeting ID and Password – these must not be shared with anyone else.
• Type in the child’s name (family name is sufficient)…… we will need to know the identity of each child before they are allowed into the class meeting.
• A “Waiting Room” will be in operation and only children from the class will be permitted to enter the meeting by the class teacher.

Video Call Etiquette Poster Zoom Call Protocols ZOOM Getting Started