Eight Edition: Thank You!

“What seems to us as bitter trials are often blessings in disguise.” – Oscar Wilde

As the academic year of 2019/2020 draws to a close, it is a most surreal way for teachers and students to finish up today.

Undoubtedly, Covid-19 has presented the world with some bitter trials, and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future. But looking at the second part of Oscar Wilde’s famous words - ‘blessings in disguise’, we take stock of all that has been achieved in the most challenging of circumstances. 

Our blessings are our talented and professional staff who have endured and persevered with great determination to ensure continuity of learning in our schools. 

I would like to express my absolute admiration and praise for all students and staff in Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board schools,  who have responded so impressively to the challenge of the global pandemic of Covid-19.

Our students left school on 12 March thinking that they would return sometime before Easter - it is hard to believe that they have not seen the inside of the school since that date.

What they have seen though, is the tremendous professionalism of the teaching and school management profession, the love and care of the school community for them, the efforts to learn and develop new strategies and work-practices - while in many cases sacrificing care of their own, to continue to provide students with the support and feedback they need to engage in their learning.

I wish to convey my appreciation to all teachers and support staff for their highly impressive efforts and commitment to the students and families of our school communities and I wish you a very happy and safe summer break.

Thanks also to the amazing work undertaken by schools in marking the end of school-life at post-primary for students in Sixth Year.  Teachers, support staff, Principals and Deputy Principals  have ensured that students could end the year on a very positive and uplifting note - the leadership and intuitiveness shown is so important to the lives of the young students and the spirit of ’togetherness’ in our school communities.

Finally, I would like to thank the Support Team and Associates for all their extremely uplifting and thought provoking contributions throughout the year and since March with the weekly newsletter. 

Have a lovely weekend and enjoy some of the glorious sunshine.

Donncha O Treasaigh

Director of Schools 

Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board