Advice: Use your energies positively
GREETINGS to all the students around the county of Kerry who along with the rest of us, find themselves hurtled into the great unknown – a time of uncertainty and bewilderment.
I wish to commend the Kerryman Newspaper for taking the opportunity to connect with students at this challenging time. While it is easy to get caught up in the fear and the isolation – it is my hope that these articlse from teachers across a range of disciplines in Tarbert Comprehensive School provides you with a little food for thought and keeps you connected.
I’ve decided to focus the teacher content primarily for Leaving Certificate students as they are foremost on our minds at present – that said – the fundamental wisdom and advice from teachers is equally of value to students across all year groups.
Since the school closure, I have stayed in close contact with all the teaching staff and other school Principals, and they are highly complimentary of the general attitude of students – and how they have risen to the challenge with such a mature and dedicated approach.
However, I would like to address one important topic that has surfaced since this crisis began: rumour.
I am fully aware of all the nonsense and rumours that are making the rounds these days about the June exams; it is very easy to get distracted with the ifs, buts and maybes.
I’m going to give you this bit of advice: avoid worry and speculation. It’s unproductive and not healthy.
Whatever happens in the next few weeks, it is likely the State Examinations Commission will move as little away from the current exam system as it has to. In other words: don’t expect drastic changes – equally, don’t waste your time with conjecture.
This COVID-19 crisis, like all crises, will pass, and when it does normality in all its shapes will return.
We can only prepare now under the assumption and likelihood that the Junior and Leaving Certificate Examinations will happen in June of 2020. So you must prepare in that way too.
I know many of you are bothered about cancelled orals, postponed practicals and missing the daily interaction with friends and teachers. I know many of you are finding it hard to get a routine or to motivate yourself. That is all normal.
But don’t get fixated on something that cannot be changed; it’s a wasted energy. Try not to get hung up on what you need to get done every week; instead break your time down to what you can do every hour.
Give yourself realistic goals and targets – make a specific, accurate study plan.
To conclude, I want to say that you are not alone. You have the guidance and expertise of your school’s entire teaching staff on your side.
Schools are not going to rest until every course is finished and you are ready. But we need you on our side.
There is no need for hysteria or panic, no need for excuses or avoidance. All we need now is for you to show a quiet, steady determination, your hard work and cooperation, as you have always provided to date.
Together we will get this job done, and done very well so that you are in a prime position come June 2020. My sincere best wishes; keep the faith.
Richard Prendiville, Principal