Not all learning involves a classroom & books!

BEATING boredom by keeping busy is how the children of Teresa’s National School in Kilflynn have coped with COVID-19 restrictions since their school was closed in March.

Over the past few weeks, the school has emailed work to its students and emphasised that children and parents should only try their best without putting pressure on themselves to complete a full workload.

Principal Nora Falvey has said the most important priority right now is the health and well-being of her students, and their families, at this time.

The school is aware that academic work is important; however, the school also believes that people should take this opportunity to bond as a family, spend time together playing board games, reading for leisure, exercising together and, most importantly, having fun.

The school and its staff really want to get the point across that not all learning involves a classroom and books.

“Every family circumstance is different, and many of our parents are working in front-line and support services; working from home; caring for elderly parents; keeping their children safe and trying to maintain some sort of normality while being in a situation that is beyond comprehension at times,” Nora said.

Over the past few weeks, the school’s Facebook page has been a hive of activity.

Each week the staff have worked collaboratively to create a Facebook Challenge.

These challenges have included an Art activity, a baking challenge, the construction of a bird feeder and this week’s Scavenger Hunt challenge.

Those who have accepted and completed the challenges then send their efforts to the school Facebook page, where it is proudly presented.

The whole school community has made a fantastic effort to complete the challenges, and photos sent to Facebook show siblings working together and having fun while they learn.

“As a staff we wanted to connect and support our students and their families, and what better way than through our very active Facebook page?” Nora said. “The Facebook challenges have been a roaring success and have allowed our students to stay together while being physically apart.

“We are urging families to concentrate on what suits their own situation.

“What children need most now is love, support and reassurance that all will be OK. Even in the midst of this pandemic, the message from students is determination’” Nora said.

Images of the cooking and arts and crafts fun many pupils of Kilflynn National School are enjoying during the lock-down.