Mrs Comerford's March Diary
Day 19: March 31st
Busy day today. I had a Zoom meeting with our SNAs and Yvonne this morning. They are all keeping well thank God. They send you their best wishes. They miss everyone and wish that we were all back in school. They all look just the same-the only one we couldn’t see was Phil. Her camera wouldn’t work. The other SNAs were teasing her about it. Susan thought she must still be in her pyjamas!
At lunch time I spent nearly an hour trying to buy a new phone. I’ve needed one for a while now but I put it on the long finger. I’m afraid that it will stop working altogether as the battery is poor and since I dropped it, (again) the other day the screen is cracked. I wouldn’t like to be without a phone these days. It was the first time I ever used the “Chat to an agent” button. The agent I chatted to was really helpful and it was all much easier than I thought it would be.
Don’t forget April Fool’s Day tomorrow. It might be harder to trick people this year when you’re not in school but I’m sure you’ll come up with some clever pranks.
Busy day today. I had a Zoom meeting with our SNAs and Yvonne this morning. They are all keeping well thank God. They send you their best wishes. They miss everyone and wish that we were all back in school. They all look just the same-the only one we couldn’t see was Phil. Her camera wouldn’t work. The other SNAs were teasing her about it. Susan thought she must still be in her pyjamas!
At lunch time I spent nearly an hour trying to buy a new phone. I’ve needed one for a while now but I put it on the long finger. I’m afraid that it will stop working altogether as the battery is poor and since I dropped it, (again) the other day the screen is cracked. I wouldn’t like to be without a phone these days. It was the first time I ever used the “Chat to an agent” button. The agent I chatted to was really helpful and it was all much easier than I thought it would be.
Don’t forget April Fool’s Day tomorrow. It might be harder to trick people this year when you’re not in school but I’m sure you’ll come up with some clever pranks.
Day 18: Monday March 30th
The start of Week 3.
Back to work today. I didn’t post anything on the website for the past two days as I was gone googly eyed from so much screentime. I don’t know how you all manage to spend hours and hours on your screens and still be able to see straight. I had to take a break. I'm putting up the last three days now.
There were several letters I had to write today. Now that we are not allowed to even go into the school, I decided that I had better make an “office “ here. So, I found a trolley and put my laptop, printer and stuff on it. The red box has all the main folders that I need that are not in my Dropbox files in the cloud. You can see that one of them is marked “Miscellaneous”. That’s a long word for “odds and ends” or “bits and pieces”. It’s a word I love because of the sound of it and because it has all the vowels in it. That’s the photograph on the right.
I didn’t plant my plants as it is much too cold and I thought the frost might kill them tonight.
The start of Week 3.
Back to work today. I didn’t post anything on the website for the past two days as I was gone googly eyed from so much screentime. I don’t know how you all manage to spend hours and hours on your screens and still be able to see straight. I had to take a break. I'm putting up the last three days now.
There were several letters I had to write today. Now that we are not allowed to even go into the school, I decided that I had better make an “office “ here. So, I found a trolley and put my laptop, printer and stuff on it. The red box has all the main folders that I need that are not in my Dropbox files in the cloud. You can see that one of them is marked “Miscellaneous”. That’s a long word for “odds and ends” or “bits and pieces”. It’s a word I love because of the sound of it and because it has all the vowels in it. That’s the photograph on the right.
I didn’t plant my plants as it is much too cold and I thought the frost might kill them tonight.
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Day 17: Sunday March 29th
A few weeks ago, I ordered vegetable plants for my garden. They arrived on Friday, so I spent most of today digging the beds to be ready for planting tomorrow. In the afternoon, we went for a walk around some of the farm. We were checking how well the grass is growing and which fields are ready to have calves to go out to graze. I found this really unusual tree and went for a climb. Can you spot me with my camouflage jacket? We had a family Zoom call again this evening but it was a bit frustrating as the internet was very poor and we kept freezing on the screen with the sound going. After 30 minutes we decided to end it before we all got too cranky! My daughter who works in Cork University Hospital says that they have enough gloves but they are running out of face masks. They can sterilise and reuse their goggles. I hope that the shipment of protective supplies from China arrives safely on the Aer Lingus plane |
Spot Mrs Comerford
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Day 16: Saturday March 28th
It was a bit of a shock to hear from our Taoiseach last night that we must now to stay at home, apart from shopping for food or going to essential work. I had arranged to collect a new pup today so now that won’t happen. It’s disappointing but the health of the country is more important. I hope this will slow down the spread of the virus. I noticed that our Horse Chestnut trees, aka Conker trees have started to sprout leaves from the buds. They are always the first trees in the garden to come into leaf. Remember to put your clock forward tonight! |
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Day 15: Friday March 27th
We had a staff meeting through Zoom this morning. It was great to see all the teachers again. We miss meeting up, just like you miss meeting up with your friends. Mr Delaney’s beard is starting to get long again. I wonder if many of the teachers will have beards when we get back to school.
I got an interesting parcel in the post today. Before we were all worried about the Corona Virus we were worrying about climate change. My New Year’s resolution was to make one change every month that would help our planet. January was easy as I had bought reusable cotton make up wipes to use instead of the cotton wool ones that you throw away after one use. In February, after seeing Ms Clune Farrell’s 3rd class presentation on waste recycling, I knew that I had to say “No more cling film in our house.” That’s hard because cling film is sooo useful.
For March, I had seen the ECOEGG, pictured on the right, and was thinking about it, so I bought it and it arrived today. You put in the pellets and then use it in your washing machine instead of washing liquid or tablets. It is supposed to be much kinder for the environment as there are no chemicals to do damage. I will start using it tomorrow. I haven’t decided on what to do for April yet. There are lots of ODD SOCK photos arriving thank you.
Our Taoiseach is going to speak to the country later this evening.
Day 14: Thursday March 26th
We had a school Mass today. Both Fr. Jim and Fr. Tom were there. After Mass, they stayed in the church to say the Rosary with Sr. Concepta. We all kept a distance apart. The Minister for Education wrote a letter to all principals asking us to remind you to keep washing your hands, to stay at home as much as possible and to keep your social distance. The Minister for Education, at the moment, at least until a new government is formed, is Joe McHugh. He says that he is very pleased that so many pupils all around the country are working so hard and doing their best to be good citizens.
I heard that someone in 1st class was wondering if I had to clean out the calf poo when I was doing their bedding. That’s all part of the job Lucca!
At mass, Fr.Jim was talking about Lent. When I was a child and someone asked us what we were giving up for Lent, we always said “homework” or “School” as a joke. I never thought it would actually happen and look at us all now giving up school for most of Lent this year!
We had a school Mass today. Both Fr. Jim and Fr. Tom were there. After Mass, they stayed in the church to say the Rosary with Sr. Concepta. We all kept a distance apart. The Minister for Education wrote a letter to all principals asking us to remind you to keep washing your hands, to stay at home as much as possible and to keep your social distance. The Minister for Education, at the moment, at least until a new government is formed, is Joe McHugh. He says that he is very pleased that so many pupils all around the country are working so hard and doing their best to be good citizens.
I heard that someone in 1st class was wondering if I had to clean out the calf poo when I was doing their bedding. That’s all part of the job Lucca!
At mass, Fr.Jim was talking about Lent. When I was a child and someone asked us what we were giving up for Lent, we always said “homework” or “School” as a joke. I never thought it would actually happen and look at us all now giving up school for most of Lent this year!
Day 13: Wednesday March 25th
Today is another lovely Spring day. I am working from home again. All the teachers are now planning your work and activities for next week.
I hope you will take part in the Odd Sock Day Challenge. Five photographs have arrived in already. I hope to get at least 500!!!
So “Get your Socks On!” I will let you know next Monday how much money we will be sending to Down Syndrome Ireland.
Ms Morrissey told me that some people are having their group music lessons by WhatsApp or Zoom. That sounds like fun.
I don’t know about you, but when I heard that McDonalds was closing, all I could think of was scoffing a Big Mac and fries.....
Today is another lovely Spring day. I am working from home again. All the teachers are now planning your work and activities for next week.
I hope you will take part in the Odd Sock Day Challenge. Five photographs have arrived in already. I hope to get at least 500!!!
So “Get your Socks On!” I will let you know next Monday how much money we will be sending to Down Syndrome Ireland.
Ms Morrissey told me that some people are having their group music lessons by WhatsApp or Zoom. That sounds like fun.
I don’t know about you, but when I heard that McDonalds was closing, all I could think of was scoffing a Big Mac and fries.....
Day 12: Tuesday March 24th
Today I went into school to do some work. It is very quiet there. Mrs Sheehan was in her prefab too, so we said hello through the window again and later I phoned her for a chat. I think I spotted Ms O’Brien in Gairdín na Scoile. It was such a lovely day, she was probably trying to get started on all the sowing and planting that needs to be done in Spring.
I spent a couple of hours today paying bills. A lot of businesses have to shut down for the moment so it is very important to pay bills so that the businesses will have money to pay their staff. I pay most of the bills online.
These are some of the bills I had to pay: the new goalposts in the hall, a New Maths Activity Box that Ms Lavelle’s class needed, the hire of the Watershed for swimming, the bus for swimming, the bus for 4th class to go to the Engineering Week Workshop in Carlow IT, 4th class Cycle Safety bill and the bill for equipment in the new Sensory rooms in the LogCabin.
My last bill to pay was for a nice surprise for Ms O’Brien’s class. We are buying you a new interactive board. Ms O’Brien and her class have been very patient with the old one which wasn’t working very well. So now you will have a new one like the super duper one in Mr Staunton’s room!
On my way home, I heard the news that we will be closed for three more weeks. That made me sad, but I understand why it is important for us all to stay at home as much as possible and to stay at a distance from other people.
Today I went into school to do some work. It is very quiet there. Mrs Sheehan was in her prefab too, so we said hello through the window again and later I phoned her for a chat. I think I spotted Ms O’Brien in Gairdín na Scoile. It was such a lovely day, she was probably trying to get started on all the sowing and planting that needs to be done in Spring.
I spent a couple of hours today paying bills. A lot of businesses have to shut down for the moment so it is very important to pay bills so that the businesses will have money to pay their staff. I pay most of the bills online.
These are some of the bills I had to pay: the new goalposts in the hall, a New Maths Activity Box that Ms Lavelle’s class needed, the hire of the Watershed for swimming, the bus for swimming, the bus for 4th class to go to the Engineering Week Workshop in Carlow IT, 4th class Cycle Safety bill and the bill for equipment in the new Sensory rooms in the LogCabin.
My last bill to pay was for a nice surprise for Ms O’Brien’s class. We are buying you a new interactive board. Ms O’Brien and her class have been very patient with the old one which wasn’t working very well. So now you will have a new one like the super duper one in Mr Staunton’s room!
On my way home, I heard the news that we will be closed for three more weeks. That made me sad, but I understand why it is important for us all to stay at home as much as possible and to stay at a distance from other people.
Day 11; Monday March 23rd
Back to work at the laptop today.
I see that all the teachers have work sent out for this week. Would you believe-I have given the teachers some work to do this week also! They have to watch a webinar on the New Language Curriculum and then email me back some worksheets. We were supposed to give you all a half day and then do this work together in school, so now is a good chance to do it. It will help us to plan interesting English and Gaeilge lessons for you. I told Fr. Jim and our Board of Management that you are all working hard and doing your best.
Back to work at the laptop today.
I see that all the teachers have work sent out for this week. Would you believe-I have given the teachers some work to do this week also! They have to watch a webinar on the New Language Curriculum and then email me back some worksheets. We were supposed to give you all a half day and then do this work together in school, so now is a good chance to do it. It will help us to plan interesting English and Gaeilge lessons for you. I told Fr. Jim and our Board of Management that you are all working hard and doing your best.
,Day 10:Sunday March 22nd
This is a very strange Mothers’ Day. I didn’t get breakfast in bed, but I did get flowers and a card. All my children phoned me during the day and then we had our Zoom call in the evening. That was good fun because I could see everyone and we could all chat away. They are all keeping well, thank God.
It was a beautiful, sunny day and we went for a walk in the woods. I saw our SNA, Paula, who retired last June but we just waved and said hello at a distance.
This is a very strange Mothers’ Day. I didn’t get breakfast in bed, but I did get flowers and a card. All my children phoned me during the day and then we had our Zoom call in the evening. That was good fun because I could see everyone and we could all chat away. They are all keeping well, thank God.
It was a beautiful, sunny day and we went for a walk in the woods. I saw our SNA, Paula, who retired last June but we just waved and said hello at a distance.
Day 9 Saturday March 21st
Saturday today so not much school work to be done apart from checking messages and emails.
This morning the sun is shining so some of the cattle are going out into the fields. They are delighted to be free and they race around the fields running and jumping- a bit like break time in school!
In the afternoon I go for a walk to the neighbouring village, Kilmoganny. The only thing open there is the shop where I usually buy my newspapers on a Saturday. Mr Hoyne only does school day newspaper deliveries. Everywhere else, even the takeaway, is closed.
It is a nice easy walk down to Kilmoganny as it is nearly all downhill, but coming back is a bit of a trek. The very steep hill is called the Blue Hill. I don’t know why so maybe I should try and find out where it got its name.
I hope you have some interesting plans for your Mammy for Mothers’ Day.
Saturday today so not much school work to be done apart from checking messages and emails.
This morning the sun is shining so some of the cattle are going out into the fields. They are delighted to be free and they race around the fields running and jumping- a bit like break time in school!
In the afternoon I go for a walk to the neighbouring village, Kilmoganny. The only thing open there is the shop where I usually buy my newspapers on a Saturday. Mr Hoyne only does school day newspaper deliveries. Everywhere else, even the takeaway, is closed.
It is a nice easy walk down to Kilmoganny as it is nearly all downhill, but coming back is a bit of a trek. The very steep hill is called the Blue Hill. I don’t know why so maybe I should try and find out where it got its name.
I hope you have some interesting plans for your Mammy for Mothers’ Day.
Day 8 Friday March 20th
It’s hard to believe that we have been closed for a week now. Today we had a staff meeting using Aladdin. It took a long time to post up question and to read the replies. Afterwards, there were plenty of questions to answer. We are organised for next week now. Next Friday we will have a Zoom staff meeting where we can all talk to one another. That should be easier.
In the afternoon, I was working on the farm again. I took some photos of the calves to show you. It is really hard to take their photos as they keep moving and then the photos are fuzzy or blurred. These are the best ones I got.
Talking of Zoom, I found out today that my family are planning a surprise Zoom Family Call for me for Mothers’ Day on Sunday. I’m glad I found out because now I have three days to look forward to it! I haven’t let on that I know already so Mum’s the word! 😉
I wasn't able to make that SSh! picture on the right any smaller-something else for me to learn!
It’s hard to believe that we have been closed for a week now. Today we had a staff meeting using Aladdin. It took a long time to post up question and to read the replies. Afterwards, there were plenty of questions to answer. We are organised for next week now. Next Friday we will have a Zoom staff meeting where we can all talk to one another. That should be easier.
In the afternoon, I was working on the farm again. I took some photos of the calves to show you. It is really hard to take their photos as they keep moving and then the photos are fuzzy or blurred. These are the best ones I got.
Talking of Zoom, I found out today that my family are planning a surprise Zoom Family Call for me for Mothers’ Day on Sunday. I’m glad I found out because now I have three days to look forward to it! I haven’t let on that I know already so Mum’s the word! 😉
I wasn't able to make that SSh! picture on the right any smaller-something else for me to learn!
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Day 7: Thursday March 19th
Today we had Mass for our First Communion Second Class students.
When I arrived at the church, I met the Sacristan, Éilis. A sacristan takes care of the church for different ceremonies. She had the altar ready for mass.
The Prayer Group were still saying the Rosary so we were a little bit late starting. It was very strange reading to an empty church so I hope there were plenty of people also watching and praying on the webcam.
Thank you to Conor’s Mam, Sinéad, for putting up a lovely display of 2nd class Shamrocks and to Ciarán’s Mam, Siobhán, who had the Prayers of the Faithful ready. They are on the Parents’ Committee who organise these masses for second class.
After mass, Fr. Jim and I had a cup of tea and a chat while keeping our social distance. Fr. Jim says he is keeping well but that he misses everyone.
I went to the school afterwards. Some families are having trouble logging in to Aladdin Connect so I needed to phone them and to get it sorted out. Mrs Sheehan was also there. We had a chat through my office window!
Alan had the bins left out for collection.
Today we had Mass for our First Communion Second Class students.
When I arrived at the church, I met the Sacristan, Éilis. A sacristan takes care of the church for different ceremonies. She had the altar ready for mass.
The Prayer Group were still saying the Rosary so we were a little bit late starting. It was very strange reading to an empty church so I hope there were plenty of people also watching and praying on the webcam.
Thank you to Conor’s Mam, Sinéad, for putting up a lovely display of 2nd class Shamrocks and to Ciarán’s Mam, Siobhán, who had the Prayers of the Faithful ready. They are on the Parents’ Committee who organise these masses for second class.
After mass, Fr. Jim and I had a cup of tea and a chat while keeping our social distance. Fr. Jim says he is keeping well but that he misses everyone.
I went to the school afterwards. Some families are having trouble logging in to Aladdin Connect so I needed to phone them and to get it sorted out. Mrs Sheehan was also there. We had a chat through my office window!
Alan had the bins left out for collection.
This is Fr. Jim getting ready to bring his dogs for a walk by the river. He had his headphones on but I forgot to ask him what he would be listening to.
By the way, it was a bit hard to tell the difference between the hay and straw from my photos, but the hay has finer or thinner stems than the straw and the straw is more golden in colour. Hay is actually long grass that was cut in the summer and left to dry out in the sun- a bit like being toasted by the sun. It is then stored in bales and the animals eat it during the winter when there is not enough fresh grass.
Straw is the stalks that are left after the corn is cut. It is left to dry out too , then baled and stored for bedding for the animals. They do not eat it. It would be too rough and I'd say tasteless.
Hay bales are much heavier than straw bales.
Day 6: March 18th
I think everyone is settling back into working at home today.
I have been talking to Ms Flynn and Mr Nolan about keeping the website updated. Keep sending in your photos and work to be uploaded.
Mr. Nolan suggested that I put the newest day of the diary on top. Good idea!
All the teachers are keeping well.
Ms Heuston’s Grandad died yesterday. He had been sick for a long time. May he rest in peace.
We are all learning new things. I want to have a staff meeting on Friday but we can’t go to school to meet so I am learning how to set up a meeting online.
Today I also worked on our farm for a while. The fields are still wet after all the rain, so the cattle cannot go out yet. My job is to put in clean, straw beds for some of the calves and also to put fresh hay in the mangers for them to eat. It is actually a very easy job and I like being out in the fresh air and playing with the calves. They are very cute and love all the attention.
I think everyone is settling back into working at home today.
I have been talking to Ms Flynn and Mr Nolan about keeping the website updated. Keep sending in your photos and work to be uploaded.
Mr. Nolan suggested that I put the newest day of the diary on top. Good idea!
All the teachers are keeping well.
Ms Heuston’s Grandad died yesterday. He had been sick for a long time. May he rest in peace.
We are all learning new things. I want to have a staff meeting on Friday but we can’t go to school to meet so I am learning how to set up a meeting online.
Today I also worked on our farm for a while. The fields are still wet after all the rain, so the cattle cannot go out yet. My job is to put in clean, straw beds for some of the calves and also to put fresh hay in the mangers for them to eat. It is actually a very easy job and I like being out in the fresh air and playing with the calves. They are very cute and love all the attention.
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On the left is a barrow of hay for the calves to eat and on the right is a load of straw for their bedding. Can you spot the difference?
I will answer that tomorrow.
I will answer that tomorrow.
Day 5: St. Patrick’s Day
I really enjoyed looking at all the different “Parades” on Social Media.
Day 4: Monday March 16th
I checked my school email account and I am delighted to see some photos of children at work at home and some photos of their work. I will send these to the website.
Fr. Jim is happy to celebrate Mass on Thursday for First Communion pupils and anyone else who wants to tune in. I will play the organ and sing some hymns. Hopefully you will all join in with me singing.
I put a notice on Aladdin to keep everyone updated.
This evening I drove to Dublin Airport to collect my daughter who was coming home from London as her college has directed that her work placement be done from home.
The airport was very quiet. I didn’t go into the building; I just waited in the car. It was very strange not to be able to hug my daughter when she arrived but we need to keep a distance for several days as she has just left London.
I checked my school email account and I am delighted to see some photos of children at work at home and some photos of their work. I will send these to the website.
Fr. Jim is happy to celebrate Mass on Thursday for First Communion pupils and anyone else who wants to tune in. I will play the organ and sing some hymns. Hopefully you will all join in with me singing.
I put a notice on Aladdin to keep everyone updated.
This evening I drove to Dublin Airport to collect my daughter who was coming home from London as her college has directed that her work placement be done from home.
The airport was very quiet. I didn’t go into the building; I just waited in the car. It was very strange not to be able to hug my daughter when she arrived but we need to keep a distance for several days as she has just left London.
The mucky road at the top of Sliabh na mBan.
Day 3: Sunday March 15th
I listened to Bishop Farrell’s Mass on KCLR and thought that it would be a good idea for us to have our First Communion Preparation Mass broadcast through the Parish Webcam. I will phone Fr. Jim tomorrow to see if he can do it.
I listened to Bishop Farrell’s Mass on KCLR and thought that it would be a good idea for us to have our First Communion Preparation Mass broadcast through the Parish Webcam. I will phone Fr. Jim tomorrow to see if he can do it.
Day 2: Saturday
March 14th.
Looking at the weather forecast (réamhfhaisnéis na hAimsire), it seemed like a good idea to Climb Sliabh na mBan. The weather forecast App was not accurate! This is me at the summit. It was wet, cold and windy. My son says that I look like someone out of a horror movie!
Looking at the weather forecast (réamhfhaisnéis na hAimsire), it seemed like a good idea to Climb Sliabh na mBan. The weather forecast App was not accurate! This is me at the summit. It was wet, cold and windy. My son says that I look like someone out of a horror movie!
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Day 1: Friday March 13th 2020
I suggested that everyone keep a diary so I think I should do so also.
This must be the strangest day in school ever!
Yesterday, there were 653 pupils, 39 teachers, 11 SNAs, 1 secretary, 1 caretaker, 2 student teachers, 2 students on Child Care Placements and Evelyn all here in school- A total of 710 people in the building. Imagine just how quiet it is now with only 1 person here.
I suggested that everyone keep a diary so I think I should do so also.
Still, there’s lots of work to be done so today I file away the Seachtain na Gaeilge folders. I make some phone calls to people looking for places in the school. Then I send out letters to the new pupils who will be starting in our A.S.D. class next year.
Next it’s time to fill out forms for teachers for next year in our school, followed by a call to our inspector or cigire, who had made an appointment to see me next week to see how well we are getting on with the new Primary Language Curriculum. Unfortunately, the inspectors have been told not to travel to schools even for individual meetings so we will have to meet at a later date.
Finally, I pack my bag with everything I need to work from home in case I cannot come into school next week.
I suggested that everyone keep a diary so I think I should do so also.
This must be the strangest day in school ever!
Yesterday, there were 653 pupils, 39 teachers, 11 SNAs, 1 secretary, 1 caretaker, 2 student teachers, 2 students on Child Care Placements and Evelyn all here in school- A total of 710 people in the building. Imagine just how quiet it is now with only 1 person here.
I suggested that everyone keep a diary so I think I should do so also.
Still, there’s lots of work to be done so today I file away the Seachtain na Gaeilge folders. I make some phone calls to people looking for places in the school. Then I send out letters to the new pupils who will be starting in our A.S.D. class next year.
Next it’s time to fill out forms for teachers for next year in our school, followed by a call to our inspector or cigire, who had made an appointment to see me next week to see how well we are getting on with the new Primary Language Curriculum. Unfortunately, the inspectors have been told not to travel to schools even for individual meetings so we will have to meet at a later date.
Finally, I pack my bag with everything I need to work from home in case I cannot come into school next week.