Guidance Information

Dear Parent/Guardian,

We trust you had a relaxed and enjoyable summer.  A new academic year is dawning and most importantly this is possibly the most significant year in their education.

Your Leaving Cert student has already spent four or five years in secondary school and we, in Coláiste Chroí Naofa are committed to helping each individual student to reach their full potential and make well informed career decisions in an environment that is enriching and progressive, caring and pastoral.

Leaving Certificate is a challenging time for students. To help them we can work together to promote healthy study habits. In school they have already been given tips on how to get the most from their study, how to build a routine and track their progress and we will build on these skills this year. In the meantime, some of the following may assist you in helping your son/daughter achieve their best in the exams.

·       You can help your son/daughter in many ways by participating in the creation of a routine tailored to their needs. Some examples may include creating a quiet space for your son/daughter to study in, allowing them to stick notes around the room, giving them space if they are getting frustrated and monitoring their phone usage, as this can be a big distraction.

·       Encourage him/her to do their best, it is not always easy. Even though they may be trying their best, they may still get a grade they are unhappy with. When this happens, try to be supportive towards them, encourage them to pick themselves up and learn from the mistakes they have made.

·       Students study more productively if they are well rested and have healthy diets. Please ensure they take breaks during study and try to continue with some physical activity. Physical activity will help them by reducing stress levels and increasing concentration levels. Breakfast is extremely important every morning, as it prevents dizziness and loss of concentration.

The new CCN Guidance Website is available for your perusal which is updated daily with a Guidance Calendar of Events among other guidance related information.

Following on from their Guidance appointment last year, Leaving Certs are encouraged to email mhearn@ccn.ie through MS Teams to secure their appointments this year. Please also speak to your son and daughter about their www.careersportal.ie unique profile with relation to career and course options suited and tailored to them which they are currently revising.

Other options were are exploring for the class of 2021 are the Higher Options Virtual Fair – the country’s biggest and most comprehensive Third Level College Options exhibition: Further details to follow about registration for a nominal fee.

Finally, wishing you and your family every good health and happiness for 2020-2021.

Best wishes,

Mr. C. O’Corcora                                                       Ms. M. Hearn

Principal                                                                     Guidance Counsellor