Update Letter for 3rd Year Parents Re Junior Cert

Dear Parents, Guardians and Students,

We hope that this letter finds you and your families well. There has been much reporting in the media on the Junior Cert exams and the possibility that schools will have the choice of holding some form of assessment in May rather than in September. We are awaiting an announcement from the Minister of Education which we believe will be towards the middle of this coming week, however, we expect that schools will be given the opportunity of holding assessments in May.

The decision to cancel the Junior Certificate in June and to hold assessments in September that would not be certified by the State Examinations Commission has caused confusion, uncertainty and further unnecessary stress on students, parents and teachers in what has already been a very difficult time for all. We believe that the prospect of our students facing into tests in September when they will be adjusting to life in Senior Cycle will cause further anxiety and impact on their Summer when they should be taking a much needed and deserved break. Consequently, we will be having assessments in May for our third years.

At the moment subject departments are considering what will be the most appropriate forms of assessment for students to undertake. Once we hear confirmation from the Department of Education, we will contact you with details on the type and format of assessment in which students will engage.

Kind regards,

Colm Ó Corcora Marie Sheehan

Principal Deputy Principal