A Mother’s Day Letter from the Principal
Dear Parents,
I write to you on Mother’s Day, a very special day in all our hearts. As I wish “Happy Mother’s Day” to my own Mother, to my Wife and, for the first time, to my Daughter, I extend the greeting to all our Mothers for you are the heartbeat of the home, that unifying pulse that has never been more important.
The Coronavirus has revealed how vulnerable we really are. Only you know the full impact that this crisis is having on your family and close friends. I do not wish to appear platitudinous in writing that we will get through this, that we will be stronger, and we will be better for it.
But we will.
The Fides et Robur of Blackrock is about resilience and adaptability. Fides is about keeping going in the face of adversity. These are difficult times but herein lies an opportunity to impress upon our boys that it is now that Be Caring, Be There, Be Truthful, Be Grateful is vital. It is expected that some will question their faith. Tell them that doubt is an essential part of faith and that uncertainty should draw us closer together. C. S. Lewis wrote that “we are not necessarily doubting that God will do the best for us; we are wondering how painful the best will turn out to be”. Enter Robur, the strength to keep going, to act in the interests of the common good, to put others first. Robur is not about ourselves but it is about going beyond ourselves.
Be assured that Blackrock continues to Be There for you and your son(s):
- Our Teachers, through Moodle and Microsoft Teams, will continue his academic programme;
- Our Deans will keep close to you with news and updates; please share with the Dean whether your son is unwell or unable to complete assignments or is anxious; the Deans will be in regular contact with the House Captains.
- Our Pastoral team, through daily messages, will offer a sacred space;
- Our P.E. Department will advise on physical wellbeing;
- Our Counsellors will be available to provide guidance and mentoring.
- Our Student Wellbeing Committee will meet via Microsoft Teams at lunchtime this Monday.
- Our Student Council will meet, as scheduled, next Wednesday morning at 7.30AM.
- The Parents’ Council meeting will go ahead, as scheduled, next Monday at 7PM.
Encourage your son to get up early, to maintain his routine, to follow the flow of his school day and to connect with his subjects as per his timetable.
Routine is important. Connection is important.
Encourage your son to contribute to this additional family time, to work at it and to enjoy being at home together. Encourage him to talk to his Grandparents as well as his friends, to consider elderly neighbours. I never thought I would become a fan of Facetime!
Finally, I am deeply grateful for the efforts of my colleagues in teaching and in support services who are working tirelessly to ensure that our programme for the holistic development of the boys continues unabated. Their generosity of spirit, dedication and commitment is inspirational.
You can be certain that this will continue. We never give up.
Fides et Robur.
God Bless,
Alan MacGinty
Principal
