Dear Parent/Guardian,

As part of the implementation of the new Junior Cycle programme, the Department of Education and Skills is providing three school days for continuous professional development for teachers in the school year 2016-17. These important training days will help to ensure that Newpark can continue to provide a broad educational experience and deliver a progressive Junior Cycle programme.

The first of these days has already taken place (17^th January).

The second day was scheduled to take place on the 7^th February. However, this date was changed by the Department’s implementation body. The new date is Thursday 16^th February. We apologise for this date change but this decision was beyond Newpark’s control. The impact of this date is minimised by the fact that the Mock Examinations for 3^rd and 6^th year will take place as planned. Activities for Transition Year will also continue as planned. There will be no school for 1^st, 2^nd and 5^th years on this day.

The third day of training will take place on Monday the 27^th February. Students should not attend school on this day.

These days are essential for the successful implementation of the new Junior Cycle programme and continuing professional development of our teachers. We have endeavoured to minimise the disruption to classes as much as possible.

Yours sincerely

Derek Lowry

Principal