Laois school finds creative way to keep parents tuned in to classroom life
New connection to show Portlaoise parents what happens behind school doors
A Portlaoise school has found a new and creative method of bridging the gap between home life and school life for parents.
Dunamase College/ Coláiste Dhún Másc is working to strengthen the partnership between parents and teachers in their children's studies.
Pictured: Dunamase College students grill Deputy Willie Aird on their school podcast, Dunamase Diaries
The school is launching its new Parents’ Teaching and Learning Newsletter – Learning Together Prepared, Polite, Productive
Principal Dympna Kelly said the idea came from the school’s belief that education is most effective when parents and teachers work hand in hand.
“We’re proud of how The Dunamase Daily keeps our community informed about student life, but this new newsletter will go a step further," Ms Kelly explained.
"It’s about sharing how students learn, how we teach, and how parents can support learning at home.”
Each edition will offer parents practical learning tips, insights into classroom strategies, and updates on new developments in curriculum and wellbeing.
It will also highlight the school’s one-to-one iPad learning model, which continues to set Dunamase College/Coláiste Dhún Másc apart as a leader in digital education.
To complement the newsletter, the school will also host an Unlock Learning Parents’ Seminar — a special evening dedicated to helping parents understand how to best support their children’s study habits, digital learning, and overall wellbeing.
The seminar will feature talks from teachers and guest speakers, focusing on practical strategies that families can use at home to boost learning confidence and independence.
“The way students learn has changed enormously in the past decade. By understanding how learning happens today, parents can better support, encourage, and guide their children with real confidence," Ms Kelly added.
The initiative reflects Dunamase College’s/ Coláiste Dhún Másc ethos of 'Care, Community, Respect, Equality, and Excellence' in teaching and learning.