Newsletter
12th January 2018
Dear parents, carers, staff and friends,
Happy New Year!
Welcome back everyone – it has been lovely to see the children back at school this week and ready for an exciting and very busy term of learning.
News this week
We welcomed a group of 25 student teachers from Towson University in Maryland, USA on Monday. The group are in Ireland to learn about our education system and had time to visit just one school as part of their visit. They were very impressed the children’s learning and learning what is the same and what is different between schools in Ireland and America.
On Tuesday, our school choir went to the National Indoor Arena in Blanchardstown to meet up with other choirs and have a rehearsal for their upcoming ‘Peace Proms’ concert. The children were beautifully behaved and sang really well. They have been working so hard and we can’t wait to see them in action in their concert at the RDS on Saturday, 3rd February. Parents – if you haven’t booked your tickets yet – please book this weekend as they are selling fast!
Flu Season – Advice
You will know that there are several strains of flu going around. We are reminding children this week to wrap up and stay warm, to wash their hands regularly and to sneeze or cough into a tissue or their elbow to prevent infection spreading. Please continue to remind your child of these things at home.
Applications for Junior Infants 2018
We are now accepting applications for new Junior Infant children for September 2018. Applications must be received by Friday, 9th February 2018 and we will be in contact with families as soon as we can after that to confirm places. Like last year, we only have space to open one class of 22 children. All children applying must be 4 years old by 30 April 2018.
Upcoming Holidays
Please note this is quite a short term. We have just two days in February for mid-term (15 and 16 February). We are closed on 19th March for the St. Patrick’s Day Bank Holiday.
We close then for two weeks Easter holidays from Friday, 23rd March and re-open on Monday, 9th April.
Please note too that we have a full week for mid-term in May (7th-11th May inclusive). It is a great time to get cheaper flights as not all schools are closed. If you are considering a trip away or need to return home to renew passports or visas, this is a good time to go!
We finish for the year on Friday, 29th June.
Please make sure these dates are in your diary and that holidays and visits to family etc. are taken during this time only. Children should be in school on all other days.
Dates for your diary
19 January – Parents’ Association training
26 January – 5th Class to the Ark
3 February – School Choir sing at Peace Proms concert in RDS at 2.00 p.m.
15-16 February – Mid-Term Break (two days)
22nd February – Green Schools Expo
16th March – Confirmation Ceremony
19th March – Bank Holiday
23rd March – Last day before Easter Holidays
Attendance and punctuality
Best attendance this week was in Ms. Lougheed’s 3rd Class – well done children!
We see a large number of children arriving to school after our official start time of 8.50 a.m. Some children come to school at 9.00 a.m. every single day – missing 10 minutes each day and nearly an hour of learning every week.
We know that some mornings the traffic is bad or something happens to delay you. We understand that occasionally, every once in a while you may not get here on time. But this should not happen every day. It is a small change to your morning routine to ensure you get here on time.
The gate opens at 8.40 a.m. and all children should be in their line in the yard when their teacher comes outside at 8.50 a.m. Arriving after this time means you are late. Please make a New Year’s Resolution to get here at the right time every day.
Our thanks to the children and families who are ready and waiting at the gate every single morning at 8.40 a.m. – keep it up!
Incredible Years
Our ‘Incredible Years’ parent course will be starting again next week. It is a great opportunity to learn more about how to support your child at home. If you are interested in learning more, please talk to Síle and she will give you all the details.
We will be hosting the sessions here at our school and will be joined by parents from Georges’ Hill Primary School too. Ms. Graham will be leading the sessions this term with Anne-Marie, the Home-School teacher from Georges’ Hill.
Parents’ Association
As you know, our new Parents’ Association began working together at the end of last year. They are still very open to new members and would really appreciate any support a parent or carer can give – big or small! They are having a training session next Friday, 19th January at 10.30 a.m. here at school with a lady from the National Parents’ Council and would be delighted to see new (and old!) faces there. You can ask Síle for more information and she can introduce you. Don’t be shy – they’re a very friendly and welcoming group. We look forward to seeing you there!
And finally…
Have a lovely weekend – see you Monday!
Best wishes,
Éadaoin Kelly
Principal