Newsletter
30th November 2018
Dear parents, carers, staff and friends,
What a busy few weeks we have had!
Parent-Teacher Meetings
We have had an excellent turnout for our annual parent-teacher meetings – thank you for taking the time to meet with your child’s teacher to discuss their progress and next steps. We have had lots of great feedback and we hope you found them helpful.
If you missed your meeting slot, please do speak to your child’s class teacher to re-schedule. We’d also value your feedback on the Aladdin Connect app and how you found using it to book your appointment. Let us know what you thought!
New Primary Language Curriculum
Last Friday, our teachers spent the day working on the new primary language curriculum. We focused particularly on Gaeilge (the Irish language) and how we can support children to transfer the skills they have in learning English to Gaeilge. We also looked at how we could teach other subject, like PE and Art, through Gaeilge. We will be encouraging the children to speak ‘as Gaeilge’ as much as possible with a particular focus on our morning routines and greeting one another at the start of the day in Irish. If you’d like to join us –DuoLingo is a great app for learning new languages.
In other news …
Last week, the dental nurse visited 3rd and 5th Class to talk about looking after our teeth. It is so important that children brush their teeth at least twice a day. We also had a visit from Cian, our local Community Garda, who spoke to 4th Class about the role of the Gardai in our community.
We were very proud of the 2nd Class children who are making their First Communion in May. The children had their enrolment ceremony at our Family Mass on Sunday. They read prayers, presented gifts and did a wonderful job! Thank you to all the families who joined us.
This week, 5th and 6th Class went to our local secondary school, Mount Carmel, to see their production of the musical Grease.
On Wednesday, 5th Class went to the National Library to see an exhibition about World War 1 as part of their history learning, while 6th Class visited the EPIC Emigration Museum as part of their learning about the Irish Great Famine.
Yesterday, 1st Class joined our ‘Reader in Residence’ Julianne at the Ilac library for a story session.
Science Week
Earlier this month, it was Science Week and 5th and 6th Class went to special workshops on holograms at Marsh Library. The children in both 4th Classes also had a special workshop at the Hugh Lane Gallery. They learned about the science of conserving art works – fascinating stuff!
Congratulations to Anka Borzasi
This week, Ms. Kelly was invited to a special reception at the Mansion House by the Romanian Ambassador, Her Excellency, Manuela Breazu for Romanian National Day.
At the ceremony, Anka Borzasi, our Romanian class teacher, was presented with a very special award from the Romanian President for her work in promoting Romanian language and culture in schools in Ireland. Congratulations Anka – we are so proud to be part of this wonderful programme.
Art Class for Parents/Carers
Our new art class for parents/carers is up and running and has been very successful. It’s an open invitation, so if you’d like to take part, just let Sile know. Thanks to Cliodhna, one of our SNAs, who is sharing her artistic talents with us!
ABC Programme – Updates
Our school is part of the Grangegorman ABC Programme, which funds programmes like Doodle Den and Incredible Years. We have been working with other schools and community organisations to continue this work and a new action plan for the community was published last week. Ms. Kelly spoke at an event to launch a new action plan for the programme with Minister for Finance and local TD, Paschal Donohue. We are working together to look at issues affecting the local community and how we can make sure all of our service can support children and families in the best ways possible.
Today, Mr. Carney is hosting a training event for other local schools, after-school projects and early years services in our ‘Sensory Circuits’ programme which we run every morning, which is also funded through the ABC programme.
NCCA Consultation – RSE
Yesterday, we took part in a consultation day with the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA). The purpose of the consultation was to speak to groups of parents, children and staff about how Relationships and Sexuality Education is taught in schools in Ireland, as part of a national review.
We had some really interesting discussions. Particular thanks to the Parents’ Association who met with the NCCA team. If you are interested in finding out more, visit the website:
Dates for your diary
4 December – Vision and Hearing tests in Infants
6 December – Launch of ‘Time to Read’
Sunday, 9 December – Family Mass
12 December – Chrsitmas Art in 4th Class
14 December – 3rd and 4th Class Peace Proms rehearsal at National Sports Centre
18/19 December – Christmas Performances
21 December – School closes at 12 noon for Christmas Holidays
7 January 2019 – School re-opens at 8.50 a.m.
2 February – 3rd and 4th Class perform at Peace Proms concert in the RDS at 2.00 p.m.
Attendance and punctuality
Well done to Ms. Graham’s Class with top attendance of 98.5% this week!
It has been a challenging week with the windy, rainy weather. Remember that it’s always better to come late than not come at all.
Comhairle na nÓg
Four of our 6th Class children represented the school at Dublin’s ‘Comhairle na nÓg’ annual meeting last week. ‘Comhairle na nÓg’ means ‘Youth Council’. I am very proud to let you know that Alexandra from 6th Class was elected onto the Council to represent all young people in Dublin City. Alex had to speak in front of a big audience at Croke Park to explain why she wanted the job and she did this with confidence and conviction. it is a huge achievement to be elected – congratulations Alex!
And finally…
Don’t forget it’s the annual ‘Late Late Toy Show’ on RTE1 television this evening – always a great show – enjoy it!
Best wishes,
Éadaoin Kelly
Principal
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