Timebank Cluster Meeting September 27th 2011
In Attendance:
Fabrice LETS, Tom ACETNS, Sabrina ACETNS, Daniel SDCC, Colette EETNS, Tom EETNS, Eddie LEETNS, Kevin GETNS, Judith GETNS, Anna LETS, Jaques ACETNS, Martha ACETNS, Maja ACETNS
Items Discussed:
Setting up of a central committee to consist of:
Administrator: (banker) co-ordinate between schools; PR: Halloween DRA will part fund events to launch timebank at Halloween and Christmas: Lucan East to coordinate between schools;Launch event for the five schools. The first will be funded by the DRA. Possible consideration will be the holding of a winter fair LEETNS are considering a parent and child trip funded from school completion, also considering the setting up of a walking bus. LEETS are focusing on three areas: policies, gardens, painting
Adamstown: has recently held a workshop on timebanking and are currently working on action researdh on the points outlined Are looking at a number of different areas outlined in the minutes of the previous timebank meeting. Jacques is happy to do the facilitation. Next meeting will define on how to consume the credits.
Griffeen: small groups of volunteers who are involved in most activities : Spoke to PTA one area for consideration is the setting up of Irish classes for parents.
Lucan: spoken to PTA committed to launch this project They have approximately 80 parents who are the core group of volunteers in the school.
SDCC: list of facilities which will be made available for this timebank project. The time notes will be ready shortly; the literature and timesheets have to be decided by the schools.
The projected Launch will be towards the end of January
New members: We will need a coordinator for this
IT: Kevin Farrell (GETNS) looking at setting up as student project in college May or June of next year: Jaques and Paul Paul (both of ACETNS) to work on the security. Domain is already set up and the DRA will pay the cost of this. As a voluntary organisation domain would be free.
IT subcommittee: Jacques, Paul, Kevin, Maja
ACTIONS
Will need to create a list of events that all schools can participate in.
Bank of parents:
Get the five PTAs together
Need for a sense of structure where the schools can harmonise the process in setting up and developing structures in the individual schools. Outcomes may be different to suit individual needs of the schools but these may be interchangeable between the schools.
Need for an app further down the line
Workshops in each school common thread workshops, own identity,
Each school have own launch and PTA meeting
Lucan East: Early November for workshop
Esker: Early November
Lucan: Before Midterm break, PTA 19th of October with introduction
Adamstown: Workshop done
To DO: Inform the school communities at the various Parents Association AGM
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Timebanking 8th September 2011
Time Banking meeting 8 /9/11
Adamstown Castle TIME BANK MEETING 8/9/11
Timebank Workshop:
In Attendance: Maja, Paul, Jacques, Paul, Rao, Barbara, Una, Rosaleen, Meena, Tom
Apologies: Maysoon
AGENDA
Time Banking ( Quick Introduction)
1. Services Brainstorm
2. How to consume hours earned
3. Next Step
Jacques facilitated a brainstorming session on Needs or services required and Skills (Skill set or bank in the school)
The following list of activities was arrived at
Baby sitting or home work club.
After school activities
Garden
DIY services
Library
Walking bus
Community Maintenance
These were subsequently categorised as follows:
Day to day services around school: Lead persons are Olga, Barbara, Maysoon
Items to consider: Traffic Warden, Library, School book rental, homework club etc
Events around the school: Lead Person is Maja , Rosaleen
Items to Consider: After School Activities, School Garden etc
Community Services: Lead person is Rao
DIY services, Volunteers for trips, Community Cleaning and Maintenance of School environment
Community Activities: Lead persons are Meena, Una
Anit Bullying group, Choir, Website, knitting, organising events for the school (School Opening, Halloween, 6th class graduation,
Art around the school
The lead people are to engage in action research on the above items and report back on the 29th to the main group.
From this research we hope to list the assets and devise a time in and time out strategy.
Thanks to everyone who showed up.
Appendix 1
Other Areas that came up: O
• Child minding
• Adult Classes
• Buddy Friendship buddy
• First Aid
• House Painting
• Traffic Warden
• Language lessons for children
• Guitar Lessons
• To cook together in the hall
• IT Service
• School text book banking
• Organise and manage pet garden i.e. Fish tank
•
• Community Garden Allotment
• Walking kids to and from school
• Children collection
N
Relaxation Clases
Beauty Treatments
Transactions Services
PC lessons for older children
Halloween party
Adamstown Castle TIME BANK MEETING 8/9/11
Timebank Workshop:
In Attendance: Maja, Paul, Jacques, Paul, Rao, Barbara, Una, Rosaleen, Meena, Tom
Apologies: Maysoon
AGENDA
Time Banking ( Quick Introduction)
1. Services Brainstorm
2. How to consume hours earned
3. Next Step
Jacques facilitated a brainstorming session on Needs or services required and Skills (Skill set or bank in the school)
The following list of activities was arrived at
Baby sitting or home work club.
After school activities
Garden
DIY services
Library
Walking bus
Community Maintenance
These were subsequently categorised as follows:
Day to day services around school: Lead persons are Olga, Barbara, Maysoon
Items to consider: Traffic Warden, Library, School book rental, homework club etc
Events around the school: Lead Person is Maja , Rosaleen
Items to Consider: After School Activities, School Garden etc
Community Services: Lead person is Rao
DIY services, Volunteers for trips, Community Cleaning and Maintenance of School environment
Community Activities: Lead persons are Meena, Una
Anit Bullying group, Choir, Website, knitting, organising events for the school (School Opening, Halloween, 6th class graduation,
Art around the school
The lead people are to engage in action research on the above items and report back on the 29th to the main group.
From this research we hope to list the assets and devise a time in and time out strategy.
Thanks to everyone who showed up.
Appendix 1
Other Areas that came up: O
• Child minding
• Adult Classes
• Buddy Friendship buddy
• First Aid
• House Painting
• Traffic Warden
• Language lessons for children
• Guitar Lessons
• To cook together in the hall
• IT Service
• School text book banking
• Organise and manage pet garden i.e. Fish tank
•
• Community Garden Allotment
• Walking kids to and from school
• Children collection
N
Relaxation Clases
Beauty Treatments
Transactions Services
PC lessons for older children
Halloween party
Newsletter 29th September 2011
Newsletter September 29th 2011
Dear Parents and Guardians,
TIMEBANK MEETING: There will be a
timebank meeting tonight at 7.30 in the Staff room. All who are interested are welcome to this meeting.
The National Forum on Enrolment will be held on October the Saturday 8th . All parents, teachers, and those interested in Education are welcome to attend. Please leave your name with Deirdre in the office.
SCHOOL GEAR: The Parents’ Association will be taking orders for school fleeces and polo tops on Wednesday Morning the 5th of October, in the school hall, from 8.30 am to 9.30am and again from 1.20pm to 2.20pm. The fleeces and tops come in a variety of colours and sizes and are very nice. It is of course not compulsory that you purchase these items.
PE: The PE times for the various classes is as follows:
Parents Association: Meeting next Thursday the 6th at 7.30 to work on the calendar
PARENTS ASSOCIATION AGM: Will be held on the Thursday the 13th of October at 7.30
Please not that it is expected that the children wear suitable clothing and footware on their PE days.
SAM MAGUIRE: The Sam Maguire cup is coming to visit the school on Tuesday the 11th of October at 9.20. All are welcome to come along and share in the excitement.
EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES: Football On Tuesdays after school Diarmuid is coordinating this
Hockey: On Monday 2.20 to 3.20 for 4th 5th and 6th Grainne is coordinating this
Basketball: On Thursdays 2.30 to 3.00 for 4th, 5th and 6th Lisa and Caroline are coordinating this
Olympic handball: Fridays 2.20 to 3.10 for second/third classes
Every second Wednesday for first class (starting the 5th of October)
Drumming Band:
Art Club: On Thursdays 2.30 o 3.30 4th, 5th and 6th (limited to ten children)
See website for more details.
LUNCHES: A couple of classes did not give out the lunch menus on time this week. They will be given out today and collected tomorrow.
LOST AND FOUND: The lost and found is building up rapidly. Please not that we will be recycling all lost coats e.t.c. on a weekly basis (every Monday).
SOCCER: Adamstown united are in the process of setting up. If your child was born in 2001/02/03 and you are interested in your child playing soccer you are welcome to join in any Friday at 6pm in the Adamstown Football pitch beyond the train station. Contact: Patrick at 0868162396.
BASKETBALL: The Dublin Lions Basketball Academy for boys and girls (6-11 years) is on Every Friday from 6pm to 7pm at Colaiste Bride in Clondalkin.
Dear Parents and Guardians,
TIMEBANK MEETING: There will be a
timebank meeting tonight at 7.30 in the Staff room. All who are interested are welcome to this meeting.
The National Forum on Enrolment will be held on October the Saturday 8th . All parents, teachers, and those interested in Education are welcome to attend. Please leave your name with Deirdre in the office.
SCHOOL GEAR: The Parents’ Association will be taking orders for school fleeces and polo tops on Wednesday Morning the 5th of October, in the school hall, from 8.30 am to 9.30am and again from 1.20pm to 2.20pm. The fleeces and tops come in a variety of colours and sizes and are very nice. It is of course not compulsory that you purchase these items.
PE: The PE times for the various classes is as follows:
Parents Association: Meeting next Thursday the 6th at 7.30 to work on the calendar
PARENTS ASSOCIATION AGM: Will be held on the Thursday the 13th of October at 7.30
Please not that it is expected that the children wear suitable clothing and footware on their PE days.
SAM MAGUIRE: The Sam Maguire cup is coming to visit the school on Tuesday the 11th of October at 9.20. All are welcome to come along and share in the excitement.
EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES: Football On Tuesdays after school Diarmuid is coordinating this
Hockey: On Monday 2.20 to 3.20 for 4th 5th and 6th Grainne is coordinating this
Basketball: On Thursdays 2.30 to 3.00 for 4th, 5th and 6th Lisa and Caroline are coordinating this
Olympic handball: Fridays 2.20 to 3.10 for second/third classes
Every second Wednesday for first class (starting the 5th of October)
Drumming Band:
Art Club: On Thursdays 2.30 o 3.30 4th, 5th and 6th (limited to ten children)
See website for more details.
LUNCHES: A couple of classes did not give out the lunch menus on time this week. They will be given out today and collected tomorrow.
LOST AND FOUND: The lost and found is building up rapidly. Please not that we will be recycling all lost coats e.t.c. on a weekly basis (every Monday).
SOCCER: Adamstown united are in the process of setting up. If your child was born in 2001/02/03 and you are interested in your child playing soccer you are welcome to join in any Friday at 6pm in the Adamstown Football pitch beyond the train station. Contact: Patrick at 0868162396.
BASKETBALL: The Dublin Lions Basketball Academy for boys and girls (6-11 years) is on Every Friday from 6pm to 7pm at Colaiste Bride in Clondalkin.
Newsletter 21st September 2011
Dear Parents /Guardians,
Lunches: Carambola have now begun sending lunches in to the school in the morning. Should you wish to avail of this service then you must return the envelope with the menu and payment by Thursday at twelve O’clock. This is a weekly scheme, no payments can be accepted after this time. You can also pay in advance for individual days of the following week. Please note that the school derives no benefit financially from this scheme. It was felt that there was value here which might be of interest to you. We are also acutely aware that this scheme might put families under pressure to participate especially families with a number of children attending the school. I have spoken to the classes about this and ask that you inform the office as soon as it causes problems for you. We will review the scheme in October.Remember you must pay by Thursday at twelve for the following week. No orders will be taken after this time.
CLASS SIZES: Now that our classes hare settling you may have noticed that a few of our classes are quite large. This unfortunately is becoming the norm in schools right around the country. In developing schools like ours this is a critical issue where our numbers are fluctuating. The following are the reasons for the large class sizes:
1. We are a developing school
2. Since we opened we have taken in all children, from Junior Infants to Sixth, who live in Adamstown unlike other start up schools which enrol one year at a time
3. We are not permitted to use language teachers as class teachers which we did in previous years
4. Parents moving children without informing the school.
We have just missed our next appointment figure by four children. If we had hit this target we would have been in a position to significantly reduce our class sizes. We will not now be able to make the next appointment and are in danger of losing one of our Language teachers.
HOCKEY: It is great to hear that many of our children are joining the local hockey club. Well done Grainne for all the work in Hockey
SOCCER FAI are holding soccer sessions on Wednesdays from five to six pm every week at the Weston Hockey Club. All are welcome. This is just across the road from Superquinn.
SCHOOL INSURANCE: Individual Pupil insurance is up for renewal. The total cost is 3 euro per child. This will cover all school related accidents. A note will be sent to you next week regarding this.
FUN DAY: Lucan Sarsfields are holding a fun day tomorrow from one to five. This is a fantastic community event for all of the Lucan area and is only within walking distance of Adamstown and Finnstown. If you drive you will be charged for parking. Give it a go and come along and Support the local Football Club.
Lucan Sarsfields is just beside the Maxol Petrol Station on the Newcastle Road (Just over the bridge)
Lunches: Carambola have now begun sending lunches in to the school in the morning. Should you wish to avail of this service then you must return the envelope with the menu and payment by Thursday at twelve O’clock. This is a weekly scheme, no payments can be accepted after this time. You can also pay in advance for individual days of the following week. Please note that the school derives no benefit financially from this scheme. It was felt that there was value here which might be of interest to you. We are also acutely aware that this scheme might put families under pressure to participate especially families with a number of children attending the school. I have spoken to the classes about this and ask that you inform the office as soon as it causes problems for you. We will review the scheme in October.Remember you must pay by Thursday at twelve for the following week. No orders will be taken after this time.
CLASS SIZES: Now that our classes hare settling you may have noticed that a few of our classes are quite large. This unfortunately is becoming the norm in schools right around the country. In developing schools like ours this is a critical issue where our numbers are fluctuating. The following are the reasons for the large class sizes:
1. We are a developing school
2. Since we opened we have taken in all children, from Junior Infants to Sixth, who live in Adamstown unlike other start up schools which enrol one year at a time
3. We are not permitted to use language teachers as class teachers which we did in previous years
4. Parents moving children without informing the school.
We have just missed our next appointment figure by four children. If we had hit this target we would have been in a position to significantly reduce our class sizes. We will not now be able to make the next appointment and are in danger of losing one of our Language teachers.
HOCKEY: It is great to hear that many of our children are joining the local hockey club. Well done Grainne for all the work in Hockey
SOCCER FAI are holding soccer sessions on Wednesdays from five to six pm every week at the Weston Hockey Club. All are welcome. This is just across the road from Superquinn.
SCHOOL INSURANCE: Individual Pupil insurance is up for renewal. The total cost is 3 euro per child. This will cover all school related accidents. A note will be sent to you next week regarding this.
FUN DAY: Lucan Sarsfields are holding a fun day tomorrow from one to five. This is a fantastic community event for all of the Lucan area and is only within walking distance of Adamstown and Finnstown. If you drive you will be charged for parking. Give it a go and come along and Support the local Football Club.
Lucan Sarsfields is just beside the Maxol Petrol Station on the Newcastle Road (Just over the bridge)
Newsletter 16th September 2011
Newsletter 16th of September
Dear Parents/Guardians,
Junior Infants will be attending a full day in school from Monday
Nuts: Unfortunately, as a number of children in the school are allergic to nuts these are banned outright in the school.
Healthy Lunch: On that note, we have a healthy lunch policy in the school. Sweets and crisps are not permitted in the school. Chewing gum is also banned.
Plasters: Cuts and bruises are a natural feature of school life. Should your child have any allergy to plasters please inform the class teacher or office in writing.
Head Injury: Should your child bump his or her head in the school then then it is our school policy to contact you. Failing that we will contact your emergency contact. It is your responsibility to update Deirdre i8n the office if there is any change in the contact phone numbers.
Materials: There is still some Materials money outstanding. Please contact the office if you are experiencing any difficulty with this. We can always come to some arrangement as regards payment. The most important thing is that your child will be looked after.
Social Credits/ Time Banking: The recent timebanking meeting was a great success. Thank you to Jaques (George’s Dad) for facilitating this meeting. The participants are now engaged in doing some research and will be reporting back to the next meeting on the 29th of September.
Lunch Scheme: The Carambola lunch scheme has started. Menus will be given out on Wednesdays and collected on Thursday. Thank you to Maysoon (Samar’s Mother) for volunteering her time to get this up and running. Please be assured that there is no obligation on anyone to sign up to this scheme..
Garda Open day in conjunction with Lucan Festival: An open day at Lucan Garda Station will take place on Sunday 25th September from 2pm to 5pm. The Garda Band will perform a concert there will also be children’s entertainment. So come along and support the protectors of the peace an Gharda Siochana.
Children in the Junior Classes Walking Home: Please inform your child’s teacher in writing if you wish that he/she is to walk home.
Calling to teachers at the door: Should you wish to have a meeting with your child’s teacher please make an appointment beforehand.
GOOD LUCK TO DUBLIN ON SUNDAY (they will need it!!). I hope that all the children will support the men in blue.
Dear Parents/Guardians,
Junior Infants will be attending a full day in school from Monday
Nuts: Unfortunately, as a number of children in the school are allergic to nuts these are banned outright in the school.
Healthy Lunch: On that note, we have a healthy lunch policy in the school. Sweets and crisps are not permitted in the school. Chewing gum is also banned.
Plasters: Cuts and bruises are a natural feature of school life. Should your child have any allergy to plasters please inform the class teacher or office in writing.
Head Injury: Should your child bump his or her head in the school then then it is our school policy to contact you. Failing that we will contact your emergency contact. It is your responsibility to update Deirdre i8n the office if there is any change in the contact phone numbers.
Materials: There is still some Materials money outstanding. Please contact the office if you are experiencing any difficulty with this. We can always come to some arrangement as regards payment. The most important thing is that your child will be looked after.
Social Credits/ Time Banking: The recent timebanking meeting was a great success. Thank you to Jaques (George’s Dad) for facilitating this meeting. The participants are now engaged in doing some research and will be reporting back to the next meeting on the 29th of September.
Lunch Scheme: The Carambola lunch scheme has started. Menus will be given out on Wednesdays and collected on Thursday. Thank you to Maysoon (Samar’s Mother) for volunteering her time to get this up and running. Please be assured that there is no obligation on anyone to sign up to this scheme..
Garda Open day in conjunction with Lucan Festival: An open day at Lucan Garda Station will take place on Sunday 25th September from 2pm to 5pm. The Garda Band will perform a concert there will also be children’s entertainment. So come along and support the protectors of the peace an Gharda Siochana.
Children in the Junior Classes Walking Home: Please inform your child’s teacher in writing if you wish that he/she is to walk home.
Calling to teachers at the door: Should you wish to have a meeting with your child’s teacher please make an appointment beforehand.
GOOD LUCK TO DUBLIN ON SUNDAY (they will need it!!). I hope that all the children will support the men in blue.
Newsletter 5th September 2011
Welcome back to all,It is great to see all the familiar faces back after the Summer holidays, and a very warm welcome to all the new children and parents who have started with us this September. We sincerely hope that you will be happy here. I would also like to welcome Deirdre Ni Mhairtin, Chloe Buckley, Audrey Warren (Special Needs Assistant), Grainne McDonnell to the staff.
INFANT SHORT DAY: The Junior Infants will continue to go home early, at 12 O’Clock, until the 16th of September.
Timebanking: We will be holding a timebanking meeting next Thursday at 8.15. Anyone who is interested will be more than welcome. Please come along
Vomiting bug: It looks like we already have a bug doing the rounds: the dreaded vomiting bug. If your child is unwell please do not sent him/her to school as (s)he could pass it on to another child.
Optional School Fleece &Polo Shirt: We will be taking orders for the school fleeces and polo shirts (should you wish to order them) next week. Please do not come to the office with orders.
School Lunches: I am in contact with the company which provides these school lunches. Orders will be taken in the next week or so. The cost of the lunches will be two Euro should you wish to sign up to the scheme. Junior Infant Parents will be sent information on this in the near future.
Esker’s Move: You might have noticed the concrete lorries up beyond Stratton . We expect Esker to move in the next ten weeks or so.
Extra Curricular Activities: These will not commence for another two weeks at the minimum.
We also have a Tae Kwando, Ballet, Irish Dancing, Foroige, Fitness classes, Bollywood, Cricket etc etc on in the school in the evenings. Please check the school Calendar on the website for information on this.
INFANT SHORT DAY: The Junior Infants will continue to go home early, at 12 O’Clock, until the 16th of September.
Timebanking: We will be holding a timebanking meeting next Thursday at 8.15. Anyone who is interested will be more than welcome. Please come along
Vomiting bug: It looks like we already have a bug doing the rounds: the dreaded vomiting bug. If your child is unwell please do not sent him/her to school as (s)he could pass it on to another child.
Optional School Fleece &Polo Shirt: We will be taking orders for the school fleeces and polo shirts (should you wish to order them) next week. Please do not come to the office with orders.
School Lunches: I am in contact with the company which provides these school lunches. Orders will be taken in the next week or so. The cost of the lunches will be two Euro should you wish to sign up to the scheme. Junior Infant Parents will be sent information on this in the near future.
Esker’s Move: You might have noticed the concrete lorries up beyond Stratton . We expect Esker to move in the next ten weeks or so.
Extra Curricular Activities: These will not commence for another two weeks at the minimum.
We also have a Tae Kwando, Ballet, Irish Dancing, Foroige, Fitness classes, Bollywood, Cricket etc etc on in the school in the evenings. Please check the school Calendar on the website for information on this.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Timebanking 28th June 2011
Adamstown School Timebanking
In attendance: Paul, Maia, Tina, Jaques, Rahol, Olga, Hip, Than, Moses, Olive, Chucks, Barbara, Tom
There was a long discussion on timebanking. The five Educate Together Schools in the Lucan Area have signed up to the creation of a Lucan Timebank. The schools are to act as Hubs initially with the view to moving out into the wider Lucan area. Numerous examples of how this could be set up or operated were discussed. It was generally agreed that the all the partners (Parents, Children, Teachers, Board, and past pupils) in the school would be involved.
Workshop on 'Timebanking in the ACETNS' to be organised on the 7th of September with a limit 20 participants. Jacques will be facilitator for this workshop.
In attendance: Paul, Maia, Tina, Jaques, Rahol, Olga, Hip, Than, Moses, Olive, Chucks, Barbara, Tom
There was a long discussion on timebanking. The five Educate Together Schools in the Lucan Area have signed up to the creation of a Lucan Timebank. The schools are to act as Hubs initially with the view to moving out into the wider Lucan area. Numerous examples of how this could be set up or operated were discussed. It was generally agreed that the all the partners (Parents, Children, Teachers, Board, and past pupils) in the school would be involved.
Workshop on 'Timebanking in the ACETNS' to be organised on the 7th of September with a limit 20 participants. Jacques will be facilitator for this workshop.
Timebanking
In Attendance: Fabrice LETNS, Kevin GETNS, Tom ACETNS, Judith GETNS, Anna LETNS, Eddie LEETNS, Daniel SDCC, Marie SDCC
Items for discussion:
Establishment of Central Bank
Establishment of Steering Committee/Board of Directors
Action:
South Dublin County Council: Prepare Council Resources, Issue 10,000 Credits, Research Constitution, Check Google Apps. and the Volunteering Website, Time Exchange Sheet, Draft membership,
Educate Together Policies on Child protection and Volunteerism,
Schools: Check Insurance, Survey the School and Volunteering Activities, List assets, Griffeen to look at the IT aspect of this.
Schools to meet with the Schools' Committees/Parents' Associations' before the 27th of September. Possible launch of the first Lucan Timebank will be around the Halloween break.
Items for discussion:
Establishment of Central Bank
Establishment of Steering Committee/Board of Directors
Action:
South Dublin County Council: Prepare Council Resources, Issue 10,000 Credits, Research Constitution, Check Google Apps. and the Volunteering Website, Time Exchange Sheet, Draft membership,
Educate Together Policies on Child protection and Volunteerism,
Schools: Check Insurance, Survey the School and Volunteering Activities, List assets, Griffeen to look at the IT aspect of this.
Schools to meet with the Schools' Committees/Parents' Associations' before the 27th of September. Possible launch of the first Lucan Timebank will be around the Halloween break.
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Relationship and Sexuality
Relationship & Sexuality Education
Information Night
Dear Parents/ Guardians 11/05/2011
It is the policy of the school to teach the RSE programme to alternate classes each year. As it is being introduced this year, we would invite all parents to attend the information evening, in particular, parents of senior classes.
The aim of the RSE programme is to provide opportunities for children and young people to learn about relationships and sexuality in ways that help them think and act in a moral caring and responsible way. RSE is part of the SPHE programme which promote the health and well being of children and young people.
Parents have the primary responsibility for the educating of children in sexual matters. The school RSE Programme acts as a support only to parents. All schools in Ireland are legally bound to protect children by teaching the RSE programme.
You are invited to an information meeting on this programme @ 7pm on Wednesday the 18th June 2011, here in the school.
Kind Regards
Tom Moriarty Principal
__________________________________________________________________________________
Child’s Name: ___________________________________
Class: __________________________________________
I will attend the RSE Meeting
I will NOT attend the RSE meeting
Parent’s Name: ______________________________ (Please print name)
Information Night
Dear Parents/ Guardians 11/05/2011
It is the policy of the school to teach the RSE programme to alternate classes each year. As it is being introduced this year, we would invite all parents to attend the information evening, in particular, parents of senior classes.
The aim of the RSE programme is to provide opportunities for children and young people to learn about relationships and sexuality in ways that help them think and act in a moral caring and responsible way. RSE is part of the SPHE programme which promote the health and well being of children and young people.
Parents have the primary responsibility for the educating of children in sexual matters. The school RSE Programme acts as a support only to parents. All schools in Ireland are legally bound to protect children by teaching the RSE programme.
You are invited to an information meeting on this programme @ 7pm on Wednesday the 18th June 2011, here in the school.
Kind Regards
Tom Moriarty Principal
__________________________________________________________________________________
Child’s Name: ___________________________________
Class: __________________________________________
I will attend the RSE Meeting
I will NOT attend the RSE meeting
Parent’s Name: ______________________________ (Please print name)
Friday, April 8, 2011
Newsletter 8th April 2010
EDUCATIONAL GAMES: Check out our educational games in English, Irish and Maths: log on to ilearn.ie username: 20268H password: acetns
SCHOOL CLOSED OVER EASTER: We will be closing for the Easter Holidays next Friday. FRIDAY IS A FULL DAY. We will not be taking a half day for the holidays.
NUT ALLERGIES: A separate note will be sent out today regarding nut allergies: please, please do not send your child to school with any food that may contain nuts.
HEALTHY LUNCH POLICIES: In line with our healthy lunch policy we would ask that children have non-fizzy drinks, fruit and sandwich, roll or wrap. Crisps and sweets are not permitted in school. You may give your child a small treat on Friday. If at all possible please stay away from greasy food as this adds as this can cause problems for cleaning. It goes without saying that chewing gum is not permitted on the school grounds.
LUNCH PACKS: A number of our parents expressed an interest in the lunch packs for two euro: don't we haven't forgotten. To make this viable we need fifty participants tto sign up. One approach was the clustering of schools. So I am waiting for these schools to canvas their parents before we can proceed with this.
PERSONAL INSURANCE: Unfortunately, our personal insurance policy does not allow us to include new children this year. Our policy was designed specifically to keep the costs down for parents. If you did not take up the offer at the start of this academic year then your child is not covered. We will be reviewing this policy next September.
GAA: GAA hurling coaching will start after the Easter Break for Senior Classes. More on this later.
CRICKET: The Adamstown Cricket Club has organised coaching sessions for after the Easter break. More on this later.
PHOTOGRAPHS: I would like to thank Naz and Lina for all the work they have done on behalf of the Parents' Association for all their work and patience on the photos over the last few weeks. Not only have they reduced the cost of the photos by approximately fifty per cent, all proceeds will go to the Parents' Association. As we had a few issues over the publication of these photos on the web we will have to write the policy on this and have it ratified by the board before the Summer. If you have a contribution to make please email in to the school or drop a note in.
If you are interested in the services of a photographer: you can contact bandaradamstudio at bandaradam@gmail.com or 0857512312
ATHLETICS: Well done top our athletes who ran in the inaugral Lucan Cross Country race in Griffeen. Conditions, according to Maoliosa, were very tough but having said that, we had a good number of children in the top ten finishers.
ENGLISH LESSONS FOR ADULTS: If you, or anyone you know would like to take free English (for adults only) please contact the office.
SCHOOL SECURITY: There have been a number of robberies in a few Lucan schools. Should you see suspicious activity around the school please ring me (Tom) at 0879687142 or contact the guards. You vigilence would be much appreciated.
LUCAN MOBILE LIBRARY: is here every Monday
SOCIAL CREDITS: I am delighted to say the workshop held in the community school was very productive and we seem to have all the Educate together schools on board. Thank you to Saha, Samira, Barbara, Conor, Jacques, Meena, Dermot for representing the school on this. The next stage in the setting up of the Lucan Timebank is a fact finding trip to Wales to look at a number of projects. Please google: timebank or social credits; or go to justaddspice.org for more information on this.
BOARD MEETING: The next board meeting is on Wednesday night at 8pm.
HOCKEY: Well done to our hockey players who participated in the inaugural Cunningham Cup at the hockey grounds. They were up against stiff competition but did themselves and the school proud. The hockey season for clubs is now over. if you are interested in getting your child involved in hockey: Weston Hockey Club will be enrolling in September coming. The club caters for all from u6 to senior level.
DYSLEXIA ASSOCIATION: The dyslexia Association of Ireland is holding a one day course for parents on Dyslexia on Saturday the 7th of May in the Spa Hotel, Lucan.
Please check www.dyslexia.ie/diary.htm or contact Niav Keating at 016790276 or info@dyslexia.ie
MOTIONS FOR AGM: The Motions for the AGM of Educate Together have been posted on this blog. Should you have any amendments
ASSESSMENT OF NEED AT FIVE: If you have a child starting school in the next couple of years and you are concerned about his/her development please contact your local health centre for a possible assessment of need at five. It is important that children with particular difficulties are assessed so that the resources are in place when he/she starts school
SEAN BROSNAHAN FUND: We have been awarded 4ooo euro from the Sean Brosnahan fund. This fund is a national fund run by District 14 of the INTO (teachers' Union) for the benefit of children with Special Needs in schools. We are fortunate to get this money as the fund is being wound down after forty years in operation. It is proposed to use this in the development of the Sensory Garden on the PE hall side of the school. The total projected cost of this is 14000 euro.
ART EXHIBITION: As part of our efforts to develop this sensory garden the school will be holding an Art Exhibition on the 5th/ 6th of May. The children are busily working on Art pieces which will be mounted and framed over the Easter Break. These art pieces will then be displayed on the 5th and 6th and will be on sale for 8 euro each. Any profit made will go to the sensory garden fund.
SCHOOL CLOSED OVER EASTER: We will be closing for the Easter Holidays next Friday. FRIDAY IS A FULL DAY. We will not be taking a half day for the holidays.
NUT ALLERGIES: A separate note will be sent out today regarding nut allergies: please, please do not send your child to school with any food that may contain nuts.
HEALTHY LUNCH POLICIES: In line with our healthy lunch policy we would ask that children have non-fizzy drinks, fruit and sandwich, roll or wrap. Crisps and sweets are not permitted in school. You may give your child a small treat on Friday. If at all possible please stay away from greasy food as this adds as this can cause problems for cleaning. It goes without saying that chewing gum is not permitted on the school grounds.
LUNCH PACKS: A number of our parents expressed an interest in the lunch packs for two euro: don't we haven't forgotten. To make this viable we need fifty participants tto sign up. One approach was the clustering of schools. So I am waiting for these schools to canvas their parents before we can proceed with this.
PERSONAL INSURANCE: Unfortunately, our personal insurance policy does not allow us to include new children this year. Our policy was designed specifically to keep the costs down for parents. If you did not take up the offer at the start of this academic year then your child is not covered. We will be reviewing this policy next September.
GAA: GAA hurling coaching will start after the Easter Break for Senior Classes. More on this later.
CRICKET: The Adamstown Cricket Club has organised coaching sessions for after the Easter break. More on this later.
PHOTOGRAPHS: I would like to thank Naz and Lina for all the work they have done on behalf of the Parents' Association for all their work and patience on the photos over the last few weeks. Not only have they reduced the cost of the photos by approximately fifty per cent, all proceeds will go to the Parents' Association. As we had a few issues over the publication of these photos on the web we will have to write the policy on this and have it ratified by the board before the Summer. If you have a contribution to make please email in to the school or drop a note in.
If you are interested in the services of a photographer: you can contact bandaradamstudio at bandaradam@gmail.com or 0857512312
ATHLETICS: Well done top our athletes who ran in the inaugral Lucan Cross Country race in Griffeen. Conditions, according to Maoliosa, were very tough but having said that, we had a good number of children in the top ten finishers.
ENGLISH LESSONS FOR ADULTS: If you, or anyone you know would like to take free English (for adults only) please contact the office.
SCHOOL SECURITY: There have been a number of robberies in a few Lucan schools. Should you see suspicious activity around the school please ring me (Tom) at 0879687142 or contact the guards. You vigilence would be much appreciated.
LUCAN MOBILE LIBRARY: is here every Monday
SOCIAL CREDITS: I am delighted to say the workshop held in the community school was very productive and we seem to have all the Educate together schools on board. Thank you to Saha, Samira, Barbara, Conor, Jacques, Meena, Dermot for representing the school on this. The next stage in the setting up of the Lucan Timebank is a fact finding trip to Wales to look at a number of projects. Please google: timebank or social credits; or go to justaddspice.org for more information on this.
BOARD MEETING: The next board meeting is on Wednesday night at 8pm.
HOCKEY: Well done to our hockey players who participated in the inaugural Cunningham Cup at the hockey grounds. They were up against stiff competition but did themselves and the school proud. The hockey season for clubs is now over. if you are interested in getting your child involved in hockey: Weston Hockey Club will be enrolling in September coming. The club caters for all from u6 to senior level.
DYSLEXIA ASSOCIATION: The dyslexia Association of Ireland is holding a one day course for parents on Dyslexia on Saturday the 7th of May in the Spa Hotel, Lucan.
Please check www.dyslexia.ie/diary.htm or contact Niav Keating at 016790276 or info@dyslexia.ie
MOTIONS FOR AGM: The Motions for the AGM of Educate Together have been posted on this blog. Should you have any amendments
ASSESSMENT OF NEED AT FIVE: If you have a child starting school in the next couple of years and you are concerned about his/her development please contact your local health centre for a possible assessment of need at five. It is important that children with particular difficulties are assessed so that the resources are in place when he/she starts school
SEAN BROSNAHAN FUND: We have been awarded 4ooo euro from the Sean Brosnahan fund. This fund is a national fund run by District 14 of the INTO (teachers' Union) for the benefit of children with Special Needs in schools. We are fortunate to get this money as the fund is being wound down after forty years in operation. It is proposed to use this in the development of the Sensory Garden on the PE hall side of the school. The total projected cost of this is 14000 euro.
ART EXHIBITION: As part of our efforts to develop this sensory garden the school will be holding an Art Exhibition on the 5th/ 6th of May. The children are busily working on Art pieces which will be mounted and framed over the Easter Break. These art pieces will then be displayed on the 5th and 6th and will be on sale for 8 euro each. Any profit made will go to the sensory garden fund.
Monday, April 4, 2011
Motions for AGM
March 31 2011
Re: Educate Together’s Annual General Meeting 2011
Dear Chairperson,
Please find attached motions for the forthcoming Annual General Meeting.
Please note that any amendments for these motions must be returned to the National Office not later than 12:00 Noon Friday April 9th 2011.
There are a number of vacancies on the Board of Directors and as usual, we are seeking nominations for the positions of Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson and Company Secretary.
If you know of anyone within your school network or in the wider community who would be interested in serving on the Educate Together Board of Directors for a three-year term of office, please bring this to their attention and consider nominating them before April 9th. If you would like to discuss this with me please contact the National Office.
The schedule for policy motions and nominations for this year’s AGM is as follows:
April 9th Closing date for amendments/closing date for nominations to board
May 6th Circulation of Final Agenda, Company papers (Accounts, etc)
May 28th AGM, Gorey ETNS, Kilnahue Lane, Carney Road, Gorey, Co. Wexford.
*All motions, amendments and nominations submitted must be signed by the Chairperson of the Board of Management (or local Patron body where applicable) and sent by post to the National Office. Motions, amendments and nominations may be emailed to the National Office: agm@educatetogether.ie, but these will be accepted subject to properly authorised hard copy arriving within 5 working days. Closing dates refer to close of business on the day in question (6pm).
With kind regards,
Andrea Burke-Khan
Company Secretary
Nomination Form
Annual General Meeting
May 28th 2011
School: _________________________________________
Committee: ______________________________________
We nominate the following person/s as Director/s of Educate Together:
We nominate the following person as Chairperson
We nominate the following person as Secretary
We nominate the following person as Vice-Chairperson
Signed on behalf of
The Board of Management
OR
Patron (Executive Committee)
(Delete as appropriate) _____________________________
Motions Submitted for AGM 2011
Permanent School Buildings
1. That Educate Together at a national level, as patron, must use its status and organisation to assist all E.T.N.S.s to obtain a permanent structure.
Midleton ETNS BOM
Supporting Schools
2. AGM calls on Educate Together to provide enhance support to schools in all aspects of school planning, including recommendations regarding content of policies and formal aspects such as templates
The AGM further calls on Educate Together to establish a working committee with participation of Educate Together office support, experienced principals / chairpersons / other BoM officers and access to legal advice which would allow to combine best practices and professional experience accumulated so far in Educate Together network and would tremendously help schools especially new and developing ones.
Maynooth ETNS BOM
3. That this AGM calls on Educate Together to prioritise support for schools under its patronage, in advance of the process to appoint new Boards of Management in all schools later this year.
Swords ETNS BOM
Special Needs Assistants
4. We call on E.T. to lobby the Government to review / revoke the cap on the provision of the Special Needs Assistants in Primary schools.
Kilkenny School Project NS Patron Committee
5. That this AGM deplores the decision of the Department of Education to cap the number of Special Needs Assistant posts (circular 0006/2011) and requests Educate Together to seek a fairer approach to the allocation of SNAs based on need not numbers.
Swords ETNS BOM
Admissions Policy 6. This AGM instructs Educate Together to change the admissions policy from "first come, first served" to one which includes a Siblings Policy.
Carlow ETNS BOM
Ethical Education Curriculum
7. That this AGM applauds initiatives designed to support the delivery of quality teaching and learning of the Learn Together Programme and calls on Educate Together to examine the feasibility of providing hard copy resources to supplement on-line learning and Summer Courses.
Swords ETNS BOM
Review of four principles and charter
8. Wicklow ETNS proposes that the Directors of Educate Together should conduct and lead a consultative review of the four principles of Educate Together, together with the Educate Together Charter.
This review would examine the language and meaning of the four principles, and present proposals for adaptations to the principles, to reflect the current context, both in terms of the changing educational landscape and the need to protect and maintain the environment, and to create a renewed vision for the Educate Together Community.
The review would also consider the feasibility of adopting the Earth Charter to support and extend the guiding principles of Educate Together. These adapted principles would be presented to the Educate Together AGM in 2012 for a democratic decision on their adoption by the members of the organisation.
Wicklow ETNS BOM
Quorum for the AGM
9. That the existing rule for a quorum at an AGM be changed to 40% of the schools in the organisation.
ET Directors
Funding of Educate Together
10. Educate Together continues with the agreed commitment from last year's AGM to funding from the membership for the coming year. Furthermore, the directors of E.T. will give an annual itemised account of the spending of the funding which has been raised from this source.
ET Directors
Membership of Educate Together
11. That this AGM direct the directors to convene a membership committee to examine the conditions set by E.T. for granting membership to schools.
ET Directors
Re: Educate Together’s Annual General Meeting 2011
Dear Chairperson,
Please find attached motions for the forthcoming Annual General Meeting.
Please note that any amendments for these motions must be returned to the National Office not later than 12:00 Noon Friday April 9th 2011.
There are a number of vacancies on the Board of Directors and as usual, we are seeking nominations for the positions of Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson and Company Secretary.
If you know of anyone within your school network or in the wider community who would be interested in serving on the Educate Together Board of Directors for a three-year term of office, please bring this to their attention and consider nominating them before April 9th. If you would like to discuss this with me please contact the National Office.
The schedule for policy motions and nominations for this year’s AGM is as follows:
April 9th Closing date for amendments/closing date for nominations to board
May 6th Circulation of Final Agenda, Company papers (Accounts, etc)
May 28th AGM, Gorey ETNS, Kilnahue Lane, Carney Road, Gorey, Co. Wexford.
*All motions, amendments and nominations submitted must be signed by the Chairperson of the Board of Management (or local Patron body where applicable) and sent by post to the National Office. Motions, amendments and nominations may be emailed to the National Office: agm@educatetogether.ie, but these will be accepted subject to properly authorised hard copy arriving within 5 working days. Closing dates refer to close of business on the day in question (6pm).
With kind regards,
Andrea Burke-Khan
Company Secretary
Nomination Form
Annual General Meeting
May 28th 2011
School: _________________________________________
Committee: ______________________________________
We nominate the following person/s as Director/s of Educate Together:
We nominate the following person as Chairperson
We nominate the following person as Secretary
We nominate the following person as Vice-Chairperson
Signed on behalf of
The Board of Management
OR
Patron (Executive Committee)
(Delete as appropriate) _____________________________
Motions Submitted for AGM 2011
Permanent School Buildings
1. That Educate Together at a national level, as patron, must use its status and organisation to assist all E.T.N.S.s to obtain a permanent structure.
Midleton ETNS BOM
Supporting Schools
2. AGM calls on Educate Together to provide enhance support to schools in all aspects of school planning, including recommendations regarding content of policies and formal aspects such as templates
The AGM further calls on Educate Together to establish a working committee with participation of Educate Together office support, experienced principals / chairpersons / other BoM officers and access to legal advice which would allow to combine best practices and professional experience accumulated so far in Educate Together network and would tremendously help schools especially new and developing ones.
Maynooth ETNS BOM
3. That this AGM calls on Educate Together to prioritise support for schools under its patronage, in advance of the process to appoint new Boards of Management in all schools later this year.
Swords ETNS BOM
Special Needs Assistants
4. We call on E.T. to lobby the Government to review / revoke the cap on the provision of the Special Needs Assistants in Primary schools.
Kilkenny School Project NS Patron Committee
5. That this AGM deplores the decision of the Department of Education to cap the number of Special Needs Assistant posts (circular 0006/2011) and requests Educate Together to seek a fairer approach to the allocation of SNAs based on need not numbers.
Swords ETNS BOM
Admissions Policy 6. This AGM instructs Educate Together to change the admissions policy from "first come, first served" to one which includes a Siblings Policy.
Carlow ETNS BOM
Ethical Education Curriculum
7. That this AGM applauds initiatives designed to support the delivery of quality teaching and learning of the Learn Together Programme and calls on Educate Together to examine the feasibility of providing hard copy resources to supplement on-line learning and Summer Courses.
Swords ETNS BOM
Review of four principles and charter
8. Wicklow ETNS proposes that the Directors of Educate Together should conduct and lead a consultative review of the four principles of Educate Together, together with the Educate Together Charter.
This review would examine the language and meaning of the four principles, and present proposals for adaptations to the principles, to reflect the current context, both in terms of the changing educational landscape and the need to protect and maintain the environment, and to create a renewed vision for the Educate Together Community.
The review would also consider the feasibility of adopting the Earth Charter to support and extend the guiding principles of Educate Together. These adapted principles would be presented to the Educate Together AGM in 2012 for a democratic decision on their adoption by the members of the organisation.
Wicklow ETNS BOM
Quorum for the AGM
9. That the existing rule for a quorum at an AGM be changed to 40% of the schools in the organisation.
ET Directors
Funding of Educate Together
10. Educate Together continues with the agreed commitment from last year's AGM to funding from the membership for the coming year. Furthermore, the directors of E.T. will give an annual itemised account of the spending of the funding which has been raised from this source.
ET Directors
Membership of Educate Together
11. That this AGM direct the directors to convene a membership committee to examine the conditions set by E.T. for granting membership to schools.
ET Directors
Monday, March 28, 2011
Newsletter 28th March 2011
Dear Parents,
SECONDARY SCHOOL: Adamstown Community School recently held an open night for those in fifth class who are thinking of enrolling. I would ask parents of children in fifth class to consider carefully where they intend to send their children when they finish here. You might not be aware that there is an acute shortage in Secondary School places in the Lucan area. We were in this position regarding primary school places in 2007 where the Adamstown Schools had to take in children from junior infants to sixth class so as to lessen the pressure in Lucan. Over the next few years there will not be enough secondary school places for those children leaving primary school.
In Adamstown we are fortunate in that the board was able to secure a priority place on the enrolment policy of the Adamstown Community School for the ACETNS: this was done under the SDZ (Strategic Development Zone) plan for the Adamstown Area. Those children who are attending this school and resident in Adamstown are first on the list for admission to the Secondary school; those who are attending this school and not resident in Adamstown are also very close to the top. Most primary schools in Lucan do not have priority status for a secondary school and are put at a disdavantage in that they may not be able to secure places in any secondary school in the Lucan area. Moreover, there is a 'first of family' stipulation on the enrolment policy which essentially means that should eldest of your family not attend the Community school then it may prove very difficult for their younger siblings to gain admission when their time comes.
The policy is very particular and complicated, so please go on their website and read it before you make any decision. This policy could change at any time given the pressure from other schools in Lucan.
BOOKFAIR: The Bookfair continues until Wednesday of this week. Thank you to all who have supported this fair. Our school benefits from every purchase made by you; through this approach we are able to supplement our libraries. I would also like to thank the teachers who are running this fair.
ATHLETICS: The boys will be running in the Griffeen Park on the 7th of April in the first Cross Country Event organised by South Dublin County Council. Parents are welcome to come along and support the teams.
HOCKEY: The Girls from 3rd, 4th 5th and 6th will be involved in a hockey tournament on the 7th of April in the Weston Hockey Grounds. As with the
SOCIAL CREDITS: There will be Workshop on the 7th of April for members of the Educate Together Schools in Lucan in the Adamstown Community School at ten am. This is an exciting initiative by South Dublin County Council to promote volunteerism through the social credit approach which was developed in Wales and England. Adamstown Castle ETNS has organised with the other ET schools in the Lucan Area to start this in the schools with the view to opening out to the wider community of Lucan. Please google 'Timebanking' or have a look at justaddspice.org for more information. If you are interested in coming along please leave your name with Deirdre in the office. Representatives from the schools will also be travelling to Wales in April to view a number of projects there
SWIMMING: Swimming has been a great success to date. I am delighted with the children and their behaviour and I would like to thank those parents who have come along to assist us. Second class is now doing lessons followed by first class after Easter. The school has subsidised the lessons to the tune of approximately 2000 euro per class.
SCHOOL TOURS: PLEASE NOTE THESE ARE PROVISIONAL DATES
Junior/senior infants Infants: 3rd June to Reynold's farm from 9 to 1.20
1st and 2nd Classes: 31st May to Dublin Zoo from 9.30 to 2.30
3rd to 6th Classes: 1st of June Baltinglas Outdoor Education
8.00 to 5.30
TESCO: We are collecting tesco vouchers so please send them in.
ESKER/ADAMSTOWN CUP: Soccer will take place on Monday the fourth of April and Thursday the Seventh of April from 3.15 to 4.15. This is a soccer blitz involving six team with one from Adamstown.
South Dublin Soccer Seven-a-side Blitz : Well done to our senior boys and girls in the recent competition. This was a great competition involving teams from all over the South Dublin Region. Unfortunately, we didn't win the cup but did very well nevertheless. Thanks to Robbie in the FAI and South Dublin Co.Co. for organising this event.
FOOTBALL LEAGUE: Where I come from we call it soccer! However, the Lunch time football league continues on Mondays and Wednesdays at big break: Chelsea and Barcelona are top of the table.
LUCAN HARRIERS:Lucan Harriers are holding their Annual Open Sporst Day at the Athletic track (Across from Superquinn) on Saturday the 9th of April starting at 2pm. All are invited from the under 9 to under 20 years of age to participate in sprints, middle distance shot putt long jump and relays. Cost of entry is 5 euro or 10 eoro per family.
DRUMMING BAND: Well done to the school Drumming Band who represented the school in the St. Patrick's Day Parade and thank you to those parents who came along to help.
SECONDARY SCHOOL: Adamstown Community School recently held an open night for those in fifth class who are thinking of enrolling. I would ask parents of children in fifth class to consider carefully where they intend to send their children when they finish here. You might not be aware that there is an acute shortage in Secondary School places in the Lucan area. We were in this position regarding primary school places in 2007 where the Adamstown Schools had to take in children from junior infants to sixth class so as to lessen the pressure in Lucan. Over the next few years there will not be enough secondary school places for those children leaving primary school.
In Adamstown we are fortunate in that the board was able to secure a priority place on the enrolment policy of the Adamstown Community School for the ACETNS: this was done under the SDZ (Strategic Development Zone) plan for the Adamstown Area. Those children who are attending this school and resident in Adamstown are first on the list for admission to the Secondary school; those who are attending this school and not resident in Adamstown are also very close to the top. Most primary schools in Lucan do not have priority status for a secondary school and are put at a disdavantage in that they may not be able to secure places in any secondary school in the Lucan area. Moreover, there is a 'first of family' stipulation on the enrolment policy which essentially means that should eldest of your family not attend the Community school then it may prove very difficult for their younger siblings to gain admission when their time comes.
The policy is very particular and complicated, so please go on their website and read it before you make any decision. This policy could change at any time given the pressure from other schools in Lucan.
BOOKFAIR: The Bookfair continues until Wednesday of this week. Thank you to all who have supported this fair. Our school benefits from every purchase made by you; through this approach we are able to supplement our libraries. I would also like to thank the teachers who are running this fair.
ATHLETICS: The boys will be running in the Griffeen Park on the 7th of April in the first Cross Country Event organised by South Dublin County Council. Parents are welcome to come along and support the teams.
HOCKEY: The Girls from 3rd, 4th 5th and 6th will be involved in a hockey tournament on the 7th of April in the Weston Hockey Grounds. As with the
SOCIAL CREDITS: There will be Workshop on the 7th of April for members of the Educate Together Schools in Lucan in the Adamstown Community School at ten am. This is an exciting initiative by South Dublin County Council to promote volunteerism through the social credit approach which was developed in Wales and England. Adamstown Castle ETNS has organised with the other ET schools in the Lucan Area to start this in the schools with the view to opening out to the wider community of Lucan. Please google 'Timebanking' or have a look at justaddspice.org for more information. If you are interested in coming along please leave your name with Deirdre in the office. Representatives from the schools will also be travelling to Wales in April to view a number of projects there
SWIMMING: Swimming has been a great success to date. I am delighted with the children and their behaviour and I would like to thank those parents who have come along to assist us. Second class is now doing lessons followed by first class after Easter. The school has subsidised the lessons to the tune of approximately 2000 euro per class.
SCHOOL TOURS: PLEASE NOTE THESE ARE PROVISIONAL DATES
Junior/senior infants Infants: 3rd June to Reynold's farm from 9 to 1.20
1st and 2nd Classes: 31st May to Dublin Zoo from 9.30 to 2.30
3rd to 6th Classes: 1st of June Baltinglas Outdoor Education
8.00 to 5.30
TESCO: We are collecting tesco vouchers so please send them in.
ESKER/ADAMSTOWN CUP: Soccer will take place on Monday the fourth of April and Thursday the Seventh of April from 3.15 to 4.15. This is a soccer blitz involving six team with one from Adamstown.
South Dublin Soccer Seven-a-side Blitz : Well done to our senior boys and girls in the recent competition. This was a great competition involving teams from all over the South Dublin Region. Unfortunately, we didn't win the cup but did very well nevertheless. Thanks to Robbie in the FAI and South Dublin Co.Co. for organising this event.
FOOTBALL LEAGUE: Where I come from we call it soccer! However, the Lunch time football league continues on Mondays and Wednesdays at big break: Chelsea and Barcelona are top of the table.
LUCAN HARRIERS:Lucan Harriers are holding their Annual Open Sporst Day at the Athletic track (Across from Superquinn) on Saturday the 9th of April starting at 2pm. All are invited from the under 9 to under 20 years of age to participate in sprints, middle distance shot putt long jump and relays. Cost of entry is 5 euro or 10 eoro per family.
DRUMMING BAND: Well done to the school Drumming Band who represented the school in the St. Patrick's Day Parade and thank you to those parents who came along to help.
Monday, March 14, 2011
Newsletter 15th March 2011
Dear Parents/Guardians
CEILI MOR: Beidh ceili mor istoiche anocht sa halla spoirt. We will have a ceili in the sports hall tonight at seven o'clock. Please come along and enjoy the evening, music and dance and a bit of fun. As part of seachtain na gaeilge the children have been practicing Irish dancing for the last while and what better way to learn through fun except at an event like this. There will be some light refreshments served on the night. Thank you to all the staff for their enthusiasm in promoting this cultural event.
SWIMMING: Our third fourth fifth and sixth classes will finish their swimming lessons this Wednesday. Thank you to those parents who volunteered their time to come along and assist.
Lessons will commence for second class next week. The cost is 5 euro per session. The lessons will run for six weeks. Following this first class will have their turn. Again we are looking for volunteers to assist even if you are available for one session, it would be much appreciated.
ST. PATRICK'S DAY PARADE: The drumming band will be involved in the St. Patrick's day parade in Lucan. Those involved will meet at Tescos in Dodsborough. Please come along along and cheer the participants along. Thanks to Dermot for all the work on this.
GREEN FLAG: Yes we finally have it: the Green Flag. Well done to the green committee for all their work. All we need now is the flag pole which will be with us presently.
BOOK FAIR: The book fair is comming to the school on the 24th of March and will run for a number of days thereafter ( Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Monday and Tuesday). This is a very important fundraising event for the school where the school will get a certain percent of all purchases. If you wish to donate a book to the school if you so wish. All books donated will be acknowledged with a sticker on the cover of the book.
MAD SCIENTIST: The mad scientist will be visiting the school on the 25th of March. This is a science show especially tailored for junior and senior children. We will have two presentations: junior infants to first class and second to sixth.
Cost for this is one Euro per Child
LUCAN SARSFIELDS: Two children (Mukhadis and Dylan in Martha's class) were involved in a tree planting ceremony to celebrate the football Club's 125th year in existence.
VACCINATIONS/ HEARING AND SIGHT TESTS: There have been a number of enquiries regarding vaccinations. The HSE has responsibility for this area and make contact with us they require the use of the facilities in the school. Please look at our policy section of this website for more information on this.
PARENT/TODDLER SWIMMING SESSIONS: There has been some expression of interest in the parent/toddler swimming sessions. We will be in contact with those parents individually.
SOCCER BLITZ: On Tuesday the 22nd of March a soccer team from fifth and sixth class representing the school will be involved in a soccer blitz in Clondalkin. We wish them all the best and I would also like to thank Robbie from the FAI who is involved in the development of soccer in the Lucan area.
CEILI MOR: Beidh ceili mor istoiche anocht sa halla spoirt. We will have a ceili in the sports hall tonight at seven o'clock. Please come along and enjoy the evening, music and dance and a bit of fun. As part of seachtain na gaeilge the children have been practicing Irish dancing for the last while and what better way to learn through fun except at an event like this. There will be some light refreshments served on the night. Thank you to all the staff for their enthusiasm in promoting this cultural event.
SWIMMING: Our third fourth fifth and sixth classes will finish their swimming lessons this Wednesday. Thank you to those parents who volunteered their time to come along and assist.
Lessons will commence for second class next week. The cost is 5 euro per session. The lessons will run for six weeks. Following this first class will have their turn. Again we are looking for volunteers to assist even if you are available for one session, it would be much appreciated.
ST. PATRICK'S DAY PARADE: The drumming band will be involved in the St. Patrick's day parade in Lucan. Those involved will meet at Tescos in Dodsborough. Please come along along and cheer the participants along. Thanks to Dermot for all the work on this.
GREEN FLAG: Yes we finally have it: the Green Flag. Well done to the green committee for all their work. All we need now is the flag pole which will be with us presently.
BOOK FAIR: The book fair is comming to the school on the 24th of March and will run for a number of days thereafter ( Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Monday and Tuesday). This is a very important fundraising event for the school where the school will get a certain percent of all purchases. If you wish to donate a book to the school if you so wish. All books donated will be acknowledged with a sticker on the cover of the book.
MAD SCIENTIST: The mad scientist will be visiting the school on the 25th of March. This is a science show especially tailored for junior and senior children. We will have two presentations: junior infants to first class and second to sixth.
Cost for this is one Euro per Child
LUCAN SARSFIELDS: Two children (Mukhadis and Dylan in Martha's class) were involved in a tree planting ceremony to celebrate the football Club's 125th year in existence.
VACCINATIONS/ HEARING AND SIGHT TESTS: There have been a number of enquiries regarding vaccinations. The HSE has responsibility for this area and make contact with us they require the use of the facilities in the school. Please look at our policy section of this website for more information on this.
PARENT/TODDLER SWIMMING SESSIONS: There has been some expression of interest in the parent/toddler swimming sessions. We will be in contact with those parents individually.
SOCCER BLITZ: On Tuesday the 22nd of March a soccer team from fifth and sixth class representing the school will be involved in a soccer blitz in Clondalkin. We wish them all the best and I would also like to thank Robbie from the FAI who is involved in the development of soccer in the Lucan area.
Friday, March 4, 2011
Adamstown Castle Educate Together – 3RD March 2011 Newsletter
STAFF MEETING - You received a text on this: there will be no more school closures to facilitate staff meetings so the school will not be closing early this Friday 4th March as previously stated.
ADAMSTOWN /FINNSTOWN COMMUNITY GAMES - The community games Basketball registration and first training session is on Saturday March the 5th from 12pm to 1pm in St. John the Evangelist National School. All parents/guardians with boys and girls in the under 13 and under 11 age groups (that is the date of birth is the 1st of August 1998 to the 31st of July 2002).
KIDS LUNCHES - We have been talking to Carambola KIDZ about providing lunches for children in the school. They offer a fantastic variety of healthy lunches for children which can be tailored to your child’s tastes and needs. The cost of this is 1.40 or 2 euro per day; for that your child will get a drink, juice, fruit bag, sandwich, yogurt etc. If you are interest please fill in the expression of interest note which was sent home to you. It is a substantial lunch which we have tested: Dermot thinks the wrap is gorgeous.
SUMMER CAMP ADAMSTOWN 2011 - Information meeting will be held on the 9th of March at 11 am (morning time) in St. John the evangelist school. This summer programme in Adamstown is aimed at providing a supervised programme of recreational and educational activities for young people over one/two week summer period. Emphasis is on Community involvement and development of resources and groups within Adamstown.
SWIMMING CLASSES FOR SECOND AND FIRST CLASSES - A note will be sent to you regarding swimming classes for second class. The cost will be five euro per session. This is an essential aspect of the PE curriculum. These classes will commence on the week of the 23rd of March for six weeks.
BOOK WEEK / LITERARY BREAKFAST - We had two literary breakfasts, for junior and senior classes, this week. Thank you to the parents who participated and brought in some breakfast to share with the children. Also thanks for Martha for organising this event.
MOBILE LIBRARY - The mobile library visits Adamstown every Monday at home time. This facility is for adults and children alike.
ATHLETICS - The first Lucan schools’ cross country event took place in the Adamstown playing field. Well done to all the children who participated and those who won medals on the day.
SWIMMING FOR MOTHERS AND PRESCHOOL - We are looking into swimming sessions for mothers and toddlers sometime after the Easter break. If you are interested please fill in the expression of interest note sent home to you.
RSE AND CHILDREN FIRST POLICIES – Both of these policies will be available on the website shortly. However we are looking for parents, who may be interested in translating these into different languages. Please contact the school office if you would like to help in this regard.
PHOTOGRAPHS – The school photographer will be in next week to take the school photos. The photos will be available to view from about 22nd March on www.bandaradam.com.
ADAMSTOWN /FINNSTOWN COMMUNITY GAMES - The community games Basketball registration and first training session is on Saturday March the 5th from 12pm to 1pm in St. John the Evangelist National School. All parents/guardians with boys and girls in the under 13 and under 11 age groups (that is the date of birth is the 1st of August 1998 to the 31st of July 2002).
KIDS LUNCHES - We have been talking to Carambola KIDZ about providing lunches for children in the school. They offer a fantastic variety of healthy lunches for children which can be tailored to your child’s tastes and needs. The cost of this is 1.40 or 2 euro per day; for that your child will get a drink, juice, fruit bag, sandwich, yogurt etc. If you are interest please fill in the expression of interest note which was sent home to you. It is a substantial lunch which we have tested: Dermot thinks the wrap is gorgeous.
SUMMER CAMP ADAMSTOWN 2011 - Information meeting will be held on the 9th of March at 11 am (morning time) in St. John the evangelist school. This summer programme in Adamstown is aimed at providing a supervised programme of recreational and educational activities for young people over one/two week summer period. Emphasis is on Community involvement and development of resources and groups within Adamstown.
SWIMMING CLASSES FOR SECOND AND FIRST CLASSES - A note will be sent to you regarding swimming classes for second class. The cost will be five euro per session. This is an essential aspect of the PE curriculum. These classes will commence on the week of the 23rd of March for six weeks.
BOOK WEEK / LITERARY BREAKFAST - We had two literary breakfasts, for junior and senior classes, this week. Thank you to the parents who participated and brought in some breakfast to share with the children. Also thanks for Martha for organising this event.
MOBILE LIBRARY - The mobile library visits Adamstown every Monday at home time. This facility is for adults and children alike.
ATHLETICS - The first Lucan schools’ cross country event took place in the Adamstown playing field. Well done to all the children who participated and those who won medals on the day.
SWIMMING FOR MOTHERS AND PRESCHOOL - We are looking into swimming sessions for mothers and toddlers sometime after the Easter break. If you are interested please fill in the expression of interest note sent home to you.
RSE AND CHILDREN FIRST POLICIES – Both of these policies will be available on the website shortly. However we are looking for parents, who may be interested in translating these into different languages. Please contact the school office if you would like to help in this regard.
PHOTOGRAPHS – The school photographer will be in next week to take the school photos. The photos will be available to view from about 22nd March on www.bandaradam.com.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Newsletter 15th February 2011
Adamstown Castle Educate Together – 15th February 2011 Newsletter
GREEN SCHOOLS
WE HAVE JUST BEEN INFORMED THAT THE SCHOOL HAS BEEN AWARDED A GREEN FLAG. This is a fabulous achievement for such a young school and credit goes to all the children who organised and monitored everything from recycling, composting, anti-litter campaigns etc. Special credit goes to the Green Schools Committee and their co-ordinator Martha for all their work. We will be hosting the Green Flag in late March or early April and hopefully will have an all school celebration to mark the occasion.
CRICKET
The Adamstown Cricket club has asked me to inform you that they enrolling for a junior Cricket Coaching Course. The coaching courses will start on the 20th of February and will cater for children from 8 upwards. The total fee is 10 euro. Contact details: www.adamstown cricket.ie info@adamstowncricketclub.ie ph 0851424525
BASKETBALL
Basketball has commenced as an extra-curricular activity on Thursdays until 3 O’Clock. Caroline and Edel are organising this.
SOCCER
Soccer training will commence on Tuesday the 1st of March for 2nd, 3rd and 4th classes at 2.30. This is organised by the FAI and will run for six weeks. There will also be a soccer blitz for fifth and sixth classes on the 22nd of March in Clondalkin. The FAI will be organising this. Thanks to Robbie, the regional Co-ordinator, for all his efforts in the development of soccer in the Lucan area.
SUMMER CAMP
CPLN would like to invite parents of the school to train as volunteers to participate in the Summer Programme for 2011 in Adamstown. There will be an information meeting in St. John the Evangelist school at 11 am and 8pm on Wednesday the 9th of March. For more information contact Andrea Molloy at amolloy@sdublincoco.ie or Carmen Parades at 01 014508748
MAD SCIENTIST
For your Diary: The MAD SCIENCE IRELAND will be visiting our school on the 16th of March with their show Air Blast. There will be one show for the younger pupils and another to cater specifically for the senior classes.
CHESS CLUB
We will be setting up a lunch time chess club will start in the school on Tuesday after the mid-term and every Tuesday after that.
FESTIVAL OF COLOURS (HOLI)
The festival of light will take place in Tallaght on the 19th March. If you are interested in taking part in a Bollywood dance related to Holi, please contact Mili on 086-3344081.
SCHOOL PHOTOS
The Parents Association will be looking after the school photos this year. We will confirm the dates etc in the next few weeks.
MID TERM
The school will be closed for the Mid-term break from Monday 21st February until to Friday 25th inclusive.
COMENIUS
As you may be aware this school has been involved in a European wide programme known as Comenius. We have recently applied for membership of a partnership under the auspices of the European council which is dedicated to engaging intercultural dialogue between school communities thereby challenging stereotypes and ensuring and ensuring collaboration between school pupil councils, local communities, school staff in our partner schools . Lara has been working on this for the last year or so. It is all very exciting.
ATHLETICS
Unfortunately we were unable to run the athletic trials today, we will try again tomorrow. There will be a cross country race on Thursday on the school football pitches. This will be held at 11 am and will involve approximately 9 schools from the Lucan area. You are welcome to come along and support our runners. This event is organised by st. John the Evangelist NS and Adamstown Castle ETNS.
SCHOOL GARDEN
Diarmuid has purchased a number of plants for planting in the garden. These include: apple trees, mountain ash, holly, and other various fruit plants. First and second classes will be planting these tomorrow.
WEBSITE
The schools has just purchased some internet software (English and Irish) specifically designed for the Irish Curriculum. You can access these games on ilearn.ie website. The user name is 20268H and the password is acetns. There are approximately 80 games overall catering for all class levels. Have fun!!!”
LOST & FOUND
All clothes in our lost and found will be on a clothes rack in the main reception until this Friday 18thFebruary. After that we will be recycling them.
GREEN SCHOOLS
WE HAVE JUST BEEN INFORMED THAT THE SCHOOL HAS BEEN AWARDED A GREEN FLAG. This is a fabulous achievement for such a young school and credit goes to all the children who organised and monitored everything from recycling, composting, anti-litter campaigns etc. Special credit goes to the Green Schools Committee and their co-ordinator Martha for all their work. We will be hosting the Green Flag in late March or early April and hopefully will have an all school celebration to mark the occasion.
CRICKET
The Adamstown Cricket club has asked me to inform you that they enrolling for a junior Cricket Coaching Course. The coaching courses will start on the 20th of February and will cater for children from 8 upwards. The total fee is 10 euro. Contact details: www.adamstown cricket.ie info@adamstowncricketclub.ie ph 0851424525
BASKETBALL
Basketball has commenced as an extra-curricular activity on Thursdays until 3 O’Clock. Caroline and Edel are organising this.
SOCCER
Soccer training will commence on Tuesday the 1st of March for 2nd, 3rd and 4th classes at 2.30. This is organised by the FAI and will run for six weeks. There will also be a soccer blitz for fifth and sixth classes on the 22nd of March in Clondalkin. The FAI will be organising this. Thanks to Robbie, the regional Co-ordinator, for all his efforts in the development of soccer in the Lucan area.
SUMMER CAMP
CPLN would like to invite parents of the school to train as volunteers to participate in the Summer Programme for 2011 in Adamstown. There will be an information meeting in St. John the Evangelist school at 11 am and 8pm on Wednesday the 9th of March. For more information contact Andrea Molloy at amolloy@sdublincoco.ie or Carmen Parades at 01 014508748
MAD SCIENTIST
For your Diary: The MAD SCIENCE IRELAND will be visiting our school on the 16th of March with their show Air Blast. There will be one show for the younger pupils and another to cater specifically for the senior classes.
CHESS CLUB
We will be setting up a lunch time chess club will start in the school on Tuesday after the mid-term and every Tuesday after that.
FESTIVAL OF COLOURS (HOLI)
The festival of light will take place in Tallaght on the 19th March. If you are interested in taking part in a Bollywood dance related to Holi, please contact Mili on 086-3344081.
SCHOOL PHOTOS
The Parents Association will be looking after the school photos this year. We will confirm the dates etc in the next few weeks.
MID TERM
The school will be closed for the Mid-term break from Monday 21st February until to Friday 25th inclusive.
COMENIUS
As you may be aware this school has been involved in a European wide programme known as Comenius. We have recently applied for membership of a partnership under the auspices of the European council which is dedicated to engaging intercultural dialogue between school communities thereby challenging stereotypes and ensuring and ensuring collaboration between school pupil councils, local communities, school staff in our partner schools . Lara has been working on this for the last year or so. It is all very exciting.
ATHLETICS
Unfortunately we were unable to run the athletic trials today, we will try again tomorrow. There will be a cross country race on Thursday on the school football pitches. This will be held at 11 am and will involve approximately 9 schools from the Lucan area. You are welcome to come along and support our runners. This event is organised by st. John the Evangelist NS and Adamstown Castle ETNS.
SCHOOL GARDEN
Diarmuid has purchased a number of plants for planting in the garden. These include: apple trees, mountain ash, holly, and other various fruit plants. First and second classes will be planting these tomorrow.
WEBSITE
The schools has just purchased some internet software (English and Irish) specifically designed for the Irish Curriculum. You can access these games on ilearn.ie website. The user name is 20268H and the password is acetns. There are approximately 80 games overall catering for all class levels. Have fun!!!”
LOST & FOUND
All clothes in our lost and found will be on a clothes rack in the main reception until this Friday 18thFebruary. After that we will be recycling them.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Newesletter February 2011
Newsletter 1/02/2011
STAY SAFE MEETING
In line with our child protection policy there will be a Stay Safe Meeting in the school on Thursday at 7.30. so far we have about fifty responses.
STAFF MEETING
Our last half in half out staff meeting will be held this Friday. Children will go home at 12 for infants and 12.10 for all other children. Under the Croke Park agreement there will be a change to current arrangements for staff meetings. Other arrangements to make up for some of the snow days will be discussed at the meeting. It is envisaged that the Standardised School Year will be more flexible so as compensate for any unforeseen disruptions in 2011/2012.
SPRINGTIME
Today is the first day of spring. Some of you might have noticed a few snowdrops poking their heads up of late. It is fascinating really to see how spring actually moves across the country: generally from the South West to The North East. In fact if you Google ‘The Green wave’ you can track the greening of the continent of Europe through the use of satellite imagery. This is also celebrated in Ireland as Saint Brigid’s Day. Brigid is reputedly to have been born in Kildare, just out the road from us. Christianity of that time superimposed its worship on pre-christian worship. Brigid was also a Celtic Goddess. The name in fact means the ‘exalted one’.
GREEN SCHOOLS
We had our Green Schools Inspection and are waiting for confirmation of success in attaining the Green Flag. Again, I have to say the children were great, one couldn’t but be proud of them. Once we get word, you will be informed and maybe we will have a little celebration.
SOCCER
The FAI (football Association of Ireland) will be doing after school soccer coaching sessions in the school for about six weeks. This will be followed by an Easter Camp and other activities linked to the Europa Cup. I expect that the sessions will happen on Tuesdays after school. There will more on this closer to the time. It is hoped that more girls will get involved this sport.
ATHLETICS
The Athletics event (Cross Country), which was cancelled before the Christmas break, will now be held on Thursday the 17th at 11 am. This is an all Lucan event involving schools from the Lucan area. We will be picking teams in the next week or so.
FOROIGE (YOUTH GROUP)
Foroige is a youth organisation for young teenagers who meet on Thursdays in the school. In fact last Thursday was their first meeting here. This group is the first of its kind in the Lucan area and draws children from all over Lucan. They currently have sixteen teenagers partaking in various activities in the group. I understand these activities involve: sport, cooking, debating, etc. Hopefully we will get them to work on our garden when the weather permits. There are five adult mentors to group. They are still recruiting and would expect to have at least 30 teenagers in the group shortly. If you have any teenagers who would like to get involved you are welcome to contact Jerry at 014514231 or you can come along to have a look for yourself on Thursday evenings from 7pm to 9pm.
MOBILE LIBRARY
South Dublin mobile library is coming to visit the senior Infants at school on Tuesday the 8th of February. If you have a child in senior infants and he/she has a card, please send it in with him/her on the day. If you have a child in another class and would wish to join the library please call in anytime during the day to the library beside Superquinn.
The library service has also changed its times to coincide with the school closing time. You will find it parked outside the school on Mondays after school. Your child can bring his/her library book to school and exchange it in the mobile library.
CHINESE NEW YEAR
Today is the Chinese New Year: the Year of the Rabbit. I would like to wish a ‘Happy (Chinese) new year’ to all those who celebrate it. Thanks Judy for the tip off.
CLASS PHOTOGRAPHY
Azlina one of our parents has kindly suggested that they, along with the Parents’ Association, will organise the class & individual photographs this year. The prices suggested are very competitive compared to the commercial companies who have been involved in the school to date; The Parents’ Association will have a share in the profits. You will be notified shortly after the mid-term break.
SCOUTING MOVEMENT
The Scouting Association of Ireland has been in contact with the school with the intention of starting up a scouting group in the building. This group will be open to all children in the Lucan Area. The tentative times are 6.30pm on Friday evenings; More on that later. The contact person is:
ST PATRICK’S DAY PARADE
We will be entering a float in the St. Patrick’s day parade. Dermot is organising this with the Drumming Band. If you would like to get involved please, please contact the school.
ELECTIONS
The election has been called. Please, if you are eligible to vote, make sure you are registered and make that vote count by going along to the polling booth on February the 25th. You will notice a rare breed of animal in the area over the next few weeks; these are known as canvassers. Be sure to ask the hard questions and while you are at it you could also ask them:
1. Do they support the cuts to funding for primary schools even though the funding has never covered the running costs?
2. Do they support the cuts language provision and provision for children with special needs?
EAL teachers, Resource teachers, special needs assistants are being cut.
3. Do they support the increases in class sizes at primary school level?
EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
Activities on offer at the moment include: Hockey (Grainne, Aoife), Gaelic Football (Dearmuid, Maoliosa), Olympic Handball (Tom, Caroline), Art and Craft ( Martha), Drumming Band(Dermot),Basketball (To start soon), soccer (to start soon). There is no charge for any of these activities except for a nominal charge for art and craft materials. I would like to thank the teachers for giving of their time to organise these activities.
OTHER ACTIVITIES AVAILABLE AT THE ACETNS
Tae Kwando for children and adults, Irish dancing for children and adults, Bollywood dancing for children, Community Games, Foroige( Youth Club), Scouting(tentative), Cricket, Ballet,
SWINE FLU
Please be aware that Swine Flu has not gone away. Please ensure that your child has a clean face cloth every day
LICE
Please be vigilant and report any evidence
of lice to the school.
ENROLMENT
The final day for enrolment is this Friday the 4th of February.
COMMUNITY GAMES
The school is providing facilities for the Finnstown/Hanstead and Adamstown Community Games. The name is a little long but hopefully it will be abbreviated shortly. This year the focus will be on Basketball for the under elevens and track and field events.
SWIMMING
Swimming has started in the school. Currently 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th are attending lessons in the Clondalkin pool on Wednesday mornings. It is a compulsory part of the physical education curriculum that children partake in aquatics. Thank you to those parents who have volunteered to come along and assist.
SECONDARY SCHOOL
As you may be well aware, there is a severe shortage in second level places in the Lucan Area. There is a new secondary school in the pipeline. This may be an Educate Together Designated second level school. All children in this school and living in Adamstown currently have priority status in the Adamstown Community College, which is a relief as there are many in and around Lucan who cannot get a place in secondary school. Watch this space for further developments.
STAY SAFE MEETING
In line with our child protection policy there will be a Stay Safe Meeting in the school on Thursday at 7.30. so far we have about fifty responses.
STAFF MEETING
Our last half in half out staff meeting will be held this Friday. Children will go home at 12 for infants and 12.10 for all other children. Under the Croke Park agreement there will be a change to current arrangements for staff meetings. Other arrangements to make up for some of the snow days will be discussed at the meeting. It is envisaged that the Standardised School Year will be more flexible so as compensate for any unforeseen disruptions in 2011/2012.
SPRINGTIME
Today is the first day of spring. Some of you might have noticed a few snowdrops poking their heads up of late. It is fascinating really to see how spring actually moves across the country: generally from the South West to The North East. In fact if you Google ‘The Green wave’ you can track the greening of the continent of Europe through the use of satellite imagery. This is also celebrated in Ireland as Saint Brigid’s Day. Brigid is reputedly to have been born in Kildare, just out the road from us. Christianity of that time superimposed its worship on pre-christian worship. Brigid was also a Celtic Goddess. The name in fact means the ‘exalted one’.
GREEN SCHOOLS
We had our Green Schools Inspection and are waiting for confirmation of success in attaining the Green Flag. Again, I have to say the children were great, one couldn’t but be proud of them. Once we get word, you will be informed and maybe we will have a little celebration.
SOCCER
The FAI (football Association of Ireland) will be doing after school soccer coaching sessions in the school for about six weeks. This will be followed by an Easter Camp and other activities linked to the Europa Cup. I expect that the sessions will happen on Tuesdays after school. There will more on this closer to the time. It is hoped that more girls will get involved this sport.
ATHLETICS
The Athletics event (Cross Country), which was cancelled before the Christmas break, will now be held on Thursday the 17th at 11 am. This is an all Lucan event involving schools from the Lucan area. We will be picking teams in the next week or so.
FOROIGE (YOUTH GROUP)
Foroige is a youth organisation for young teenagers who meet on Thursdays in the school. In fact last Thursday was their first meeting here. This group is the first of its kind in the Lucan area and draws children from all over Lucan. They currently have sixteen teenagers partaking in various activities in the group. I understand these activities involve: sport, cooking, debating, etc. Hopefully we will get them to work on our garden when the weather permits. There are five adult mentors to group. They are still recruiting and would expect to have at least 30 teenagers in the group shortly. If you have any teenagers who would like to get involved you are welcome to contact Jerry at 014514231 or you can come along to have a look for yourself on Thursday evenings from 7pm to 9pm.
MOBILE LIBRARY
South Dublin mobile library is coming to visit the senior Infants at school on Tuesday the 8th of February. If you have a child in senior infants and he/she has a card, please send it in with him/her on the day. If you have a child in another class and would wish to join the library please call in anytime during the day to the library beside Superquinn.
The library service has also changed its times to coincide with the school closing time. You will find it parked outside the school on Mondays after school. Your child can bring his/her library book to school and exchange it in the mobile library.
CHINESE NEW YEAR
Today is the Chinese New Year: the Year of the Rabbit. I would like to wish a ‘Happy (Chinese) new year’ to all those who celebrate it. Thanks Judy for the tip off.
CLASS PHOTOGRAPHY
Azlina one of our parents has kindly suggested that they, along with the Parents’ Association, will organise the class & individual photographs this year. The prices suggested are very competitive compared to the commercial companies who have been involved in the school to date; The Parents’ Association will have a share in the profits. You will be notified shortly after the mid-term break.
SCOUTING MOVEMENT
The Scouting Association of Ireland has been in contact with the school with the intention of starting up a scouting group in the building. This group will be open to all children in the Lucan Area. The tentative times are 6.30pm on Friday evenings; More on that later. The contact person is:
ST PATRICK’S DAY PARADE
We will be entering a float in the St. Patrick’s day parade. Dermot is organising this with the Drumming Band. If you would like to get involved please, please contact the school.
ELECTIONS
The election has been called. Please, if you are eligible to vote, make sure you are registered and make that vote count by going along to the polling booth on February the 25th. You will notice a rare breed of animal in the area over the next few weeks; these are known as canvassers. Be sure to ask the hard questions and while you are at it you could also ask them:
1. Do they support the cuts to funding for primary schools even though the funding has never covered the running costs?
2. Do they support the cuts language provision and provision for children with special needs?
EAL teachers, Resource teachers, special needs assistants are being cut.
3. Do they support the increases in class sizes at primary school level?
EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
Activities on offer at the moment include: Hockey (Grainne, Aoife), Gaelic Football (Dearmuid, Maoliosa), Olympic Handball (Tom, Caroline), Art and Craft ( Martha), Drumming Band(Dermot),Basketball (To start soon), soccer (to start soon). There is no charge for any of these activities except for a nominal charge for art and craft materials. I would like to thank the teachers for giving of their time to organise these activities.
OTHER ACTIVITIES AVAILABLE AT THE ACETNS
Tae Kwando for children and adults, Irish dancing for children and adults, Bollywood dancing for children, Community Games, Foroige( Youth Club), Scouting(tentative), Cricket, Ballet,
SWINE FLU
Please be aware that Swine Flu has not gone away. Please ensure that your child has a clean face cloth every day
LICE
Please be vigilant and report any evidence
of lice to the school.
ENROLMENT
The final day for enrolment is this Friday the 4th of February.
COMMUNITY GAMES
The school is providing facilities for the Finnstown/Hanstead and Adamstown Community Games. The name is a little long but hopefully it will be abbreviated shortly. This year the focus will be on Basketball for the under elevens and track and field events.
SWIMMING
Swimming has started in the school. Currently 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th are attending lessons in the Clondalkin pool on Wednesday mornings. It is a compulsory part of the physical education curriculum that children partake in aquatics. Thank you to those parents who have volunteered to come along and assist.
SECONDARY SCHOOL
As you may be well aware, there is a severe shortage in second level places in the Lucan Area. There is a new secondary school in the pipeline. This may be an Educate Together Designated second level school. All children in this school and living in Adamstown currently have priority status in the Adamstown Community College, which is a relief as there are many in and around Lucan who cannot get a place in secondary school. Watch this space for further developments.
Notification of Staff Meeting
Staff Meeting
Our last half in half out staff meeting, for the foreseeable future will be held on this Friday (4th of February). Infants will go home at 12.00 and the other classes will finish at 2.10.
The news letter is now on the blog. I neglected to save the Newsletter yesterday. Please refer to it on the blog at acetns.ie for an update on school information.
Regards,
Tom
Our last half in half out staff meeting, for the foreseeable future will be held on this Friday (4th of February). Infants will go home at 12.00 and the other classes will finish at 2.10.
The news letter is now on the blog. I neglected to save the Newsletter yesterday. Please refer to it on the blog at acetns.ie for an update on school information.
Regards,
Tom
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