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.