February
Dates for your Diary:
Friday the 1st of February: Mass at 9.30am in the school.
Thursday the 14th of February: Final day of swimming.
Friday the 15th of February: Casual Day
Monday 18th – Friday 22nd February: School closed (Mid-term).
Wednesday the 27th of February: Golf Classic Fundraiser meeting at 7.30pm.
Thursday the 7th of March: School Internet Safety Talk at 7.30pm
Golf Classic Fundraiser Meeting: Many thanks to all those who turned out on the 23rd of January. Thanks also to those who sent apologies. 51% of parents attended meeting 16% of parents sent apologies. 33% of parents didn’t engage with the meeting in anyway. The meeting was very short on the night. Another meeting will be held on the 27th of February at 7.30pm in the school. Again this will be a short meeting. We look forward to seeing all families represented on the night as the children from all families will benefit from the fundraiser. The Golf Classic itself will take place on Saturday the 18th of May in Roscrea Golf Club.
Review of Child Safeguarding Statement: The Board of Management has carried out a full review of the schools Child Safeguarding Statement, at its latest board meeting on the 16th of January.
Review of SPHE Policy: We are currently in the process of reviewing our SPHE Policy. One area which has cropped up during the review is the whole area of children, mobile phones, computer games, fortnight etc. As mobile phones are not allowed in school and games such as fortnight would never be played in school, this whole area is not directly a school issue. It does however seep into school as children discuss these things amongst one another. It is also clear that screen time is having all sorts of effects on our children and this can also be seen in school. In order to help and advise parents on the whole area, an Internet Safety Talk will be held on Thursday the 7th of March 7.30pm
In today’s technology-rich environment most of us feel woefully inadequate when it comes to knowing what our children are really experiencing when they use the internet. This is normal and to be expected. However, as parents we have a fundamental duty of care for our children, and unfortunately that means getting a grasp of the things that our children are experiencing on line.
The talk is being delivered by Jeremy Pagden, the Managing Director of Schools Websites. Jeremy delivered a talk on the subject of Internet Safety to our pupils and parents in 2016. With the almost daily changes which are taking place in the sector we feel it is appropriate that he will come back and speak to us and advise us again. The topics which will be covered during the session are as follows:
· Cyber bullying · Social Media & The Law
· Gaming and Internet Addiction · Fortnite & Gamification
· Social Media Privacy, Issues & Challenges
· The motivation behind large Social Media Companies
· Types of Internet Theft · Browser History
·Safe use of apps - Safe Searching on You Tube
· Safety settings on your home Wifi · Useful Resources
There will also be a book entitled ‘Internet Safety – A Guide for Parents’ available for sale following the session. Jeremy will present to children from 1st to 6th class on the day of the 7th of March.
We last held an Internet Safety Talk in the school in 2016. Even in that space of time, things have changed drastically. So despite having the talk penciled in for next year, we are bringing it forward, as it is timely now when we are reviewing our SPHE Policy.
School Mass: As part of Catholic Schools Week, mass will take place in the GP room this Friday the 1st of February at 9.30am. All are welcome.
Mid-term Break: The school will be closed from the 18th to the 22nd of February for mid-term break. It will re-open on the 25th of February.
School In-service Day and School Closure: School will be closed on Friday the 15th of March for a school in-service on the new Primary Language Curriculum.
Casual Day and Damien Breslin: Damien Breslin (a past pupil of our school) will represent Ireland at the Special Olympics in Abu Dhabi. These games will take place from the 14th – 21st March, this year. Athletes from 170 countries will represent their countries at the games. We are all extremely proud of Damien as he sets out to represent our country at the games. It is the highest sporting honour to represent ones country. Well done Damien! To support Damien, we will be holding a ‘Casual Day’ on Friday the 15th of February. Pupils can come to school dressed casually (non-uniform) on this day. Pupils are asked to bring in a small donation which will go towards funding Damien’s travel to the Games.
Home/School Communication: This is something we pride ourselves on in this school and for the majority of the time it is very good. If you have a worry, a concern or a query regarding your child, you are always encouraged to speak directly to your child’s class teacher. It is preferable that you would make an appointment. If however the issue is something that you feel can be addressed over the phone, simply ring the school and leave a message with Gerardine or leave a message on the voicemail and we will get back to you as soon as possible. Sometimes it may be necessary to meet face to face and if the teacher believes this to be the case, they will organise this with you. The one thing we strongly discourage is parents holding concerns or worries to themselves and then coming to us with a multitude of concerns. All problems when nipped in the bud early make it a lot easier for problems/worries to be resolved.
Swimming Lessons: We are on week 4 of our swimming lessons with 2 weeks remaining. A reminder the cost of lessons is €35 per child and if all money could be paid before the end of February. Many thanks to all those who have already paid.
Table Quiz: We wish both our teams (Junior & Senior Team) the very best of luck in the upcoming Credit Union Table Quiz which will take place in the County Arms Hotel on this Monday the 4th of February.
Fitness: The boys and girls in 4th to 6th class are involved in a ‘Get Fit’ Programme which involves running every day. It is great to see the clear progress which many children are making in this regard. Parents are also reminded that diet is also a very important part of fitness and well-being. While people are brilliant with New Year’s Resolutions in January, the enthusiasm can die off in February. It is frightening to witness the sugar and fat content in food and drink which is being doled out to our children. We all like a treat and that is important. Overdoing it on foods with high fat and sugar content renders fitness work physical activity etc. useless. Please bear this in mind when preparing your children’s lunch and consult with our ‘Healthy Eating Policy’ which is on our school website.
Poor Weather Conditions: In so far as we possibly can, we try to ensure that the route way into the school from the school gate is ice free. We can however provide no guarantees in this regard. On mornings when conditions are poor (i.e. roads slippy etc.), you and your children are asked to take particular care when coming into school. Please note that the car-park is not part of school property, so naturally enough paths etc. will not be gritted/salted. In so far as we possibly can, we will make every effort to ensure that the route from the school gate into the school is as ice-free as is possible but naturally we can’t provide any guarantees in this regard either. Maximum care must be observed at all times when conditions are poor.
Friday the 1st of February: Mass at 9.30am in the school.
Thursday the 14th of February: Final day of swimming.
Friday the 15th of February: Casual Day
Monday 18th – Friday 22nd February: School closed (Mid-term).
Wednesday the 27th of February: Golf Classic Fundraiser meeting at 7.30pm.
Thursday the 7th of March: School Internet Safety Talk at 7.30pm
Golf Classic Fundraiser Meeting: Many thanks to all those who turned out on the 23rd of January. Thanks also to those who sent apologies. 51% of parents attended meeting 16% of parents sent apologies. 33% of parents didn’t engage with the meeting in anyway. The meeting was very short on the night. Another meeting will be held on the 27th of February at 7.30pm in the school. Again this will be a short meeting. We look forward to seeing all families represented on the night as the children from all families will benefit from the fundraiser. The Golf Classic itself will take place on Saturday the 18th of May in Roscrea Golf Club.
Review of Child Safeguarding Statement: The Board of Management has carried out a full review of the schools Child Safeguarding Statement, at its latest board meeting on the 16th of January.
Review of SPHE Policy: We are currently in the process of reviewing our SPHE Policy. One area which has cropped up during the review is the whole area of children, mobile phones, computer games, fortnight etc. As mobile phones are not allowed in school and games such as fortnight would never be played in school, this whole area is not directly a school issue. It does however seep into school as children discuss these things amongst one another. It is also clear that screen time is having all sorts of effects on our children and this can also be seen in school. In order to help and advise parents on the whole area, an Internet Safety Talk will be held on Thursday the 7th of March 7.30pm
In today’s technology-rich environment most of us feel woefully inadequate when it comes to knowing what our children are really experiencing when they use the internet. This is normal and to be expected. However, as parents we have a fundamental duty of care for our children, and unfortunately that means getting a grasp of the things that our children are experiencing on line.
The talk is being delivered by Jeremy Pagden, the Managing Director of Schools Websites. Jeremy delivered a talk on the subject of Internet Safety to our pupils and parents in 2016. With the almost daily changes which are taking place in the sector we feel it is appropriate that he will come back and speak to us and advise us again. The topics which will be covered during the session are as follows:
· Cyber bullying · Social Media & The Law
· Gaming and Internet Addiction · Fortnite & Gamification
· Social Media Privacy, Issues & Challenges
· The motivation behind large Social Media Companies
· Types of Internet Theft · Browser History
·Safe use of apps - Safe Searching on You Tube
· Safety settings on your home Wifi · Useful Resources
There will also be a book entitled ‘Internet Safety – A Guide for Parents’ available for sale following the session. Jeremy will present to children from 1st to 6th class on the day of the 7th of March.
We last held an Internet Safety Talk in the school in 2016. Even in that space of time, things have changed drastically. So despite having the talk penciled in for next year, we are bringing it forward, as it is timely now when we are reviewing our SPHE Policy.
School Mass: As part of Catholic Schools Week, mass will take place in the GP room this Friday the 1st of February at 9.30am. All are welcome.
Mid-term Break: The school will be closed from the 18th to the 22nd of February for mid-term break. It will re-open on the 25th of February.
School In-service Day and School Closure: School will be closed on Friday the 15th of March for a school in-service on the new Primary Language Curriculum.
Casual Day and Damien Breslin: Damien Breslin (a past pupil of our school) will represent Ireland at the Special Olympics in Abu Dhabi. These games will take place from the 14th – 21st March, this year. Athletes from 170 countries will represent their countries at the games. We are all extremely proud of Damien as he sets out to represent our country at the games. It is the highest sporting honour to represent ones country. Well done Damien! To support Damien, we will be holding a ‘Casual Day’ on Friday the 15th of February. Pupils can come to school dressed casually (non-uniform) on this day. Pupils are asked to bring in a small donation which will go towards funding Damien’s travel to the Games.
Home/School Communication: This is something we pride ourselves on in this school and for the majority of the time it is very good. If you have a worry, a concern or a query regarding your child, you are always encouraged to speak directly to your child’s class teacher. It is preferable that you would make an appointment. If however the issue is something that you feel can be addressed over the phone, simply ring the school and leave a message with Gerardine or leave a message on the voicemail and we will get back to you as soon as possible. Sometimes it may be necessary to meet face to face and if the teacher believes this to be the case, they will organise this with you. The one thing we strongly discourage is parents holding concerns or worries to themselves and then coming to us with a multitude of concerns. All problems when nipped in the bud early make it a lot easier for problems/worries to be resolved.
Swimming Lessons: We are on week 4 of our swimming lessons with 2 weeks remaining. A reminder the cost of lessons is €35 per child and if all money could be paid before the end of February. Many thanks to all those who have already paid.
Table Quiz: We wish both our teams (Junior & Senior Team) the very best of luck in the upcoming Credit Union Table Quiz which will take place in the County Arms Hotel on this Monday the 4th of February.
Fitness: The boys and girls in 4th to 6th class are involved in a ‘Get Fit’ Programme which involves running every day. It is great to see the clear progress which many children are making in this regard. Parents are also reminded that diet is also a very important part of fitness and well-being. While people are brilliant with New Year’s Resolutions in January, the enthusiasm can die off in February. It is frightening to witness the sugar and fat content in food and drink which is being doled out to our children. We all like a treat and that is important. Overdoing it on foods with high fat and sugar content renders fitness work physical activity etc. useless. Please bear this in mind when preparing your children’s lunch and consult with our ‘Healthy Eating Policy’ which is on our school website.
Poor Weather Conditions: In so far as we possibly can, we try to ensure that the route way into the school from the school gate is ice free. We can however provide no guarantees in this regard. On mornings when conditions are poor (i.e. roads slippy etc.), you and your children are asked to take particular care when coming into school. Please note that the car-park is not part of school property, so naturally enough paths etc. will not be gritted/salted. In so far as we possibly can, we will make every effort to ensure that the route from the school gate into the school is as ice-free as is possible but naturally we can’t provide any guarantees in this regard either. Maximum care must be observed at all times when conditions are poor.
