Mid-Term Break

The school will be closed for mid-term break from Monday, 31st October.  It will re-open on Monday, 7th November at 8.30.

 

Head Lice Checks

We continue to have a number of reports of head lice.  We would kindly ask all families to check for head lice and continue to do so on a regular basis.  Attached to the newsletter is an information sheet (courtesy the Northern Territory Government) explaining how to check for lice and appropriate treatment if detected.  A collective effort from everyone will ensure the problem is solved.  Thanks!

 

Welcome to Clare and Clare

We welcomed two Clares to the school!  Clare Conry has finally joined us as a special-needs assistant in junior infants.  Sincere thanks to Sinéad who was the temporary SNA in the class.  Clare O’Malley has been observing and assisting in Senior Infants and will be doing teaching practice in November.

 

Coffee Morning for Galway Hospice

The children of the school along with the staff and a representative of the parents presented a cheque to the Galway Hospice, our donation from the proceeds of our recent coffee morning.

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Halloween

We had a fantastic fancy dress party on Friday.  The costumes were amazing and we had a great day.  We hope everyone has a safe and happy Halloween and Mid-Term Break.

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Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) Annual General Meeting

Many thanks to the parents who attended the PTA AGM this past week.  We approved a Constitution, reviewed the year, had a lively discussion about a vision for our developing school and discussed plans for this year.  Parents were selected for the PTA Committee, and they will meet in November to select officers.  The committee members for this school year are Trish, Karen, Karolina, Céline, Dan, Anita, Diana, Ollie, Clare, Ruth and Gosia.  Sincere thanks to all the parents who supported the PTA in the past year, especially our outgoing officers and committee members.  The parents in attendance discussed activities for the coming year. The PTA is looking forward to sponsoring guest teachers to do workshops with the children of the school.  A summary of the discussion can be found at the end of this  newsletter.

 

Galway Educate Together Second-Level School Campaign (GET2LS)

As part of the PTA AGM, we learned more about efforts to open an Educate Together secondary school in Galway.  In addition to completing expressions of interest, parents have been invited to record a short video message about why they want to have the option of an Educate Together second-level school for their children.  Please contact the staff or Diana, a member of the GET2LS campaign and a parent in our school, if you would be willing to participate.

 

Mobile Phone

The mobile phone number for the school that parents may have used in the past is no longer in service.  If parents need to contact the school, please email or phone the landline.

Summary of Small-Group Discussions at the PTA AGM on Wednesday, 26th October 2016

What do you feel Is going well in the school?

  • Settling in easily to new class and school
  • Happy school
  • Morning meeting
  • Classes work together and are integrated – no division
  • Integration – cultures, religions, races etc.
  • Acknowledgement of different religious festivals
  • Nice that all classes meet together on Fridays – get to know each other
  • Gaeilge
  • Friendly / sense of community in school, parents, children, teachers
  • International
  • Inclusive
  • Approachable teachers
  • After school
  • Positive vibe from school at spring fair

What ideas do you have for improving the experience of the children in our school going forward?

  • Building awareness
  • Book scheme
  • Blitz
  • Afterschool classes – Capeoira (Brazilian martial art)
  • More extra-curricular activities
  • Workshops with kids: sand, ceramics, creative
  • Sponsoring something – Sports
  • Outdoor space / green space
  • Bigger play area
  • Enhanced Aistear room
  • Portable stage

How can we make the wider community more aware of our school?

  • Spring Fair
  • Share Facebook Page
  • Make more use of Facebook / Social media
  • Public profile
  • A celebrity
  • Get involved in St Patrick’s Day parade – could include GET2LS
  • Link up with other Educate Together schools in County Galway
  • Get article written in Galway Independent or could TG4 do a program, etc.

 

What would you like to see the school achieve in the next 5 years? How can parents contribute to this?

  • New Building and car park and Play ground
  • Raise profile in the community
  • More fundraising for equipment in new school
  • Answers on Second-Level
  • Supply and demand – waiting list
  • Parents more actively involved, more attendance at meetings.
  • Maintain the current sense of community/atmosphere
  • More scope for parents to meet using school space. Maybe monthly parent meet ups – small group.
    • Walk on prom or outdoor events
  • More Afterschool camps with full days as well
  • Breakfast club
  • PTA WhatsApp group to send messages such as: Meeting in Oranmore Park next Saturday 2pm, Walking on the Prom next Sunday 12pm