An Focal Deireanach – Vol 11, No 6 25th October 2024

Parent-Teacher Association

The Parent-Teacher Association AGM was held on Monday morning.  Vajeeha Ali will be the chairperson, and Catherine Porter was chosen as the vice chairperson.  It was agreed that we will survey parents to determine when they are available to attend the monthly meetings.  It is envisioned that a morning meeting and an evening meeting will take place in close proximity to maximise participation.  Please complete the short survey by following this link: https://forms.gle/Zd5G4i5sAVCFdbYS8 to indicate what time ordinarily suits you best for meeting. 

At the meeting, it was agreed that we will have three family events.  The first will be a family table quiz on Friday, 22^nd November at 18.30.  Later in the year we will have a talent show in January as well as an intercultural fair in March.  The Spring Fair is provisionally scheduled for Saturday, 17^th May.

The PTA also discussed the Healthy Eating Policy which is being revised in the context of the hot meals programme.  Please see the attached policy.  Feedback is welcome by replying to this email.  The review of the Child Safeguarding Statement and Code of Behaviour and Anti-bullying Procedure was discussed.   

Parent-Teacher Meetings

Thank you to everyone who attended the parent-teacher meetings.  A particular thank you to the teachers for the extra effort required to prepare for these meetings.  Going forward, you can always contact your child’s teacher by emailing them directly (first name followed by @ketns.ie) or phoning the school to request a call.

Mid-Term Break

A reminder that the school will be closed next week, Monday, 28^th October through Friday, 1^st November inclusive.  Afterschool @ KETNS will have a four-day camp from Tuesday through Friday.  We hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable mid-term.

Admissions Open

The window for applications for new enrolments is now open.  (There is no need to apply if your child is already attending the school.)  Parents can complete an application at: www.ketns.ie/admissions.  It is important that applications for siblings be completed by the beginning of January.  Please pass on this info to any neighbours or friends who may have children interested in attending our school.  There will be an Open Evening on Thursday, 28^th November from 18.30 to 19.30.  This is open to anyone interested in finding out more about our school community, so please pass on this information to anyone you know.  It is always nice to have a few current parents present to speak to prospective parents, so if you are free to assist please let Matt know.

Maths Week

All the classes have celebrated maths week with extra lessons.  They also completed maths trails with older and younger classes working together.

Galway Science and Technology Festival

All families should have received a ticket to the Galway Science and Technology Festival that will take place on 10^th November at University of Galway.  You can register for workshops and see more details about the various events by visiting www.galwayscience.ie.

Basketball

We were delighted to welcome children from Scoil Fhursa and their teacher Ger (who used to work in our school) to play some friendly basketball matches in our school.  We are planning to organise a basketball league with local schools in the near future.

Halloween

We had a fantastic celebration today with a special assembly and lots of fantastic songs and poems.  We were amazed by all the fantastic costumes.  Enjoy your break and see you on Monday, 4^th November.