Talent Show

The PTA looks forward to hosting a Talent Show on Friday, 24th January at the school.  The event will kick off at 18.30.  This is a family event, and both children and parents are invited to share any talent.  We had an amazing event last year, and we look forward to another one.  Please do come along even if you don’t want to perform.  Bring some food to share too. 

Parent-Teacher Association Meetings

Two PTA meetings were held this past week, one in person and one online.  The minutes are below:

13 January 2025 (in person) 

Attended by: Matt, Vajiha, Maria, Lise, Cynthia, Jonathan, Maggie, Lisa, Joanna & Leoni

16 January 2025 (online)

Attended by Matt, Vajiha, Sandra, Cinzia, Karen & Aga 

Talent Show 

Talent Show date was decided to be the 24th of January 2025 (start at 6.30).  We will require parents volunteers to help with the set-up. All attending are asked to bring food to share. This will be a no-cost event. You can attend as audience only as well; participation is not essential for attending. 

Further it was suggested that 6th host a table quiz to raise funds for their end of year trip. This is to be discussed with Padraic and 6th class by Matt. 

Nut Policy 

In consultation with parents and in accordance with the school’s Health and Safety Statement, it was agreed, that NO ingredients with whole nuts or nut butter would be allowed in the school. Items that state they may contain traces of nuts or are made in a facility that handles nuts are ok.

School Meals 

Hot meals policy is set out by the government.  We will ask for feedback in form of a poll or survey (parents & children) regarding how they felt towards the meals.

Matt will ask for a detailed ingredients list from Carambola and share.  We will look for more details on not just the suppliers but the sources of food.  We will also seek certification for halal, vegan, vegetarian and gluten free meals.

Mobile Phones 

The PTA wishes to consider an opt-in phone policy where families could choose to sign a contract to agree on an age when children would get their own smartphone.  Lisa & Joanna will write up a survey for parents.  The initiative was widely welcomed by parents with a consensus that the parents of the school should promote a phone-free environment. 

Spring Fair (Saturday, 17th of May) 

  • Raffle prizes to be secured by St Patricks Day.  Matt will provide a letter for sponsors that can be collected in the office. Parents should inform Claudia when a prize is confirmed.  Matt will look into printing raffle tickets. We will look at electronic tickets as an option for family/friends that may want to support but are not in Galway.  
  • Shopping Café (Joanna) 
  • Craft Market – cost of table rental for craft stalls and stalls run by children to be confirmed
  • Cotton Candy machine to be researched
  • Face painting and cupcake workshop 
  • Book store 
  • Music, with children participation in acts 
  • Bingo for younger kids / Quiz 
  • Silent Disco 
  • Obstacle Course / Carnival Games

Multicultural Fair

Internal event only, led by PTA with the support from the wider school community. Participation from parents from different cultural backgrounds. Hoping for people with common cultural heritages to come together and showcase their country culture, food and traditions. 

Anticipated date: Saturday 14th of June

Teddy Bear’s Hospital

The junior and senior infants visited the University of Galway for the annual Teddy Bear’s Hospital this week.  This is such a great event and the school is grateful to the university students who organise it.  Two of our pupils were seen on Virgin Media News last night speaking about their experiences!

Board of Management Minutes

The Board of Management, who has the responsibility of managing our learning community, agrees a report after each meeting.  These are posted on the school’s website and can be viewed by following this link: https://www.ketns.ie/board-of-management/.

Green School

This week, Lorraine, our Green Schools Officer, visited the school. Together with the Committee, they conducted a walkability survey to assess how pedestrian-friendly the area around our school is. Using a speed gun, they also monitored vehicle speeds on the road beside the school to ensure it remains a safe zone for students and families. These activities highlighted the importance of sustainable and safe travel in our community. A big thank you to everyone involved for their dedication to making our school environment safer and greener.