End-of-Term Assembly

This year we will have a combined end-of-term assembly for all the classes.  It will take place on Thursday, 19th June from 11.30 to 12.30 at the Knocknacarra Community Centre.  All the classes will share songs, poems and information about their learning this year.  We hope this will make it easier for those families with multiple siblings in different classes.  Unfortunately we are not allowed to have food or beverage in the community centre, but we will have ice cream for the children when they return to the school after the assembly.  

Building Works Progress

As you are all aware by now, the building works for the autism and support teaching classrooms have commenced.  As this is a modular building project, we expect the construction to be completed before the end of July.  When completed, we will have two autism classes, four classrooms for small-group teaching and a soft-play area.  To facilitate this and to ensure everyone’s safety, for the next three weeks remaining in the school year we will have a limited amount of space in the yard and on the pitch.  We thank everyone in advance for your flexibility and cooperation.

For the remainder of the school year, the pedestrian gate will remain closed and will only be used by those working on the building site.  Therefore, everyone will need to enter and exit the school grounds through the other gate.  If you arrive at school before 8.40, please wait with your child between the gates.  We’d also kindly ask parents to be mindful not to block the entry to the work site.  Finally, if you are collecting a child in 1st and 2nd Class, please enter the yard and walk up to the main door.  Thanks!

Sports Day

Our annual Sports Day will take place on Thursday, 12th June.  As always, we are looking for parents to volunteer on the day to lead simple activities (all instructions and equipment will be provided).  Volunteers need to be available from 9.15 to 12.15.  Due to the building works, we will be using the astroturf pitch at Cappagh Park for the Sports Day events.  Please sign up using to volunteer.  We look forward to a great day!  

Ranganna Yoga

Tá ranganna Yóga le Ciarán ar siúl an mí seo.  Tá na ranganna le Ciarán dátheangacha.  Fuaireamar deontas beag ó Gael Linn agus míle buíochas chomh maith as an tachaíocht ón gCoiste Tuismitheoirí. 

This month yoga classes are taking place for 1st to 6th Class with Ciarán.  These classes are bilingual, giving children a great opportunity to hear and use Irish in a practical way.  We received a grant from Gael Linn to support our work on the Gaelbhratach, and we also are grateful for the support of the Parent-Teacher Association who help us facilitate the hiring of guest teachers such as Ciarán.

Keeping Childhood Smartphone Free Contract

The use of smartphones and other technologies are now a feature of daily life for people of all ages. As you are likely aware, they can particularly expose primary school children to a number of risks – including cyberbullying and encountering harmful content.

The Parent-Teacher Association of KETNS conducted a whole school survey where 98.8% of parents agreed they would be open to introducing an opt in Smartphone Contract in KETNS, where parents agree not to provide their child with a smart phone until they finish primary school (this does not include non-smart phones and other communication devices that allow for parent-child communications). In many other schools, this collective initiative has proven to be very effective in alleviating the social pressures parents can sometimes feel to buy their child a smartphone while of the primary school going age.

Every child was given a paper copy of the contract today, and a soft-copy version is attached to this email.  If you wish to take part in this initiative and agree to delay buying your child a smart phone until they finish primary school, please sign and return this form to the class teacher.

3rd and 4th Class School Tour

Last week 3rd and 4th Class had a great time on their school tour to Wildlands.  It was a fun, active day with games in the woods, conquering the ninja course, having fun on the net adventure and playing disc golf.

Congratulations to the children from 2nd Class who recently made their first Holy Communion!

Parents are invited to attend this important presentation as described above.  Please use this link to register.