End-of-Year Assembly

Our End-of-Year Whole School Assembly is tomorrow, Thursday, 18th June at the Community Centre in Cappagh Park followed by ice cream for all (parents included!) back at the school.  The assembly will start at 12.30 and will last less than an hour.  Children will walk to and from the Community Centre with staff, and they can be collected only from the school.  We look forward to a great occasion to celebrate all the fantastic learning this year in our school community.   

Last Day of School

Our school year ends on Friday, 26th June.  We will have an early dismissal that day with infants leaving at 11.50 and all other classes at 12.00.

Voluntary Contribution

The reality of operating our school is that the funding received from the Department of Education and Skills does not cover the full costs of running the school each year. If families feel able to make a voluntary contribution beyond the required school expenses to the school, it will ensure that we can provide the highest quality experiences for the children at Knocknacarra ETNS.  While the contribution is a voluntary one (because there will always be families in particular financial difficulty, who genuinely cannot afford this contribution), we recommend a specified amount of €50 per child.  That being said, any contribution, no matter how small, would be welcome.  Equally, if you are in the position of being able to contribute €250 or more in a financial year, the school can reclaim tax on voluntary contributions if you are a PAYE worker.  We are delighted to accept voluntary contributions at any time.  We urge parents, where possible, to view this as a way of ensuring the school operates to the best possible standards for the benefit of their children, with the contributions going towards costs for classroom resources, maintenance, transport for outings, entry fees for competitions, special events, etc.  It is the generosity of parents through their support of the Spring Fair as well as voluntary contributions that helps us keep costs low for all families in our school community. 

In the past we have sent home envelopes for this purpose, but this year we are going to try a different approach.  Families have several options for making a voluntary contribution:

  • Using the Aladdin Connect App (a receipt will appear in the app)
  • Making a transfer to the school bank account (an email receipt will be issued to parents)
  • Paying with cash to Claudia where a paper receipt will be issued
  • If parents wish to remain anonymous, they can pay with cash in an envelope addressed to the chairperson and placing it in the school’s post box

Rubik’s Cube

6th Class recently took part in the pilot Rubik’s Cube project run by Galway Education and Science Centre. The Centre runs a similar project with post primary schools every year. This year they wanted to see how it would work for primary students. We were given a box of cubes a couple of months ago, and anyone who could solve the cube was then invited to the GESC this week to partake in a range of cubing activities including speed cubing, team relays, flag-making and showcasing their tricks and unusual cubes. Ten students in 6th Class can solve the cube – more than the national average! It was a fun-filled morning, and 6th Class worked in mixed teams with four other schools. The main benefit of this project in KETNS was the peer-learning that took place. Well done all!

School Reports

Your child’s school report will be available through the Aladdin Connect App by Monday morning, giving you an opportunity to speak to your child’s teacher if you have any concerns.  Below are some helpful images to help you understand the information contained in the reports.

Understanding standardised test scores for 2nd Class and above

Understanding standardised test scores for 1st Class

Use the guide above to better understand the end-of-year reports

Portfolios

All children in the school will be bringing home their portfolios to share with parents on Friday.  These are wonderful records of their learning, and we highly recommend sitting down with your child to have a conversation and celebrate their learning.  Children in Senior Infants, 2nd Class, 4th Class and 6th Class do not need to return their portfolios.  Children in Junior Infants, 1st Class, 3rd Class and 5th Class should return their portfolios by Wednesday, 24th June to their class teacher.

National Parent Survey

Earlier this academic year, parents across the country were asked to indicate their preference regarding patronage, gender and language of instruction for primary schools.  Each school has received the results of the survey for their community, and it is available for our school here.

School Tours

Last week the rest of the classes had their tours.  3rd and 4th Class visited Athenry Castle.  6th Class went to West Lake Aqua Park. 

Rang a Trí at Athenry Castle

Fourth class ready for their mediaeval re-enactment!

Rang a 6 having lots of fun at West Lake Aqua Park in Killaloe

Sports Day

We had a fantastic Sports Day at Cappagh Park today.  Sincere thanks to all the parents and past pupils who volunteered their time to lead the games!  Beyond the pictures below, you can view pictures on the Active Flag part of our website.