Parent-Teacher Meetings

Many thanks to all the parents who attended the parent-teacher meetings this past week.  There will be another formal opportunity to meet with teachers in the spring, but if you have any questions or concerns at any time, please speak with the teachers.

 

Gaeilge

We have been learning about how to say how we are feeling.

Tá áthas orm. (taw awhuss ur-um) – I am happy.                         

Tá brón orm. (taw brone ur-um) – I am sad/I am sorry

Tá fearg orm. (taw far-ug ur-um) – I am angry.                          

Tá eagla orm. (taw ah-gluh ur-um) – I am afraid.

 

Educate Together Ethical Conference

Áine, Vivienne and Matt attended the first Educate Together Ethical Conference this past weekend in Dublin.  There were many speakers, workshops and opportunities for networking with Educate Together teachers from around the country.

 

Parent Teacher Association Meeting

18th November 2015, 19.30

Present: Karen Rogan (chairperson) Trish Darcy (Vice Chairperson) Liz O’Connell (Corresponding Secretary), Celine McKeon (Recording Secretary) Andrew Morgans (Treasurer), Matt Wallen (principal), Vivienne (Resource Teacher), Dan Turkington, Olga Gannon, Iryna Pososhyna, Lynn Morgans, Karolina Sexton

 

Yard Activities

It was agreed to not implement Play Works for the time being. Lynn explained how in other primary schools they have a ‘Friend Stop’, which is when a child has no one to play with they go and stand at the friend stop and other children will approach them to play. Matt felt this would work well and will look into either a ‘friend bench’ or sign.

 

Healthy Eating Policy

Trish supplied the committee with some excellent ideas for healthy lunches.

The school has adopted a healthy eating approach to snacks and lunches; same will be drawn up in a policy which will specifically prohibit:

  • Crisps
  • Chocolate bars, yogurts and spreads
  • Chewing gum
  • Sweets
  • Fizzy drinks

If these things are included in a child’s lunch they will be returned home again.

The teachers are already applying a ‘fruit first’ policy at small break where children are encouraged to have fruit or vegetables at this time.

Suggestions for healthy lunches will be given in the newsletter.

 

Social Events

It was suggested to hold an event for parents and children to allow people to meet and get to know each other this will probably take place next January, either the 2nd or 3rd Saturday. Karen will look into hiring a room in the Knocknacarra Community Centre for a couple of hours. There may be a small cover charge just to cover any costs.

 

Birthdays

It was agreed that no birthday invites are to be distributed during school time. There is to be no birthday cakes or party food during school. The child’s birthday will be acknowledged in class but no parties in school.

A list of parents’ contact details is being compiled by Matt to be distributed to allow parents to contact each other directly if they wish. Only parents who have given consent for this will be included.

 

AOB

Lynn asked about the status of the building. The Minister for Education and Skills recently announced a new schools building program to cover 2016 – 2021.  Our school is listed for 2019. Matt is to email the Department of Education and inquire about this.

The meeting finished at 20.00.  The next meeting will be held on the 16th December 2015 at 19.00.