Mid-Term Break

School will be closed on Thursday 18th and Friday 19th February for the mid-term break.

 

Camp Between Terms

Based on the interests of parents and to ensure the camp is viable, the Afterschool @ KETNS will host a camp during the Spring Break, with revised hours and reduced fees.

Times: 8.30 to 13.30 (regular school hours)

Dates: Monday, 21st – Thursday 24th March and Tuesday, 29th March – Friday, 1st April

€85 per week (four days)

Please ensure you have paid a deposit as soon as possible.  Wioleta is available from 13.15 daily if you have any questions.

 

Visit to the Garage

In connection with our Aistear theme of transport, we all visited First Stop Knocknacarra.  We were able ask questions to the mechanics and see them working on real cars.  It was a very interesting and informative visit.

IMG_3618

School Photos

Photo proofs have been received.  If you haven’t received them already, you’ll find them in your child’s homework bag.  Please return orders by Tuesday, 23rd February.

 

Scholastic Book Orders

You’ll also find leaflets for the Scholastic Book Orders in your child’s homework folder.  Visit shop.scholastic.ie/schools/knocknacarra-etns to place an order.  This is a great way to support our school as we earn free books with every purchase.  Books are delivered to the school.  Equally, if you prefer, please turn in the leaflet form with cash or cheque made payable to the school.  All orders should be received by 4th March.

 

 Knocknacarra Educate Together NS

Board of Management Meeting

27th January 2016, 19.30

 

Present: Louise Shields (chairperson and patron nominee), Maggie Hall (patron nominee and treasurer), Lynn Morgans (female parent nominee), Waqas Khawaja (male parent nominee), Áine Ní Chuinneagáin (teacher nominee), Edward Joyce (community nominee), Paul Adams (community nominee), Matt Wallen (principal and secretary)

 

Louise Shields chaired the meeting.

 

Welcome

Louise welcomed our newly constituted Board, especially Paul Adams who was approved our new community nominee.  A special thank you was expressed to outgoing Board members Lorna Siggins and Vajeeha Ali for their contributions to the school.

 

November Minutes

The minutes from November were ratified.

 

Principal’s Report

Enrolment

  • There are currently 49 pupils enrolled. The enrolment process for 2016 has begun, with the first offer letters for junior infants sent out.

Attendance

  • The attendance continues to be good, with an average of 93.5% from the start of the year to now as compared with 90.1% for the same time last year. No child has more than 20 absences so far, the threshold at wish we must report absences to Túsla, though several children have more than 15 days of absence.  On the positive side, nine children have perfect attendance.

IT

  • It looks likely that we will need to replace to computer in junior infants that was donated to the school.

Building Concerns

  • The water ingress issue from the back door and some windows seems to have been resolved. The glass around the school was tidied by the landlord.
  • We have not received a reply from the Department to the letter that was sent regarding long-term accommodation.
  • The front door is not closing properly. This will be brought to the attention of the landlord.
  • The parking and drop-off/pick-up area has become extremely crowded since the new offices in our building were opened on Monday. The first day was particularly crowded.  We will monitor the situation.

Curriculum

  • The first steps towards drafting the plean scoile Béarla (English school plan) have begun. This will be presented to the Board in the spring.
  • We continue to follow a series of 20 themes over a two-year period for Aistear that are integrated throughout the curriculum.

Misc. Events/Information

  • We received a letter from the National Education Psychology Service explaining that we will not receive their services at this point in time because they are unable to allocate a psychologist nor any provision to the school.
  • The junior infants attended the Teddy Bears’ Hospital at the University.
  • Both classes visited Aldi as part of our current Aistear theme of the supermarket.
  • A student from Spain, Marina, will be working in the school on work placement from February to May.
  • A postgraduate student has enquired about doing a teaching placement in the school next year for three weeks in November.
  • We ended the first term with an assembly and a well-attended potluck.
  • The children raised €150 for the Galway Simon Community through a coin collection.
  • The Defense Forces visited the school to present an Irish flag and a copy of the Proclamation. The flag will be flown for the first time on 16th
  • The Spring Fair will be held on Saturday, 16th April, hosted by the PTA.

 

Financial Report

  • The budget targets are being met.
  • Electricity charges so far are under the target, which is good considering the capacity reduction has still not taken effect.

 

Student Teachers

It was agreed that the school will host a Mary Immaculate College of Education student next year in the senior infant classroom.

 

Policies

  • The Healthy Eating Policy and Data Management Policy were both ratified with minor changes.
  • The Child Protection Policy was reviewed. The review checklist will be forwarded to Educate Together, and confirmation of the review will be given to the Parent-Teacher Association.
  • Next month the Code of Behaviour and Anti-Bullying Policy will be reviewed.

 

Board of Management Training

Face-to-face training will take place this Saturday at the University.  In addition, Matt will ensure everyone can access the online training modules.

 

Educate Together EGM

Matt attended the Educate Together EGM regarding the financial situation for the national office.  A motion was approved asking schools to make additional voluntary contributions as well as support efforts to lobby politicians.  The Board discussed the financial situation.  It was agreed that a contribution would be given, accompanied by a letter stipulating that the strategic plan should be renewed and presented at the next AGM to include budget targets that are realistic and take account of all funding scenarios.  The Board will also recommend Educate Together shares quarterly financial reports with members.  Matt will draft a letter.