A special welcome back to all our pupils and parents for the 2020/2021 school year. Welcome also to all our new pupils and their families. It is great to be back after such a long closure. Sincere thanks to all the parents and pupils for their cooperation with our Covid-19 safety measures which help to keep everyone safe. Thanks to everyone these measures are working very well.
We will welcome Miss Eimear Shinnick to our staff as senior infant teacher covering for Mrs Emer O Flynn who is on maternity leave at present. Also we welcome back 1st class teacher Ms Tina McAuliffe & junior infant teacher Mrs Siobhán McCarthy for the new school year.
School Times
Junior infants: 9am – 1.30pm
Senior Infants: 9am – 1.30pm
First class: 9am – 1.45pm
Gates will be opened at 8.50am for parents/children to enter the school grounds.
Advice During Covid 19
If a child displays any Covid like symptoms the HSE/Department of Education directive is that that child must remain at home. In order to prevent the spread of Covid-19 it is important to know and recognise the symptoms. They are:
- High temperature
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or breathing difficulties
- Loss of smell, of taste, or distortion of taste
The challenge is that the Covid-19 symptoms are common symptoms for many other illnesses. In order to ensure that our school stays open if your child displays any of the above symptoms or is sick in general the school setting is not the place for them while families evaluate what the next steps are. We are aware that it may be very challenging for families to make last minute arrangements for child care and balance work commitments, however the ability for the school to remain open will rest on these decisions.
It is by working together and supporting each other that we can ensure our school remains open. If a child displays any Covid like symptoms or is sick while at school we will bring the child to the isolation area and immediately contact parents as per HSE/Department of Education protocols. We will be very conscious that this will need to be done in a child-friendly and caring manner.
Also, please wear a face covering on our school grounds at all times. Thanks for your understanding and cooperation regarding this request.
School Calendar 202/21
Halloween – Closed 26th to 30th October inclusive. Return on the 2nd November.
Christmas- Closed 23rd December to 5th January inclusive. Return on the 6th January.
Midterm- Closed 18th & 19th February 2021
St. Patrick’s Day – Closed 17th March.
Easter- Closed 29th to 9th inclusive. Return 12th April 2021
May Bank holiday- Closed 3rd to 7th May inclusive. Return 10th May 2021
June Bank holiday- Closed 7th June
Summer Holidays – 25th June 2021 (Half day)
Allergies
Please be aware that there are children in our school that can have a severe allergic reaction to peanuts/nuts. This allergic reaction (anaphylactic shock) can occur through ingestion of peanut/nut products, cross contamination and breathing peanuts in the air.
We are asking for your help in minimising the risk to these children:
- Do not give your child/children peanuts in school lunches
- Do not give peanut butter sandwiches, spreads containing nuts or foods labelled “may contain nut traces” in school lunches
- Remind your child/children not to share their lunches
School Attendance – Notes Regarding Absences
A note explaining all absences must be sent to your child’s class teacher, either in advance of the absence or on the child’s return to school. Similarly, if you or anyone else is collecting your child from the school early for any reason (dentist/doctor etc.) please send a note informing the class teacher in advance if at all possible. Please call the school 063 89467 when you are outside and we will bring the child/children out to you.
Parents are reminded that under the Welfare (Education) Act we are required to submit details of all pupils who miss 20 or more school days in a school year to the Education Welfare Service (TÚSLA).
Meeting Your Child’s Teacher.
We would remind parents wishing to contact teachers, to discuss queries or issues that arise, that they consider using the phone 063 89467 or 086 0560135. You can also email the teacher. All of the teachers’ email addresses are listed below and on our website in Meet The Teachers section.. If a face to face meeting is essential please make an appointment and we will be happy to meet you.
Pupil Insurance (optional)
Parents are asked to consider taking out Personal Insurance for their children for the year.
School activities cover is €6 or 24 hour cover is €9.
Insurance forms are available from the school for those interested.
Healthy Lunches
Parents/ guardians are encouraged to provide children with a healthy lunch, which helps to maintain their level of concentration in the classroom throughout the day.
A Healthy Lunch should include a variety of foods from the bottom four shelves of the Food Pyramid. Healthy eating will improve your child’s concentration, performance and eating habits. We do not allow crisps, sweets, chocolate or fizzy drinks etc.
All children should have a lunch box and a reusable drinks container. Children will be asked to bring their waste home as part of our Green Schools Programme. We are discouraging single use bottles and packaging and would like to encourage all pupils to have lunches that are as waste-free as possible.