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| Swine Flu Factsheet | |||
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Holy Family National SchoolRathcooleJune 24, 2010 |
| Dear
Parents, School will close on Monday next 28th June at 12.00 p.m. for the summer holidays and will re-open on Tuesday 31st August. The following are the amounts of money collected for the 2009/2010 school year and the Accounts they have been lodged in: Christmas Cards: €1,417.69 - Parents Association Account Voluntary Contribution: €6,170.00 - Board of Management Account Sponsored Walk: €6,867.00 - Parents Association Account "Night at the Dogs": €10,957.50 - Parents Association Account The above amounts reflect the total net profit from events. A lot of work will take place in the school during the holidays including 3 new classrooms being put in place - some of the money raised will be used to equip those classrooms with interactive whiteboards and educational materials. We have been given funding by the Department on appeal to
We have also applied for funding to replace the floor tiles in all the classrooms with marmoleum - we await a decision on that. Please send in a Stamped Addressed Envelope for your child's school report. I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your help and support over the last year. I can assure you that the money raised will be wisely spent and the children will be the main beneficiaries. The children in 6th Class will finish their primary school education today as we need to organize classrooms for next year. They move on to a new phase in their education at secondary school in September and we wish them well there and everything they do in the future. Over the last eight years they have represented the school exceptionally well. They have been a credit to the school, their parents and families but most of all they have been a credit to themselves. Have a great summer holidays and let's hope for some fine weather! M. Hoban Principal. |
June 14, 2010 |
| Dear
Parents, The school sports will be held this Friday 18th June in Frank Cox Field in Forest Hills, weather permitting. The weather forecast is good but if the day is wet the sports will be held at a later date and children will go home at the normal times. Children should wear shorts and T-shirts. They should have sun cream on them before they come to school as they will be out in the sun for about 3 hours. Children can be collected from the school at 12.30 p.m. M. Hoban Principal. |
June 10, 2010 |
| Dear
Parents, As we approach the end of another school year it may be a good time to reflect on the year's work in the school and some of the events that shaped the year. The main emphasis in any school is the quality of teaching and learning that goes on in the classroom and to that end I was extremely pleased to receive a very positive report from the Department of Education as a result of a Whole School Evaluation that was carried out in the previous school year. As Chairman of the school's Board of Management I am proud of the staff that work in our school and the ever increasing number of pupils that attend it and I look forward to building on the successes of the past while addressing present and future difficulties. Some of the major difficulties of the past year were as a result of the downturn in the economy and the cutbacks in educational funding. These involved the withdrawal of many grants which, although inadequate, had been taken for granted for the smooth running of a school and an increase in the pupil/teacher ratio from 27/1 to 28/1. The Principal and staff, working with the Parents Association, made every effort during the year to ease the burden on hard pressed parents. Very successful fundraising events were held such as the sale of Christmas Cards, a Night at the Dogs and a Sponsored Walk - a final tally of profit from all those events will be issued at the end of the school year. While the withdrawal and reduction of educational grants are disappointing, the Board also recognises the substantial improvement and capital grants being awarded to the school for works during the holiday period. Staff and pupils will reap the benefits of these works in the years ahead. Other issues that exercised our minds during this school year were preventative measures to counteract Swine Flu, severe frost and snow which resulted in the school being closed for a few days and plans to refurbish the school which were recently outlined to you in a newsletter from the Principal. An update on progress on work to be carried out over the summer will be issued soon. One other issue which was unique in this school year was a one day strike by the teaching staff. All the teachers are members of the INTO and like other Public Service Unions they were in dispute with the Government over cuts in salaries, imposition of income and pension levies and a moratorium on promoted posts. Teachers were given a directive by their union in relation to parent/teacher meetings, staff meetings, in-service and the embargo on promotion. Teachers were instructed by the INTO not to undertake additional duties where a post was not filled. This affected different schools in different ways. In Holy Family N. S. this meant that no returns on absences were made to the Educational Welfare Board until May, good attendance of pupils was not promoted, the Visual Arts as a subject was not promoted and school tours were not organised. Public service unions at the moment are voting on the Croke Park Agreement and, if accepted, a degree of normality will return in the new school year. Unfortunately this will also result in 3 Assistant Principals and 2 Special Duties Posts not being filled in Holy Family N.S. However, despite the fact these posts are not being filled it is appreciated by the Board of Management that the Principal and the Teaching Staff of the school will carry the increased workload for the betterment and educational well being of the pupils attending our school. While gracefully accepting the commitment of our teachers we must also acknowledge and respect their rights. Finally on behalf of the Board of Management I wish our Assistant Principal and Treasurer of the Board of Management Mr. Derek Manning the very best on his retirement at the end of this school year and to thank him for his dedication over the years to the school and its pupils. James Walsh Chairperson B.O.M. |
June 10, 2010 |
| Dear Parents of Sixth
Class pupils, You are cordially invited to the final evening of our parish Confirmation programme 'You Shall Be My Witnesses' on Monday 21st June. It will be held in the school hall of Holy Family National School. It begins at 7.30pm and will finish at 8.30pm. During this final evening, some of the young people will speak about their experience of Confirmation and others will describe acts of charity/kindness they have carried out as part of the programme. Each young person will also be presented with a Certificate of Completion of the programme. The meeting will conclude with a short period of prayer followed by refreshments. It is an evening when we celebrate the young peoples' participation in the programme and the fact that they have now received the Sacrament of Confirmation. It is also an opportunity to thank all who have been involved in 'You Shall Be My Witnesses'. I hope you and your son/daughter can attend on the 21st. It will be an enjoyable evening of celebration. Seán O'Rourke Parish Pastoral Worker |
June 8, 2010 |
| Dear
Parents, Confirmation Class children have received their photographs today. Enclosed in the packet with the photographs is an envelope outlining prices. I have negotiated a reduction in prices with the supplier as follows: the total cost of all four photographs is €50.00. The frame at €20.00 is obviously extra. If you do not wish to purchase the frame, just take the photograph out of it and return the frame to the school. If possible, please return money or photographs to the school as soon as possible but not later than Friday 18th June. There is no obligation on anybody to purchase the photographs or frames. M. Hoban Principal. |
May 21, 2010 |
| To Parents of 6th
class children: The children in 6th class will be confirmed in Saggart Church next Wednesday 26th May at 11.00 a.m. We would ask all parents and children to be in their seats at 10.45a.m. - allow plenty of time to park as parking in the vicinity of the church is extremely limited. The use of flash cameras and video equipment is not allowed during the ceremony. A Service of Light ceremony for parents and children who are making their Confirmation will take place in Saggart Church on Monday night next 24th May at 7.30 pm. Please bring a candle (baptismal if available). The 6th class children will go home next Tuesday at 12.30 p.m. to allow Mr. Manning time to decorate the church. Confirmation photographs will take place in the school at 9.30a.m. on Thursday 27th May. Parents who wish their children to return home after the photographs must inform the school in writing. M. Hoban Principal. |
| Dear
Parents, A short note to remind you that our annual Sponsored Walk takes place this Sunday 23rd May at 2.30 p.m. from the school to the park in Rathcoole and back. After the walk there will be a disco in the school hall which will finish at 4.00 p.m. We would like to see as many parents as possible participating in the walk - this is desirable for many reasons but particularly from a safety point of view. The Parents Association has also asked me to point out that children must be collected on time from the disco at 4.00 p.m. - it is unfair on them having to wait on parents who are late picking them up and they are not happy letting children off home on their own. Some sponsorship cards and money have already been returned to the school and the rest should be returned to the school next week - it would be better not to bring forms and money on Sunday. Your support for the Sponsored Walk is vital and much appreciated. M. Hoban Principal. |
May 19, 2010 |
| Dear
Parents, Further to my note to you on Monday re attempted abduction in the Kilteel area, two other inappropriate approaches have been made to children by a male adult in the Celbridge and Newcastle areas - both of those have been confirmed by Rathcoole Garda. As part of the Stay Safe Programme teachers have spoken today to children about dealing with strangers (male or female) and what to do when an unsafe situation arises. It would be appropriate for you as parents to follow up on this. M. Hoban Principal. |
May 18, 2010 |
| Dear
Parents, All children will be going home this Thursday 20th May at 12.30 p.m. as the teachers are attending an in-service course - sorry about the short notice! The Sponsored Walk which is organised by the Parents Association will take place this Sunday 23rd May starting from the school at 2.30 p.m. followed by a disco in the school hall from 3.00 p.m. to 4.00 p.m. I also wish to make you aware of an outbreak of chicken pox in the school and a problem in a number of classes with head lice - check your children. M. Hoban Principal. |
April 27, 2010 |
| Dear
Parents, For your information the school will close for the summer holidays on Monday 28th June at 12.00 p.m. and will re-open on Tuesday 31st August 2010. Mid-term break at Hallowe'en will be from 25th to 29th October. M. Hoban Principal. |
Márta 23, 2010 |
| Dear
Parents, The school closes for the Easter holidays this Friday 26th March at 12.30 p.m. and reopens on Monday 12th April. Well done to the Parents Association for organising a very successful "Night at the Dogs" recently - it raised a total of €10,205.00. That is a fantastic amount to raise in one night especially in these difficult times and many thanks to all who supported in any way. That money is lodged in the Parents Association Account and will be used exclusively for the benefit of the children. M. Hoban Principal. |
Márta 15, 2010 |
| A
Thuismitheoiri, Mar chuid de "Seachtain na Gaeilge" beidh Lá Gaelach sa scoil amárach 16ú Márta. Beidh rincí Gaelacha sa halla do na ranganna go léir i rith an lae. Beidh ár morshiúil Lá Fhéile Pádraig ar 1.00 i.n. Tá fáilte roimh tuismitheoirí páirt a ghlacadh sa mórshiúil ach ní dóigh liom go mbeidh go leor spás sa halla do thuismitheoirí chun páirt a ghlacadh sa céilí. Tá súil againn go mbeidh na páistí gléasta suas - go háirithe i nglas. Beannachtaí na Féile Pádraig oraibh go léir. M. Ó hÚbáin Príomhoide. |
| Dear
Parents, As part of "Seachtain na Gaeilge" we are holding a Lá Gaelach in the school tomorrow 16th March. There will be Irish dancing in the hall for all classes throughout the day. We will hold our St Patrick's Day parade at 1.00 p.m. Parents are very welcome to come along and join in the parade but I don't think there is sufficient space in the hall for parents to join in the céili. We expect children to dress up - green to be the dominant colour. Happy St Patrick's Day to you all. M. Hoban Principal. |
Márta 9, 2010 |
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Thuismitheoiri, Ta Seachtain na Gaeilge faoi lán sheoil ag an am seo agus críochnóidh sé le Lá Gaelach Dé Máirt seo chugainn 16ú Márta. Beidh a lán eachtraí ar siúl istigh sa agus taobh amuigh den seomra ranga agus sé an cuspóir atá againn na páistí a spreagadh chun Gaeilge a úsáid chomh minic agus is féidir leo an tseachtain seo agus seachtainí eile. Chuireamar suas Clár Gaeilge le gnáth-leagain cainte as Gaeilge taobh istigh de dhoras cúl na scoile. Tabharfaimid cóip de na leagain seo do gach páiste chun cabhair a thabhairt daoibhse agus do bhur bpáisti comhrá a bheith agaibh as Gaeilge. Tá iarsmalann beag de shean-déantáin bunaithe againn freisin de rudaí a bheadh i dtithe in Éirinn fadó - úsáidimid an iarsmalann seo chun cuid dár traidisiún agus cultúr a thaispeáint agus a mhúineadh do na páisti. Tá fíor fáilte roimh tuismitheoirí agus chuile duine cuairt a dhéanamh ar seo agus má tá aon rud agaibh sa bhaile a chuirfeadh le seo b'fhéidir go dtabharfadh sibh dúinn é. M. Ó hUbain Príomhoide |
| Dear
Parents, Seachtain na Gaeilge is in full swing at the moment and will culminate in a Lá Gaelach on Tuesday next 16th March. There will be a number of activities in and out of class and the object is to encourage children to use Irish as much as possible this week and other weeks. We have set up a notice board with everyday expressions in Irish inside the back door of the school. We will give each child a copy of those expressions so that you as parents can help yourselves and your children engage in a conversation in Irish. We have also established a little museum of artefacts which would be found in a home in times gone by - this will be used to show and teach children part of their tradition and culture. Parents are very welcome to come and visit this and if they have anything at home that would add to this any donation would be most welcome. M. Hoban Principal. |
March 2, 2010 |
| Dear
Parents, A short note to remind you of The Night at the Dogs in Harold's Cross on Friday next 12th March which is organised by the Parents Association. Entry tickets with meal are €15.00 for adults and €5.00 for children. Buster tickets (for those who cannot attend on the night but wish to support) are €10.00 with a chance to win €500.00. All tickets are available from the school or from members of the Parents Association each morning and evening in the school yard. A raffle will also be held on the night - any items as a donation greatly appreciated. Local businesses have been very generous in taking out advertisements especially in these recessionary times. A little effort from everybody will make this night very successful. M. Hoban Principal. |
February 22, 2010 |
| Dear
Parents, I wish to remind you that if you have a child due to start school in September 2010 applications for enrolment for our school must be made before this Friday, 26th February. Application forms are available from the secretary's office. After that date places will be allocated in line with the school's enrolment policy. Brothers/sisters of children already enrolled have priority for enrolment but an application form must be filled up and a Birth Certificate supplied. M. Hoban Principal. |
February 8, 2010 |
| Dear Parents of 6th
Class pupils, This is just a brief reminder note concerning our meeting tomorrow night (Tuesday, 9th Feb at 8.00pm in Holy Family N.S.) at which we will introduce the new Parish Confirmation Preparation Programme 'You Shall Be My Witnesses'. It is envisaged that all the children in 6th class who are preparing for Confirmation will participate in the new programme. Both Fr. Enda and I look forward to seeing you tomorrow night. Yours sincerely Sean O'Rourke (Parish Pastoral Worker) |
February 3, 2010 |
| Dear
Parents, Swine flu vaccination will be given to those children who have returned completed consent forms tomorrow 4th February. Vaccination starts at 9.00 a.m. in the school hall and children in Junior and Senior Infant classes will receive it first. They should be finished by 10.00 a.m. Children in all other classes will receive it between 10.00 a.m. and 12.30 p.m. These are all approximate times. The children will be observed for fifteen minutes by HSE personnel after they receive their jab. Parents are welcome to come and observe their own children and take them home if there are any problems. M. Hoban Principal. |
February 2, 2010 |
| Dear
Parents, The School Warden Service is a service provided by South Dublin County Council for the safety of children coming to and leaving school. This is especially necessary for our school because of the location of the entrance which is close to a dangerous bend in the road. The Parents Association are at present lobbying the County Council for the service to be restored at 1.45 p.m. when the Infants are leaving school and for other additional safety measures to be put in place. I have received notification from South Dublin County Council that the school warden has been verbally abused on a number of occasions by a small number of parents. The school warden has referred the matter to her employers - the Council - and they have been in touch with the Gardai. The Council has now informed me that if it happens again the service will be withdrawn. This would be disastrous for parents and children from a safety point of view. The Board of Management of this school or I as Principal have no jurisdiction over the School Warden Service but we do empathise with the difficult task that the school warden carries out each day. Parents park their cars where the warden is working and say "I'll be back in a minute". This is illegal parking and I expect the Gardai to act on this. Whatever about the legal niceties this is very dangerous for parents and children and makes the warden's job almost impossible. I would ask you as parents to co-operate with the school warden and help keep our children safe. The teachers in the school will be talking to the children about road safety and the good service provided by the School Warden. Your co-operation would be much appreciated. M. Hoban Principal. |
January 26, 2010 |
| Dear
Parents, We are having a "No Uniform Day" this Friday 29th January in aid of The Haiti Goal Fund. Children are asked to make a donation to the fund but there is no obligation involved - usually children donate €2. All children will go home at 12.30 p.m. due to a staff meeting. M. Hoban Principal. |
January 22, 2010 |
| Dear
Parents, All the children in the school will go home next Friday 29th January at 12.30 p.m. due to a staff meeting. M. Hoban Principal. |
January 18, 2010 |
| Dear
Parents, A belated Happy New Year to all of you and welcome back to everyone after an extended Christmas Holidays. I hope the text messaging service worked well to inform you of the school closure and re-opening. All emergency messages are also placed on our website. You can now access our website at the following address: http://holyfamilynsrathcoole.scoilnet.ie/ Swine Flu Vaccination: All pupils today will receive a swine flu information sheet and vaccination consent form. The completed consent form must be returned to the school whether your decision is to consent or refuse consent for your child to be vaccinated. The first dose of vaccination will take place in the school on Thursday 4th February. M. Hoban Principal. |
December 16, 2009 |
| Dear
Parents, The school closes for the Christmas Holidays on Tuesday next 22nd December at 12.00 p.m. and will re-open on Thursday 7th January. Many thanks to you as parents for purchasing our Christmas Cards - over €1,100.00 profit has been made for Parents Association funds. There are still a few packs available for sale in the classrooms. Old Mobile Phones: We started a collection of old mobile phones during the term for the Jack and Jill Foundation. Our target was 300 - to date we have collected 230. To all who contributed, thank you very much. We are confident that we will reach our target early in the New Year. Finally, may I take this opportunity to thank you for your support throughout the year and to wish you and your families a very Happy Christmas and every good wish for 2010. M. Hoban Principal. |
November 19, 2009 |
Re Day of Action 24th November 2009 |
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| Dear
Parents, As you are aware, there is a day of action planned for Tuesday next, November 24th. Arising from this, the school will not be in a position to accept pupils on that day for Health and Safety reasons. It is not the intention of the Board of Management to interrupt your child's education and we very much regret having to take this course of action. Yours sincerely, James Walsh Chairperson B.O.M. |
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Book Fair 2009 |
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| Dear Parents,
This year's book fair starts next week. Your child will be told tomorrow when they can look at the books. The school received a commission of €2,960 worth of books for class libraries last year. With the Government Book Grant cancelled, the book fair is our only source of new books. To avoid delays in receiving the books, all books must be paid for during the week after the book fair has left. The book fair is a great way of getting books for our classrooms and encouraging the children to read. Books also make a great Christmas present! |
November 17, 2009 |
| Dear
Parents, • Parent/Teacher meetings take place next Monday 23rd and Wednesday 25th November. By now you should have received an allocated time to meet your child's teacher. • Christmas cards are now on sale in the school. This is a fund raiser organized by The Parents Association which I mentioned in an earlier newsletter. There are 14 cards with envelopes in each pack representing art work from every class in the school. The cost per pack is €6.00 with 2 packs for €10.00. Numbers limited. I think you will agree that this is excellent value for money and I would urge you to give it your full support as the money is needed to pay for tin whistle classes, computer classes, educational materials and swimming lessons which are heavily subsidized. Remember all grants have been withdrawn by the Department of Education. M. Hoban Principal. |
November 3, 2009 |
| Dear
Parents, Swimming lessons for children in 2nd and 6th classes (Ms Dempsey and Mr Manning) start back next Wednesday 11th October for 6 weeks. The sessions will be from 1.30 p.m. to 2.30 p.m. in Tallaght Leisure Centre so the children will be back in class by 2.45 p.m. The children will be accompanied by their teachers and will be taught to swim by 3 qualified swimming instructors. I would encourage all children to participate - this will be the only opportunity for children in those two classes to go swimming this year. Swimming lessons are heavily subsidised by the Parents Association - €1000.00 last year. The cost per child will be €30.00 payable in advance. M. Hoban Principal. |
October 19, 2009 |
| Dear
Parents, Two children in the school have tested positive for Swine flu. The advice from HSE is the same as before - if your child has flu like symptoms they should be kept at home and you should call the HSE Flu Information Line Freephone 1800 94 11 00 for advice. They should not return to school until 7 days from the onset of symptoms have passed. All information relating to Swine Flu is available on our website. Further information is available on the HSE website. M. Hoban Principal. |
October 15, 2009 |
| Dear
Parents, The Board of Management has decided to purchase a defibrillator for the school and this will be in place after Halloween. It is our fervent hope that this equipment will never have to be used in the school. However, if it has to be used, it is important that it be used properly. Next Tuesday 20th October all the children will go home at 12.30 so that all the staff can receive training in the use of a defibrillator and also general training in First Aid. M. Hoban Principal. |
October 7, 2009 |
| Log
on Learn your-number & Help us WIN
www.change.ie., the government's climate change awareness campaign has joined with An Taisce Green Schools to run a carbon calculator primary school challenge between now and 23rd. October '09. Our school has entered this competition and with your enthusiastic help we stand a great chance of pulling off the €500 prize available in the Dublin South County area. The Holy Family National School has set up as a group on the www.change.ie website. What you have to do is to simply log on to the site, fill in your details and so find out your carbon number. The more families who log on and register with the Holy Family group on www.change.ie the greater our chance of winning that prize. As our group may include families, friends, relations and any member of the wider community please get as many as you can to log on and join our group. But hurry as only those who register before 5 p.m. on Friday 23rd. October '09 will be counted. When logging on please remember: Login • The school name is the Holy Family, Rathcoole, County Dublin • The school email address is hfrathcoole@eircom.net • The group password is hfrathcoole. So Log on Learn your number & Help us WIN |
October 6, 2009 |
| Dear
Parents, We have organised a Skipping Workshop for children this Wednesday and Thursday for every child in the school from Junior Infants to 6th class in which they will learn a selection of moves - individual, double-dutch, long rope and partner skipping. On Thursday, to finish off the day, there will be a demonstration of the skills learned, performed by children chosen from each workshop. The cost of the day is being funded by The Parents Association. Children need to wear tracksuits and runners to participate. Speed skipping ropes will be on sale on the day at a cost of €6. These are high quality ropes as used by the national display teams. This Friday 9th October is Goal Jersey Day - children and adults wear their favourite sports jersey instead of their uniform and contribute a small amount (usually €2) to the well known Third World Charity Organisation "Goal". We look forward to seeing an array of colourful jerseys on the day. M. Hoban Principal. |
September 14, 2009 |
| Dear
Parents, All the children in the school will go home at 12.30 p.m. this Friday 18th September due to a staff meeting. M. Hoban Principal. |
September 8, 2009 |
| Dear
Parents, A Personal Accident Insurance Policy is now available for individual pupils in our school from the school's Insurance Company-Allianz. The following points should be noted: • All pupils who are attending our school are covered by insurance from 9.00 a.m. to 2.45 p.m. and children participating in after school activities when they are accompanied by a teacher from the staff are covered by insurance. • A Personal Accident Insurance Policy provides cover in the form of a series of benefits such as medical and dental expenses. A schedule of the benefits is available from the secretary's office in the school. • School activities only cost €5.00 per pupil. • 24 Hour Cover costs €8.00 per pupil. • I will arrange cover for pupils who have returned the required fees to the school by Friday 25th September 2009. • After that date it will be up to parents themselves to arrange cover for their children. M. Hoban Principal. |
September 2, 2009 |
| Dear
Parents, A warm welcome back to all the parents and children after the summer holidays and a special céad míle fáilte to the children who have started in Junior Infants. They are already well settled in with their teachers Ms McKelvey and Ms Meegan. I'm sure you are all aware at this stage of precautions that are being put in place in schools to help reduce the spread of the swine flu virus. We have taken the precautions as advised by the HSE to schools and colleges. Dispensers have been put in place in each classroom and at all entrances. Children are being taught the proper technique to cover their mouths and noses when coughing or sneezing and encouraged to have their own tissues and hand towels. Hard surfaces such as worktops, door handles and hand rails are routinely cleaned. If your child has flu-like symptoms they should be kept at home and you should call the HSE Flu Information Line Freephone 1800 94 11 00 for advice. If pupils develop flu-like symptoms in school they will be isolated from the other children and an eye kept on them until they are collected by their parents. They should not return to school until 7 days from the onset of symptoms have passed. Further information is available on the HSE website www.hse.ie . M. Hoban Principal. |
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