September ’16 Newsletter

WELCOME

I would like to welcome you all, particularly our new 3rd classes, back to another school year and I look forward to working with you and your children again.

BOOKS/EQUIPMENT/ART & CRAFT/PHOTOCOPYING

We ask you to ensure that every effort is made to have your child’s books organised as quickly as possible. If you need to arrange a phased payment, please talk to the class teacher or the school office.
Please make sure that your child has all the basic equipment necessary for school – pens, pencils, copies, etc.
Any outstanding contributions for art & crafts and photocopying should also be sent to the school this week.

ABSENCES/LEAVING THE SCHOOL EARLY

The school must always be informed about a child’s absence, preferably through a note in the homework journal. The Education Welfare Board must be informed if a child is absent regularly.
A reminder to parents that children who leave school before the normal closing time (2.40 p.m.) must be signed out at the secretary’s office. Time missed due to late arrival or early departure will be recorded as part of attendance records.

MOBILE PHONES/JEWELLERY

Mobile phones may only be brought to school for emergency purposes and must be turned off and handed up to the teacher during class time. The teacher must always be informed if a pupil has to bring in a mobile phone.
Jewellery (other than a watch) must not be worn in school for safety reasons. Earrings are not allowed.

HEALTHY EATING POLICY

We ask that all pupils comply with our healthy eating policy. All pupils will receive an individual lunch from Glanmore Foods. Lunch boxes must be used to store all lunches and to bring home empty cartons, etc.

TRAVELLING TO AND FROM SCHOOL

All pupils must use the lollipop ladies or traffic lights when crossing the road.
Pupils in 5th & 6th classes are allowed to cycle to school, provided that they live at least 2km from the school. Bicycles must be locked in the bicycle shed and walked into the school from the lollipop ladies for safety reasons. Pupils in 3rd & 4th classes are not allowed to bring bicycles to school under any circumstances. The school does not accept any responsibility for bicycles. Scooters should not be brought to school.

TRACKSUITS

School tracksuits are available from Mr. Price in the Blanchardstown Centre and should be worn with a red polo shirt. Pupils are only permitted to wear tracksuits on PE days or if involved in swimming/mini leagues.

SECONDARY SCHOOLS

An open information night/enrolment night for 5th & 6th class parents will be held in Blakestown Community School on September 20th from 7 – 9 p.m. If you wish to send your child to any other secondary school, please make contact with that school regarding registration.

BREAKFAST/HOMEWORK CLUBS

Breakfast club resumes on Monday, September 19th. Homework club resumes on Monday, September 26th.

PERSONAL ACCIDENT INSURANCE

If you would like your child to take part in the pupil insurance scheme, please fill out the form given to your child and return it, with €9, before Friday, September 30th.

SOCIAL MEDIA

Please remember that children under the age of 13 years should not have a social media accounts.
Unfortunately there have been a couple of incidents over the past years involving comments about pupils on these sites which have necessitated action by the school and have taken up valuable learning time to investigate.

SWIMMING

Swimming lessons for pupils in 5th class will begin on Tuesday, September 27th in Coolmine swimming pool. The cost is €30 which includes transport to and from the pool and 8 lessons.
3rd class swimming lessons will begin after Christmas.

PARENTS’ ASSOCIATION

A meeting of the association will take place on Friday, September 30th at 9 a.m. in the Parents’ Room. All welcome.

MEETING TEACHERS/PRINCIPAL

If you wish to speak to your child’s class teacher/learning support teacher or the Principal, please make an appointment in advance so this can be organised.

DEIS PLAN

As part of our DEIS plan we will continue to focus on developing oral language in English and time in Maths. We will also continue to focus on improving the attendance of all our pupils.

GOOD NEWS!

St. Philip’s SNS has received a total electrical upgrade over the summer at a cost of €262,144. The school is now a lot brighter and also has new fire & security alarms.

Thank you,
P. Dargan (Principal)