Happy Summer Holidays

It has come to that time of the year again, where we reflect on all the successful projects, initiatives and intra-curricular activities that was carried out in our school.

As you are all aware a lot of work went into the teaching and learning of the Peace Proms songs and actions. The children and parents truly enjoyed the wonderful, once in a life time experience where treasured memories will be relived in years to come.

A big ‘Thank You’ goes to Ms. Brennan for all her hard work in completing our project for Discover Primary Science & Maths, normally schools that enter receive a certificate in their first year but the wonderful work that the children produced enabled us to be awarded a Plaque!

Ms. Fitzgerald is responsible for the Active School Flag and all the children and staff have engaged in the steps, we are now more than half way through this programme and we hope in the next academic year to successfully obtain the ASF. We thank Ms. Fitzgerald for her continued support and guidance in this wonderful intra-curricular activity.

Yoga in the last term was greeted with open arms and the children truly benefitted from this activity. Our Roald Dahl workshop allowed the children to explore and expand their literacy thinking and “We are Writers” book resonates this. The children thoroughly enjoyed their I.T. classes with Ciaran Coughlan and the benefits of these classes are replicated in the high standard of power point presentations in their project work. Our Scholastic book fair was a great success and this is because of the parents of SSE and the wider community involvement.

I’d like to thank the parent class reps for their time, support and help during the school year. A big ‘Thank You’ goes to the parents who volunteered during the Bag Packing Fundraiser and other activities throughout the school year. A special ‘Thank You’ goes to our secretary (Mary), cleaner (Caroline) and caretaker (Maurice) for their dedication and great efforts in supporting the running of the school.

Well done to the true stars, the pupils of SSE. Every visitor that comes to our school and when we take trips outside of school, we are always complimented on how well mannered and well behaved the pupils are. Our Departmental subject inspection in Science 31st of May, was a golden opportunity for our pupils to shine. We are very proud of our report not only as our first published report but to be recognized of all the hard work that goes on in our school. This report may be viewed in the Inspectorate section on the Department of Education and skills website.

We look forward to exciting times ahead for SSE so expect building works during the summer months, where we will be welcoming an additional new classroom. We wish Ms. Brennan and Ms. Doyle the Best of Luck as they are moving on from SSE. May the lovely weather continue and may I ask the children/parents to be mindful of their safety during the summer holidays especially around water.

Ann-Marie Nuzum

Acting Principal

Attention all Scoil San Eoin Cailiní

Dear school ,

 my name is Philip Hamilton and I am an academy coach with the wdsl (Wicklow district schoolboys/girls league ) . We in the league oversee all underage soccer played in the county , as part of our continued development we have started an all girls academy at  under 10 - under 12 & under 14 . Girls soccer is the fastest growing sport in Ireland at the moment and we would like to offer all girls in Wicklow the opportunity to come to our next open training session in east Glendalough school Wicklow town this Sunday feb 11th  from 4.30 pm to 6pm .

 This is a great opportunity for girls who are either currently playing soccer or those who wish to start  and get coached by our group of qualified - garda vetted coaches .

I would be very grateful if you could pass this information on to all the girls in your school  and help them take the first step to possibly becoming the next Stephanie Roche !! Should you have any queries relating to our girls academy or if you would like to enquire into coaching sessions in your school please do not hesitate to get in touch ,

                 kind regards

                   Philip Hamilton

mob:087 2346162

email :events@wdsl.ie

New PE equipment has arrived

January saw the exciting arrival of some new pe equipment in the school. Look how we have been making great use of it already.

Parents/Guardians access to school

We would like to remind parents that access to the school via the back door before and during school is not permitted for health and safety reasons. This door is for pupils and staff members only. All parents and visitors to school must buzz either the office or a classroom, at the front door. We would also like to remind parents/guardians to check whether the issues they bring to the class teachers attention before school may be written on a note or email. If parents/guardians have an issue that they need to speak to the class teacher about, they should make an appointment via email or through Mary in the office.

We would like to reiterate that morning time is a valuable time for staff members to get ready for the day ahead either by gathering resources etc or discussing issues with other staff members. We ask that parents/guardians are respectful of the points above and are mindful of the impact disruptions, and visitors in the school building during these times, have on the pupils day and also their health and safety.  

We thank you for your cooperation in this matter. 

Annual Parent Teacher Meetings

Parent Teacher meetings will be held on Tuesday 28th of November. Each parent/guardian has been assigned  a time slot with their class teacher and the Special Education teacher (if applicable). Please let the class teacher know if there is any issue with attendance at that time. The school will close for all pupils at 2pm on that day in order to facilitate the meetings. Parents/Guardians will be asked to enter the school via the back door and wait in the corridor until their time. When Ms Brennan is finished in her room, those waiting can move into there. 

First Class

Please ignore the second page of the book list for first class outlining copies and focus on the following:

FirstClass

Copies:

·       8 x 88 pages writing copies (Size A12)

·       1 x 80 page sum copy (Size 7mm squares)

·       1 x A4 Hard back writing pad for tests

PLEASE WRITE THE PUPILS NAME AND CLASS ON THEM, NOT A SUJECT.

Each Child must have:

·       A set of colours (Twistable/Colouring Pencils) not markers

·       6 x Pencils

·       2 x Erasers

·       2 x Sharpeners

·       1 x Foot long ruler

·       1 x Pencil Case

·       2 x Pritt Sticks

·       1 x set of Coloured White board markers

Ø  All extra pens/pencils etc. should be put into an extra pencil case/zip lock bag, clearly marked with the pupils name and will be kept in the classroom until such time as they need them.

Folders:

·       An A4 Level arch ring binder and set of 10 Subject Dividers (cardboard not plastic) Polythene pockets are optional

·       2 x A4 size plastic envelope folder

****** Please ensure that your child’s name is clearly scribed on the FRONT of all books, copies and on bags, coats, pencils cases, lunch boxes, school jumpers etc. ******

Junior Room School Tour

This year the Junior Room went to Rancho Reilly for their school tour in County Carlow. When we first arrived, we had a small snack and drink. Following this we went to our first two stations and they were the Pony Rides and Donkey Rides. The next station was the Barrel Train Ride, where we all enjoyed the bumpy ride across the paddocks. Our last station was the Petting Sheds. The children and adults got to learn about and pet the rabbits, snakes, bearded dragons etc! The children then enjoyed playing in the sandpits and sunken trampolines.

The children enjoyed their chicken nuggets, sausages and chips with a drink. Afterwards they all got an ice-cream. After Lunch, the children got to have free play and got to say "Hi" to their reindeer, Hens, Roosters, Turkeys, Geese, Ducks, Goats, sheep and lambs. The swings, slides, obstacle course, ride on track, tyre swings, boat, basketball, football and much more was enjoyed by all the children during their Free Play Time. 

A big thanks to Mandie and Helen for assisting us on our most enjoyable  school tour day. 

Induction Morning for the New Junior Infants

Thursday the 15th of June, the school opened its doors to the new Junior Infants that will be coming to SSE in September. The two boys and two girls were very well behaved and they enjoyed a morning filled with story time, art work and play time. They produced very good Dragons and they enjoyed interacting with our special guest, the frog!!

School Mobile Library

The last school Mobile Library is on Friday 23rd June . As this is the day of all school tours we will not be here therefore can you ensure all rented books are returned to the school no later than Weds 21st June. 

Wicklow County Council Library Service are running a Summer Stars Reading Adventure for children during the summer from 26th June to the end of August. This is an exciting reading based programme free of charge. Please click the link below for further details.

Click here to view the document

Click here to view further documents

Phoenix Group Arklow

Nut Free Zone in the Junior Room

Dear Junior Room Parents/Guardians

It has come to our attention that a new junior infant has 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.

Since this condition can be life threatening, we are asking for your help in minimising the risk to this child by:

a)    Avoiding giving children peanuts in school lunches

b)   Avoiding giving peanut butter sandwiches, other spreads containing nuts such as Nutella and snacks/bars containing nuts or labelled “may contain nut traces” in school lunches

c)    Asking children not to share their lunches.

d)   If your child has eaten peanuts/nuts before coming to school, please be sure your child’s hands and face have been thoroughly washed before entering the school.

Due to the severity of the problem, it is important that all parents carry out the suggested measures and reduce the risk of allergic reaction to this child, starting June 1st 2017. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me.

We thank you for your co-operation.

Ms. Nuzum

Disturbances during school hours

We would like to ask all parents/guardians to have consideration for pupils and teachers and  please do not allow younger children/siblings to run around the school grounds playing. before and after the 2pm and 3pm pick up, but to remain outside the school gate. This has become increasingly obvious during the last few weeks of good weather as the class windows have been open and/or classes are taking place outside. Both pupils and teachers have become distracted by the noise and movement, and find it difficult to concentrate. We would like to remind parents that younger siblings are not covered by insurance while  playing on school property and ask for your cooperation in this matter. 

Junior Room School Tour Details

The Junior Room are very lucky to be going on their School Tour to Rancho Reilly's in Co. Carlow. The children will get an opportunity to pet the animals, go on a pony ride, train ride & barrel rides. After Lunch the children are permitted to have free play where they can have a go on the Go carts, Swings, trampoline and use the wonderful facilities in the playground.  

Please note the following:

Date:  Friday 23rd of June, 2017

Arrive to school: 8.45 am Sharp 

Bus Departs: @ 9 am Sharp

Bus Returns to School: @ 3.30 pm pending on traffic

Total Cost:   €25 (Includes Bus Journey, Entrance Fee and  Food)  parents/guardians can pay directly or authorise to take the money from the school bank by filling out and returning the slip that will be sent home. Please have this money/slips in to your class teacher or secretary by Monday the 19th of June.

Supervision: There will be 1 Class Teacher and Two parents, this is sufficient for adult to pupil ratio. 

Pack: The children can bring some sweets (Rubbish!!) & non fizzy drinks. Some pocket money (No greater than €10) is permitted to spend in the shop there. 

Gentle reminder: Ensure your child is adequately dressed for outdoor activities and it's imperative that sun cream is applied in the morning of the tour. Children are not permitted to bring umbrella's but are permitted to bring rain coats, sun hats and sun glasses on the day.  A small toy/playing cards/small book is permitted but please use your own discretion as to what best suits your child travelling on a bus. 

Green School Committee Outing

Courtesy of the Parents Association the Green School Committee members had a most enjoyable and memorable evening filled with Bowling, Pizza and fun fantastic games, the pictures speak for themselves.

13th of May Holy Communion Day in Barinskey Church

A successful day was had by all who put in massive efforts to make the day so meaningful and memorable. A word of thanks to the organist Ian Jones, the beautiful flower arrangement in the church thanks Lorraine, our Server Sarah Shanley thank you for assisting on our special day.  The Light refreshments were enjoyed by all who attended in the community centre and thanks to the people who donated baked goods,  a big thank you to the parents who decorated the hall and organised the tea and coffee. Many thanks for the beautiful  bouquet of flowers.   Congratulation to the Holy Communicants and many thanks to Father Byrne for his involvement.

CONGRATULATIONS SCOIL SAN EOIN

Well done to the children of Scoil San Eoin for  successfully obtaining the second Green flag on Energy. A special thanks goes out to the Green School Committee Members especially the class reps who have done an amazing job and it hasn't gone unnoticed for their dedication and time given after school!! We will commence the first steps in September to embark on our third Green Flag. 

Secretary Position Available

SCHOOL SECRETARY WANTED

Scoil San Eoin, Redcross, requires a secretary for 12 hours per week, term-time only, with the possibility of further hours at a later date.  Applicants must agree to be Garda Vetted. CV and references are essential.  Applicants must have secretarial experience and good level of computer skills.  Position will commence on 3rd April with one previous week of training.  If you are interested in this position, please apply in writing to:

• The Principal/Chairperson
• Scoil San Eoin
• Redcross
• Co. Wicklow
• 0404-41727
• Or email lgreeneredcross@gmail.com

Restorative Practice

Good relationships need to be at the heart of everything in school if effective teaching and learning are to take place.

Roisin Úi Fhearraigh

Since September 2016 Restorative Practice has been introduced on a phased basis into Scoil San Eoin. This is following on from staff CPD in the area the previous year. Restorative Practise is a way of looking at, and dealing with, incidents of negative or challenging behaviour within the school. It teaches pupils a new mindset and how to look at, and deal with, negative situations in a new way. It also allows staff members to initiate discussion on the incident through circle time, rather than handing down sanctions, straight away.

“Restorative Practices are a framework for building community and for responding to challenging behaviour through authentic dialogue, coming to understanding, and making things right”

Teaching Restorative Practices with Classroom Circles

The aim of Restorative Practice in Scoil San Eoin, is that it will be used in conjunction with our current Code of Behaviour. It can be utilised on a needs basis, when an incident occurs and/or during SPHE time. It is important to the staff that Restorative Practice becomes more than just a means of dealing with issues between pupils or with pupils and staff, but more a different way of thinking for the pupils and staff on a daily basis. We hope that in time, there will be little need for sanctions within the school, as the pupils themselves will have learned how to take responsibility for their actions and act accordingly. We encourage the concept of RP to be utilised and introduced by parents/guardians in the home also.

Below are the 5 questions used in Restorative Practice:

1 – What happened?

2 – What were you thinking/feeling at the time?

3 – Who has been affected by this?

4 – What are you thinking/feeling now?

5 – What do you need/need to do to put things right?

All parties involved are asked these questions and get to say what they wish to say in a respectful, calm environment. There are no ‘victims’ or ‘perpetrators in Restorative Practice, simply those that are involved in the incident. The pupils are also never asked ‘why’ they did what they did. Through the use of these questions, the pupils are enabled to gain perspective of how things are from the other person’s viewpoint, become empathetic and understanding of others and realise the consequences of their actions.

Schools in which RP is adopted:

• Are happier and safer schools

• Have mutually respectful relationships

• Have less stress for staff

• Have more effective teaching and learning

• Have reduced exclusion

• Have raised attendance

Click here to visit the website. 

Communication

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If a parent/guardian wishes to make contact with the school regarding a matter please note the following:

For matters dealing directly to the teaching/learning/well being of your child please email Ms Nuzum or Ms Greene directly on their school email address. These email accounts are monitored by the teacher only and other staff members will only be made aware of information from these emails, if the teacher deems it necessary, to deal with the matter which has arisen. Teachers check their emails on a daily basis but not during class time. Any emails sent in the evening may not be viewed by the teachers until the next day. If a matter is deemed urgent or private, please indicate so on the Subject line. If you wish to meet with your class teacher please email them or make an appointment through the school office. 

For all other general school matters, questions or queries please phone or email the school office and Ciara will respond as promptly as possible.  The school office email is monitored by Ms Greene when Ciara is not in the office. 

We ask that all parents/guardians consult the school website before contacting the school for information on an event or activity. 

Music Lessons

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Music lessons will begin on Tuesday 28th February. To begin with, the Junior class will run from 3.10 - 3.50 and the Senior class will run from 3.50-4.30. Parents/Guardians will be notified if this time changes or pupils move groups. All pupils must bring their own/rented tinwhistle and a copy book and pen. Payment is to be made to Ms Griffiths at the beginning of each lesson. A role will be taken at each lesson and it is important that the pupils attend lessons consistently so as to ensure full learning value of the lessons. This is a very exciting opportunity for the pupils and we are delighted that Ms Griffiths has begun these lessons in the school!!