Dear Parents & Guardians,
March has been a busy month for us so far with the full reopening of our school. We are delighted to have most of our students back with us. Esker ETNS is back buzzing with excitement. There is lots of learning and fun happening within the classrooms and outdoors. As the weather improves, so comes hope and optimism that the most challenges days are behind us.
I want to commend all the children for their efforts in engaging with online learning since January. I would like to extend this to all of the adults who supported them through school closures, it was not an easy task.  Thank you from all of us! I would like to thank the teachers and SNA’s who worked tirelessly to provide fun lessons, live Zooms and interesting learning for their classes. Thank you to Barry and Suzanne who have kept the school going throughout the closures.
School re opening
We have followed the phased reopening plan from the Department of Education since February. Our special class opened on 22nd February. Junior Infants – 2nd class opened on the 1st of March and 3rd – 6th class returned on the 15th of March. Now that we have reopened fully, it is so important that we can remain open. It is imperative that we all follow the same safety rules to ensure this can happen.

1. If you child is sick in any way, keep them at home.
2. If your child has travelled outside of Ireland, keep them at home for 14 days.
3. If your child is close contact of a Covid-19 positive case, keep them at home for 14 days.
4. If someone is the house is awaiting a test result, keep your child at home.
5. Get in touch with me directly at [email protected] or 01 6241462 if your child tests positive – all information received will be held in strict confidence.

 
World Book Day
Despite the school being partially reopened, we celebrated World book day on Thursday 4th March. There was great excitement in the school when Catherine and Grace visited all the children to read and act out a story to the Junior Classes. We held a competition for the senior classes called the “Masked Reader” – We awarded National book tokens to the winners. At times when our activities are limited, reading is a wonderful hobby to encourage at home.
 
Seachtain na Gaelige.
We celebrated Irish week from 8th – 16th March. We promoted the use of speaking Irish informally with all of the children. Linda promoted this by providing a  bosca duaise, (prize boxes) to each class An Dreoilín was played on yard for dancing, DJ an Lae brightened up our afternoons. A competition was held - Seanfhocal na Seachatine, Am scéalta, along with Tráth na gCeist (table quiz between classes)  We finished off the week with a La Glas, to celebrate St. Patricks day.  Check out our gallery for pictures of the day.  The Esker Teacher band treated us to a rendition of Pegin Litir Mor. Lots of fun was had by all.
 

HSCL Parent Events
Despite being closed, Linda is committed to keeping all of our parents engaged in school life remotely.
Parents Plus: Linda will be starting Parents Plus classes in the third term. This is a positive parenting course that encourages self esteem and confidence in children. She will let you know when you can sign up for that.
Crafts Class: The first Cross stich class took place this week on Zoom. The class was hosted by the Sabaa. Linda provided all of the materials and a small snack to share together online. It is very important at a time like this to take time for yourself.  The next craft class will take place on 15th April and will be hosted by Leah.
Irish for parents: Linda hosted a drop in Irish clinic for parents. We understand that it is difficult to support your child with the language when you do not speak it. There were some very useful tips in this class.
 
School Holidays
The school holidays will begin on Friday 26th March. The school will reopen on Monday 12th April.
On Friday 26th of March, there will be a half day. Closing times are as follows:

• 12.00 – Junior Infants
• 12.10 – Senior Infants / Junior Blue
• 12.20 – 1st & 2nd Class
• 12.30 – 3rd – 6th Class

Please remember that it is very important to arrive on time for your child, as we are trying to avoid mixing of children from different classes. It will be very busy, so I encourage you to walk, cycle or scoot to school or to park on Castle road.
The school grounds is a drop off zone only. If there are no parking spaces available, you must keep driving, exit the grounds and re-enter to find a space. It is important that the traffic keeps moving. Please DRIVE SLOWLY on the grounds as children are everywhere.
Again, I would like to say thank you to all of our school community, the children, parents and staff for working together to re-open the school and for supporting all of our requests in order to keep the school a safe place to be.  I am so grateful for the massive effort made by everyone.
Wishing you all a very safe and peaceful holiday from school.  Wishing all of our families who celebrate it a Happy Easter. I hope you take the time to enjoy being with your family.
Warmest regards
Gemma