October Newsletter

Dear Parents & Guardians,

October has been a very quick month because we have been so busy in school. The mid-term break is almost upon us.  Here are some of the things we have been doing this month along with important information.

PTA News
The PTA AGM was held on Friday 8thOctober. A huge thank you to our outgoing Chairperson - Maureen, Vice chairperson - Saaba, Treasurer -  Deepa and Secretary - Janice. Thank you for your time, hard work and enthusiasm throughout a challenging year.
I am delighted to announce that we have a new committee that were elected at the AGM; Chairperson – Claudia, Vice Chairperson – Pippa, Treasurer – Brendan, Secretary – Nora. We are very excited to work closely with you all over the coming year.
Aladdin connect
Please ensure that you fill in any reasons for absences on Aladdin connect and keep all phone numbers up to date.
Student council
We held our first student council meeting on Monday 18th October on Zoom.  This was a public meeting for all 3rd – 6th classes. Very good ideas came from the students. Here are a few,  a school mascot, a pyjama fundraising day, making comics in the class, activities on the yard , bringing back the toy and treat sale and a school pet.
All ideas were well articulated and examined, looking at the pros and cons of each. We will keep you all updated on the progress of each suggestion. Student voice is very important and valued in Esker ETNS.
 
Green school Committee
New Green school representatives have been elected in every class. This is a very important and popular committee to join. Members are democratically elected by their classmates and need to work hard to ensure that their class is making an effort to save energy, reduce waste and not to waste water. The Golden boot is awarded every week to a junior and senior class for sustainable travel – walking, scooting, cycling or park and stride.
This year we are in our second year of working towards our fifth Green Flag for Biodiversity.  The midterm is a good time of year to explore local plant & animal life / changes in season etc.  Use your school holidays to explore the outdoors and to spot wildlife and nature in your garden or community.
World Food Day
October 16th marked World Food Day. 2nd Green and 6th Green both showcased during our weekly Learn Together (Zoom) assemblies). The children taught us the importance of valuing food, not wasting it and respecting it.  Please check out their showcase on our website https://www.eskeretns.ie/learn-together-assemblies
Make sure that you only order food that your child likes from Carambola. We would like all of our children to participate in the Hot Meal programme but if your child brings in a lunch box to school, please cancel your Carambola lunch, to prevent food waste. 
 
Maths week
The school has been buzzing with maths week. Carmen organised maths stations and trails with the junior classes, Linda sent home Maths packs for 2nd class families to play at home and Tania organised Maths trails, the family challenge and a Kahoot Quiz for 5th and 6th. Check out more activities on our website https://www.eskeretns.ie/maths-week.html
Space week & STEM
Katie organised Space week in the school during the week of 4th – 8th of October. Classes were able to ask questions to astronauts, watch videos about life in space and explore the solar system. This all feeds into STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths). The SFI Primary Science award is based on the continuous work and evidence of this typ of learning. Huge thank you to Katie, Niamh and all of the class teachers for promoting STEM in our school and an even bigger thank you to all of the children for your hard work. I would encourage you to look at the work that has taken place in all classes on our website https://www.eskeretns.ie/science.html
HSCL NEWS
Craft classes for parents
Linda, our HSCL teacher has organised free Zoom craft classes for parents with Martina. All participating parents received the craft materials free of charge and I believe lots of beautiful creations are taking shape.
Parents Plus
Linda will be running Parents Plus classes for parents. This is a free positive parenting class for our parents that focuses on building your childs’ confidence and self-esteem. Classes will be held on Zoom in conjunction with our friends in Lucan East.
Gardening Club
Our newly formed gardening club have transformed our overgrown Fairy Garden. They arrive every Thursday regardless of the weather. Thank you for the beautiful new raised beds, they are a very welcomed addition. We are most grateful for your time and skills!
CLOVER
We all know that Children LOVE Reading – The Clover project runs in Junior Infants every year to promote literacy as early as possible. Free books will be given to children after the mid term break to help with literacy in the home. We are most grateful to South Dublin Libraries, who fund this very important initiative.
Junior Curriculum Evening
On Thursday 4th November at 7pm, we will host a curricular evening for all Junior and Senior Infant parents. This will give you and update of the curriculum your child is following in school and how best you can support them at home. We look forward to seeing you all online!
Outstanding Materials Money
We ask all of our families to pay €100 per child per year for materials money. This money helps us pay for: insurance, educate together membership, online subscriptions, art supplies, stationary, photocopying and texting etc.  If you have not already done so, please could you pay a contribution on Aladdin Connect. You can pay in instalments of €25 euro to break down the cost. If you having difficulty paying, please contact Linda on [email protected] and we can arrange something with you. We do appreciate your help with this matter.
Swimming
We are delighted to announce that we will re start swimming lessons for classes 2nd – 5th this year. Swimming is a very important life skill for all children to learn and is part of the physical education curriculum. 5th class will begin lessons after the mid term break. Please make sure that you have completed the permission on Aladdin and paid the €40 before they begin.  We are asking parents to pay for the lessons and the school will pay for the transport. If you need to talk to Linda about cost, please contact her on 086 0261061.
Mid Term break and Dress up day
Our school will close on Friday 22nd of October for the mid term break. Children are allowed to dress up in either fancy dress or clothes that they might wear for a celebration.  We will hold a little parade in the morning.
Reminding all families about the importance of safety during this time and to avoid fireworks or sparklers without an adult. Costumes can be highly flammable. Garda Ciara and Tom came to school to speak to all 5th and 6th class this week about the importance of safety.
 
Reminding you all about our safety measures in the school. While restrictions lift in our society, please remember that our school is full of unvaccinated children. Please continue to wear masks and to keep your child at home if they display and Covid-19 symptoms. JI – 2nd class can be dropped and collected on the grounds but we ask that all 3rd – 6th class children walk off site and meet you on Castle road. Thank you for your continued support.
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Wishing you all a wonderful mid term break. School will reopen on Monday 1st November.  I hope that all of the children enjoy a well-earned rest.
Be safe and well,
Gemma