September & October Newsletter

Hello to all of our parents and guardians of Esker Educate Together National School.

I would like to officially welcome our new families from Junior Infants and new families to our school. It was wonderful to see all our current students return in September.  It has been a very busy term so far, with the mid term break fast approaching. 

Children have adapted very well to their new classrooms, teachers and routines. There has been a hive of activity from all of our classes from Junior Infants to 6th.

Please note that children now line up in the yard in the morning. Supervision is provided from 9.10am. It is important that children are not left alone before this time, as no teachers are present. 

Traffic is still a major issue on the school grounds - Remember, if your child is from 3rd - 6th class, we ask that you drop them at Castle Road and ask them to walk to school from there (unless your child has additional needs) This will reduce the amount of traffic on the grounds significantly. 

Please be careful if parking, there have been a number of accidents already this year.

Children crossing the road to cars must use the pedestrian crossing - do not allow your child to cross at the roundabout. Please be patient with each other and keep the traffic moving.  We all want the children to be safe at all times. 

Barry spends lots of care and time maintaining the grounds and we are very proud of them and grateful to him. Please do not allow children to swing on the ropes or to walk through the beds - please walk around them.

Here is a flavour of what has been happening this month in Esker Educate Together National School:

GAA - Heidi is in charge of our 5th and 6th class teams in Cuman na mBunscoil. The teams have played local primary schools in Griffeen Park since early September.. We are very proud of the skills that they have developed, their sense of fair play and their perseverance during difficult matches. They have proved to be excellent opponents and have adapted well to the game.  Many have developed into great players. Lucan Sarsfield is our local GAA club.

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Mobile Library
The South Dublin County Council mobile library is back every fortnight for our senior classes.  If the children cannot get to the library, it is a great way to get the library to them. It stocks a great selection of fiction and non-fiction. Lucan library is located beside Supervalu and it is free to join. It is a wonderful amenity for our community and I would encourage you to join. There are lots of free classes and workshops available for adults and children.   

Story Teller - Niall de Burca
We had an exciting visit from the storyteller, Niall de Burca in September. He told tales of yonder in English and Irish to the children. He was extremely animated and engaging. There was lots of laughter and giggling throughout the school.

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Parent Classes
In person parent classes have begun this year. Linda is our home school teacher and will always let you know when a new free parent class is beginning. This term we have Yoga and Craft for parents. Classes are a great way to meet other parents in the school and to get involved in school.

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PTA AGM 
The Parent Teacher Association held their AGM (Annual General Meeting) on Friday 21st October at 9.30am. All parents were very welcome to attend and to nominate themselves to be part of the committee or to vote on new members.  Thank you to all who attended. Congratulations to the new Committee of 2022/23 - Claudia (chairperson) Tara (Vice) Nora (Secretary) Jenny (Treasurer), we cannot wait to work with you this year. A big thank you to the outgoing committee members Pippa and Brendan, for their help last year

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Parent talk with Mabs
These are challenging times for all families. The cost of living has increased dramatically and difficulties may arise due to this. Linda (HSCL) has organised a talk for parents with Mabs (Money Matters and Budgeting Services) - 29th November at 9.30am in the hall. If any parent is struggling financially with paying for anything in school or at risk of losing their home, please contact me at [email protected] or linda at [email protected].

6th Class
We held a School Transfer talk for our parents of 6th class children. We spoke about the local schools in the Lucan area and how to apply. At this point, all families of 6th class children should have made an application to at least one second level school. If you have not, please contact Linda at [email protected] or on 0860261061 for assistance. 

Basketball
We have introduced Basketball every Wednesday for our 4th, 5th and 6th classes. SDCC are involved in getting schools active and trying new sports and we are too. Coaches come to school every Wednesday to train with the children.

Swimming
This term 4th class have started their block of swimming lessons in Clondalkin swimming pool. The children are really enjoying it and improving by the session. After the mid term break, 5th class will begin their block of lessons.

Music Generation
Music is another area that we value strongly at Esker ETNS. In partnership with SDCC, Music Generation is a programme that is subsidised. Musicians visit schools and focus on a musical area. James and Phil are working on a percussion programme with some classes. 

New Committees - Student Council / Green School / Active Committee
A new school year signifies new elections for our student committees. Each committee has a very specific role and the children take their jobs very seriously. Student voice is of paramount importance in our school.

Children from 3rd - 6th class were able to nominate themselves for a particular committee. They wrote and delivered their manifesto to their classes. Democratic elections took place. A boy and girl from each class was elected onto each committee. 

The Active Committee will be chosen by the teachers. It will be made up of children who will promote physical activity, good sportsmanship and fair play. Sports is inclusive and fun and a great way to stay fit and healthy.

Lunches
We are continuing to reduce the amount of waste that we as a school produce each day. Please remember - to pack a clean fork in your child’s bag every day. If your child brings in their own lunch, please cancel their hot lunch.

Maths week.
Last week we celebrated Maths week. Parents and guardians were invited to come and take part in some class activities. There was much excitement in the school with maths stations, maths packs, maths trails and the BIG BIG Maths Quiz. Thank you to all, who were able to attend. For those who could not, we will ensure that there is another opportunity for you this year. 

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Diwali
I hope that all of our families that celebrate Diwali had a wonderful day with their families on Monday 24th of October.

Dress up day
Remember that the children can dress up on Friday 28th of October either in fancy dress or traditional clothes of their choice. School will finish at 3pm on this day for the mid term break. The school will re open on Monday 7th October at 9.10am.
Wishing those who celebrate Halloween a safe and fun evening.  The Community Garda will be in on Thursday 27th to talk about safety outdoors with 5th & 6th Class.


Thank you again for all of your support and encouragement this term. I hope that you all have a lovely mid term break. Looking forward to lots more learning and fun activities in November and December.

Is mise le meas
Gemma