December Newsletter

Dear Parents/Guardians,
As the holidays are nearly upon us, we take this time to reflect and look back over a very busy and challenging first term.  I am incredibly proud and grateful to everyone to getting to this point. We began this term with a certain level of interpretation. No one was quite sure how the weeks would progress. With the dedication and hard work from staff, the equal hard work and cooperation from children and continued support from all the families, we have successfully completed our first term through a pandemic, with minimal disruption. Not only that, we got there smiling and having fun!!!
For that, we would all like to say a massive THANK YOU and well done to everyone!
Here is what has been happening in December in Esker ETNS.

Green School Committee – 5th Green Flag – Biodiversity
Our new Green School Committee working on our 5th Green Flag for Biodiversity have been elected. This year Paula and Grace are leading this very worthwhile initiative and are working with the committee. Students from 5th Green and 5th Red will lead this Flag and will educate the rest of the school on virtual assemblies. They will work alongside our PTA in the Fairy Garden and plan to plant flowers to attract bees and set up a bug motel. Our PTA Garden club found a happy hedgehog in our garden, so we are expecting many more friends to come.
Student council representatives will be democratically elected in all classes to monitor the work on Litter and Waste, Energy, Water and Transport, to maintain our current four Flags.

Student Council
The Student council held their first virtual meeting on 27th November for all of the senior classes. The student council are in the capable hands of Catherine, this year. Student representatives introduced themselves to the school and explained how important the voice of our students is and how to get your ideas and thoughts heard.  Student council will meet virtually once a month, but will communicate using shared documents online. We are so impressed with how the committee have adapted to the current challenges.
The student council are helping the PTA with the Covid-19 Hub Shoebox appeal.

PTA Fundraisers
The PTA are quite restricted this year in their fundraisers, as they cannot come into the school.  However, they have not let this stop them from fundraising for our school and worthy causes.
Covid-19 Hub – Shoe box appeal
We were made aware of this HSE Covid-19 Hub though the work one of our parents. This hub facilitates the most vulnerable people in society who have nowhere to go during this pandemic. It helps people and families who may need to self-isolate or need to restrict movements, due to Covid. Once we heard about the work that is done here, we knew that we wanted to help.  Thank you to Linda, the PTA and Student Council and of course to all of you generous families who have donated new clothes, new toys, sweets, books etc to families who need a little extra this season. We are overwhelmed at the amount that has come in from you all. We know that these items will be gratefully received and will bring a little joy in the lives of people who really deserve and need it. The PTA and Linda will meet next week to assemble the shoe boxes. THANK YOU!
Funny hat day
The PTA have launched the “Funny Hat Day”, fundraiser which will be held on Friday 18th December. Children are welcome to make a hat or to wear a hat that they already own on this day. The PTA will be providing small spot prizes for the most creative hats, so be as creative as you like. They are asking that children bring in €2 towards this fundraiser, if they can.
All funds raised by the PTA goes back into supporting activities for the children in the school.

Virtual Winter Show case
We would normally host a Winter Concert in school in December. We are unable to do so this year, but the children would still like to showcase their amazing work. As you know with restrictions, we are unable to sing, we miss singing. Virtual concerts will be held on Thursday 17th and Friday 18th December and will last 30 minutes each. The times are as follows:

Thursday 17th December - Junior Infants & Senior Infants 10 am - 10:30 am 
Friday 18th December - 3rd Class & 4th Class 11:15am - 11:45am 
 
We will send out the Zoom codes by e mail on the morning of the assemblies.  We look forward to seeing lots of friendly faces online.

School Holidays
The school Holidays begin on Tuesday 22nd of December. This is a half day. School will close early. Please see the staggered closing times below. We ask that you strictly adhere to the times and also the logistics plan.
School will reopen on Wednesday 6th January at from 9.10 – 9.30pm and closing time will be as normal.

Last day of school – Logistics Plan
Please see below for collection times on Tuesday 22nd December.
Where possible, we are asking all families, please DO NOT BRING YOUR CAR INTO THE SCHOOL GROUNDS – this will be an extremely busy day. Please park on Castle road, Lucan leisure centre or elsewhere and walk to collect your child. It is very important that YOU COLLECT YOUR CHILD ON TIME. We have allowed 10 minutes between each collection time. We are relying on you to BE ON TIME.
Junior Infants                    12pm
Senior Infants                    12.10pm
1st & 2nd Class                     12.20pm
3rd – 6th Class                      12.30pm
Please remember that parents from 3rd – 6th class should not be on the school grounds (unless your child has SEN). Please arrange a meeting point either on Castle road or outside the main entrance.
 
 
HSCL Events
Linda has been very busy this term. Although she cannot do home visits or invite parents into school, she is working hard at keeping parents connected and to be part of your child’s education.
School Transfer talk
Linda hosted a school transfer talk on 25th November to parents of 4th – 5th class. She explained the new Admission policy and how to apply for a second level place for children. Please note, you apply for second level school when your child is in 6th class now.
Crafty Club house & Online cooking
Linda hosted her first virtual crafty clubhouse. She posted out hot chocolate and crafts to all participants. I heard it was a great success. Parents will be making tomato and basil pizza sauce this week. YUM!
CLOVER
Clover stands for Children Love Reading. This is a literacy initiative sponsored by South Dublin Libraries. They provide books to our new Junior infant children. Every junior infant child received a CLOVER pack. An online meeting was held on 1st December December, with parents, Linda, Gemma and Emma from Lucan library. We talked about the importance of reading to and with your child and the useful free services that are available to all families in Lucan. All library services and classes are free and best of all the library is open!
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Chronic health
If your child suffers with a chronic health condition, it is very important that we have this information and medication (if necessary). Please contact the office on 01 6241462 to arrange a meeting with the class teacher and Grace ([email protected]).
 
We wish all of our families who celebrate Christmas, a very happy and peaceful time. To our families who do not celebrate, we wish you a safe and relaxing break with your family and a time for all the children to recharge their batteries. They have all worked incredibly hard this term and deserve a rest.
If you are travelling outside of Ireland, we ask that you restrict your movements for 14 days from date of arrival, regardless if you have taken a Covid-19 test in the airport. We ask you to follow all government guidelines, so we can remain a safe space when we return in the new year.
Again parents, I would like to thank you for putting your trust in us this year. We have worked so hard to maintain the safety standards in the school, while providing a fun, stimulating, child centred, safe and inclusive school for all. I appreciate all of your cooperation and look forward to seeing you all in the new year.
Warmest Regards
Gemma