Ireland's No. 1 FREE magazines parents & teachers of primary school children
Ireland's No. 1 FREE magazines parents & teachers of primary school children
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SCHOOL SECRETARY OF THE YEAR 2016
It is not often that we get the chance to thank our school secretaries for all their hard work throughout the school year. This year’s School Secretary of the Year prize was a luxury break with dinner and spa treatments to the 4* Sheraton Athlone Hotel! We were inundated with so many worthy entries for the School Secretary of The Year 2016 competition at Primary Times South magazine and we are pleased to announce the winner is… Kay O’Mahony Cloghroe National School, Cork.
Kay is delighted with her win and would like to thank everyone who voted for her to win this lovely prize, and Primary Times South for organising the competition! Pictured are David Enright and Emma Dunne (2nd Class students at time of photograph) with Kay O’Mahony… congratulations Kay!
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2017 RDS Primary Science Fair @MIC Limerick
Developing numeracy, literacy and scientific skills in the primary school classroom in an effective and creative way is what the RDS Primary Science Fair is all about. As a non-competitive forum, the RDS Primary Science Fair showcases STEM investigations undertaken by primary school classes across Ireland. It brings together teachers, parents and students to showcase class projects, share experiences and learn from each other. Integrating a range of curricular objectives – in particular children’s oral language development and numeracy skills – the focus on inquiry based skills benefits teachers and children alike.
Now going into its eighth year, the RDS Primary Science Fair will take place at the RDS Dublin, January 12-14 and at MIC Limerick, January 19-21, 2017. Applications to exhibit a project in 2017 in Dublin or Limerick are open to 4th, 5th and 6th classes. All the information you need to know about applying is on their website, including examples of class projects that have previously been selected for the Fair. The deadline for entries is Wednesday, October 5, 2016. Visiting schools may also visit the Fair to view projects showcased by their peers and enjoy a world of science-led entertainment! Advance booking details will be available online at www.rds.ie/primarysciencefair Email: primarysciencefair@rds.ie Tel: 01 240 7990.
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ROCKBORO PRIMARY SCHOOL & PRE-SCHOOL NOW ENROLLING
Open day Thursday 22nd September 2016
Rockboro School provides a diverse education experience based on community values and child achievement. Rockboro, an independent, multi-denominational, co-educational primary school and pre-school was established in Cork city in 1969 and offers an extended family environment with a welcoming and friendly atmosphere. Parents and teachers ensure that each child is individually nurtured and enabled to reach his/her full potential. Small Classes - Big Education: With a maximum class size of 20, children receive a high level of individual attention resulting in increased confidence and self-esteem. All children benefit from classes in Computer Science, French, Drama, Music, Public Speaking, P.E. and Swimming within a broad curriculum. The quality of learning experience extends beyond the National Curriculum, with strong emphasis on Science and Maths. Rockboro opened a new fully equipped Science Laboratory in May 2016. Primary School pupils at Rockboro will now avail of practical Science at part of the school curriculum. The varied after-school programme at Rockboro includes Hockey, Rugby, Soccer, Art & Crafts, and Ballet & Performing Arts all on offer along with Homework Club to 5pm. Supervised Early Care is now also available from 8 am. The Sparks Programme, incorporating afterschool Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths & Creative Writing provides an after-school programme with a difference! Contact Rockboro School, Boreenmanna Road, Cork, 021 4314324, email: rockboro@eircom.net and visit www.rockboroschool.ie
SPARKS - THE AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAMME WITH A DIFFERENCE
The Sparks Programme is a STEM based primary after school programme that includes Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths & Creative Writing provides an after-school programme with a difference!
The Sparks Programme has been developed in partnership with UCC (University College Cork), CTYI (Centre for Talented Youth in Ireland), CIT (Cork Institute of Technology) and St. John's Central College, who run the courses. Sparks provides children with a fun, supportive and stimulating environment to challenge them and develop their potential. It is open to ALL primary school children from ANY school. Bookings are now being taken for the 2016 Sparks After-School Programme, starting on 26st September. Courses run for 10 weeks, are suitable for 6 to 12 year olds, and cost just €80 per child (sibling discounts available). Courses include fun, practical activities and will be held in: Computer Animation, Chess, Creative Writing, Robotics, Veterinary Science, and Engineering. Don’t delay - to book your child’s place on any of the Sparks courses starting Monday 26st September by calling Rockboro School on 021 4314324 or by email: sparksrockboro@eircom.net
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VEXED WITH LEARNING? Movement is the language of the brain and motor skills affect your posture and reflect developing brain functions. Academic learning requires a calm nerve system and checkups for school age children can produce calmness, help with learning, and improve overall health. Midleton chiropractor Dr. Lise Pedersen is an expert, with a special interest in paediatric care. Learning difficulties are more and more common in children, and gentle chiropractic treatments using Neuroimpulse (unique to Midleton Chiropractic and Munster), allow the body to restore and often even establish nerve connections in areas lacking proper function. Treatment is as gentle as cranial osteopathy and available from birth onwards. One of Dr Pedersen’s clients is a mother whose 1 year old twin boy with torticollis and scoliosis. Within 5 visits the boy no longer has scoliosis, his general temperament is now mellow and more inquisitive and the family, not only is delighted, but knows how to meet his needs and when he needs to come in for checkup.
EXCLUSIVE OFFER: €30 for Initial Consultation in OCTOBER AND NOVEMBER 2016 when you mention PRIMARY TIMES (usually €60). Call 021 4634923 and see midletonchiropractic on Facebook.
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It's ok to ask!
Being a parent is one of life’s absolute privileges, bringing enormous joy and happiness. But it also can bring significant challenges. The growth of materialism, consumerism, the internet and social media have created a whole new set of pressures that simply didn’t exist when today's parents were growing up. The more informal, relaxed parent-child relationship that exists today - while undoubtedly a good thing – can, at times, make home life a lot more complicated. Often parents expect that they should know all the answers. They couldn’t possibly. No child comes with a handbook and every child and every parent is different. Parentline is a helpline for parents. Somewhere to pick up the phone and talk to somebody who will offer a sympathetic ear, in confidence and who won’t judge (either you or your child). Sometimes it is just a little niggle, sometimes it is something bigger. Sometimes you just need to bounce something off someone. Parentline's trained facilitators are there for you and will give you support, information and guidance. The helpline is open Monday to Thursday from 10 am - 9 pm and Friday from 10am to 5pm. It is FREE and no appointment is necessary - just call 1890 927277 or 01 8733500.
Whatever age your child is, whatever the issue - it’s ok to ask.
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Compass Club by Coillte offers an After-School experience with a difference. Compass Club, from Ireland’s forest management organisation Coillte, has developed a unique new after-school programme of outdoor skills and activities for 6 to 12 year olds in almost 50 locations nationwide from 19th Sept 2016. Clubs take place in Coillte forests mostly and encourage exploration and discovery in a supervised environment with small group sizes for a greater sense of freedom. Child-centric courses are built on the principles of strength based education and develop problem-solving, critical thinking, inquiry and investigation, spatial awareness and sensory perception – all with a healthy dose of fun. Kids get to pick up school curriculum skills in an environment that couldn’t be any more different from a classroom!
Awesome forest adventures include navigation, knot skills, rope swings, scavenger hunts, games, building shelters, learning about habitats and toasting marshmallows. The space is large and groups are small which allows children to decide what they do. Compass Club is where your kids have fun and grow in the forest! Further information on course locations, September start dates and booking online can be found at www.CompassClub.ie Each school term has a different theme with new experiences and skills. After-School Courses are six weeks long, 12 hours with a two hourly session one afternoon per week.
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CORK FIGURE SKATING ASSOCIATION is the only figure skating club in Ireland that operates both on ice and inline skates. It aims to promote the sport of figure skating and offers lessons for skaters of all ages. The club welcomes new beginners and caters for all levels of abilities, from absolute beginners to competitive skaters. Training continues all year round in Little Island Sports Complex and at Cork on Ice in winter. This year CFSA skaters took part in international competitions in Spain and Italy, as well as performing in their annual show, which was a great success! Figure skating is a great way to get fit and to develop strength and coordination, as well as having fun and making friends in a supportive atmosphere. Anyone interested in joining should contact Sabrina on 086 8077616, visit www.corkfigureskating.com and follow them on Facebook.
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September 9th - December 31st 2016
Every Moment Matters, Every Battery Counts!
WEEE Pledge is a FREE battery recycling programme designed for schools. By engaging in fun learning activities and taking charge of battery recycling, students (and their families) learn about the importance of being responsible for the environment and how to make a difference in each community.
By recycling your waste batteries your school will also help raise vital funds for LauraLynn, Ireland’s Children’s Hospice. Help WEEE Pledge reach their €250,000 target to make every moment matter to the families in LauraLynn and be in with a chance to win spot prizes for your school.
WEEE is asking you to go on a hunt for batteries and collect as many as you can. You can get your friends, family members and neighbours involved too! The programme also rewards schools with a chance to win fantastic spot prizes. Gather up your waste batteries, place them in the blue WEEE Ireland battery boxes and request a free collection on www.weeepledge.ie For further information about the WEEE Pledge programme or to sign your school up today, please log on to www.weeepledge.ie
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Try Kumon’s two-week Free Trial now!
Kumon aims to develop students into confident, independent learners and to help them achieve their full potential as individuals. With nearly 60 years of experience, the Kumon programmes enable children to take on new challenges with confidence and to develop their study skills. They believe that an opportunity to grow on both an academic and a personal level should be available to all children. This is why, between 1 October and 20 November, they are offering a two-week Free Trial at centres across Ireland.
The Free Trial allows your child to attend your local Kumon Study Centre for two consecutive weeks, meet the Instructor and team of assistants and find out what your child can achieve through the Kumon Maths and English Programmes. Kumon believes that learning is always for the long run. Individualised maths and English programmes enable students to progress to an advanced level, at their own pace, ensuring they maximise their ability and begin to realise their unlimited potential. Students develop lifelong study skills and a passion for learning, equipping them for a successful future in their dream job. Kumon Educational is Ireland’s largest supplementary education provider, with over 2,000 students studying at 30 study centres. If you would like more information please contact your local Kumon Instructor who will be able to tell you about the two-week Free Trial on 1800 523 191 or by visiting www.kumon.ie
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Sponsor a vulnerable Indian street child today for €21 per month with The Hope Foundation, and help to give a child a better future. 100% of your gift will go directly to help one particular child, providing for their education, healthcare and nutrition. Many of the children HOPE work with are orphans, some rescued from neglect or abuse, in which case your contribution will also go towards their residential care in a HOPE home. Your help can have a real and direct impact on a child’s life. Be the Change, make a difference. Get in touch today. Visit www.hopefoundation.ie or call 021 4292990.
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Agri Aware’s Incredible Edibles project is a healthy eating initiative for primary school students across Ireland. It encourages schools across the country to grow fruit and vegetables and to learn about their nutritive value and food origin. Schools who register for the Incredible Edibles project will receive seeds and plants (free of charge) to grow a variety of fruit and vegetables. This project is funded by Bord Bia and the Irish horticulture industry. See what your school can grow by Healthy Eating week Mon 11th - Sun 17th May. www.incredibleedibles.ie
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National SOW Day
Students, parents and teachers are encouraged to join with schools across Ireland on National SOW Day - Wednesday March 9th - and scoot to school. Last year there were over 6,000 students grabbing their scooters for the commute to school - will you help beat that figure this year?
This is the third year of National SOW Day, which is one of the newest sustainable travel initiatives from the An Taisce Green-Schools Travel programme, which aims to encourage children and their families to travel to school via sustainable and active modes of transport.
Schools which are currently participating in, or have previously been awarded the Green Flag for Travel, are being asked to encourage students to come to school on their scooters/flickers on Wednesday, March 9th.
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Scoilnet.ie News
1916 Ancestry Project: Scoilnet is inviting schools to trace a family tree back to 1916. Students will engage in research to discover what individual people were doing and where they were living in 1916. The projects can be uploaded to a special searchable area of Scoilnet.
Proclamation for a New Generation: The Proclamation declared Ireland a Republic and laid down the vision for the country and its people going forward. One hundred years later, how has this vision evolved? Are the wishes of the founders of the state still as relevant today as they were in 1916? Do any of the visions need to be updated to take account of new and modern ways. Students and teachers are being asked what needs to be added or removed from the proclamation to make it relevant to them today and for the next 100 years. One proclamation per school can be uploaded to Scoilnet. For more information see www.scoilnet.ie
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“Our aim is to inspire a passion in younger children for STEAM so that they may become comfortable with these subjects before entering secondary school”, says Helena Lyne, director of Designer Minds. “STEAM topics are becoming ever more important for future success and we want to show children that these subjects need not be boring! Our clubs are suitable for children who are interested in science, engineering and technology but also for creative and artistic types who can learn to use these subjects in an imaginative way”
Suitable for children from 1st to 6th class, each club session brings a new project, experiment or challenge. For example, stop motion animation, chemical reactions, music mixing, circuit building, video editing, genetics, Lego engineering and much more. Clubs run for one hour each week in 14 locations throughout Cork and Kerry; Tralee, Killarney, Listowel, Ballinlough, Midleton, Cobh, Kinsale, Bandon, Ballincollig, Rochestown, Mallow, Fermoy, Glanmire and Carrigaline. Early booking is advised due to limited places.
If you are a qualified teacher and interested in working with Designer Minds, they are now taking applications for after-school club and summer-camp leaders. Full training is provided but an aptitude for maths/science and an enthusiastic attitude are essential. To book a place for your child at a Designer Minds after-school club - or to apply for a teaching position, see www.designerminds.ie or call Helena on 087 6310411.
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The GPO, in the heart of Dublin’s city centre, was the communications hub of Ireland and the centre of events during the 1916 Easter Rebellion, or more commonly referred to as the ‘1916 Rising’. GPO Witness History, based in this iconic building, is a brand new immersive exhibition opening in March 2016. The new world class attraction brings to life the personal stories of those involved and impacted upon by this event, which was the catalyst for the foundation of the democratic Irish state. School Tours will be available. 01 816 9538 www.gpowitnesshistory.ie
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According to Minister for Education and Skills, Jan O’Sullivan, “For the first time, there will be no distinction in how the teaching and learning in English and Irish are approached as languages. The new curriculum establishes very clear learning outcomes and development milestones for our young children through both languages.” From September 2016, the focus will be on the implementation of the oral language strand, with the following year seeing the focus on new reading and writing strands. All strands of the new curriculum will be taught to young children in junior infants to 2nd classes by September 2018. Teachers will be given the necessary CPD Days to allow them to train to implement the new curriculum. www.education.ie
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The Hour of Code is a global movement reaching millions of students in over 180 countries. Events take place from December 7th - 13th and aim to introduce students around the world to computer science through one hour workshops making coding approachable and fun. For details of over 140 events in Ireland or to register your own event see hourofcode.com/ie
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Kumon offers individualised maths and English study programmes tailored to your child’s age and ability. Established for over 50 years, Kumon worksheet-based study programmes enable children to develop their study skills, confidently tackle advanced work, and boost their all-round confidence. Central to the Kumon Method is the principal of giving students the confidence and courage to confront new challenges and pursue goals. A free trial is available from 21st of September and throughout October in Douglas, Cork and Clonmel, Tipperary. To book a place for your children, please call Grainne at Kumon Douglas Study Centre on 021 2340235 and Yvonne at Kumon Clonmel Study Centre on 052 6184712. www.kumon.ie
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Early Intervention Therapy at O’Connor Dental Health
From as early as birth, destructive habits such as mouth breathing, tongue dysfunction (tongue tie, tongue thrusting), thumb sucking, poor feeding, chewing and swallowing can interfere with normal facial growth and sleep patterns, resulting not only in unattractive faces, and crooked teeth, but more importantly, poor airway, sleep disordered breathing, and related illnesses.
Early interceptive treatment such as myofunctional therapy and orthopaedic facial growth guidance can help redirect facial development in a positive manner. Establishing nasal breathing, good oral muscle function, cranial balance, and improving airway patency, greatly enhance overall health and wellbeing. A child’s mid-face is about 70% grown at 5 years old, and fully developed by age 12! It makes no sense whatsoever to delay treatment while the face deteriorates, and facial aesthetics, airway, and health become further compromised.
For more information, call O’Connor Dental Health on 021-4872600 and visit www.oconnordentalhealth.ie
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Is your child struggling with schoolwork? Free assessments for 6 – 14 year olds are now available at the Bishopstown Education Centre, Sarsfield Road, Wilton. Now in its 8th year, the centre offers English, Reading, Spelling, Mathematics and Irish tuition and is run by experienced teacher James Sexton. Children study in small groups of no more than five, and are guaranteed to receive individual attention. Modern computers offer excellent English and Maths software, and a free assessment and study programme focuses on individual needs. If your child is having difficulties with schoolwork or would like to be challenged further, talk to James Sexton on 089 4170645 or email: seamusoseasnain@hotmail.com
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SCHOLASTIC BOOKS EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT OFFER
Did you know that when a child chooses a book for themselves they’re five time more likely to finish it? Getting them engaged with a subject or series is half the battle with getting them excited about reading. That’s why Scholastic hand-pick a huge range of the best children’s books so there is something for everyone. The prices are great too with many books half price and every order helps earn free books for your child's school. Take a look at www.scholastic.ie
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ASTRONAUT UNIVERSITY: New Mobile Science subject for 2015/16
Let Lismore’s Mobile Scientists take your class of Astronauts on a journey through Space! Explore the Sunny Solar System, Sparkling Stars, Plenty of Planets and the all important Rocket Power. The importance of Space Exploration to us Earthlings, day and night and forces will all be introduced in this one hour workshop. With hands-on experiments, lots of interaction and a blast off finale, this workshop is sure to be Out of This World!
Astronaut University is suitable for classes 2nd to 6th and is a one hour mobile science workshop. Get Astronaut University to land at your school by emailing: adonoghue@lismoreheritage.ie or call Alice on 058-54975.
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The RDS Primary Science Fair is coming to Limerick!
Each year the RDS Primary Science Fair gets bigger and better, with more and more schools looking for places. Schools now have the opportunity to choose to exhibit their project at the RDS Primary Science Fair Dublin, January 7-9, or the RDS Primary Science Fair Limerick, January 15-16. RDS Primary Science Fair Limerick is in association with Irish American Partnership, and supported by the BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition and Mary Immaculate College.
Discovering, learning, creating, and inquiring are all part of the RDS Primary Science Fair. Offering children an opportunity to explore the everyday and ask why, the Fair involves the entire class in devising and investigating a science question to display alongside other schools. RDS Primary Science Fair Limerick will also feature a specially designed educational entertainment programme including large scale science shows, workshops and interactive exhibits for children and visiting families. Drawing on their natural curiosity, the fairs help students think creatively and scientifically about their immediate environment, and to be articulate and confident about their findings. The goal isn’t just to boost children’s confidence in science, but to develop important life skills. And the children love it too.
‘This was one of the best initiatives I was ever involved in with my class. From the actual scientific investigation to the preparation of the project and then the personal development aspect of presenting their work, I have rarely witnessed such a complete experience for children.’ - teacher participant in RDS Primary Science Fair 2015. Open to 4th, 5th, 6th and multigrade classes, schools are invited to submit expressions of interest by 7th Oct 2015. For further information email: primarysciencefair@rds.ie call 01 240 7990 or visit www.rds.ie/primarysciencefair
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Protect against head lice with Hedrin
HEDRIN TREAT & GO promises a fuss free solution that’s great for children that just want to get out and play. A water based treatment which rinses out of hair easily, without any greasy residue and when dry, remains on the child’s hair while they play, go to school or sleep. Requiring just two applications (eight hours or overnight) seven days apart, Hedrin Treat & Go is available in spray or mousse. HEDRIN PROTECT & GO promises protection from head lice that is simple and easy to use - apply after every hair wash or at least twice a week. Gentle with a mild detangling formula, it protects and conditions with a fruity, orange and mango fragrance leaving hair smelling fresh. Hedrin is fast with a simple spray on and leave in action, clinically proven to protect when the threat of head lice appears, and designed for regular long term use.
Both Hedrin Treat & Go and Hedrin Protect & Go are available nationwide in all good pharmacies.
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Don your denims for Genes Day 2015 in aid of the Mercy Hospital Foundation
The Mercy Hospital Foundation is calling on schools and families to take part in Genes Day on Friday 16th October and raise funds for an 18 month research study that could change the way bowel cancer patients are treated in Ireland in future. By donning a pair of your favourite jeans, or getting involved in a denim themed event, you will help to raise funds that will be used to test the genetic makeup of bowel cancer tumours to predict the likelihood of recurrence of the disease for patients who are undergoing treatment.
The Mercy Hospital Foundation is inviting people to join in the fun on October 16th, so whether you’re planning a casual work day in your jeans at school, a blue bake sale, double denim fashion show, or a ‘jeanius’ quiz, there’s a way to get involved!
RedFM patrollers will be dropping packs out to schools in the coming weeks, so sign up for your pack now please call 021 4274076 or register online at www.mercyfundraising.ie
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WEEE Ireland is delighted to announce the return of WEEE Pledge to schools across Ireland. WEEE Pledge 2 is a FREE battery recycling programme designed for schools. Since 2013, WEEE Ireland’s dedicated schools programme has worked with teachers to engage students in fun learning activities and encourage them to take charge of battery recycling. Students learn all about the importance of being responsible for the environment and how to make a difference in their own community. Through the campaign each student is tasked with collecting as many waste batteries as possible to bring back to their school.
Over 2100 schools have signed up and engaged in battery recycling with 1500 participating last year alone. This has given WEEE Ireland the opportunity to educate and engage with approximately 500,000 plus students throughout collection areas. The programme also offers schools the chance to win fantastic prizes from sports activity packs to laptops. Your school can be a leading contributor to battery recycling amongst peers in each county council area. By recycling your old waste batteries your school also helps to raise funds for LauraLynn, Ireland’s Children’s Hospice. Each battery collected goes towards a donation to this amazing charity. So far WEEE Ireland has raised €185,000 for LauraLynn and their next target for 2016 is to pass the €250,000 mark.
Parents can also help their little recyclers get involved in WEEE Pledge and safe battery recycling too. Collect used batteries at home to bring to school; place them into WEEE Ireland blue battery boxes to teach children the importance of recycling, and ask family members and friends to get involved.
For further information about the WEEE Pledge programme or to register your school log on to www.weeepledge.ie
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Sightsavers 2016 Junior Painter Of The Year Awards
Open to primary school students of all ages, thousands of children are expected to enter the competition this year featuring the new theme “Imagine 2030”. Primary school students are invited to be inspired and create an artwork that shows how they want the world they live in to look in the year 2030. Student artists have a chance to win appropriately arty prizes not just for themselves but for their classmates too, and substantial cash prizes of €200, €300 and €1,000 for their schools.
Entry packs will be sent to primary schools nationwide, which include interactive activities and lesson plans for teachers. Alongside restoring sight and preventing avoidable blindness, a key focus of Sightsavers is to ensure that children who are living with visual impairment can receive an education in order for them to live their lives as independently as sighted people.
Every child that enters will receive a Certificate of Participation with three overall national winners announced in Feb 2016. Closing date for entry is November 27th. For entry forms visit www.sightsavers.ie/juniorpainter
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JUST STARTING BIG SCHOOL?
For those parents with children just starting primary school, the National Parents Council (NPC), in partnership with Early Childhood Ireland, has produced a booklet called ‘Going to Big School’ with tips for parents on how to support your child settle into school. Find out how to be involved with your child’s learning and positive relationships with the school and teacher benefitting your child. Download the booklet from www.npc.ie
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GREEN FLAGS 2015/16
Deadline for applications for the first Green Flags applications is November 27th 2015, and renewal applications for 2015/2016 academic year is March 11th 2016. New Schools that are working towards achieving their first Green Flag are working on the theme of Litter and Waste. Renewal Schools who have already achieved one or more Green Flags are working on one of the following themes; Energy, Water, Travel, Biodiversity, Global Citizenship - Litter & Waste and Global Citizenship - Energy. www.greenschoolsireland.org
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Your child's Education Passport
A new circular has just been issued to schools. The National Parent’s Council would like to draw your attention to the first section of the Circular “Education Passport”.
The Education Passport will be of particular interest to those of you who have children in 6th class as it refers to the information which will be sent to your child’s secondary school. The use of this method of reporting is compulsory for schools from this year and includes an opportunity for you as parents to input into the report.
Your school should give you a profile sheet called “My child’s profile” to fill out about your child. This is a great opportunity for you to ensure that your child’s new secondary school fully understands your child as an individual. If you do not receive this sheet you should ask for it at the school. If in the unlikely event that you have difficulty accessing the sheet through the school you can down load it here, and forward it on to your child’s new school yourself.
You should also receive a copy of your child’s profile called (My Profile) before both are sent to the secondary school. For a copy of the Circular please follow:http://www.education.ie/en/Circulars-and-Forms/Active-Circulars/cl0027_2015.pdf
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Attention Teachers and Parents of Junior Infants & Parents Associations
Why not have a plate created with your child’s handprint, capturing the size their hand is, when they start school? Crazy Glazing in Youghal has a special offer for all children starting Primary School this year. This 8 inch plate is normally €35 but schools will only pay €26.50, and a plate wall hanger is included free of charge. (Minimum 10 children+ per school). Choose the colour the handprint is painted in, their name, school name, start date, with sponge work done on the edges to frame it. Call Siobhan on 086-211-1132 or email siobhan.brennan1@gmail.com to arrange a time to travel to your school. You can also “Paint Your own Pottery” or have your Birthday Party at Crazy Glazing, Youghal. Open five days a week during term time / six days a week during holidays.
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Picture book creator Oliver Jeffers has won the 25th CBI Book of the Year Award and is the third author ever to win both the Book of the Year Award and the Children’s Choice award for his title Once Upon an Alphabet.
Presenting twenty-six original and innovative stories about the letters of the alphabet, the book combines clever text and engaging line drawings. The judges said, ‘Every school, every home, every person should have at least one copy, as this is a book that bears repeated readings. Although this is an alphabet book, the cleverly constructed stories and quirky line drawings make this the perfect read for children of all ages.’
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One of the most difficult, but essential tasks that face separated parents is organising the custody and parenting of their children. It is not easy to put personal issues to one side and to find ways to work together to raise children, and is often the biggest challenge for parents. A parenting plan sets out negotiated parenting arrangements for children, with scheduled times for each parent to spend with the child. It includes information on who will make major decisions about education, medical care and so on. Separation Support helps parents specialise in working with parents who find it difficult to communicate with each other during this stressful transition and assist parents in developing personalised plans. For more information, call 087 1213245 email info@separationsupport.ie or visit www.separationsupport.ie
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Congratulations to Scoil Barra Naofa, Monkstown, Co. Cork who are now Ireland’s Park ‘n’ Stride School of the Year. The school received their award from An Taisce Green-Schools as winners of this year’s Green-Schools BIG Travel Challenge 2015. Over 1500 schools were asked “What change can you achieve in three weeks?” as part of the BIG Travel Challenge. Parents and students at Scoil Barra Naofa focussed on the Park ‘n’ Stride idea, with children trebled the number of students park ‘n’ striding to school. They also challenged each class to see who could walk the furthest with a park’n’stride kilometre competition. Well done Scoil Barra Naofa!
Minister for Education and Skills, Jan O’Sullivan TD has announced the winners of the ‘Decade of Centenaries’ All-Island schools history competition. An initiative of the Department of Education and Skills and sponsored by Mercier Press, History Ireland and University College, Cork (UCC), it is also supported by the Department of Education in Northern Ireland. The competition invited primary and post-primary students from across Ireland to assess the impact of a particular event or person from any aspect of Irish or international history. Winning primary schools included Dunboyne Senior Primary School Co. Meath, CBS Primary Dundalk, Gartan NS Donegal, and Model School, Dunmanway, Co. Cork. Congratulations to 4th & 5th class for ‘Zara’s Family Project’ which explored national issues and analysed whether or not it was a good decision for various members of one Bandon family to join the British Army and fight in the WWI. Each winning entry received a trophy along with a selection of books from Mercier Press. An edited version of one of the projects will also be considered for publication in History Ireland. All of the winning projects will be published on www.scoilnet.ie
Well done to Mr White's 5th Class at Bunscoil Mhuire Primary School in Youghal Co. Cork, who have made a fantastic new anti-bullying video...Heroes (We Could Be). The class are trained to be superheroes and stand up for victims of bullying…check them out here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CK3gt-H_WNk&feature=youtu.be
Irish Water Safety is warning the public not to purchase the floating killers that will go on sale over the summer months.
Every year in the past decade or so at around this time of the year the retailers normally bring in aquatic sport and leisure equipment to sell at affordable prices. Very often these inflatable canoes and boats are merely toys and will carry a CE mark which indicates that, however they are not suited to use on our waters as they do meet the requirements of the Recreational Craft Directive which clearly lays down the requirements for leisure craft in Europe.
These floating killers have caused the deaths of a number of people over the years and a good number of call out's by the Coast Guard who have co-ordinated rescue by the Royal National Lifeboat Institute, Community Rescue Boats and the Coast Guard Rescue Boats.
Our island nation with a temperate climate giving changeable and at times strong offshore winds, together with our strong semi-diurnal tidal range creates a lethal combination. Our foreign nationals who are used to calmer continental weather and diurnal tides are at greatest risk. http://paws.iws.ie/
Do not purchase these toys and never use them on our exposed waters.
Those boating should ensure that their family and friends wear a lifejacket at all times, it is essential that they wear a lifejacket and that the lifejacket has a crotch strap to avoid the possibility of the child slipping out through it.