The Department of Education has informed us that we must close on Tuesday, January 17th for staff training in the new Primary Language Curriculum. This is s new approach to the teaching of both English and Irish which will be introduced over the next few years. Foreign languages not included, I’m afraid!
I’m attaching an updated version of the calendar, including the new closure date, and correcting a typo in the first version regarding the last day of the year. We are also currently discussing the best date for the Parent-Teacher meetings and will probably be holding these in January instead of November, as the teachers would like more time to get to know the children. Further details soon.
The Parents’ Association is organising the Personal Accident Insurance again this year and they would like all forms back by the end of the week. Can I urge every family to take out this insurance if you have not done so already – it’s only 6 euro to cover any medical or dental expenses caused by an accident in school or 9 euro for 24-hour cover – really excellent value. I have plenty of spare forms if anyone has lost theirs.
A few parents have asked me about the garda vetting business as they have sent in forms and not heard back yet. I rang yesterday to check progress and I am afraid there is an enormous backlog, which is the cause of the delay. Please also make sure you fill in the forms correctly – there is a tiny “please tick this box” which lots of people have missed and some people have forgotten to submit their email addresses. But still, a big thank you to those who have submitted their forms and if you haven’t done so, please consider doing it now – the sooner your form goes in, the sooner it will make its way through the backlog.
A bi thank you also to the Parents’ Association for organising, timetabling and facilitating the fantastic programme of after-school activities which started this week. Most schools have nothing like this variety, choice and quality of programmes. These things don’t happen by accident, so thanks a million to all the PA Committee! Best of luck to all the children who are participating and to the teachers and coaches of the different hobbies and sports.
Very kind regards,
April.
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St. Catherine’s National School, Donore Avenue, Dublin 8
