Dear Parents,
World Autism Awareness Day – Non-uniform day on Friday 12th April
We would like to celebrate World Autism Awareness Day, even though it took place during the Easter Holidays. We will have a non-uniform day on Friday 12th April to mark this day and we encourage boys to bring €2 to school so that we can make a donation to the ‘As I Am’ foundation that was founded by Adam Harris.
A range of colours on the rainbow has often been used to visually represent the range of autism symptoms and individuals with autism's abilities and challenges. Many classes will complete some multi-coloured artwork to represent this wide spectrum symbol.
Arham Khan will recite a poem written by a boy with autism on the intercom tomorrow and the sixth class boys will visit the Oasis room for some fun activities.
Elliot Higgins-Portet will star in ‘Dizzy Deliveries’ which will launch on Monday 13th April
Elliot Higgins-Portet, from Ms. Staunton’s second class will star in ‘Dizzy Deliveries’ which will launch on Monday 13th April on RTÉ Player. Dizzy Deliveries is the first TV show to use the key word signing system Lámh. Lámh is used by children and adults with Down syndrome, autism, and communication difficulties to support their communication and self-expression. As the drama unfolds in each episode Lámh signs are brought to life, as Joe, the erstwhile delivery man hilariously attempts to deliver his packages. Featuring children who use Lámh, they assist Joe in his chaotic and funny adventures. Dizzy Deliveries helps audiences to add Lámh to their own vocabulary in a fun and immersive way. Elliot’s brother, Matthieu also features on the episode.
News2day is a show presented by RTÉ that broadcasts domestic and international news items of interest to younger viewers. The RTÉ cameras will visit our school on Monday to film Elliot’s performance in Dizzy Deliveries.
World Down Syndrome Day
We managed to raise €590 for World Down Symdrome Day. Thanks to everyone who donated money and for all the boys and staff that wore different socks on the day.
School Calendar 2024/2025
Our school calendar for 2024/2025 should be completed shortly. We do know that the new school year will begin on Thursday 29th August at 9am.
Lucan Youth Fun – first two weeks in July
Lucan Youth Fun is a community run summer camp for children living in or attending school in St. Mary’s Parish from second class in primary school to second year in secondary school. It is run by a committee of parents/guardians and relies on volunteers. The camp usually runs for the first two weeks of summer holidays. Sample activities: National Aquatic Centre, Bord Gais Theater, Croke Park, Mock Trials in the Central Criminal Courts, Dublin Zoo, Sports of all kinds, Mindfulness, Yoga, Zumba, Flower Arranging, Drumming, Zumba, Cooking, Pizza Making (Dominoes), Disco. Please see their Facebook page for more information.
Anti-Bullying Training for Parents from National Parents Council (NPC)
The NPC are offering free online sessions, designed to equip you with valuable insights on addressing and preventing bullying. This is a free online training programme designed to enable you to support your children with any concerns that you might have regarding bullying and to also inform you about the Anti-bullying Procedures in schools.
Register now! https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Anti_Bullying_Post_primary_April2024 (Click on the link here!)
Why Attend?
Learn effective ways to prevent and address bullying.
Gain valuable tips on supporting your child through bullying situations.
Understand anti-bullying procedures in post primary schools, including insights on cyber-bullying.
When?
10am and 7:30pm sessions, April 15th to April 18th (Monday to Thursday)
Morning at 10am: April 19th (Friday)
Where?
These engaging sessions will be hosted on Zoom.
There are limited spaces so please secure your spot by registering here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Anti_Bullying_Post_primary_April2024
Dates for the diary
Inservice for new Maths Curriculum – School closed on Tuesday 14th May
The Department of Education have published a new Maths Curriculum. There will be inservice for staff for this on Tuesday 14th May. Our school and Scoil Mhuire GNS will close on this date.
First Holy Communion – Saturday 18th May at 12pm
We hope the PA will be able to provide volunteers to serve refreshments on the 28th February and the 18th May.
Le dea-ghuí,
Dara Burke, Principal.