Principal’s Update – Friday, 12th January 2024

Happy New Year to all members of the Ballinteer ETNS community!

I hope that you had a peaceful break over the holidays.

Monthly Value

Our school’s value for January 2024 is Empathy and Understanding. Special assemblies on this topic will be led by 3rd class; Lisa’s class will lead the assembly on Friday 19th January and Maeve’s class will lead the assembly on Friday 2nd February. At this morning’s assembly, we heard some wonderful examples from our teachers of times this week when their pupils had been kind towards a classmate or helped them in a time of need. We look forward to developing this theme as the month goes on.

Building works update

Starting this Monday, 15th of January, there will be several months of work on our shared campus as the builders improve the footpaths in front of St Tiernan’s leading towards the all-weather pitch. Over the Spring Holidays, when the two schools are closed, there will be several weeks of work to resurface the road closer to St Tiernan’s. All relevant updates will be shared with families as the school receives more information from the Department of Education or the builders.

After School Activities
The new term of after school activities for 1st class to 6th class begins next week. Please make sure that your child knows their day and activity!
Monday: Active Sport
Tuesday: Dungeons and Dragons, Art Club, Chess Club, Yoga, Basketball
Wednesday: Doodle and Draw, Soccer, Spanish Club, Drama
Thursday: Lego, Running, Junior Einstein
Friday: Board Games, Dance
Spanish
Children in 3rd to 6th classes will begin their term of Spanish Lessons next week with Diana Carmen Arnaiz Alonso. These lessons will take place during the school day on Wednesdays and are provided as part of the Say Yes to Languages Modern Languages programme.
Additional Activities
Our hall facilities are also used by external companies who offer different activities during the week that may be of interest, including Soccer Stars, Precision Twirlers and Master Dong. Master Dong has started his Kung Fu, self defence, and Tai Chi classes. Places are still available if you wish to contact him directly at chineseeuropeanculturalcentre@gmail.com.
School closure: Monday, 15th January 2024
I would like to remind all parents that the school will be closed to pupils this coming Monday to facilitate in-service training for the teaching staff on the new Primary Maths Curriculum. The Lunch Bag has been made aware of this closure so there should be no lunch orders on this date. Kids Inc will be operating as usual on the day.
Wishing you all a pleasant weekend.
Best wishes,
Paul O’Dwyer, Principal