Newsletter 7 May 2021 - Canal Way Educate Together National School, Dublin 8

Message from Dermot

A chairde,

We had a lovely assembly this morning where we saw Seán’s class learning about Freedom, which is our Core Value this month. “People who believe in freedom cannot rest” Nelson Mandela. We also spoke about all the changes onsite.

Children can bring scooters and bikes to school next week. Please bring a lock for your bike. If your bike or scooter is left here over night, you can assume that it will definitely be stolen. We do not have the staff, the time or the space to take bikes into the school every evening. Do not ring the school for us to manage it either as we will not be able to facilitate you – please ask for assistance in your parent Whatsapp group. They will be in open bike racks from now on and they are left at your own risk.

Thanks everyone for being patient with us and all of our site changes. Adults dropping off children from 1st to 6th can leave them at the entrance and I will see that they walk in safely. All exits onsite and in the building are covered so trust that they are in our care and will be safe until we dismiss them in the afternoon.

Thank you for your continued support with COVID, we appreciate everybody wearing masks and not congregating around the school. We are doing really well and it is because of your help, keeping children home, continued testing which we greatly appreciate.

Enjoy the weekend,

Dermot

Assessments beginning 10 May

Standardised tests in Numeracy and Literacy will take place beginning next week 10th May and continuing the week of 17th of May. We ask that families make a special effort to get children to school on time and ensure attendance wherever possible.

More information on Standardised testing here

Canal Way Arts Festival 2021 May 24th-28th

“We didn’t realise we were making memories, we just knew we were having fun.”

Winnie the Pooh

There is even more to look forward to in May… our annual Arts Festival, showcasing the amazing talent in our school. A festival of all things creative, it takes place mostly at school with Poetry, Visual Art, Music, Performance, Storytelling, Literature, Film, Drama and Yarn bombing! This is where you come in. Knit or crochet a piece and take part in our yarn bombing event, where we plan to wrap a tree or two in wool. We will have drop off points in the yard the week of 17 May! Get knitting!

A taste of what we have planned…

Outdoor Art — Mosaic making

The Big Read in the Garden

Drawing to music in the Garden

Time Capsule Artifacts Launch

Garden Lunchtime Concert

Meet the Author

Wilma says ‘Canal Way has always had a strong commitment to the Arts — it helps us explore our full emotional range and be more able to deal with the ups and downs that are a part of all our lives. It helps build a basis for life-long cultural engagement, which will support, enrich, and enhance their quality of life. This is even more pertinent as we navigate our way through these extraordinary times’.

Bank Holiday and calendar for next school year 21/22

We have one more Bank Holiday coming up on Monday 7 June. The school will be closed on this date.

Calendar 2021/22 and returning to school in September

The 2022/22 School year calendar was sent out to all families last Friday by Dermot and is also available here

We encourage all families to attend school on the first day back which will be Tuesday September 1st 2021.

If your family is travelling abroad this Summer please take note of quarantine guidelines closer to your time of travel.

If your family are not returning to the school in September due to relocation in Ireland or overseas we would appreciate if you could let us know as soon as possible as it will help with our planning for September

Materials Money 2021/2022

We will set up our online payments to open in July 2021 for next years materials money – full details will be sent home before then.

As per last year payments will remain open until the end of October allowing for the cost to be spread over 4 months. Payment can be made in instalments whenever suits during this period.

Mural in the garden

Last week Hazel met with the creative schools team and our artist; Violet has come up with an amazing design based on everyone’s contributions and work on it will start shortly.

If anyone knows where we could get pallets at a low cost could they contact the office please.

PTA NEWS

We are delighted to announce our yearly sponsored walk — It will be happening on week commencing 24th May.

Thanks for responses to our survey: 177 people took the time to respond and the outcome was really interesting. We’ll share the report + what we’re going to do with it on our webpage very soon. Many people called for more opportunities for exchange, networking and information-sharing within the school community, so we have some initiatives coming up.

We are also planning an online competition for fans of the Euro 2020 championship, entry details coming soon.

GAA returns!

After 5 long months, Kevin’s Hurling and Camogie Club are back training. We are always looking for new players to join our club.

The club runs its ABC nursery for girls and boys aged 4 to 7 on Saturday mornings in the grounds of Loreto on Crumlin Road – all welcome to join in. All equipment supplied. 3 Euro per child, 5 Euro for siblings. All COVID guidelines adhered to.

The club also has teams for boys and girls ages 8 and up.

For more information, please contact Dónal Dowling (087 9342498). You can also find us on Twitter: @KevinsHurling

Getting to know you, Simon!

What is the funniest thing you’ve ever done?

I was once cycling near the royal canal and had a bee fly under my t-shirt and sting me as I cycled through Dublin city screeching and flapping… not too funny for me at the time but must have been hilarious to anyone watching.

What makes you feel proud?

When I see someone having to work hard to achieve something. I always feel proud not just for the person but for all their friends, family and community that had to support them to make it possible.

What do you like most about yourself right now?

I like how I have developed to be a patient person and know that not everything good needs to happen instantly.

What are you good at?

I’m good at running backwards.

What makes you happy?

Hanging out with my friends and laughing.

What’s the best thing that’s happened to you lately?

My daughter was born last year and it was wonderful.

What do you do when you feel sad?

I cry… and spend time with my dog.

What are your hobbies?

I like to cycle and drink coffee.

If they made a movie about you who would play you?

Daniel Day Lewis.

What super hero or cartoon character would you most likely hang out with?

Homer Simpson

What is your favourite food?

Tabasco (or any hot sauce).

What will we never see you doing? !

Hunting animals.

What is your least favourite food?

I haven’t eaten meat in over 15 years… I don’t think I ever will again.

Beach or mountains?

It used to be the beach but now mountains every time.

Who is your favourite musician/sporting hero?

When I was young it was Sean Kelly the cyclist, now it’s Katie Taylor the boxer.

If you could have three wishes what would you wish for?

For everyone on earth to realise that there is no such thing as us and them. We are all the same with the same needs and ability to love.
For Tottenham Hotspur FC to win the Champions League and Premier League.
To be able to take away people’s fears.

Back to school declarations

These need to be submitted after every absence from school on Aladdin Connect. Please keep an eye on your App for notifications about this. If your child is off school for any reason you need to submit this declaration the evening or morning before they return to school.