Introducing the Parents Association to the Parents ...



Introducing the Parents Association to the Parents/ Guardians of new pupils to St. Clare’s National School, Tubberclare, Glasson, Athlone, Co Westmeath.

Dear Parent / Guardian,

The Parents Association of St. Clare’s National School extends a warm welcome to your child who is about to commence his or her primary level education at St. Clare’s National School.

As parents we would like to introduce our Association to you and hope that in time you can contribute to its continuing successful operation. The primary objective of St. Clare’s Parents Association is to provide a representative forum for parents of pupils to discuss matters of mutual concern and to initiate activities relating to the education, welfare and development of our children.

Throughout the school year, you will find that the Parents Association is involved in the organization of a range of events examples of which are as follows:

• Provision of refreshments for Communion & Confirmation, Sports Day and Christmas Concerts in the Community Hall

• Induction morning for parents

• A Family Day Event during the year

• Working with the school on the Bord Bia ‘Healthy Eating Initiative’.

• Social events for parents for example, Table Quiz, Gardening Demonstrations etc.

• Army Band Recital.

• Storyteller

All events are to make your child’s school days fun and also assist in their physical and educational development at St. Clare’s National School.

As a new parent to St. Clare’s National School, you will have numerous questions and in order to make your transition to St. Clare’s National School easier, we have developed an information booklet for new parents to the school, which is attached to this letter.

Once again the Parents Association of St. Clare’s National School welcomes you and your child to the school.

Looking forward to meeting you all,

St. Clare’s Parents Association.

When does school term start?

School Term usually begins at the end of August or start of September. Please check with school before school closes in June or alternatively the Tubberclare Parish Newsletter will update you on the date.

School re-opens on Thursday 1st September 2011.

What are the contact details for the school?

Phone: 090-6485126

Email: info@

Website: tubberclarens.ie

Postal Address: St. Clare’s National School, Tubberclare, Glasson, Athlone, Co. Westmeath.

Principal: Oliver Keating

School Secretary: Ms. Aedine Cooper

School opening hours are from 9.20 a.m. to 3.00 p.m. from first class upwards.

For Junior Infants and Senior Infants the school opening hours are from 9:20 a.m. to 2.00p.m.

When your child starts in Junior Infants they will be released for the first 2 weeks or less in September at 12p.m. and you will be informed by the school prior to starting school.

Where do I go to buy school uniforms ?

The school uniform consists of the following:

• Blue School jumper with the school crest on it.

• Grey shirt.

• Blue Tie.

• Tartan skirt for girls and dark grey trousers for boys.

School uniforms can be purchased from:

• Burgess Department Store , 1-7 Church Street, Athlone, Westmeath

Tel: 090-6472005 Email: info@burgessofathlone.ie

School jumpers, trousers, shirts and ties can also be purchased from :

• Billy Brett, Sean Costello St., Athlone, Westmeath Tel: 090-6475947

• Noel Ryan, 30 Markdyke St., Athlone, Westmeath. Tel: 090-6472045

It is important to check with each of the above stores when your order should be placed as some stores like to have orders placed as early as April.

Non-crested parts of uniform that is, shirts, blouses, and trousers can be purchased from:

• Dunnes Stores, Irishtown, Athlone, Westmeath Tel: 090-672792

• Dunnes Stores, Montree, Athlone, Westmeath Tel: 090-6475224

• Marks & Spencer (M&S) Unit #51, Athlone Towncentre, Athlone, Westmeath

Tel: 090-6441368. Website:

If you know pupils in more senior classes, they might be happy to sell second-hand uniforms to you.

The parents association also holds second hand sale at end of school year where you can purchase good quality uniforms and books. This evening sale also allows parents to bring along holy communion outfits, after school activities’ gear e.g. ballet, gymnastics, horse riding, football boots etc.

Also for the junior classes a spare set of underwear should be put into the pupil’s school bag in case of any accidents and to prevent embarrassing situation for the pupil.

What footwear is required for school?

There are no restrictions on the colour or style of school footwear. It is important to have a change of indoor shoes for school that is, rubber sole shoes - runners, plimsoles or slippers. Please check with your teacher on first day back at school as to what indoor footwear is acceptable for classroom.

Does my child need a school tracksuit?

Generally school tracksuits are not required for junior infants. If required they can be purchased from the school and you will be informed via school newsletter when they are available for purchase. The school tracksuit will be worn during physical education lessons. It is also possible to buy the tracksuit bottoms separately over the year if required.

Should I label my clothes and books etc. and How?

It is advisable that children should have their names clearly marked on their uniforms, shoes, coats, school books and other personal belongings.

• For Clothes and Shoes

▪ Purchase labels and a permanent pen at any large retail store and stitch the labels onto the clothes.

▪ Singer Sewing & Knitting Centre, Irishtown, Athlone, Westmeath. Tel: 090-6475155 offer the following solutions:

o Sell labels and a permanent pen and you write your child’s name on the label, which you then iron onto the clothes.

o Provide labels with your child’s name embroidered on them and you then stitch the labels onto the clothes. One must give Singer Centre two weeks notice for embroidery to be done.

▪ The National Schoolwear Centre, Liosban Retail Centre, Tuam Rd., Galway. Tel: 091-755515 offer a labeling service where labels can be ordered with the child’s name on it and then you simply iron the labels onto the clothes.

▪ MyStuff mystuff.ie specialize in customized children’s groovy name tag labels. They offer personalized iron-on fabric labels perfect for Uniforms & Clothing, coats, jumpers, shirts, Library & Sports bags, Towels, Sheet Bags & Linen. They also offer personalized shoe labels that can be stuck onto the inner sole of the shoe.

▪ My NameTags nametags.ie specialize in tags for naming all clothes and equipment.

• For Books, lunch boxes, bags etc.

▪ MyStuff mystuff.ie specialize in customized children’s groovy name tag labels. They offer personalized stick on labels and pencil labels.

▪ NameTags nametags.ie specialize in tags for all and equipment

▪ Clearly write your child’s name and class on the books.

Also, cover books with for example, contact or paper to protect the books over the year from damage. Cormican Book Supplies, Athlone, Westmeath Tel: 090-6475232 provide a covering service for school books.

Where do I get school Books?

• New school books can be purchased from Cormican Book Supplies, Athlone, Westmeath Tel: 090-6475232. School books can be purchased as soon as book lists are issued at school, which is usually early June.

• Dr. Steven’s Centre also sells second hand school books. Contact details are as follows: Tel: 090 6473001, Email: infor@gofree.indigo.ie, Address: Lloyds Lane, Athlone, Fax: 090 6478291

• From senior infants upwards, second-hand books for the new school year can purchased at school in June.

• There are a number of web-based school book services that should be checked out too, including:

o schoolbookexchange.ie – this is a free 2nd hand schoolbook exchange service.

o – service that you place your school book list with and they organize and deliver the books to you.

o -service that allows you to buy second hand books and new school books and have them delivered to your door.

What about my child’s school bag?

Your child will not be asked to carry all books in and out of school every day so a school bag big enough to hold an A4 size homework folder and a few of their books and lunchbox is adequate.

When are Lunch Breaks?

• Lunch break is from 12:30 to 1pm. Children should have a small snack at 10:45am and a substantial lunch at 12.20pm.

What should I provide as a lunch for my child?

• Children are requested not to bring glass bottles, fizzy drinks, crisp or chewing gum to school. Sweet items are discouraged.

• The ‘Healthy Eating Initiative’ which was launched by the Parents Association and we would like your support in ensuring that you child has a healthy lunchbox with some fruit or vegetables. Some ideas from Bord Bia for a healthy lunch box or nutritious snack options for you children are as follows:

o Super Sandwich

▪ Choose from: rolls, bread, baps, pitta bread, croissants, crisp bread, crackers…

▪ Fill with: thinly sliced beef, lamb or pork, cooked ham, chicken, turkey, tuna, grilled rashers, sliced sausages, pate, Spanish omelette, hard-boiled eggs, roasted peppers, grated cheeses, cream cheese, tomatoes, lettuce….

▪ Mix with: mayonnaise, chutney, curry paste…

o Fruit Fan

▪ Fresh Fruit –apples, bananas, pears, mandarins, plums or grapes.

▪ Dried Fruit – apricots, raisins etc.

o Thirsty?

Try milk, unsweetened fruit juice, smoothie, yoghurt drink, flavoured milk drink or water.

o Healthy Snacks

How about yoghurts, cheese cubes, stick of celery or carrots, popcorn, rice cakes, cartons of rice pudding or custard.

Remember to mix and match from the different Food Groups.

Remember your child should be able to open bottles and containers themselves and to bear this mind when buying. Also, it is advisable to place bottles in a plastic bag in case of leakage.

What about dropping and collecting my child from school?

Junior Infants and Senior Infants pupils must be collected from the classroom at 2pm.

Children, who avail of the bus service, will be supervised by the bus driver when coming off the bus in the morning. At 3pm, the teacher at the school gate will ensure that your child gets on the correct school bus.

If I can’t collect my child from school and I ask another parent to do so?

• Any person collecting a child on behalf of the parent will be permitted to take the child only if the parent contacts the school beforehand and indicates that he/she has expressly authorized the person to collect the child on his/her behalf.

If my child has an appointment and must leave school early?

The teacher must be informed in writing in advance. Parents/ guardians are asked to call personally to the classroom to collect the child and to accompany the child to the classroom on his/her return to school.

What about School Notices, School Closures, School are ?

School Newsletters are distributed to the eldest member in the family. This newsletter informs parents of school news, in-service days, early school closures, holidays and upcoming events and is distributed monthly.

It is important to keep a regular check in the schoolbag for this newsletter.

• The School Newsletter and Holiday Schedule are also posted on the school website tubberclarens.ie. If you would like to receive the school newsletter via email please forward an email to info@

Also, a text message is sent from the school reminding all parents of school closures, holidays and upcoming events.

Regular updates about recent and upcoming school events, links to interesting websites and children’s work are available on school website tubberclarens.ie.

How do I organise a seat for my child on a school bus?

The conditions for the ‘Primary School Transport Scheme’ are outlined by the Department of Education and Science and the bus service is run by Bus Eireann.

To be eligible for free school transport a child must be over 4 years of age and living not less than 3.2 kilometres (2 miles) from the nearest suitable national school as determined by the Department of Education and Science

In the case of Ballinacliffey School, the national school children for whom the closed national school would have been the nearest, had it remained open, are eligible for free transport to Tubberclare School.

Where spare seats are available on Bus Eireann school service after all children eligible for free transport have been accommodated, fare-paying facilities may be granted to:

• Children who are ineligible for free transport on distance grounds, to enable them to travel on the Bus Eireann service which operate to their nearest suitable school as determined by the Department of Education and Science.

• Applications for fare-paying tickets should be made direct by the parents to the local Bus Eireann office in Athlone.

• Parents should note that applications with remittances for the purchase of concessionary term tickets should be received by Bus Eireann not less than four weeks prior to commencement of term.

• Fare-paying travel permits for all spare accommodation will be issued to primary pupils on a first-come, first-served basis. The concession may be renewed from term to term.

There are also two private bus companies providing a school service to Tubberclare School as follows:

• Midland Bus, Bliary Industrial Estate, Athlone, Westmeath. Tel: 090-6472427

• Albert Doyle, Glynwood, Baylin, Athlone. Tel: 087-2689692.

Contact Details for Free Transport Scheme at Tubberclare National School

Mrs. Kathleen Farrell

Contact Details for Department of Education:

Pat Connell,

School Transport Section,

Department of Education and Science,

Tullamore,

Co. Offaly

Tel: 057 9324355

Contact Details for Bus Eireann.

School Transport Section,

Bus Eireann,

Athlone,

Co. Westmeath

Tel: 090 64 73277

Please encourage your child to exercise care, be of good behavior and be courteous to the driver and classmates while on the bus. Seat belts must be worn – please advise your child accordingly.

Parking at the school?

• All traffic should approach the school from the church road. Where children are being collected at the front of the school, parents should collect their child from inside the front gate and exercise extreme caution when getting your child and yourself into the car because of location of school on busy N55 road.

• Do not turn at the school’s entrance gate.

• Do not park at Kearneys’ or at Maddens’ – the two houses beside the school.

Please leave the area designated for School Buses free at all times. All buses operate from the back gate (church road) with the exception of one bus which operates from the front .

Head Lice?

• Parents are asked to check their child’s hair for outbreaks of head lice and inform the teacher of an outbreak and your local pharmacist will advice on best treatment option for head lice.

• It is said that the use of tea tree oil and neem products (shampoos, conditioners) can prevent head lice but, of course there are no guarantees!

What is Sports Day?

This is one of the highlights of the year and is usually held in May or June. The emphasis is on participation, fun and enjoyment for children and parents. Parents are invited along to see their child participate and enjoy some refreshments provided by the Parents Association. It is important to remember that the races for Junior Infants classes start as soon as they come into school that morning. The Parents’ Association also organize a tuck shop for the children on the day and €2 will cover the cost of a trip to the tuck shop. The scheduled date for Sports Day can change depending on weather conditions and a text message will be sent from the school notifying of any change in scheduled date.

What is Fun Day?

This is another of the highlights of the year and is usually held in June. It is a jumble sale and children can donate toys and basics. All money raised is donated to charity. This event is for children of the school only. Children are allowed to bring €2 on the day.

What is Non-Uniform Day?

This is a tracksuit/Jersey/Non-Uniform Day where each child donates a nominal amount (€1) per family and all proceeds go to charity. This is usually held some time in May or June.

Fun Day and Non-Uniform Day can sometimes be organised as a one day event in June.

What about school outings?

For Junior and Senior Infants, the school outing is a teddy bear picnic on the church grounds. From First Class upwards, the pupils are taken away on an educational trip during the school year. School outings happen within school hours.

How do I find out about after school activities?

The Parents Association has compiled a list of activities with contact details. A soft copy of the activity list is available by emailing tubberclarepa@. A hard copy of the activity list is available by contacting Hilary Duffy @ 087 7942229.

What is the policy on birthday parties and invitations?

Party invitations are not to be distributed amongst pupils in school. We hope that parents would establish their own network of phone numbers at coffee mornings so as to be able to contact one another about various events.

The school also keeps a record of pupils’ contact details and distributes a print-out to each child at the start of the school year for any updates. Occasionally, parents contact the school requesting telephone numbers re birthday invitations. Please inform the school if you do not wish your number to be given out.

Any other useful websites for parents and pupils?

• schooldays.ie

How do I get involved in the Parents Association?

The Parents Association welcomes new parents and lots of help. A parent can join the Parents Association by attending the AGM in September and details of AGM announced in September.

Brigid Delamere @ 087-2461057 from the parents’ association committee is the liaison officer for new parents at Tubberclare National School.

The Parents Association have a link on the school website tubberclarens.ie with information on upcoming events and a copy of the Parent’s Association Constitution is also available.

The Parents’ Association welcomes any help and ideas so, please feel free to contact any member of the committee.

How do I receive notification of Parents’ Association events?

Parents’ Association Newsletters are distributed to the eldest member in the family. This newsletter informs parents of Annual General Meeting, past events and upcoming events and is distributed prior to an upcoming event.

It is important to keep a regular check in the schoolbag for this newsletter.

Contact for St.Clare’s Parents’ Association:

tubberclarepa@

or

Hilary Duffy 087 7942229

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