Dear Parents,

There will be a protest against the 25 per cent cut to special needs teaching hours
outside Leinster House, Kildare Street, Dublin 2
on Wednesday 26th June 2013 at 6pm
The protest has been called by teachers and parents of special needs children. It is
hoped that parents, teachers and management groups will turn out for an hour to
show their opposition to the cuts.

On Wednesday 19th June a 25 per cent reduction in teaching time for special needs
children and reductions in the level of care provided by special needs assistants was
announced.

Given the increase in special needs children enrolling in all primary schools this is a
significant cutback in support for special needs children. Many primary schools will
not be able to meet children’s special needs without these resources.

Dear parent/Guardian

Every year your child is examined on a standardised English Reading and a Maths test called a Micra T and a Sigma T. These tests are carried out on school children all around Ireland each year and will give you an idea of how your child is achieving compared to other children of the same age and class across the country. It is important to remember that these are standardised on an English speaking population.

When assessing children we look at the whole child, this test is just one measure of one aspect of their learning.

What are standardised tests used for?

• They report to you, the parent on your child’s achievement in English Reading and Maths.
• They can be useful to help teachers plan for further learning.
• It can also help us to find out if your child needs extra support in English Reading and Maths.

Understanding the results:

The results are given as a sten score. Scores go from 1- 10. 10 is the maximum a child can achieve.

If your child has a score of 1, 2 or 3 the teacher may decide to gather further information about your child to put together a more detailed picture of your child’s strengths and needs. Extra support may be given to your child in school to help build on each child’s strengths and meet their needs. 

For more information:  http://www.ncca.ie/en/Curriculum_and_Assessment/Early_Childhood_and_Primary_Education/Primary_School_Curriculum/Assessment/Standardised_Testing/

Information Sheet for parents are available on this website in many different languages.                Polski,  Deutsch,  Lietuvi,  Latvietis, Francais and Chinese 

Ideas for free Summer Activities!

Visit the Botanic Gardens, see the glasshouses and squirrels!

http://www.botanicgardens.ie/

Visit the Local Library and read some new books!

http://www.fingalcoco.ie/CommunityRecreationandAmenitiesDepartment/Library/LibraryBranches/BlanchardstownLibrary/

Visit a Museum and learn about Irish and World history:

NationalMuseumofIreland

http://www.museum.ie/en/list/families-children-decorative-arts-history.aspx

NaturalHistoryMuseum

http://www.museum.ie/en/list/families-children-natural-history.aspx

NationalArchaeologyMuseum

http://www.museum.ie/en/list/families-and-children-archaeology.aspx

ChesterBeatty Library

http://www.cbl.ie/Programme---Events/Events-Schedule.aspx

Visit a Gallery and be inspired!

TheMuseumofModernArt

http://www.imma.ie/en/subnav_8.htm#family

National Gallery ofIreland

http://www.nationalgallery.ie/en/Learning/Families_and_Young_People.aspx

Go on a day out to Glendalough and learn about nature!

(activities are free but need to be booked; parking will cost 4euro)

http://www.glendalough.ie/news.php?subaction=showfull&id=1360678921&archive=&start_from=&ucat=1&

Visit some parks with kids playgrounds!

http://www.fingaldublin.ie/interior-pages/activities-attractions-amp-conference/fingal-for-kids/playgrounds/

Go for a walk in the Phoenix Park and see the visitor centre.

http://www.visitdublin.com/Asset/see_and_do/kids_dublin/Phoenix_Park_Visitor_Centre

Go for a swim at the beach!

(The beaches on the following list are manned by lifeguards)

http://www.iws.ie/bathing-areas-page18815.html

Go visit a castle (with a toy collection!)

Rathfarnham Castle

http://www.heritageireland.ie/en/rathfarnhamcastle/

School Jumper (CRESTED)

Size 4/5yr – 12/13yr                        €24.00                                                  

Tracksuit Top (CRESTED)                                         Tracksuit Bottom

Size 4/5yr – 12/13yr                        €15.00                                   Size 4/5yr – 12/13yr        €13.00

The following arrangements have been made for the sale and distribution of school uniform.

All arrangements have been made in consultation with the school management and parents association.

Junior Infants – 2013/14 – Friday 14^th of June 2013 @ 1pm – 4pm

Orders will be taken between 1pm & 4pm on Friday June 14^th 2013

All orders must be paid for in full

These orders will be available for collection in the school on Monday August 26^th between 9am & 12pm.

Senior Infants - 6^th Class 2013/14 – FRIDAY 21^st of June 2013@ 1pm – 4pm

Orders will be taken between 1pm & 4pm on Friday June 21^st 2013

All orders must be paid for in full

These orders will be available for collection in the school on Monday August 26^th between 9am & 12pm.

Monday August 26th^th 2013 between 9pm & 12pm*****  collection only

Uniform will also be available to purchase on the following dates

Monday September 9^th 2013 between 2pm & 4pm

Monday November 11^th 2013 between 2pm & 4pm

A dedicated page will be available on our website from September 2013 to facilitate those who wish to order online

Girls Basketball Tournament Report

By Keona and Henrietta, 4th Class

The girls first basktball tournament was on Tuesday May 21st in Oblate Hall, Inchicore at 10am. There were 12 girls on our team. We played 3 matches against very tall girls in 5th class. We tried very hard and managed to score lots of baskets.

Chike and Alexandra came along with us as the scorekeepers. At the end of each match, both teams lined up to high 5 each other.

At lunchtime we went outside to eat our lunch. When the tournament was over, we played in the grass until the bus came. We had a wonderful time and hope to do it again next year.

Boys Basketball Tournament Report

By Jake and Chike, 4th Class

The day before the basketball tournament, we had lots of fun at training. We played a match to test our skills. The next day, we were so excited on the bus to Coláiste Eanna, Rathfarnham  that we were singing out loud with excitement .

When we arrived we lined up to practice taking shots. We learned that there are four quarters in a match and the teams change every quarters. Henrietta and Alexandra came with us to help out with the scores.

It was very fun play against other teams. The last match was the best. It was a very close, exciting match and we ended up losing by just one basket. We're glad to come third place in our group and we hope to do it again in 5th class.

12^th June 2013

Dear Parents,

The New School Uniform will be available for purchase and fitting on Friday 21^st June 2013 from 1.00p.m. – 4.00p.m. for children from Senior Infants to Sixth Class only.

A parent/Guardian must be present during the fitting

This will be the only opportunity to purchase the New School Uniform before the Summer holidays.

It is quite acceptable for children to continue wearing the old school uniform.

Details about the new School Uniform are available over leaf.

Is Mise Le Meas,

___________________

Mairtín Ó Caomhánaigh

Príomhoide

12^th June 2013

Dear Parents,

Weather permitting St Luke’s N.S School Junior Sports will take place on Tuesday 18^th June 2013.  Classes from Junior Infants to First Class will participate in the School Sports on Tuesday 18^th June 2013.

The School Sports take place in Bellgree Park, Tyrrelstown- commencing at 10.15a.m. and finishing at 1.15p.m. approximately.

All pupils report to school as normal on Sports Day. Pupils wear their school tracksuit and come prepared for a day of physical activity. The school day finishes at the normal time and the children can be collected as normal from school.

Parents are invited to attend the Sports and support their children. In the event that the Sports are held indoors, due to inclement weather, regrettably, for Health and Safety reasons, parents will not be able to attend, as the Gym cannot accommodate children participating in sport and parents at the same time.

The decision, to run the sports outdoors, can only be made on the Tuesday morning. Presently it appears, according to the weather forecast, that the weather will allow the sports to take place outdoors.

Looking forward to a great day,

Is Mise Le Meas,

___________________

Mairtín Ó Caomhánaigh

Príomhoide

12^th June 2013

Dear Parents,

Weather permitting St Luke’s N.S School Senior Sports will take place on Wednesday 19^th June 2013.  Classes from 2^nd to 6^th will participate in the School Sports on Wednesday 19^th June 2013.

The School Sports take place inBelgreePark, Tyrrelstown- commencing at 9.45a.m. and finishing at 2.30p.m. approximately.

All pupils report to school as normal on Sports Day. Pupils wear their school tracksuit and come prepared for a day of physical activity. The school day finishes at the normal time and the children can be collected as normal from school.

Parents are invited to attend the Sports and support their children. In the event that the Sports are held indoors, due to inclement weather, regrettably, for Health and Safety reasons, parents will not be able to attend, as the Gym cannot accommodate children participating in sport and parents at the same time.

The decision, to run the sports outdoors, can only be made on the Wednesday morning. Presently it appears, according to the weather forecast, that the weather will allow the sports to take place outdoors.

Looking forward to a great day,

Is Mise Le Meas,

___________________

Mairtín Ó Caomhánaigh

Príomhoide

 Joan Burton TD will visit the school on Friday 26th June 2013 .

Booklists for the new academic year are being created. Assoon as they are ready, they will be sent home as a paper copy and will also be available on the school website in the "Booklists" section

Dear Parents,

Please give any change of address or phone number or other information to Kate, our school secretary.

Dear Parents,

First Holy Communion Day is upon us. I hope that you are all looking forward to a great day. Making First Holy Communion is one of the highlights of the Catholic school year.

Very Reverend Fr Seamus Connell P.P. will preside over the ceremony. Mass starts at 1.00 p.m. and we request that the children be in their seats by 12.45 p.m.

Photographs may be taken after the ceremony in the church. Weather permitting  photographs may also be taken outside the church .

During the ceremony and for the duration of the Mass, to maintain the sanctity of the sacrament and in the best interest of the children, it is requested that everyone refrains from taking photographs.

The Church Car Park will not be able to accommodate the cars belonging to parents etc attending the ceremony. Arrangements have been made so that cars can be parked in Ladyswell National School Car Park behind the church. There is a short direct walkway to the church from the Car Park. The gate to the Car Park will be manned.

I would like to take the opportunity to thank Very Reverend Fr Seamus Connell, the Parish Priest and Ms Aoife Mc Taggart & Ms Sarah Middleton, class teachers, for the work they have completed with your children in their preparation for the sacrament. Additionally we are all deeply indebted to the class teachers who prepare the choir, Ms Elizabeth Ann Kirwan who conducts the choir and Mr Liam Neary who accompanies the choir on the guitar.

Mr Vincent Cahill, a professional photographer, will attend the school on Tuesday 28^th May to take photographs of the First Holy Communion Children. Information regarding cost has been forwarded already. The children will be free to go home at 12.00 p.m. on Tuesday

The Parents’ Association are hosting a celebration for the First Holy Communicants  on Thursday 30^th of May in the school. I am deeply grateful to the parents who generously give of their time to organise this event for the children making First Holy Communion.

Is Mise Le Meas,

__________________

Mairtín Ó Caomhánaigh

Príomhoide

Dear Parents,

Thank you so much for the books that have been donated to the school. Thanks to your generosity, we have collected almost 200 books which are currently being sorted so they can be added to the classroom libraries. We still need your help! If at any time you are clearing out books or toys that are in good condition (not soft toys), we would greatly appreciate if you would consider donating them to the school. Your ongoing support continues to help our school develop and grow. If you have any books/toys to donate, please contact Ms Connolly.

Ms. Orla Connolly

The following events are planned for the school for the remainder of the term:

23/5 4th/5th Tour.

27/5 1st Class Tour.

29/5 2nd Class Tour.

11/6  Junior Infants Tour.

12/6 Senior Infants Tour.

13/6 3rd Class Tour.

19/6 or 20/6 Sports Day.

26/5 6th Class Graduation.

We had a wonderful showing of Oliver at the school on Monday. Tha children really enjoyed themselves. The company , M & M productions, will return again on 21/5/2014 with another show and lessons on stagecraft for 6th class.Please keep an eye on the gallery for pictures. Many thanks to Ms Kirwan for updating the gallery.

We collected 846.67  for Downs Syndrome Ireland from pupils & staff during our "Ice cream" event! Many thanks to Laura McCarthy for organising this event again this year! Please keep an eye on the gallery for pictures of the event!

Dear Parents/Guardians

A special showing of the Musical Oliver Twist will take place in the school for the children from Third Class to Sixth Class only on Monday 13^th May, 2013 at 9.30 a.m. 

Please contribute €1.00 towards the cost of the show.   The show is being presented by M & M Productions.  

Yours sincerely

Liam Neary Deputy Principal

10^th May, 2013

Once again, St. Luke's has held a fun fundraiser for Down Syndrome Ireland. Sponsored by HB ice-cream, the children raised money for a great cause and got to eat some great ice-cream! Well done St. Luke's!

A reminder !

As and from Monday 13^th May  ONLY STAFF, OFFICIAL DISABILITY Sticker Holders and SETANTA personnel will have access to the car park at our school complex at school opening and closing times. The gates will be closed to all others.  If you have a car, we would suggest that you park away from the school and walk to the school.