Dear Parents/ Guardians,
Green Schools Awards Ceremony We were delighted to accept our 7th Green Flag at a recent awards ceremony this week in the Helix. Well done to Ms. Power and all members of our Green Schools committee who have done trojan work over the past year in securing this achievement. It’s a wonderful occasion for the school and we look forward to raising our new Green Flag before the end of June.
Gold Award Curious Minds Congratulations to all class teacher and Ms. Morrison, Ms. Foley and Ms. Sullivan for leading the school to gain a Gold Award for Curious Minds where children engaged in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Maths) activities in more than half the classes in the school.
School PE Tracksuit We are looking at upgrading the material of our School PE Tracksuit (Picture above). Both the top and trousers will be fleece lined and made of the same material as pupils attending Scoil Áine. A prototype is available in the school office for viewing. The tracksuit can still be bought from Bernard Owens. Over the next two years, it is envisioned that both the current PE tracksuit and new tracksuit can be worn by pupils as it will be a transition phase. We welcome your views on the new tracksuit. Please email info@stthomasjns.com before May 31st.
A reminder that girls can wear the school trousers as part of the school uniform if they wish.
PA Cake Sale Friday 31st May If every child could bring in shop bought or home-made cakes to be sold on the day, i.e. fairy cakes, rice crispy buns, etc. that would be most appreciated. Please do not bring in cakes with nuts due to allergies. If children use Tupperware to bring cakes to school, please put child’s name on it so we can return the next day. Most cakes will be priced between 50c to €1.00. Parents are welcome to pop in before or after collection times from school if they wish to buy any cakes and children can bring money to spend on treats throughout the school day. The PA are looking for volunteers to assist with the cake sale on the day. Please let Lorna or Maria of the PA know if you are available to assist. Many thanks.
Uniform and PE tracksuit Drive The PA are organising a uniform drive which will take place during the last week in June (Date TBC). If you have any uniforms or school tracksuits that you no longer have use for and that are in good condition, please leave them at reception between now and the end of June. All uniforms are free and no exchange is necessary. Final date for drops is June 26th.
Redeveloped Primary School Curriculum The primary curriculum is changing. This is the most significant change to primary education in 25 years. The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) is holding a consultation on curriculum in the following areas:
- Arts Education (Art, Drama and Music)
- Modern Foreign Languages, as part of the Primary Language Curriculum
- Science, Technology and Engineering Education
- Social and Environmental Education (History and Geography)
- Wellbeing (Physical Education and Social, Personal and Health Education).
You can have your say by completing the online questionnaire for parent/guardians, or by completing a written submission. The draft curriculum documents, and links to the questionnaire and written submissions can be found at the NCCA consultation webpage:
https://ncca.ie/en/primary/primary-developments/primary-curriculum-review-and-redevelopment/consultation-2024/
The consultation closes on Friday 7th June at 5pm.
As principal, this is a very important consultation for all members of the school community to be aware of and to engage where possible to ensure that as a country we put the best possible primary school curriculum in place for our children which will meet the needs that they will have in the future.
School Closures
We will be closed on the following dates:
Tuesday 28th May for staff training on the New Primary Maths Curriculum.
Monday and Tuesday the 3rd and 4th June for the bank holiday.
Friday 7th June for European and local elections.
School Calendar 2024/2025 is available here.
Road Traffic There has been some near accidents involving children crossing the roads surrounding the school. Can I ask that parents/guardians speak to their children about road safety and the importance of being alert on busy roads.
Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann The Lucan branch of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann are delighted to announce that we will be back in action this September. Traditional Irish music classes, sessions (for young and old) and Irish cultural activities and events will be available in our community once again. Building on the work of the previous committee, we are inviting community involvement. A public meeting for everyone interested being involved either as a learner, player, organiser or helper, will be held in Coláiste Cois Life, Castle Road, Lucan, (Eircode K78 Y330) on Tuesday 28th May at 7.30pm. Registration will be taken for those interested in classes (Tin Whistle, Flute, Fiddle, Accordion etc. Everyone is welcome, between young and old. Refreshments will be made available.
Sun Safety As the days become sunnier please apply sunscreen to your child in the mornings as needs be. Thanks.
After School clubs
Breathwork, Restorative Yoga and Meditation Classes for Parents
Ms. Doherty will be running restorative yoga and breathwork classes from 6pm – 7pm every Wednesday from the 29th of May to the 12th of June for parents and the school community (Cost €10 per class) in the senior hall. Classes will begin with simple breathing techniques to induce relaxation. Restorative yoga involves very gentle movements and relaxation so no experience needed.
This is an opportunity to slow down, turn inward and find deep rest. The practice combines supported Restorative yoga postures, breathwork and meditation. This is a practice of rest and self-care that will help support you during times of stress or fatigue. This class is suitable for everyone.
If you are interested please send an email to smilingsoulkidsyoga@gmail.com.
Summer Camps
Ms O’Reilly and Ms Doherty and Mr Kelly will be running two summer camps over the summer if your child is interested in joining us.
The first camp will run from Monday 1st to Friday 5th July.
The second camp will run from Monday 19th to Friday 23rd August.
They will both start at 9.30am and finish at 2pm in St Thomas JNS.
The camps will include art and crafts, baking, sports and games, construction and STEM activities, yoga and a disco.
The cost of each camp is 100 euro for the week. There is a sibling discount of 95 euro per child. Please contact lucankidscamp@gmail.com for further information.
Smiling Soul Kids Yoga
Kids yoga will start on Tuesday the 14th of May – 18th of June for 4 weeks in Room 19. Available for all classes.
Kids yoga gives children an opportunity to explore body and mind while gaining strength , flexibility and balance through fun positive and relaxing activities. They will benefit from learning life skills, which would help them to cope with stressful situations and build self-esteem and can enhance creativity.
Children will also take part in:
- Mindfulness and relaxation
- Breathing techniques
- Art and journaling
- For more details and to secure a place please contact Ms.Doherty at smilingsoulkidsyoga@gmail.com
Best wishes,
Teresa Moynihan
Principal