castaheanyets.net

2011-2012

Children learn best when the significant adults in their lives -parents, teachers, and other family and community members work together to encourage and support them.


Parental Involvement

In our school we place a huge emphasis on parental involvement. We have what is called a Home-School-Community-Liaison Co-ordinator. This teacher’s role involves working with parents in building up the links between home and school. This teacher visits some parents at home and also runs a lot of classes and courses for parents. An example of some of the classes that are run are, English classes, Irish classes, First Aid Course, Healthy Food Made Easy Course, Yoga Classes, Jewellery Making, Computer classes and lots more.

Baking with Classes

Again this year in conjunction with the PTA, we are organising baking sessions with pupils and parents on the dates below. Please contact Ciara if you are available to help out with these very enjoyable activities. The children really enjoyed the classes last year and learned a lot from them.
5th Class – Friday 14th October
4th Class – Friday 18th November
3rd Class – Friday 16th December
2nd Class – Friday 13th January
1st Class – Friday 10th February
S. Infants – Friday 9th March
6th Class – Friday 20th April
J. Infants – Friday 18th May
(all sessions take place between 10:00 - 11.15am and 11.15 – 12:00pm)

Maths for Fun

This year again we will be running the 'Maths for Fun' programme in all classes from 1st - 6th. This programme involves parents coming into the class for 45 mins, once a week, for 5 weeks and playing Maths games with the children. The Maths games will reinforce the Maths curriculum. This programme can only run if we have parents who are willing to volunteer and come into the class and help out. Both parents and children really enjoy learning together and having fun. Below are the dates that the Maths for Fun will take place this year:3rd Class- Wednesdays, 9:15-10:00 from September 28th - October 26th 4th Class- Thursdays, 9:15-10:00 from September 29th - October 27th 5th Class- Wednesdays, 9:15-10:00 from November 16th - December 14th 6th Class- Thursdays, 9:15-10:00 from November 17th - December 15th 1st Class- Wednesdays, 9:15-10:00 from February 29th - March 28th 2nd Class- Thursdays, 9:15-10:00 from March 1st -March 29th Many thanks to all the parents in 3rd and 4th classes who have come in over the last 5 weeks for maths for fun. Both parents and children really really enjoyed maths for fun and the children learnt lots. It was a great success and would not have been possible without your support.

Breakfast Mornings

Every Wednesday at 8.30, parents/guardians are invited to pop in to the Home-School Room (Ciara’s Room) for tea, coffee and a chat. One Wednesday a month, also at 8.30, we organise a special Breakfast Morning, where parents/guardians of a particular class level are invited to come and share breakfast and see their children do a little performance. Details below:1st Class – 26th October 2nd Class – 30th November4th Class – 21st December 3rd Class - 25th January5th Class – 22nd February 6th Class – 21st MarchS.I. – 23rd May J.I. – 20th June(all Wednesdays at 8.30 a.m.)

Other ways to get involved:


Literacy for Fun:
This is similar to the Maths for Fun programme, however, instead of playing Maths games the children play literacy games.


Committees:
Some parents also sit on our committees. We have recently set up a gardening committee and parents will sit on this. Also we are a Green Flag school and parents volunteer and comes to our meetings.


Helping out in the classroom:
Some parents come into the classrooms and help out with Art, or to tell a story or talk about a religious festival or help to change the children’s books. We always welcome new ideas and if there are any ways that you would like to get involved please let us know.


Healthy Lunches Booklet & Course:
At last years annual Food Night we launched our healthy lunches booklet. These booklets are now available for sale from Deirdre's office.


Art Project:
Every year the parents of Castaheany Educate Together take part in an Art activity and this year we are hoping to do the same. Every year the Art project is an opportunity to enjoy each others company while doing a small craft. This year the parents created an amazing 3D art piece which reflects the changes in Ireland over time. Please come and take a look!