Baile Mháirtín, Contae Luimnigh

September Newsletter

Dear Parents,

The staff and Board of Management would like to welcome all our pupils back after the long break.  We would like to extend a special warm welcome to our new Junior Infants: Will, Maia, Jack, Hana, Haidi, Ellie Mae, Diarmuid, Chloe and Aoife, and to Stefan who has also joined our 6th class. We hope you will be very happy in our school. 

Thank you to everyone for your support and cooperation over the last week, as we introduced new protocols to ensure a safe reopening for all, the kind words of encouragement were much appreciated. If at any stage you are unsure of anything don’t hesitate to contact us, via the options outlined below.

Aladdin Connect: We are delighted to have Aladdin Connect set up in the school. This system has many benefits including:

– Keeping parents up to date on school and classroom news via noticeboard messages.

– Allows parents to directly message class teachers about appointments/early collections etc.

–Ensuring that the school has their most up to date contact information

– Allows parents to quickly and efficiently select preferred slots for parent teacher meetings (date to be confirmed)
– Keeping parents apprised of their child’s attendance

– Allowing parents view their child’s approved report card

Contacting the school: Any information regarding early collection/change to collection arrangements for children can be directly sent to class teachers on Aladdin Connect.

The school reception is available in the morning from 8.15-8.30 and the afternoon from 2.30-3.30. In case of emergency during the school day parents can contact the school mobile on 086-4106238.

Church Car Park: There is a “drop and go system” in operation in the car park. Please enter at the end and exit at the top of the car park. If parents need to park for any reason, please park at the end of the car park and walk up using the footpath. Please do not park or drop off at the top of the car park as we ask for this area to be kept free for staff to park in the morning. Please ensure that childminders/anyone collecting children are made aware of this arrangement. If you are unsure of this system, please contact Ms. Clarke.

Holy Communion and Confirmation: Congratulations to all who received First Holy Communion and Confirmation over the last few weeks. Thank you to Fr. Chris, Fr. Casey, Ms. Butler, Ms. Anglim and all the parents who helped make these celebrations possible during this difficult time.

E-payments: There is a high volume of schools signing up for e-payments this year, as a result there is a slight delay and our payment facility won’t be available on Aladdin Connect until early October, we will notify parents when this is available. The following payments can be made when this is ready: Book Rental:  That cost of Book Rental will remain the same again this year, €50 per child. Photocopying: Every year we try to keep our book list costs as low as possible. To be able to continue to do this, there will be a cost of €25 per family for photocopying. Pupil Insurance: If families wish to purchase Allianz Pupil Personal insurance the cost is: €6 – School Activities only or €9 – 24 hour cover.

First Holy Communion 2021: As guidelines continue to change during these uncertain times the advice from the Diocesan Office is that no date should be set at this time for First Holy Communion 2021. We will keep you updated as we know more.

Jersey Day: We will have a Jersey Day in school on Friday 25th September to support the Rise4Daithí campaign. Donations of €2 per child will be collected on the day. We wish Daithi well on his road to recover and are delighted to hear of his progress so far.

Covid-19: If children display any Covid-19 symptoms, they must be kept home, and parents should contact their GP. If you are unsure whether to send your child to school any morning, please contact reception before sending them to school and we will help to clarify. Keep an eye on the Parent Info section of the school website where we have the most up to date information on recommended guidelines.