Dear Parents,
Happy New Year to all and please see some important notices for your attention.
Enrolment 2020/2021
Application forms are now available for enrolment for our junior infant class for September 2020. Applications will be accepted during the month of January up to and including the last working Friday in January which is Friday, 31st January. Any queries regarding enrolment please call the school @ 0578646868 or to receive an application form you may e-mail the school; principal@emons.ie.
Zeeko Training and Online Safety
Our sixth class completed their Zeeko training before Christmas and will now pass on their knowledge to the other senior classes in the school. This training will aim to support children’s online wellbeing and manage some of the online risks that children face every day. We thank our Parents association for funding this important programme.
We will be addressing the pupils in the senior classes regarding Internet Safety and respectful online communication. The emphasis in our school has always been that children should never be associated with messaging that is offensive, hurtful or which could be construed as bullying. Never say or write anything that might contribute to anyone else’s unhappiness.
If a pupil receives an inappropriate text message they should do the following:
- Don’t reply.
- Save the message.
- Block the sender.
- Tell an adult whom you trust.
Webwise.ie provides us all with sound advice when it says: “Parents should find out whether their child is being productive versus passive online. Is your child learning online or are they spending their time scrolling through social media? The internet can be a wonderful resource for children and teens, allowing them to learn, create and grow – but only if they are using it productively. Passive use of the internet, such as scrolling through social media can have negative effects on well-being”.
Webwise.ie remains an invaluable source of information for parents who need advice around appropriate screen time and online safety.
Blúiríní;Snippets
- Hurling coaching started for 4th class yesterday and will continue on Tuesdays. Third class hurling/camogie coaching will commence on tomorrow, Thursday. If your child has their own hurl and helmet they may bring it to school for these sessions. We also have spares here if needed.
- Football coaching for 2nd class will commence very soon. Your child will need a gum shield for same.
- Computer classes for third to sixth class will have their final class of a 12 week programme on this Thursday. Computer classes will commence the following Thursday for 1st and 2nd.
- Chess will continue this week for third class.
- Our daily well-being through physical activity programme is continuing. No special gear is required. We request that children continue to wear their tracksuit and runners each day to school.
Parenting Courses
Lastly midlands Area Parenting Partnership are delivering programs for parents of primary school children over the coming months. All the programs are free for Parents to attend but they need to book a place with Deirdre 0860274837/Sinead 086 8215102… or contact the MAPP Office on 0906447111.Please see details below :
Teen Triple P Positive Parenting: 7 week Course
Free courses (4 weekly sessions) for parents and carers of teenagers aged 11-15 Years.
Dates:
Tuesday 28th January from 10am-12pm in Mountmellick Family Resource Centre.
Wednesday 29th January from 7pm-9pm Portlaoise Education Centre, Block Road, Portlaoise,
Tuesday 24th March at 10am-12pm Portlaoise Education Centre, Block Road, Portlaoise and
Tuesday 31st March from 7pm-9pm in Mountmellick Resource Centre
2 weeks practicing at home and a final group session.
Triple P Positive Parenting -7 week group programme
Free course for parents and carers of children aged 2 to 10 years.
Dates: Tuesday 28th January from 7pm-9p.m. Mountmellick Family Resource Centre.
Wednesday 29th January 10am 2pm Portlaoise Education Centre ,Block Road, Portlaoise.
Workshops: Managing Fighting and Aggression:
Tuesday 24th March 7pm-9pm Portlaoise Education Centre, Block Road, Portlaoise.
Workshop: Dealing with Disobedience:
Tuesday 31st March from 10a.m. to 12p.m.in Mountmellick Family Resource Centre
Tuesday 31st March from 7p.m. to 9p.m. in Mountmellick Family Resource Centre
Contact 090 6447111/Deirdre086-0274837/Sinéad 086-8215102
Reduce Anxiety in Children
Free Talk for parents of children 6 to 12 years.
Date: 14th January
Venue: Family Resource Centre, Mountmellick.
Time: 7pm-9pm.
Booking essential – contact Deirdre Dowling at deirdre.dowling@hse.ie
Reduce Anxiety in Children
Free Talk for parents of children 6 to 12 years.
Venue: Bloom HQ, Brigidine Convent, Patrick Street, Mountrath, Co. Laois.
Time: 7pm-9pm.
Booking essential – contact Sinead Higgins at sinead.higgins@tusla.ie
Kind regards,
Cyril Duggan
Príomhoide