Scoil Eoin Baiste
St. John the Baptist School
Buachaillí Sóisearach,
Bóthar Ghort na Mara,
Cluain Tarbh,
Átha Cliath 3.
Junior Boys,
Seafield Road,
Clontarf,
Dublin 3.
Telephone: 01 8336539
24th September, 2008.
Newsletter
Dear Parents,
We wish to extend a warm welcome back to all our “old” pupils and we hope they will have a
successful and happy year. We welcome those new pupils who have joined us in Senior Infants, First
Class and Second Class and we hope they have settled in well in their new surroundings. A big “cead
mile failte” to all our new Junior Infants who have adjusted to ‘big school’ very quickly indeed. This
year we have twelve classes and 330 pupils. Our staff comprises the principal, eighteen teachers, twelve
of whom are mainstream class teachers and six involved in supporting the children’s learning, three
special needs assistants, a Secretary, Caretaker, and two cleaners, a total of 26 persons.
Since last June, there has been a number of changes in personnel among the school staff. We said
goodbye to Ms. Elizabeth Daly who took up a teaching position in Alexandria, Egypt; and to Ms. Clare
King who is off on a year’s travel around the globe; and to Mrs. Rina O Keeffe who has had a new
daughter, Sinéad Rose, and to Mrs. Mary McNally who got a job nearer to home in Balbriggan. We wish
them all success and happiness in their new circumstances, and we look forward to the return of Clare and
Rina in due course. Joining us for this school year are Ms. Róisín Lennon, Ms. Olive O Donoghue, Ms.
Róisín Bolger and Ms. Laura Harvey. Also, joining us are Mrs. Linda McGloin (S.N.A.) and Mrs. Eileen
Smith (T.E.F.L.), while Mr. Paul McGuire has switched from classroom teaching to resource teaching.
To all our new-comers, a great big welcome and we hope you will have a happy and fulfilling experience
in Belgrove Junior Boys.
General School Timetable :8.40a.m.
School is officially open - (although the gates will be opened at 8.30 a.m.
approx. to admit early arrivals.)
11.40a.m. – 12.10p.m. Lunch - Infants
12.15p.m. – 12.45p.m. Lunch - First/Seconds
1.20p.m.
2.20p.m.
Dismissal of Infants
Dismissal of First/Seconds
Please keep to the left hand side when walking through the passageway between the Vernon Court Gate
and the playground.
On days of Staff Meetings, i.e. the first working Friday of each month, Infants are dismissed at
1.00p.m. and the remainder at 1.15p.m.
Pupils are dismissed at 12.00 Noon on the days on which holidays begin, i.e. Christmas, Easter
and Summer.
Arrival time :- Pupils who arrive in school before 8.40 a.m. must line up along the wall and wait until
a teacher comes on duty. Then they will form their “línte”. No running or playing is permitted in the
playground while children are arriving and lining up.
Punctuality :- Children are expected to be punctual. The late arrival of one child causes
disruption for the whole class and in the context of a Junior School, it is usually not the child’s fault if he
is late for school. While everyone can be late on occasions, and this is understandable, there are children
who arrive late on a regular basis. Parents are asked to have their child in school on time.
Absence: When a child is absent for a short period, there is no need to telephone the school, but
an explanation should be given on his return. For longer periods i.e. a week or more, a written
explanation should be submitted. This is now a legal requirement from the National Educational Welfare
Board (N.E.W.B.)
Dismissal: In the interest of the safety of all concerned, the Board of Management wishes to
remind parents/minders that when you are waiting in the playground, younger children and toddlers in
your care should not be allowed to run about and play unsupervised. When you have collected your
child you are asked to leave the school premises quickly and quietly. This is especially important for
those collecting Junior and Senior Infants. It has been noted that some people like to linger on, chatting
to friends, while children in their care are permitted to run and play. There are classes in the prefabs and
the teachers and children there would appreciate it if everyone would bear this in mind when collecting
children, so that noise levels can be kept to a minimum.
If children wish to visit the garden area and pond they are very welcome to do so, provided they
are accompanied by adults and kept under control. Those who bring bicycles or scooters to school are
reminded that these must be wheeled in and out of the school. No one, including adults, should cycle
in the playground.
Lunch Time: - The Belgrove Junior Schools’ Lunch Policy was drawn up by the Parents
Associations and teachers of the two Junior Schools. Copies were distributed to all pupils, but if you
have lost or mislaid your copy, you can collect another from the Secretary’s office. I have reproduced
below the section “Lunch Box Ideas” for your attention. Crisps and similar snacks, sweets, chocolate
bars, fizzy drinks and nuts are actively discouraged. Chewing gum is banned. Children are allowed to
drink water during the day. Please use a ‘non-spill’ bottle. Un-eaten food should be taken home or
placed in the playground bins (not in class bins).
Lunch Box Ideas
Wholemeal Brown Bread with Tuna
Grapes
Milk
Pitta Bread with Salmon
Cheese
Unsweetened Fruit Juice
Roast Beef Wrap
Fruit Kebab
Cubed Cheese
Diluted Sugar Free Squash
Crackers and Cream Cheese
Banana Smoothie
Popcorn
Raisins
Ham Sandwich on White Bread
Apple
Yoghurt Drink
Pasta Salad with Chicken
Carrot Sticks
Milk
Wholemeal Bap with Egg Mayonnaise
Cherry Tomatoes
Fromage Frais
Water
Rice Salad with Raisins and
Chopped Ham
Yoghurt
Water
When the weather is inclement children are kept indoors. Otherwise they are expected to go to the
playground where they are supervised. Only in exceptional circumstances (illness, injury) may children
be permitted to remain indoors during breaks. On such occasions, a note from parents should be given
to the teacher, thereby accepting responsibility for the child’s conduct and safety.
For wet days, when children may be kept in classes, a supply of comics is very handy. If you have
comics which you do not want any more, please send them in to the teachers!
Litter: - We would greatly appreciate it if you would talk regularly to your child about the
importance of litter prevention. Since the start of the school year, I have been reminding the boys
regularly. While there has been a great improvement in the children’s awareness and co-operation there
are some, unfortunately, who have not yet gotten the message. It will take time and continuous
reminders before it becomes automatic for some to put litter in the bins. With your help we can keep
Belgrove litter-free. Please remind your son every day!
Recycling: Paper, drink cartons and plastics are collected for recycling in all the classrooms.
Please remind your child not to put these items in the rubbish bins! There is a large black sack in the
yard near the principal’s office. This is for plastics only and may be used by the children and by parents
who come into the school.
Security Gate: - The gate on Seafield Road West is controlled electronically. There is a keypad/ intercom system in operation and all visitors to the school, outside of arrival/dismissal times, will be
required to enter via this gate. Parents are asked to avoid calling to the school on a casual basis during
class-teaching hours. Informal contact between parents and teachers is very welcome and is encouraged,
but it ought to take place at arrival/dismissal times. Parents and children are reminded that you should
not enter or exit the school via the Senior Boys School. The “buzzer” is on the old control panel, even
though a new smaller keypad has been recently installed.
Matters of Concern: If you are concerned about any aspect of your child’s school life, you are
asked to follow this procedure :
The matter should first be discussed with the class teacher.

If this proves unsatisfactory, the matter should be taken up
with the Principal.

Where all else fails, the matter can be referred, in writing,
to the Board of Management.
Code of Discipline: This booklet, setting out the Discipline/Behaviour Code of the Junior
School will be distributed to all new pupils next week. Parents are asked to read it carefully, familiarise
themselves with the contents and to discuss relevant sections with their children. If you have lost/mislaid
your copy of the Code, please call to the Secretary’s Office and get another. You are asked particularly
to discuss the section on “Bullying” and to make sure that your child can recognise when he is being
bullied. Even a so-called “simple” thing like name-calling is part and parcel of bullying. A child may
not realise what is happening to him and may not want to tell you about it. Telling tales is something
many people discourage, but you should teach your child to distinguish between telling tales and telling
about bullies. Belgrove is a “Telling School”. If your child is uneasy, afraid, scared and getting lots of
tummy pains in the morning, then he may be the victim of a bully. Contact the school immediately if
you are concerned about this problem. We cannot do anything unless we know about it. Please tell your
child not to retaliate if he is being annoyed (hit, pushed, etc.) in the playground. Tell him to go
immediately to the teacher in charge, or tell his own class teacher after break time, or tell the Principal,
and between us, we will sort it out. This approach, hopefully, will prevent or reduce rows and fights.
“Bullying” A more comprehensive policy on “Anti-Bullying” has been adopted by the Board of
Management. Copies are available from the Secretary’s Office or from www.belgrovejbs.ie.
Nut Allergy – Important Notice: We have 2 new Junior Infants in the School who have an
allergy to nuts or to food containing nuts or nut essence. They are in Mrs. Fanning’s and Ms. Lennon’s
class. Parents, especially those of children in these two classes, are asked to ensure in so far as possible,
that only nut-free food is brought into school for lunches, and that children are warned not to swap parts
of their lunches. There are also children in Ms. Brehony’s class and Ms. Woods’s class with this allergy.
School Building Project (on-going since 1999): The new-school building and refurbishment
project has been put “on ice” until the Government again has sufficient funds to allow the Board of
Management to proceed. When everything was suspended last year, we had just submitted all plans to the
Department of Education & Science in the expectation of being authorised to proceed to tender.
Meanwhile the condition of our old prefabs continues to be a cause of concern. Your Board of
Management has been preparing proposals for addressing this problem, and these were due to be put
before you during this term. However, an official from the School Buildings Section of the Department
of Education & Science paid an unexpected visit to the school last week. He inspected the prefabs, took
photographs of the outsides and insides and got an “ear-full” from myself. The Board of Management
will await the outcome of this report before calling a meeting of parents to discuss the matter.
Shoe Laces: Many of the children are unable to tie shoe laces and yet are wearing laced shoes
and runners. Children should be taught how to tie their laces and until they can do so, you are asked to
provide them with Velcro-fastening shoes and runners. It would be greatly appreciated by the teachers
and by the children, who could play in safety without the fear of tripping up.
School Charges: You recently received a request for the payment of school charges. These charges
are necessary for the continued successful running of the school and are entirely spent on providing
classroom requisites and on funding our extra-curricular arts programme. If you have not already done
so, please deal with this matter as soon as possible. (Those who cannot afford to pay should contact me
privately.)
Basketball Coaching Session: Our first visitors to the school this year were the four coaches from
the Shamrock Rovers – Hoops Basketball Team. They came in to visit us on September 8th last and spent
the day teaching all the boys some of the skills of the game. This has always been an exciting day and so
it proved to be yet again. For the final half hour of the day, the coaches put on a demonstration of skills,
which included having some teachers take part in a basket shooting competition! The boys loved this –
especially when the teachers missed….
Army No. 1 Band: Our next visitors to Belgrove, on Friday October 3rd, will be the members of
the Army No. 1 Band. It’s been a few years now since these musicians came to play for us, and it’s great
to have them back again. The band will present a 50 minute programme of popular tunes and the
individual instruments will be shown and demonstrated. It will be a thrilling experience to get up close to
a brass band at full-throttle.
Music in the Classroom: On Tuesday 7th October next we will visit the Helix Theatre for a
performance of “Music in the Classroom”. This feast of music, dance and song is organised by the Irish
Times in conjunction with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra conducted by Mr. Gearóid Grant. We will enjoy a
lovely concert of music, which will be introduced and explained by Gearóid as he goes along. He is very
experienced in dealing with young audiences and we have been enjoying these annual concerts for years
now. The children are becoming familiar with the pieces to be performed as all classes have copies of the
concert CD. Other performers include Peter Sweeney, Emmanuel Lawler and the Dex McGloughlin
School of Dancing. This programme includes: (1) Peter and the Wolf; (2) A Mazurka dance from the
ballet Coppelia; (3) The Phantom Regiment; (4) A Nursery Rhyme sing-along; (5) Beauty and the Beast;
(6) The Arrival of the Queen of Sheba; (7) Pomp and Circumstance march; (8) You Gotta Be (song) and
(9) A medley of songs from the musical “Hairspray”.
This is going to be a great concert. I’ve heard that some members of staff will be getting their hair done
specially for the day.
Head Lice: A copy of an information sheet about Head Lice is attached, for your information. It
is clear that head-lice is going to be a continuing problem for you and us. The best way to combat it is for
everyone to be vigilant. This means examining your child’s hair and scalp weekly (every night if
possible) and taking immediate action. Everybody must co-operate in this effort to minimise outbreaks of
lice infestation.
Some manufactures of head lice products have already sent me their advertising literature. I‘m sure your
pharmacist will have recommendations also.
 SSL Healthcare Ireland Ltd. writes to inform me that we can learn all we need to know by
consulting the website www.headlice.ie
Substitute Teachers : Any teachers available for Substitute Duty during the year? Please leave
your telephone number with Marguerite at the School Office.
Enrolments: If you have a child whom you wish to enrol for September 2009 please make
application soon. Forms may be had from the School Secretary’s Office.
Dogs in the Playground: I have in the past regularly reminded parents that any dog brought into the
playground must be kept on a lead. I am happy to report that this is being done. However, even a dog on
a lead can pose a potential danger to children especially when they want to touch it, pet it and crowd
around it. It would not be the dog’s fault if it felt scared or threatened when surrounded by a group of
boys all wanting to make friends. So even though I like dogs and don’t wish to deprive them of their
daily walk to and from school, I would prefer if their owners did not bring them into school at all. It will
only take one accident or loss of control…..
Last Friday (19th) at 8.45 a.m. a dog left its “calling card” in the playground. Although I was informed
about it by a concerned parent, I hadn’t the time to have it removed before a child stood on it. This meant
that both his shoes had to be removed and cleaned before he could go to class.
If the dog was on a lead, then its owner should have noticed the mess and done something about it. If the
dog was not on a lead, it shouldn’t have been in the playground at all. At 8.45 a.m. the playground is a
busy place with up to 300 children present and many parents and toddlers also.
Pet Dogs may have to be banned form the school premises altogether.
Yard Duty: Thanks to all the parents who have volunteered to do yard duty. This is a huge help to
the teachers and to the children also and it is greatly appreciated by everyone.
School Leisure Wear Uniform: You are reminded that Pat O’Farrell, Portmarnock is the sole
authorised supplier of the authentic Junior School leisure wear uniform. If you have difficulty in
contacting Pat O’Farrell, please let us know and we can assist you. Do not purchase an imitation outfit
which may be on sale locally.
GOAL Jersey day: We in the Junior School will be taking part in the GOAL Jersey Day on Friday
October 3rd – the day the Army No. 1 Band visits the School. All (including parents) are invited to wear
their favourite team’s colours for the day and contribute €2 each to help GOAL’s work. Larger donations
are very welcome indeed and all money will be passed on. Below I have reprinted a message from John
O Shea of GOAL.
“Last year’s Jersey Day was a huge success, with over €230,000 raised for GOAL’s work across the
developing world. Schools and businesses across the country were filled with colour as jerseys of all
different shapes, sports and sizes were donned for this special day. Plans are already in motion to make
this year’s Jersey Day even bigger but to do that we need your help. We’d love nothing more than for
every classroom and office to take part – all in aid of some of the world’s poorest people. As GOAL
keeps administrative costs to the bare minimum, your donation will have the maximum possible impact in
the developing world. GOAL currently works in 11 countries across Africa, Asia and Central America.”
Holy Communion 2009: Next year’s First Holy Communion Masses will take place on Saturday,
May 9th. Details of venues etc. will be circulated later on.
Labhair Gaeilge Linn! Some Irish phrases for you and your son!
Dia duit
Dia is Muire duit
}
}
Is mise ___________ (put in your name)
Cé thusa?
(who are you)
Tá mé ar scoil
(I’m at school)
Slán go fóill
(‘Bye for now)
Birthday Party Invitations: To avoid disappointment and embarrassment, party invitations are not
distributed by teachers in the classroom. Neither should parents distribute them to children while they are
lining up in the playground. Those left out are often very upset. The Parents’ Association has organised
class lists of names, addresses and phone numbers to be given to all participating families and you should
be able to contact those whom you wish to invite to parties without involving the school.
French Classes for 2nds: There are a number of places vacant in the French Classes.
Dublin Parks Tennis League: Boys and girls between 6 and 17 can learn to play tennis in St.
Anne’s Park tennis courts. Registration took place on Saturday, 20th September last, but you can still join
in. Just go along next Saturday or phone the number below. Children are allocated hourly classes
according to their age and standard. The course continues for 8 weeks. Coaching, by trained instructors,
takes place on Saturdays between 10a.m. and 1 p.m. The free use of balls and rackets is available where
necessary. There is a fee of €15. Phone 8338711.
Clontarf GAA Nursery: Football and Hurling Nursery for boys born between 2001 – 2004 and girls
born between 2000-2004 every Saturday from 9.30 a.m. – 11 a.m. in St. Paul’s College, Sybil Hill,
Contact Matt O’Neill 086-1527725.
Belgrove Soccer Club nursery for ages 5 and 6 years every Tuesday 6 – 7 p.m. in St. Paul’s College
on all-weather pitches. Contact: Colm Hanratty 086 2425003.
Clontarf Scout Unit - 66th Naomh Eoin : Beaver Scouts : This is the Junior Section of the
Scout movement for 7 - 9 year olds. Beavers work towards the same ideals as other section of the
Scouts, seeking to develop the young person physically, mentally, socially and spiritually. The emphasis
is on meeting and interacting with people their own age in a programme based on fun and discovery.
Activities include art and crafts, games, outdoor activities, Gaeilge and Beaver day. The Beaver Scouts
meet on Wednesdays from 6.00 – 7.00 p.m. in the Clontarf Scout Den, which is located at the rear of no.
19 Brian Boru Street. Parents wishing to register their children should go along to the den on Wednesday
next 24th or contact Pat Hollingsworth 086 2590601.
Coaching in Gaelic Games (football and hurling) took place in the school on Fridays during 2007‘08. Funded by the Leinster Council and Clontarf GAA club, this was a most welcome development, and
the availability of the club’s all-weather pitch was just marvellous. Our coach is Neil ODriscoll and he
will be continuing the good work during this school year. We are delighted to have Neil working with us.
Red Rogues: Red Rogues is a children’s exercise club for children between 3 & 7. It is run by 3
qualified school teachers every Wednesday from 4 – 4.45 p.m. on the astro turf pitch at the back of
Clontarf G.A.A. club. For more information call Caoimhe: 087 7833660 or Grainne: 086 1096060.
Piano Lessons: Ms. Ruth Reid informs me that she has one vacancy in her piano classes. The
vacancy is on Thursdays at 5.30 p.m. and the lessons take place in St. Gabriel’s Parish Centre. You can
phone Ruth for details at 4784048 (h) or on mobile 086 8070489.
Irish Language Courses for Adults: Conradh na Gaeilge offers six different courses for those
wishing to learn Irish or to improve their mastery of the language.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Beginners
Beginners
“Bunrang”
“Meánrang”
“Ardrang”
-
level 1 (if you have never studied Irish)
level 2 (if you have basic Irish)
if you have learnt Irish in the past, but wish to take a refresher course.
if you understand Irish fairly well, but lack confidence to speak it.
if you have good Irish, but wish to improve your grammar, pronunciation
and vocab.
6.
Range Cruinnis suitable for those who use Irish regularly in their work with emphasis on
accuracy in writing the language.
20 hours of classes in no. 6 Harcourt Street, Dublin 2, fee €200, begins this week (sorry for late notice).
Information: phone 4757401
Fax 4757844
e-mail eolas@cnag.ie
web www.cnag.ie
Application forms available from School Secretary’s Office.
You can also learn to speak Irish or to improve your language skills right here in Cluain Tarbh.
Courses organised by “Briathar Beo” are held in the Clontarf GAA Club House, next door to the school.
The Bunchúrsa (Beginners course) is on Tuesdays 7.30 – 8.45 p.m.. The Méanchúrsa (Intermediate
course) is on Mondays 8.30 – 10 p.m. and the Ard Chúrsa (for those “polishing” up their Irish) is held on
Tuesdays from 8.45 to 10.15 p.m. Info: Phone Áine at 087 1210491.
Speech & Language Therapy – Vernon Avenue, Health Centre: If you have any concerns
regarding your child’s speech and language development you can call in for advice on Friday next 26th
September between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. No appointment is necessary – first come, first served.
Operation Christmas Child: This organisation collects presents and gifts which it transports to
countries in Eastern Europe and Africa for distribution to children at Christmas time. We have been
involved in this wonderful scheme for the past six years or so and I have received an invitation for us to
take part again. More details will be issued in the next week or two, but meanwhile you should get a
shoebox (or boxes), as you will need it if you wish to be involved. All boxes are brought into school
during October and are collected in early November. They make a marvellous sight piled high upon each
other in the corridor prior to collection.
Room Divider/Screen: I need two screens (or “room dividers” as they are also called). The
screens I have in mind are the type associated with hospital wards i.e. tall ones. These now costs €600 +
each, and it would save the school €1,200 if somebody out there had one or two screens to donate or
knew of unused screens anywhere which could serve our purpose here. If the tall, folding type is not
available, we would welcome the medium size room dividers often used in open-plan offices.
Holidays and School Closures for the School Year: A list accompanies this letter. Please keep it
safe for future reference. Extra copies, if needed, may be had from the School Secretary’s Office.
Yours sincerely,
Vincent Conway,
Principal