Newsletter 2nd June 2016

Many of you will be aware of a serious misuse of a Facebook page run by some parents in our school community. The page has the school’s name prominently displayed and is titled “for Parents and Guardians of Wicklow Educate Together”.

It is important that all are aware that this page is not an official school page and in fact the school has no control over the members of the page or any material or comments published thereon.

Nonetheless it is the responsibility of the Board of Management to give serious consideration to any comments or allegations that could negatively impact on any member of the school community.

We would implore all in our school community to be conscious of their responsibilities when posting on social media and to understand that social media postings are treated in exactly the same fashion as printed material in the eyes of our legal system. There is no distinction drawn between the defaming of a person in a newspaper or on social media.

We would also ask that all think critically and rationally and consider the impact on others before posting, and that we do not rush to judgement on issues where we may not be in full possession of all the facts.

The school has a clear complaints policy for parents and guardians and this policy applies to all in our school. A diagram of how parental complaints are handled is included.

Finally and most importantly the Board of Management wishes to apologise to the children, parents and staff who were affected by this material. We have complete respect and confidence in our children and in the professional expertise and integrity of our staff.

Rob Greene Chairperson, BoM

Dates Of Importance

Booklists – Tuesday 07th June

Please note next year’s booklists will be in your child’s bag on Tuesday 07th June.

Summer Fair – Sunday 12th June

Full details below in PTA section

6th Class Graduation – Thursday 23rd June

More details will follow…

Dogs

Please be reminded that dogs are not allowed on the school premises.

Front Gate

We ask that if you are accessing the school during school hours to please use the small side gate as the gate to the front yard of Marine House must be kept closed at all times.

SEN Policy

The school’s Special Educational Needs Policy will be available on the school web-site. Any feedback or input to [email protected] before Monday 20th June

PTA NOTES

SUMMER FAIR 2016 – Sunday, 12th June from 1pm-4pm

WETNS will be holding our final Summer Fair at Marine House on Sunday, 12th June from 1-4pm. We really want this party to go with a swing so it’s all hands on deck! If everybody does one little bit – 30 mins max – nobody has to work too hard and we can all have a nice relaxing time. Below are the things we need a wee bit of help with:

Music & Entertainment: We need performers. If any parent, pupil or group of pupils/parents, current or past, would like to perform a tune or two at the Fair please contact our co-ordinator, Magda Joyce on 087 288 5605 or your parent class rep.

Food: We’ll be hosting a Street Feast on the day and are asking everybody to bring a dish or plate of something sweet or savoury for the table to share. 2 people at a time (for 30 mins) to help serve and keep the buffet tidied and stocked.

Children’s Games/Activities:

• Bouncy castles – 2 people at a time (for 30 mins) to supervise. One for the Dads maybe?
• Bubble Fun & Hook a Duck – 2 people at a time (for 30 mins) to supervise and assist.
• Facepainting – Contact Sophie if you would like to help out with a bit of very simple facepainting.
• Raffle – We’re looking for donations from parents of small handmade craft or gift items or voucher as prizes for the raffle. Also 2-4 people on the day (30 mins each) to sell tickets and run the draw.
• Craft & Artisan Food Stalls: If you would like to take a stall at the Fair for your handmade crafts or artisan food items please contact Yvonne 089 418 5867. No charge for the table, possibly a small gift donation for the raffle. Tell your friends and family!
• Plant stall: We need seedlings of edible or non-edible plants and fruit/veg to sell on the stall. Contact Amber Godwin or your parent class rep.
• Set up & take down: 4-5 people before (from about 11.30-12.30) to help set up the gazebo for the stage area and set out tables and after (from 4pm – 5pm) to clear up afterwards.

If you can help out with any of the above please contact Yvonne 089 418 5867 or the individual co-ordinator or your parent class rep. Further details for arrangements will be in the minutes from this morning’s PTA meeting.

MY MARINE HOUSE POSTCARDS

Please return your order forms with appropriate payment to the school tomorrow (Friday, 3 June) for My Marine House postcards.

BIKE TO SCHOOL DAY including RAFFLE

Thank you to all the pupils and parents who participated in the Bike to School Day yesterday (Wednesday, 1 June) as part of Active Week. It was wonderful to see all the cyclists come pouring into the school in the morning. Thank you to parents who supervised the cycles from Dunbur Road and Hudson’s Garage and to Aoife and Enda for organising the event. All pupils were included in the raffle for a brand new bike supplied by Bike Tech which was held yesterday after lunch in front of Marine House with all classes in attendance and the bike was won by Ellie Gorman in 5th class. Congratulations, Ellie!

NEW PTA COMMITTEE 2016 – 2018

The current PTA Committee members are nearing the end of their two years. If anybody is interested in taking up a role on the Committee please contact [email protected]. Current Committee members are happy to provide details of duties and level of involvement required for each role. New Committee members will take up their roles after the AGM in early October 2016.

Wicklow Lifeboat Station Visits – All Scheduled for 10am