Some parents have asked for clarification about issues in last newsletter. I hope this letter helps. If you still have questions, please talk to your child’s teacher who might be able to answer your questions.
Our school uniform consists of
(1) grey skirt/pinafore
(2) light blue blouse
(3) royal blue cardigan/jumper
(4) red tie
(5) grey/blue socks/tights (as many pairs as you want for warmth)
(6) shoes that children can run safely in at playtime
The uniform MUST be worn every day except on the days designated for PE; on those days the SCHOOL TRACKSUIT must be worn. You will be informed of the PE days by class teacher this week. Please cooperate with the school rules re uniform; in secondary school sanctions such as detention can be used to enforce rules: in primary school I am dependent on YOUR cooperation.
HEALTHY LUNCHES
Most of you are delighted with this policy because you can blame me when you do not include sweets, crisps, fizzy drinks, etc. on the lunch menu. The media has made us all so conscious about exercise and healthy diets for our children and the school is delighted to support you in these areas.
Recent studies have shown how well Irish students are doing both in literacy and numeracy. In the international literacy study (PIRLS) Ireland were 6th highest, better than 31 countries; in Maths (TIMMS) we were 13th; higher than 33 other participating countries.
Many parents have asked me for ideas on helping children to read: the MOST valuable contribution you can make to reading is to READ TO and WITH YOUR CHILD. I have attached some ideas overleaf.
SICK CHILDREN
Please do not send your sick child to school. Usually if a child is sick in the morning they remain sick during the day especially if they have a note asking me to ring if they do not improve. I would love to be able to wave a magic wand and return your children to good health but usually what happen is infection is spread to the rest of us.
If your child becomes ill in school you will be contacted but please do not send children to school ill.
BULLYING
(1) SAY “STOP”, “GO AWAY”, “LEAVE ME ALONE”
(2) IGNORE or WALK AWAY
(3) TELL
We will be discussing cyber-bullying with all classes from 3rd to 6th later in the next week.
If you have any ideas please let me know. You might like to read the newly published “Action Plan on Bullying” on the internet.
RELATIONSHIPS AND SEXUALITY (RSE)
One of the subjects on our curriculum is Social, Personal and Health Education (SPHE) and part of SPHE is RSE which involves discussion about “Growing and Changing”. Relationships and friendships are central to the programme in every class. But sensitive issues are also dealt with: for example
· Junior Infants to 3rd class learn to correctly name parts of the body;
· 4th class learn about the baby’s development in the womb;
· 5th class physical and emotional changes during puberty is discussed;
· 6th class learn about sexuality.
This policy will be reviewed soon – any ideas/suggestions please contact me!
Reading aloud to children is one of the best ways to help them discover the joy of reading.
WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOUR CHILD?
Research shows that families play an important role in children’s reading success. By reading aloud with your children and encouraging them to read on their own, you are helping them become better readers, better listeners, and better students. You are also helping them build vocabulary and language skills, and helping them gain knowledge about the world around them.When you read aloud together, children learn quickly that reading is important. And most of all they learn that reading is fun!
WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU?
Reading is more than just making sense of words on a page. It’s an adventure! It’s a chance to explore new places, discover
new things, and meet new people. And it’s something you and your children can do together. Reading aloud can be a special time for you and your children to bond. You can cuddle together as you share stories, laugh at silly characters, root for heroes, and wag your fingers at villains. You’ll get to know each other better as you talk about what you read. And most of all you’ll feel satisfied knowing that you’re helping your children develop a lifelong habit of reading.
A Guide for Parents from
Reading Is Fundamental®
www.rif.org/parents
Reading Is Fundamental, Inc.
www.reading.org
International Reading Association
www.parents-choice.org
Parents’ Choice Foundation
www.read2kids.org/readaloud.htm
Family Literacy Foundation
www.ala.org/yalsa/booklists
American Library Association
O N L I N E R E S O U R C E S
How to Get Your Child to Love Reading
Esmé Raji Codell. Algonquin, 2003.
How to Make Your Child a Reader for Life
Paul Kropp.Main Street Books, 2000.
The Read-Aloud Handbook, 5th Edition
Jim Trelease. Penguin, 2001.
Reading Magic:Why Reading Aloud to Our Children Will Change Their Lives Forever
Mem Fox. Harvest Books, 2001.
P R I N T R E S O U R C E S
READING IS FUNDAMENTAL, INC. works to build a literate nation by helping young people discover the joy of reading.
For more information and to access reading resources,
visit www.rif.org.
Reading Is Fundamental, Inc.
1825 Connecticut Avenue, N.W., Suite 400
Washington, DC 20009-5726
Toll free: 877-RIF-READ
www.rif.org
© 2004 READING IS FUNDAMENTAL, INC.
Illustration: Ward Schumaker
For a complete list of RIF parent guides,
visit www.rif.org/parents/resources
Printed on Paper Donated by Sappi Fine Paper North America