Monthly Archives: February 2017

  • -

SEAI February 2017

On February 27th, we had Shonagh Gray from the SEAI who carried out workshops with the 5th and 6th classes on the importance of energy conservation.  This was as a result of Mr. Hussey’s 6th class entering a SEAI ‘One Good Idea’ competition in November.  This is a competition for Primary and Post Primary Schools asking students to come up with one good idea that will inspire lifestyle changes in the people around them that will save energy and help tackle climate change. 

As a result of our entries, the SEAI rewarded us with the visit of SEAI facilitator, Ms. Shonagh Gray who carried out the workshops.  Thank you Shonagh for the very informative and interesting workshops!


  • -

Operation Transformation 10@10 February 2017

As part of our Active School Flag initiative, we have teamed up with Operation Transformation to promote physical activity in St. Johns! 

On Friday 10th February, we took part in the 10@10 challenge where all classes did a range of exercises for 10 minutes.  We have been practicing over the past few weeks which have made our mornings very fun and exciting! 

We are currently in the process of getting our Active School Flag which we will fly proudly outside our school!


  • -

Skipping Workshop February 2017

We were very fortunate to have Mark McCabe from Skip ‘N’ Rope visit us in February for some skipping workshops!  Mark has visited over 550 schools in Ireland and showed us some very unique skills.  The pupils learned a host of footwork skills, beginner to intermediate skipping tricks, long rope games and partner skipping. 

Skipping is a terrific form of exercise that can help a child’s agility, balance, hand-eye co-ordination and increases speed through footwork.  It teaches children about rhythm as well as team skills and encourages them to have confidence in their sporting ability.  It is a great way to keep fit and maintain good health as well as being lots of fun. 

We all enjoyed the skipping workshops and especially the demonstration afterwards where pupils showed off their skipping skills to the classes.  The entire experience was energetic, informative and most of all fun!  Thanks Mark!


  • -

Parental Custody/Separation/Divorce Policy

Policy on Parental Custody/Separation/Divorce

The staff of St. John’s National School encourage parents experiencing separation or divorce to come and speak confidentially to the teachers and/or principal. It is our aim to handle such matters with sensitivity and compassion, and ultimately, our primary concern is for the well being and overall development of the child.

1.                 When a child spends time in two homes, it is requested that the school be provided with both sets of emergency/contact numbers.

2.                 It is school policy to offer the option of separate parent/teacher meetings, if so desired (arranged in February). The Principal must be notified in advance of any request for such a meeting.

3.                 It is assumed that when we wish to communicate with parents regarding their child, the parent who is contacted (i.e. the parent with whom the child principally resides) will inform the other parent of meetings, arrangements etc.

Special requests for separate communication can be accommodated by written request by the parent.

4.                 Regarding notes, school communication via schoolbags, school reports etc. it is assumed that the parent with whom the child principally resides will keep the other parent informed.

5.                 Both parents will be treated as equal partners in terms of parenting rights and responsibilities, in the absence of any Court Order to the contrary.

6.                 The school cannot be asked to withhold a child from either parent, in the absence of a court order. A certified copy of this court order must be given to the school, and to the local Gardai.

7.                 The staff of St. John’s N.S. will endeavour at all times to deal sensitively and caringly with children experiencing separation or divorce.