Rathgar National School
Hi and welcome to our website here at Rathgar National School. I'm sure you will find our website quite user friendly and easy to navigate. It is hard to believe how fast this academic year has been flying by - probably because of how busy we keep ourselves. The work of the teachers and students is evident all over the school and I must commend each member of staff and pupils for working tirelessly to make sure the curriculum is fulfilled.
We are now aiming towards our fourth Green Flag which covers the theme of transport. Many projects have been completed already and we are now focussing on ways we could walk/cycle/bus or carpool to school each day.
We are also taking part in the Blue Star programme this year which aims to inform us on the European Union. Countries in the European Union can be examined through History, Geography Culture/Creativity and Institutional study. Projects will be completed leading up to a "Europe Day" which will be held later in the year. If successful, we will be awarded a Blue Star Flag!
After school activities for this term include Religion, Choir, Tennis and Hockey. French will be provided later in the year.
Swimming in Swan Leisure Centre has resumed with 4th/5th/6th classes already having completed their sessions. It is now the turn of 1st, 2nd and 3rd.
Signs of Spring are beginning to appear in our planting boxes with flower bulbs starting to bloom. We hope to plant vegetables again, as last year, later in the season.
The Board of Management and Staff have been briefed on the new School Self Evaluation guidelines. We will be undertaking this process as of now and will be earmarking a subject area to evaluate.
Participation in the Junior Achievement programme is ongoing throughout the school.
Junior Achievement helps to create a culture of enterprise within the education system. They also help young people prepare for the world of work, giving them skills in communication. Financial literacy programmes teach students how to manage, protect and make the most out of their future salaries. As we move towards a knowledge-based economy, Junior Achievement also brings science and maths skills to thousands of young students nationwide through their programmes and events.
Our Parents' Association have been very active this year and this is to be highly commended. Projects undertaken include Christmas card making, Christmas wreath making and our annual Table Quiz and Auction. The Parents' Association also play an important role in the organisation of after-school activities and providing a voice to the wider parent body.
Until the next update, let the work continue!
Ivan Pearson
Principal
Rev. Vanessa Wyse Jackson is Methodist chaplain to Rathgar National School and has been taking weekly assemblies there since 2006. She has written a book of 50 children's talks which have been tried and tested in the school and also with the children in Rathgar Methodist Church where she currently serves. The book is aimed at teachers, youth leaders and clergy as they seek to find creative new ways to engage with the 4-12 age group in a variety of contexts.The book, called "Recipes for Life", is available online from Veritas or from its shop in Abbey Street at €9.99. Part of the proceeds from the sale of the book will be going to Rathgar National School.
