Teachers and SNAs are really looking forward to chatting with children this week via Zoom. Below is the timetable in case you missed it last week. Tuesday 19thMay 2020 11:45 -12:15 6th; 12:30-13:00 Senior Infants Wednesday 20thMay 2020 11:45 -12:15 2nd; 12:30-13:00...

Outdoor learning Ideas for this week: https://www.dspns.ie/forest-school/blog-of-sessions/ Music Generation Unfortunately Music Generation lessons are suspended (see letter below). However, we are very fortunate to have a playlist to go to when we feel like rehearsing...

Acceptable Use of Technology Policy Please read the updated Acceptable Use of Technology Policy. Pay particular attention to the 'Distance Learning' paragraph. We want to ensure benefits and risks are comprehensively assessed. We need whole school understanding and...

What do we want children to learn during the extended closure? Where do we want them to be when we return to school in September? If children come back to school in September holding most of what they learned in class, that will be a huge success. Basically, we want...

Board of Management Meetings - Summary ReportA meeting of DSPNS Board of Management (BOM) was held on Monday 27th April 2020 (via Zoom).Items on the agenda included the Principal's Report, Communications Report, Maintenance report, Voluntary Contributions report, and...

Dear ParentsDon't stress about schoolwork. In September, I will get your children back on track. I am a teacher and that's my superpower. What I can't fix is social-emotional trauma that prevents the brain from learning. So right now, I just need you to share your...

We know we are going to make it through this worldwide pandemic because we are a resilient school community. We pull together in times of need. We help one another as we experience good days and bad days. As adults, we model acceptance of the fact that we do not have...

Birdwatch Ireland has recorded an increase of 350% interaction with its website nationally. People are taking social isolation as an opportunity to turn to nature for mindful moments, stimulation, relaxation, entertainment, learning. Below are ideas for outdoor...

We are delighted to have access to teachers trained in broadcasting lessons. RTE's Home Hub gives children an opportunity to select lessons they would like to learn from. If a child feels they need extra tuition in certain subjects, they can choose to watch lessons...

How we would love to be walking in the school doors for term 3! However school is officially closed until 4th May 2020 while current restrictions are in place nationally. Like the rest of the country, and worldwide, we are finding ways to deal with daily changes. We...

We missed our Educate Together Coffee Morning fundraiser singalong today. We missed the excitement of the half day closure for holidays. We missed wishing everyone a Happy Easter, Happy Spring holiday! We missed 14 school days of regular class routines where the...

Three weeks ago we were preparing for our Patrick's Day whole school assembly. We were immersed in our Irish culture and preparing to celebrate creatively, musically and joyfully in the Halla together. Then at 11:30am came the announcement from An Taoiseach Leo...

Our focus for the month of April is responsibility. We hope children will do their best to promote a good atmosphere at home through acting and speaking responsibly just as they do in their classes (with reminders, cajoling, motivational prompts, behaviour...

We have more MMMMM ideas for the last day of March. Music Here is the link for Junior and Senior Infants Music Generation: https://youtu.be/FvgG2XCStVE All classes links to music can be viewed repeatedly - see yesterday's blog. Mental Health - positive tips We got...

It's the last Monday in March. On a cold day like today, it's tempting to stay curled up indoors. We're sending you some Marvellous M Moments the might make you feel better. MMMM - Bressie is doing mindfulness sessions for kids three days a week. MMMMM - Our music...

You will notice from Learning Activities planned for week of 30th March 2020 that Mental Health and Well-being are prioritised. We are listening to daily updates from senior health professionals on how our nation is faring and taking our cue from them. Families have...

I am grateful for the commitment from our school community to wellbeing and care of others in a time of crisis. I am grateful for the daily contact with colleagues evaluating our curriculum and additional needs plans. I am grateful for the sunshine and blue skies to...

What a beautiful day with glorious sunshine today! Hope many families were in a position to have a sporty, outdoors day or a relax into nature day. Our blog today is simple. Be kind to yourself and everyone in the family by reflecting on where you all might be on the...

The blog title is from Keith Gaynor's presentation at the Positive Mental Health event at METNS. We are only in Day 6 of school closure, beginning to see what kind of distance learning activities might suit primary age children, beginning to see what...

Dear Parents/Guardians Thanks to everyone who emailed appreciation for work done by staff to date. It is very affirming to hear positive comments that nurture perseverance to deal with the challenges still to come. Staff had several meetings by phone/email/other today...

Thanks to the many teachers and parents who did a tremendous act of kindness in organising the distribution of schoolbooks today. Thanks also to the people who emailed explaining their definite wish not to participate and their heightened awareness of the seriousness...