Dear parents,
At the end of a very busy school year, there are a number of matters I would like to bring to your attention:
Important Change in the School Uniform
I wrote to you recently in relation to the decision to move to a Tracksuit Only school uniform, which will take effect in September 2023.
Transition to tracksuit only: This is a significant change, and will mean a considerable saving for parents. We are aware that some parents may still have the traditional uniform as well, passed on from older siblings. Children can continue to wear this uniform for the 2023/24 school year if they wish. In the following 2024/25 school-year, only the tracksuit will be worn to school.
Tracksuit Suppliers:
There are two suppliers of the school tracksuit. These are:
· Grants Uniforms, Unit 121 Coolmine Industrial Estate
(Eircode D15 HWOX)
· Leddys Uniforms, St. Brigid’s Shopping Centre, Main St. Blanchardstown (Eircode D15 XH92)
Free Primary Schoolbooks Scheme
Earlier this year, the Minister for Education announced the Free Primary Schoolbooks Scheme. The aim of the scheme is to remove the cost from families of funding schoolbooks for children in primary schools. We are very pleased with this new scheme and have all the arrangements in place for September. We will have all of the books, workbooks and copies that our children will need for the start of the new school year free of charge.
What about pens, pencils etc.?
The Free book Scheme does not cover the cost of pens, pencils, rulers, erasers or other such equipment. Parents are asked to ensure that their children have all of these items in their pencil case. A list of what is required for each class level will be provided in due course.
Where can I see the list of Books that children will be using next year?
Details of the school book lists for 2023/24 are on the school website at the following link:
Parent Contribution towards the running of the school
As you know, each year we ask parents of children in the school to make a financial contribution towards the running of the school. This voluntary contribution is a huge help to each school in meeting many of the costs involved in keeping our schools going. These include the cost of parallel readers, printing & photocopying, art and craft materials, classroom materials etc.
We are very aware that in these financially stressful times, families are under huge pressure. We therefore appreciate all the more the support we get from our parents through this contribution. This contribution can be made to either school, and is payable at the rate of:
- €70 for a single child
- €110 for a family with two or more children in either school
Parents may wish to pay the contributions in instalments if they would prefer. This payment can be made via Aladdin. Marie has set up a payment request on Aladdin in order to facilitate payment of the contribution.
We are very pleased that the net effect of the changes to the school uniform and the Free Book scheme will significantly reduce the cost of going to school for families next September.
Calendar for 2023/24 School-Year
I have also attached a link to the calendar for the 2023/24 school-year below. School will re-open on Thursday the 31st August, 2023.
Link to calendar: https://www.hopens.ie/calendar-1
Finally, I would like to end by wishing you and your family the very best for the holidays. I hope that you have a very enjoyable Summer and we look forward to seeing you all back in school on the 31st August!
With every best wish,
Enda McGorman
