Dear parents,
We are busy in both schools preparing for the 2023/24 school year. There are a number of important matters that we wish to bring to your attention.
Important Change in the School Uniform
Parent survey: You may recall that earlier in the school year parents in both schools completed a survey in relation to the school uniform. The unanimous result of this survey was that parents have opted for a tracksuit only uniform in both schools.
Decision of the boards of management: Having considered the matter carefully the boards of management of both schools have accepted the recommendation that children will only be required to wear the designated Mary, Mother of Hope tracksuit to school. This 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.
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
What is this 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.
How will it work? The Minister is anxious to ensure that parents will no longer be required to make any contribution towards the cost of schoolbooks, including the cost of any workbooks and copybooks. We are very pleased with this new scheme and are busy in school making arrangements for September. We are in contact with book suppliers ahead of placing orders for each class level, so that all of the books, workbooks and copies that children need will be ready for the start of the new school year.
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.
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, and we will communicate separately with parents in this regard in the near future.
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. If you need any further information or clarification, please do not hesitate to contact us.
With every best wish
Alma Moran & Enda McGorman
