Do you know, its the small kindnesses that mean the most sometimes?!

One mum arrived in to the school this morning with a packet of new underpants. She had been buying some for her own child and picked up an extra packet for us.

It might sound like a small thing, a packet of underpants. But those underpants mean dignity for a child who wets themselves by accident at school. It means being able to get changed and back into class quickly. It means not waiting around for a parent to bring up a change of clothes. It means not missing out on learning in the classroom. It means not being seen in a vulnerable situation by everyone else who goes to the bathroom during that time.

So thank you. Thank you for the dignity. Thank you for the thoughtfulness. Thank you for the gift.

Thank you for the underpants!

*We could always do with *clean* underwear, socks, tights, trousers with elasticated waists and leggings for our stash of spare clothes for these situations. All sizes are welcomed, from age 4-5 right up to 10-11. Thanks.

Thank you so much to all of the parents who voted in our survey about the topic of the parenting seminar taking place in our school from 11am to 1pm next Monday, 10th October. The topic you have chosen is:

Parent-child relationships as the key to learning success

We are looking forward to seeing lots of parents (and, indeed, grandparents and minders are welcome too!) at this seminar on Monday and we hope it will be useful.

Nicola and Caitriona had a most enjoyable morning on Thursday sorting through the school photos for sending home. The photos turned out very well and we hope that parents are happy with them.

We are so lucky to live in an area with great supports. The library service in Dublin 24 is particularly good. Families can visit the amazing Tallaght Library, become members and avail of all of their service free of charge. Last year, we organised a visit for parents to visit the library so that they would have more confidence returning with their families.

We also have a fantastic Mobile Library Service, which visits our school every month. The librarian lends us a great box of books for the children in Senior Infants to read between visits. Check out Mary Treasa's class website to see how excited they are about reading!

All of the older classes - 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th classes - get to go out onto the library bus, look at the books and check out some books for reading between visits. Have a look at the account of this week's visit Orla's class added to their class website.

All week every week, the staff at Citywest ETNS are busy noticing particularly kind and caring behaviour around our school and nominating children for special moments of caring they show to others. And every Friday, Caitriona announces whose name is being written into the Golden Book and why.

This week, Caitriona brought the fabulous Golden Book with her so that everyone could see what it looks like.

The Golden Book is a beautiful piece of work that teacher Mary created last year. The children were wowed by its size and its goldenness and its fabulousness!

Aoife's class added news and photos of this visit to their class website. Check out their page to find out more!

Seminar for Parents at Citywest ETNS
Monday 10th October
11am to 1pm
Free of Charge


At 11am on Monday 10th October, Joseph Driessen, BSc, TTC, MEdAdmin (Massey University) will deliver a seminar for parents at our school.

Joseph Driessen is the director of Education Answers, an International Educational Consultancy based in New Zealand, specialising in the professional development of teachers and parents. Joseph focuses his research on international best teaching and parenting practices, and is much in demand as a speaker, facilitator and education consultant. 

We have been chosen by Dublin West Education Centre to be gifted this seminar and we really hope to see lots of parents avail of this opportunity.

The seminar will start with a talk by Joseph and conclude with a question and answer session so parents can have their concerns and questions addressed.

We can choose the focus for the seminar and I am interested in your preferences for this. Please see the choices below submit your preference before 12pm on Tuesday 4th October. The topic with the most nominations will be chosen.

​

· Leadership skills which promote learning 
· Parent-child relationships as the key to learning success 
· Mothers’ and Fathers’ different approaches to leadership 
· The importance of nurturing and of setting boundaries 
· Why many boys and girls need a structured household 
· How to activate motivation by goal setting 
· Supporting your child to become an independent learner 
· Understanding key differences between boys and girls 
· Coaching rather than correcting 
· Setting boundaries without stress 
· Things to do to support your child at school


Whatever topic is chosen, I hope that this seminar will be interesting and useful and I look forward to seeing lots of you there.
Kind regards,
Caitriona Hand,
Principal.

Jacob Miller is currently running a course for parents at Trinity College, Dublin, entitled - 

"Learn to teach your children chess"

Why should my child learn chess?

Chess develops critical thinking, life skills and learning discipline.

The following articles emphasizes the many benefits of chess.
Why kids should learn to play chess
Playing Smart - The Benefits of Chess for Kids

Why should I learn chess?

Apart from all the reasons listed above, you will be able to teach your children chess!! That's wonderful. 
While there are chess programs in many Dublin schools, it can be difficult for children to learn a game like chess in a group setting. Nothing compares to 1 on 1 teaching, especially between child and parent.
Finally, its an opportunity for you! A chance to get out of the house, to socialize, to meet new people and to learn something new! You might find you fall in love with the game like so many others.

Why is this a great course for me?

• The course is fun, dynamic and designed specifically for parents. 
• The first few lessons of the course are designed to teach parents the basics of chess.  
• You don't need to be a great chess player to be a great chess teacher!!!
• We will then cover methods for introducing young children to chess.
• The most important thing is that your child is interested. We will show you a few little tricks to help your child fall in love with the game!!
• We'll then cover how to improve at chess and when to start going to a chess club.
• We'll help you find a chess club near you and get you set up and ready to go. 
• Lessons are fun, entertaining and always a good night out. 

If you are interested or have any questions please email me at millerjr@tcd.ie. 


Best wishes,
Jacob Miller