Last week, our Parents Association organised a reading event to celebrate the linguistic diversity in our school community.

Throughout the week, each class in the school had a visit from one of our parents. The parent then read a book to the class in the parent's mother language. 

This is a fantastic way for us to recognise and affirm the linguistic diversity in our community. Many children benefited from having a language that isn't their own, flowing over their ears. They experienced story telling in a different way - appreciating tone of voice, facial expression, and the book's illustrations more than ever before.

Children were also supported by the parent reader, who took time to discuss the story in English.

Last Tuesday evening, we invited parents and members of the Board of Management to attend a meeting here in the school, where we would have an opportunity to consider how we can get parents even more involved in school life.
The meeting was really well-attended and threw up some exciting and inspiring ideas. It was so encouraging to see the energy and passion that so many of our parents and guardians have.

Above are some bullet points that give an idea of the kinds of discussions that we had. 
These ideas will provide plenty of inspiration for the school staff and the Parents' Association members as they plan for the months and years ahead.
If you have any other ideas, please don't hesitate to let us know!

Yesterday, our school participated in the Rathcoole-Saggart St. Patrick's Day Parade for the second year. The weather was glorious and we were all in great form as me marched along, led in song by Mila's Dad Gary!
We sang Amhrán na bhFiann, Noon's Song, and several rousing renditions of that Old School classic - 'Everywhere We Go!'.
Everybody had a great time. Thank you so much to the Parents' Association for organising it!

Introducing the children to the New Wing. ^

The celebrations later! ^

Huge thanks to the volunteers who manned the sale, the face painting and the balloon modelling, and of course to the committee who organised the whole event! You've set the bar very high for next year!

December saw the first meeting of our Ethical Education Committee. The committee is composed of a Teacher Nominee, a Parent nominee and a Board Nominee, and is tasked with ascertaining the aims of our school community, in relation to the teaching of Ethical Education in our school, as well as our celebration of cultural and religious festivals within the school.
The committee's first meeting was very productive and gave the members of the committee an opportunity to consider the issues that are specifically relevant to Citywest Educate Together. 
The committee are currently working on creating a survey to be circulated to all parents, which will give each member of our school community an opportunity to have their say. 
We look forward to engaging in this process and to the further development of our school vision.

Today was a day of firsts in our school's history - we hosted our first concert in our PE hall on the Second Floor. The hall underwent a transformation as a 'stage' was erected and a curtain effect helped to lend the day a sense of occasion.
The school was abuzz with parents and family members all eager to see our performances and the children couldn't wait to show off the songs they've been practising for weeks.
Each class had been paired up with a parent volunteer, who taught their assigned class a song in their native language. Our first Multi-Cultural Concert saw Catalan, Polish, Croatian, Malaysian, Italian and Swahili all represented, as well as English and of course, Irish! Guests were also treated to another first - Second Class proudly played a tune on their tin whistles.
Meanwhile, downstairs in the entrance hall, members of the Parents' Association were busily preparing a feast for the eyes, as well as the taste buds, in the form of a fabulous cake-sale and very well stocked table of prizes for the raffle.
Several hundred euro was raised (exact amount to be confirmed) towards the purchase of a range of Science resources - be sure to watch this space to see photos when the order arrives.
Finally, a first for the school in terms of our online presence - we have set up our own YouTube channel. We hope to develop this aspect of our web presence over the coming years - it will be a useful tool for family who cannot make it to school events, and may even be used as a learning tool by the children. For the moment, check out our channel to view videos of today's performances - we hope you enjoy reliving the show!
We hope you and your family have a healthy and restful holiday and look forward to seeing you again in the New Year.

Do you and your child like the service?

Is it saving you time and nerves on the school run?

Do you have spare 10 minutes of time in the morning?

WE NEED YOU!!!

If you want to enjoy Drop Off as a routine service, put down your name and join the volunteers team now!

Email: [email protected]
FB: Citywest ETNS Parents Association
 
Or talk to one of our volunteers/the school office, leave your details and we will contact you. 

Elections will take place tonight, Wednesday 8th of October, at 8pm
 in the school. All parents/guardians invited to come along and vote!