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Walk to School Week

There is going to be a Harold’s Cross N.S. Walk Together to School

On :Wednesday,May 17th

From:- Super Valu in Sundrive.

Meeting at 8.10am and leave at 8.15am

Parents  are to gather together in the back car park safely with their child and then we will walk in an orderly fashion on the footpaths from there to the school. We are hoping to get a Garda escort but this may not be always possible so please be very vigilant as you cross roads on your way to the school.
Please note that your child’s teacher may or may not be there so you are in charge of your child’s safety.
We look forward to seeing you all there. Please make the effort and come along. It will be sending a really important message to your child on the importance of physical wellbeing but also about reducing our carbon footprint by walking instead of driving.

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WELCOME TO THE HSCL PARENT’S PAGE!

  ms.e.clarke@haroldscrossns.ie

Keep an eye on this page for details of upcoming events, classes, clubs, webinars, useful information, etc.  If you would like to borrow a parenting book, a book on special needs, gender identity, or  a book on bereavement, please let me know, as I have a selection in the HSCL office.

Updated list of local  Sports Clubs .

Please click and download this updated list of clubs in the area:

Clubs in the area Feb 2023

 

 

Some photos from our cookery Classes!

Some of our wonderful work from our Parent’s Crochet Classes!

 

Upcoming Classes and courses for parents :

  • Parent’s  Friday Run (or walk!)

Starting on Friday January 27th at ten am. Meet at Parklife Cafe at the back entrance of Sundrive Park.

  • Registration for  DCSWP’s Change For Life 2023 taking place on Tuesday, Jan 10th at 8.30am or Wed the 11th at 6.30pm,in the school. Contact Michelle Malone  at 0876945082 for more details. Click and download poster below.

Change For Life Poster

  • Free Dance Fitness classes in the school hall every Tuesday morning after the drop off. This class is for all levels with a mixture of dance ,fun and fitness. All are welcome!

Dance Class HCNS

  • Free Crochet classes in Clogher Road Community College, Tuesdays at 9.30am.Contact ms.e.clarke@haroldscrossns.ie 
  • Cooking Classes in Clogher Road Community College, Fridays at 9.30am. Contact ms.e.clarke@haroldscrossns.ie
  • Parents Plus course, mornings  in Scoil Iosagain ( Fully booked)

Useful websites to plan your Christmas family activities:

  • www.schooldays.ie
  • www.mykidstime.com (Ireland)

Mental Health resources for parents and young people:

Click to download:

Mental health resources and websites

 

LAYA-STOPP- Anxiety Card

 

 

BOOKS

There is  a selection of books in the hscl office on Parenting, Bereavement, Gender identity and Special Needs. They are suitable for both Parents and children. Let me know if you would like to borrow some or if there is any particular book you are looking for.

We also have a Parent’s Book Swap in the Parent’s Room if you are stuck for a read. New books, (especially cookbooks) ,always welcome ! Let me know if you would like to borrow a book.

 

Here are some recommended books that help to  explain loss to young children . Read them yourselves  to make sure that you are happy with the content before reading them with your children.

  • The Invisible String,by Patrice Karst
  • Badgers Parting Gift,by Susan Varley
  • Is Daddy Coming Back in A Minute,by E Barber
  • Missing Mummy,by Rebecca Cobb
  • The Memory Tree,by Britta Teckentrup
  • Goodbye Mog, by Judith Kerr

Some community links  that may help :

  • www.childhoodbereavement.ie
  • Irish Bereavement Association

 

 

 

Secondary Schools:

Click on the link below to see a list of secondary schools in the area. You should contact them yourselves for more information and  to see if they have any upcoming Open Days. 

secondary schools list

 

Other  useful Resources:

Irish Resources For Parents : click on  the link below and download a list of websites and resources to improve your Irish:

Irish Resources For Parents

www.AutismConsulting.Online

www.adhdireland.ie

www.dyslexiaireland.ie

Safefoods.net website. (sleep routines,fussy eaters,keeping you child healthy)

cypsc.ie (Playful Parenting Support videos ,tips for covid related anxiety and general anxiety)

gov.ie ParentsCentre web page ( general advice for parents).

 www.parentline.ie 

childline.ie

www.barnardos.ie.(well being for parents)

Gaeilge sa bhaile le Gaelbhratach-(to improve irish at home)

www.webwise.ie  (see parents guide to a better internet)

www.childnet.com (digiduck stories)- another resource suitable for younger kids.

https://beinternetlegends.withgoogle.com/en_uk – for older children

www.childhoodbereavement.ie 

www.barnardos.ie

 

A useful service from the HSE regarding Speech and Language. Click on the link.

Drop in Phone Poster

www.webwise.ie (How to deal with Cyber bullying)

parenting24seven.ie – look for the articles on:

  • using attention to improve behaviour,
  • 3 tips to help your child in times of stress
  • Positive Parenting.

loveparenting.ie-There is  a nice article called ” Promoting Parent Self Care And Self Compassion”

healthpromotion.ie– ideas on healthy family living.

Please click on the links below for information  and tips regarding homework:

Homework-Policy

Tips for Parents re Homework

Tips for Parent’s on  getting your child settled back to school after school breaks:

  • Establish and maintain a good morning routine
  • Get up early enough to avoid rushing
  • Make sure they go to bed on time and get enough sleep (according to The Sleep Council, 3-6yr olds need 10-12 hours of sleep per day,older children need 10-11 hours)
  • Include a healthy , filling breakfast as part of the morning routine
  • Walk to school if possible. This will help with their concentration levels in school
  • Have a treat on Fridays to mark the end of the week (movie night,games night etc)
  • Listen to any worries they may have, acknowledge their worries and stay calm
  • Try not to pass your own stresses and anxieties on to your kids(this may be difficult at times)
  • Remember: Things will get easier once they are settled into their school and homework routine.

See below links for other useful tips:

 

More Tips for Parents of Junior Infant children:

  1. Children need plenty of rest after the excitement of school. Make sure they go to bed early.
  2. Show a continued interest in whats happening in his/her daily adventures.Listen to all the stories but don’t pester your child with questions.
  3. Try not to compare your child with other children especially while he/she is listening.
  4. Be careful not to criticise the Teacher in the child’s presence as it might demotivate the child.
  5. When it comes to homework-plenty of patience and praise is needed!
  6. Children may forget to give you important messages , so please check their school bag daily.
  7. www.schooldays.ie is a good website, as is helpmykidlearn.ie
  8. Walk or cycle to/ from school if at all possible. The fresh air and exercise will help your  child concentrate better in the mornings and it will re-energise your child after a long day in school.
  9. Remember to label everything clearly from pencil cases to jumpers and coats, as they can and will go missing!
  10. Please see link below on tips for teaching your child independence

Tips For Teaching Your Child Independence (1)

Finally, enjoy your child’s first year in Harold’s Cross National School!

SOME HEALTHY LUNCH BOX IDEAS:

  • Day one:Small break-yogurt, plum. Big break-tuna wrap with mix pepper and sweetcorn.
  • Day two: Small break-pear,milk. Big break-pasta salad with chicken-chick peas.
  • Day three: Small break -mixed veg sticks and hummus. Big break-pitta pocket with cheese , lettuce and relish. fruit salad.
  • The key is to introduce variety and keep lunches interesting.Involve your child in preparing the lunch(this might save you time in the long run). Drinks should be milk or water and encourage your child to drink plenty of fluids throughout the day.

Please note that  we have a no egg and  nut policy in school due to allergies.

I have some leaflets and a small number of recipe books in the parent’s room for more healthy food ideas. If you would like to donate some healthy recipe books to the parents library , we would be delighted! (When the Parent’s Room is reopened)

LETS REDUCE OUR SCREEN TIME:

  • COUNT how many hours your child is spending on the screen (including television)
  • REDUCE the amount of time your child spends on screens gradually
  • MONITOR the content
  • Encourage  PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES/HOBBIES  to  replace amount of time spent on screens
  • Take out the BOARD GAMES for rainy days
  • Join the LIBRARY
  • Encourage screen free PLAY DATE
  • click on the link below for tips on how to teach your child independance

Role of the Home School Liaison Teacher:

The aim of the Home School Community Liaison (HSCL) is to promote partnership between home, school and the community and to ensure that every family participates fully in the school scheme. Harold’s Cross NS recognises the role of parents as the primary educators of their children, the influence of the home environment and seeks to promote a partnership between school and parents and the local community.

  • The HSCL teacher is available to discuss on a personal level, matters of concern with parents .
  • Listen,encourage, support and offer suggestions on how parents can support their children.
  • Offer free courses for parents.
  • Offer one to one support to parents on how to get the best from their child’s learning.