Hello, I’m Mrs. Reid and I am the Junior Room teacher. Mr. Duffy is our principal and is the Special Education Teacher. Julie is our Special Needs Assistant and works in both classrooms. Ms. Griffin is our Senior Room teacher. Ms. Duffy is our visiting Special Education Teacher. The children will also get to know our caretaker Andy, secretary Mary, cleaners Ciara and Mary, and our other visiting teachers and coaches.
I have put up some information together here which you may find useful as your child starts school with us. We are looking forward to meeting everyone.
Bláithín Reid
The first fortnight
The first day can be daunting for many children, but parents too, especially if it’s your first or last child! Starting school is a big step, and you have to trust someone else with your child. We understand this, and want to reassure you, that we care about each child that joins our school, and look after them as if they were our own. One of the benefits of being in a small school is everyone knows everyone, and we all look out for one another. The children usually settle best if their parents keep their goodbyes short. There may be tears but it will only be prolonged if you stay. Once you are gone, they are soon distracted by a game or toys, and happy again…really!
Junior Infants finish school at 12 noon for the first 2 weeks. After this, they finish at 2pm with the Senior Infants. Children will be escorted to the front gate at home time where they are handed over to parents/guardians/carers. We do our best to be punctual, and ask parents to do the same.
What you need for September
Books and Copies
The school will provide all books, workbooks and copies needed, as we will receive a new grant to cover this. Some stationery will be available in the classroom, although many children may like to bring their own. See below.
Stationery
- Pencil case
- 2-3 x pencils (triangular shaped are best for learning to write)
- twistables/colouring pencils/crayons (markers are not used)
- rubber
- pairer (double holes if using thicker pencils)
Lunch
We have two breaks in the day – a small break for a quick snack like fruit/yoghurt and rice cake/crackers, and a lunch break for a more substantial meal e.g. sandwich/wrap/pasta. We encourage the children to drink their water throughout the day. Children’s drinks often leak, so we recommend a separate little lunch bag or a school bag with an external pocket for carrying their drink bottle. We have a healthy eating policy in place and some foods are not allowed.
Uniform
The school uniform must be worn at school each day. School sweatshirts with the school crest are available – please contact the school to order. They have been sourced at a very good price.
How you can prepare your child for school
Going to Primary School – a leaflet developed by Early Childhood Ireland and National Parents Council Primary on starting school
Transitioning to Primary School: Occupational Therapy Tips and Strategies – fantastic advice, lots of practical ideas and every day skills
Let’s Get Ready – a new website from the Dept. of Children and Youth Affairs with video and tips on returning to schools and creches post-Covid-19 closures.
Your child in the Primary School – Tips for Parents – a slideshow developed by the Irish National Teachers Organisation, tips not just for Junior Infants
Useful Information
Please explore our website. You will find the school calendar under Useful Information, alongside school rules, homework etc.
Our Lady's NS 
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