Newsletter,
02 05 2025
Lá Bealtaine sona daoibh!
Good afternoon parents and guardians,
I hope you’ve had a lovely week!
Everyone seemed very happy to be back in routine on Monday, and as always, it’s been a busy week here at school.
Next week promises to be even more exciting as we celebrate Active Week! A big thank you to Padraig for all the effort in planning a fantastic schedule of activities. Students can look forward to pickleball, soccer with Bohs, badminton, cycling in the velodrome, an Aviva Stadium tour, yoga, dance, self-defence, tennis and more!
We’re also looking forward to welcoming the parents and guardians of incoming Junior Infants to a meeting on Tuesday evening. Thanks to PGSA who have offered to make coffee before the meeting. The incoming Junior Infants will have the chance to visit the school on Wednesday, while our current Junior Infants head off on their school tour—a big day for everyone!
Please note:
The school will be closed on Tuesday, May 20th, for Primary Maths Curriculum Day 2.
Visit to Dubray books to meet Peter Donnelly
This morning, I had the privilege of accompanying Emily’s Senior Infants to Dubray Books to meet author Peter Donnelly. The children were captivated as Peter spoke about his books and illustrations. He read them one of his stories and even taught them how to draw his favourite character—President Michael D. Higgins.
Peter was genuinely impressed with the children and their creative ideas. He even mentioned he might use some of their suggestions as inspiration for his future books—especially as his favourite character is due to leave office soon!
D7 ETNS V Monkstown ETNS
What a match!
The league semi-final showdown between D7 ETNS and Monkstown ETNS will live long in the memory of everyone who witnessed it. From the first whistle to the last, it was a true rollercoaster of emotions. The game got off to a slow start as both sides took a while to get into the match with the first half ending 0-0. The home supporters arrived in time for the second half and certainly made their presence felt throughout the game. Ultimately, the sides could not be separated and traded goals to leave it 2-2 at the end of regular time.
D7 ETNS conceded a goal in extra time but when all seemed lost the boys could not be kept down and delivered an incredible last-minute equaliser. If there was a roof on the place it would have lifted! The game proceeded to penalties and unfortunately, on the day, it didn’t go our way. Both teams played their hearts out and we wish Monkstown ETNS the best of luck in the league final.
The lottery of penalties is a painful way to go out, but the picture attached says it all. Our boys from D7 ETNS displayed incredible resilience, teamwork, and sportsmanship, representing their school with immense pride. We could not have asked more from them, and we are all incredibly proud of them. With this day out their legacy is secured and no doubt they have inspired the next generation (well, class) who will be stepping up next year.
We are all heading off into the bank holiday weekend absolutely buzzing after one of the most memorable school days D7 ETNS has ever had. Well done lads!
Thanks Enda.
Senior Girls’ Camogie Team Show Resilience in Challenging Match
On Wednesday, 30th April, the Senior Girls’ Camogie team from D7 Educate Together National School faced off against St. Benedict’s of Ongar in a tough match played on AstroTurf under intense heat.
Despite being short a few key players due to other commitments, the D7ETNS team showed great spirit and determination throughout the game. St. Benedict’s proved to be the stronger side on the day, putting our team under constant pressure from early on. However, the girls never gave up, battling hard in every position.
Particularly impressive was the D7ETNS back line and goalie, who stood strong against wave after wave of attack. Their teamwork, skill, and resilience kept the scoreline from getting even wider and showed just how much heart this team has, even in the face of adversity.
While the result may not have gone our way, the team can be proud of their effort and sportsmanship. With more matches ahead, there’s no doubt they’ll continue to grow and impress on the camogie field.
D7 ET 6:6 Holy Spirit Ballymun 1:1
An explosive start by the D7 lads on Tuesday set us up for a comfortable victory in the end. On a beautiful sunny day, the lads were quickly out of the blocks as they dominated proceedings around the middle third and launched a series of attacks towards the Ballymun goal. The pressure brought a number of early green flags but the lads kept up the momentum with some sweetly taken points to keep the scoreboard ticking over.
The second half saw a number of positional changes and our opponents seized the upperhand when they were rewarded for their efforts and goaled from a contentious penalty. D7 regained their composure and took back control of the game with a few scores of their own. It was a good physical challenge, and the lads weren’t found wanting. Next up we face Our Lady of Victories at home in TUD next Friday with a 12.30 start.
The team had great support on the day from both parents and classmates. It was great to see the commitment shown by all 20 players on the day with great skill and determination on display. D7 Abú
Lego Spike kits
Grainne and Marie’s second class have been enjoying exploring our fantastic Lego Spike kits bought last year with our STEM grant. We made carousels which we programmed to move and light up!
Reminder, if you have ordered any items, they are in the office for collection
Enda’s 6th class folded 1,000 origami cranes to honour the child victims of the Hiroshima bombing 80 years ago in 1945. To achieve their goal the class enlisted the help of their pals in the other 6th classes. According to Japanese tradition, folding 1,000 cranes symbolizes a wish for healing and peace. Once completed, the paper cranes were sent to Hiroshima and they have now arrived at the International School there. They will place them at the Children’s Peace Monument in the Hiroshima Peace Park on our behalf, contributing towards the 10 million cranes received each year from children around the world in a powerful gesture of remembrance.
Keeping Childhood Smartphone Free
This is a reminder about the Information Session for parents/guardians in relation to the Dublin 7 and Dublin 15 Keeping Childhood Smartphone Free community initiative, which will take place in our Sports hall on Friday, 16th May 2025 at 9:30am.
We hope that many of you will be able to attend this. The panel members will provide an information session and will then answer pre-submitted questions. Following the meeting, a timeline/roadmap will be shared regarding voluntary sign-up to participate in this initiative.
In preparation for the meeting, parents/guardians of all participating schools are being asked to complete this (very short) google form, where you will be able to register your intention to attend the meeting, and pre-submit questions to be answered by panel.
Thanks so much to Conor Pope who has offered to chair this meeting.
Phizzfest
Phizzfest committee have called into school to ask us to remind all families that there are a number of family-oriented / child friendly events such as a chess challenge, kayaking on the Royal Canal, a kids’ cookery class, an introduction to circus skills and a Bike Bop! Details of all of these events and more can be found in the programme. https://phizzfest.ie/
A feature of the festival is the Community and Family Day which will take place on the Sunday – 11th May – from 1.30pm to 6pm at Shandon Gardens Park by the Royal Canal. Here Phizzfest aim to encourage families to come along and enjoy a fun-filled day on the banks of the Canal and hopefully get a sense of being part of the wider community. In addition to a stage with musical acts there will be a magician and other activities to keep children amused.
If you have any questions on the above don’t hesitate to contact by emailing phizzfest@gmail.com
LÁ MÓR NA GAEILGE
LÁ MÓR NA GAEILGE – Invitation to you and your family | Cuireadh duit agus do do theaghlaigh
YOU AND YOUR FAMILY ARE MOST WELCOME TO ATTEND…..
* Lá Mór na Gaeilge, a Fun Family Day (for everyone from cúpla focal to líofa!) Sunday, 11th of May, 12:00 – 17:00, in Smithfield.
* Music, Magic, Treasure Hunt, Giggles, Secrets of Kells Movie, Fanzini Circus, Yoga, Bodhrán Buzz & much much more for children (Danny O’Reilly from the Coronas, other bands, talks, workshops and more for older people attending also) all for Free!
* Pop-Up Gaeltacht and Amhránaithe an Chlub – Sean Nós Singing Workshop in the Backroom of the Cobblesone @ 18:00
* Fréwaka screening, with talk from Dr. Kelly Fitzgerald from UCD about folklore in the Lighthouse Cinema @ 18:00
TÁ FÁILTE ROMHAT AGUS DO THEAGHLACH TEACHT CHUIG….
* Lá Mór na Gaeilge a bheidh ar siúl Dé Domhnaigh seo, 11 Bealtaine, 12:00 – 17:00, i Margadh na Feirme.
* Ceol, Spraoi, Tóraíocht Taisce, Giggles, Draíocht, Scannán Rún Cheannannais Mhór, Sorcas Fanzini, Bunús ar an mBodhrán & neart eile do pháistí (ceoil, ceardlanna, srl. do dhaoine fásta chomh maith!) ar fad Saor in Aisce!
* Pop Up Gaeltacht, Amhránaithe an Chlub – canadh ar an sean nós níos déanaí sa chúl Seomra sa Cobblestone @ 18:00
* Scannán Fréwaka, le caint ón Dr. Kelly Fitzgerald as UCD maidir le béaloideas sa Lighthouse @ 18:00
Links | Naisc:
* Eolas | Info: https://baclegaeilge.ie/la-mor-na-gaeilge/
* Ceardlanna | Workshops: https://linktr.ee/lamornagaeilge
* Cá bhfuil Margadh na Feirme? | Where is Smithfield?: https://maps.app.goo.gl/3saXRQAiKSLW3bmQ9
* Scannán / Film – Rún Cheannannais Mhór (spásanna teoranta | limited seats): https://www.lighthousecinema.ie/film/run-cheannannais-mhor
Bainigí taitneamh as an deireadh seachtaine fada!
Fionnuala