Parent-Teacher Meetings

All parents can now log on to Aladdin Connect to book a Parent-Teacher Meeting.  These will take place from 28th to 30th November.  To facilitate the prompt starting of the meetings, the school will close 15 minutes early on Tuesday, 28th November and Thursday, 30th November at 14.15. Afterschool @ KETNS will commence from 14.15 those afternoons.

School Closure

A reminder that the school will be closed, as previously announced, on Friday, 1st December 2023.  Afterschool @ KETNS will host a one-day camp.

Family Table Quiz

Our free, family-friendly table quiz will take place on Friday, 17th November from 18.30-20.00.  This will be a fun event for tables of up to 5 participants with teams of children and adults competing together (families can combine to create teams and this can be organized on the night).  Do bring snacks to share.  To be sure we are prepared, please fill out this short Google Form letting us know how many from your family will attend. 

County Photos

The deadline for returning the County Photo orders is set for this Thursday, 16th November.  If paying by cash, please have exact change in the envelopes. 

Parking and the Neighbourhood Green

Continued thanks for your cooperation with the drop-off and collection times.  A kind request that parents not park opposite any houses at the end of the road and to keep the flow of traffic moving as much as possible.  Also, parents are kindly asked not to let their children climb on the trees in the adjacent green, particularly the tree that fell in the storm.

Irish Language Classes for Parents

The first Irish language classes for parents begin this week at drop-off time (8.50 to 9.30) on Wednesdays for parents who have a bit of experience with Irish previously and on Fridays for absolute beginners.  These classes will be taught by Matt starting the 15th November onwards. They will take place in the staff room.  Fáilte roimh chách! (Everyone is welcome!)

New Afterschool Club for 5th and 6th Class

A new afterschool club, Dungeons and Dragons, is being offered for 5th and 6th Class led by Micheál, a parent in the school, for the remainder of the term.  D&D is a tabletop role-playing game where participants craft stories, solve challenges and embark on imaginary adventures.  “Session Zero” will be held on Monday, 20th November from 14.30 to 15.30, serving as an introduction, character creation, and explanation of the rules.  Actual game sessions will commence on Monday, 27th November 2023 from 14.30 to 16.00.  No experience is needed, but an interest in tabletop gaming and a healthy imagination is a bonus!  The club is free of charge and open to a maximum of six participants.  For anyone that needs more information about D&D, look here for a more in-depth, but still brief, explanation: www.youtube.com/watch?v=BgvHNlgmKro.  Sign up with Claudia in person or via email.

Open Evening

A reminder that our Open Evening takes place Thursday, 23rd November from 18.30 to 19.30.  Please consider joining us on the night to share your perspective as a parent through informal conversations with the prospective parents who will be visiting the school.  A reminder that while siblings are given priority admission, parents must complete an online application for admission at www.ketns.ie/admissions. 

Intra-school Soccer League

We completed another soccer league for the senior side of the school.  Congratulations to the winning team proudly showing their Sir Ducks-a-Lot trophy.  Next up will be a basketball league during yard time.

As It Flows Book Launch

Created through a collaboration between two classes from our school and researchers at the University of Galway, the book As It Flows was recently launched at the University.  It is a fantastic and beautiful book that explores and investigates water conversation from many angles and considers the importance of water in our lives through writing and imagery.  Sincere thanks to Lucy Elvis, Michela Dianetti and their many colleagues at the University as well as the Irish Research Council for supporting this project.

KETNS Kindness Collection

The KETNS Kindness Collection is off to a great start.  Many thanks for all your generosity!  

Week 2 Nov 13-17Tins Week – tins of peas, corn, rice, fruit, beans, etc.
Week 3 Nov 20-24Boxes Week –Cornflakes, Weetabix, crackers, etc.  
Week 4 Nov 27-30Treats and Toiletries Week – any treats such as biscuits, sweets or chocolate and any toiletries including soap, feminine hygiene products, nappies, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, etc.

Galway Bay Rugby Club will run Tag Rugby for Girls aged 8-12 in Cappagh Park All Weather Pitch from Wednesday 15th November. Registration is free – use this link: https://tinyurl.com/GBRCTAG.  For further information please Text/WhatsApp Aurelien at 087 9353204.  Please wear Astro runners or boots with plastic studs.