There is so much good news and information this week - I can't fit it all in! So, look out for another newsletter early next week with news from today!

A few weeks ago, we shared our 1-Minute Video made by the children to showcase the learning we have done on the Sustainable Development Goals. We submitted our video to 'Global Citizenship Schools Ireland' who then invited us to present our video to the President of Ireland at his home in Áras an Uachtaráin in the Phoenix Park.

It was a huge honour and a wonderful experience for Gabi, Bianca and Yousef who were chosen to represent our school and went on this very special visit yesterday afternoon with Ellen O'Keeffe. Thank you and well done to them. And thanks also to Greg Kerr who coordinated the video.

Thanks so much to all of the parents/carers who joined us for our consultation meetings this week. We really appreciate your time and input.

It was clear from our conversations that a significant majority parents/carers would prefer to continue to have some kind of uniform. We discussed the importance of comfort and safety, and what the children thought about that too. We talked about having a jumper or hoodie but perhaps that children could choose what to wear on the bottom and underneath. We talked about dress codes and appropriate clothes for school, if children are wearing their own clothes and we talked about safe choices for jewellery.

We also talked a little about our new Admissions Policy which we will share in our newsletter next week and about behaviour at school. You told us how much you appreciate the strong relationships your children have with their teachers, how you like how they are listened to and have someone to talk to if things go wrong.

Parents/carers also asked us some questions about bullying and about our teaching in relationships and sexuality education, and there were requests for more visits outside of school for children during the year. We appreciate all your feedback and will be back to you soon with more information about the uniform choices for September.

Well done to the children in James's 6th Class who worked with James and Mr Carney to review books nominated for a Children's Books Ireland award this year. The children were part of the 'Junior Jury' to decide the best new book of this year. The 6th Class children were also filmed giving their views about the books in some short videos. Have a look!

We are currently completing end of year testing with the children. It is important to remember that the tests that are used in Ireland are standardised and compare children's reading and maths skills against other children of the same age and class across Ireland. The tests often contain questions that are significantly above the class level and there are very strict rules for teachers about not preparing the children specifically for the test. It is expected that the children will find some of it very hard. The 'average' score is a STEN of 4, 5 or 6. This is where we would expect most children to score and shows they are performing at the right level for their class. You might find the information in the link below helpful.

However, please also remember that these tests are just one way we measure your child's learning and progress. The work they are doing each day with their teacher in class, our own assessments and the help you give them at home, also helps us to assess their learning and target the support to the right children in the right way at the right time.

We will share the results of the tests with you in your child's end of year report. It is important to think about whether it is appropriate to share the test results with your child. Sometimes, it can cause worry and upset for children - when they are just trying their best. Stay positive and encouraging and focus on the positive comments from their teacher in their report about how well they have done this year.

We will be finishing the testing next week. The best way to help at home is to make sure your child gets a good night sleep and arrives on time to school each day.

We are pleased to let you know that we will have a visit from the Minister for Education, Norma Foley, on Tuesday, 18th June at 1.00 p.m. to mark our change in patronage and our new name.

All parents/carers are invited to join us for the event.

Congratulations to the children who made their First Holy Communion last Sunday.

Bohemians Football Club have offered us free tickets for the women's Dublin Derby match against Shamrock Rovers on Saturday June 8th at 3pm in Dalymount Park. If you are interested in going along, please let us know in the school office and we will get the tickets for you.

Some excellent attendance across the school over the last two weeks - well done everyone!

Special well done to Ms Kane's 3rd Class with super attendance of 98.8% last week, and to Mr Gallagher's 6th Class with 99% this week. We are still in search of the elusive 100% so we look forward to seeing everyone in school every day next week to see if we can get there this month!

We hope to be able to confirm our plans for summer camps at school next week. We will be aiming to run a camp for the first two weeks of July.

For children who are creative and love writing - these workshops will be fabulous - and they are free! Click on the picture to find out more information and to book a place. Applications close on 5th June.

Friday, 31st May - 1st Class (Alannah Drumm) to Dublin Zoo

3rd and 4th June - Bank Holiday - school closed

Thursday, 6th June - Sports Day

Friday, 7th June - Elections - school closed for polling

Tuesday, 11th June - 2nd Class to National Botanic Gardens

Wednesday, 12th June - 5th Class to Phoenix Park; 3rd Greg to National Museum

14th June - End of Year Reports to be issued to parents/carers

Tuesday, 18th June at 1.00 p.m. - Visit from Minister for Education and ceremony

Friday, 21st June at 1.00 p.m. - Annual International Food Fair

25th and 26th June - End of Year Performances

Thursday, 27th June - 6th Class Graduation

Friday, 28th June - school closes at 12 noon for summer holidays

If you're looking for something to do this weekend, why not hop on the red Luas line to Goldenbridge and visit the Richmond Barracks Summer Fair? It's on Saturday and Sunday from 11.00 a.m. - 5.00 p.m. with free workshops for all the family.

Email: office@ppetns.ie
Website: www.ppetns.ie
Location: Paradise Place, Phibsborough, Dublin 7, Ireland
Phone: +353 1 8300 841
Twitter: @ppetns