Dear Parents and Guardians/A Thuismitheoirí agus a Chaomhnóirí,

Budget Plan and upcoming changes 

Since we moved into our new building in January 2017, we have enhanced our school building and surroundings significantly. We have: 

• Worked through many snags/building issues. 
• Kitted out 13 mainstream classrooms. 
• Established 2 special classrooms, complete with sensory room, motor room, Occupational Therapy equipment (trampoline, swing, climbing frame, etc.). 

• Invested in IT, including interactive screens in all classrooms, trolley of class iPad and laptops. 
• Invested in PE equipment, the gym, etc.  
• Created great school grounds, with many trees and a nature path/running track, improved the field which is now fenced and has a high net. 
• Our fantastic school library is well underway, well-furnished at cost price (with much thanks to parents).  

We have also installed our wonderful Art per cent, wholly funded by the Department of Education, with appreciation. 

It has been a busy and exciting time, and to get to the fun bit, a costly one! 

Why? 

1. While we have the bulk of the bigger expenses covered in terms of establishing our new school, we have yet to finalise the set up of three further classrooms over the coming three years.
2. Going forward, the fact is that the running costs of our fab new school are much higher than that of our old space, so we need to manage finances well. Although we get a little bit more capitation grant with increasing numbers of pupils,the increase does not match the hike in costs. 
3. New build aside, as with all schools, Department grants are insufficient to cover costs, therefore any additional income is greatly appreciated and always put to good use.

What next? 

The Board is extremely mindful of the financial impact of Covid on all yet wishes to be transparent about the school’s financial situation. It is imperative that we plan wisely to ensure sustainability. We have been working on a tighter budget over this school year (20-21), reducing costs significantly by targeting several areas. 

We are now asking you to support this plan by: 

From school year 2021/2022 onward, we intend to increase the book money request, usually collected at the start of the school year, by €15 per category. This covers basic expenses such as insurance, photocopying, book rental, Arts and crafts, etc. 

We have not made any changes to this cost in about 10 years, and currently we charge less than many schools.  

In relation to the voluntary contribution of €250+, within a single tax year, if you don’t already do so, you might consider paying this, in place of the book money. If a family contributes €250 we can claim tax back on it. About a third of you kindly already make this contribution. If you have three children in the school, this works out at excellent value. In addition to basic costs covered by book money, this also covers the cost of swimming lessons and one school tour.  

How to proceed? 

The e-payment facility on Aladdin Connect will be available from June 21st until December 31st. Payments can be made in full or in installments during this period. A total of €250 must be made within one financial year for the school to make the tax claim. On a donation of €250 from a taxpayer, the claim for tax back at the rate of 31% for charities, amounts to €112.32 

All contributions are totally confidential, and there is no pressure; we are asking you to help if you can. As always if there is at issue with making any payment for trips, etc, discretely let us know. 

Thank you for your understanding and continued support.  

Acknowledgments: 

Finance sub-committee: formed during 20/21 composed of Board and PTA members. Thank you to this committee for their work on supporting our financial sustainability and transparency of same. 

Treasurer: Aisling (also on above committee and BoM). Thank you for your huge contribution and on-going work on accounts management and budget planning. 

Secretary: Nicky, who with thanks to her expertise in finance and technology, and ever patient presence is crucial in supporting ongoing budget planning and has played a blinder in simplifying payment processes through Aladdin Connect. 

ET Ethical Education Matters Newsletter 

Please click here to read the ET Ethical Education Matters Newsletter 

Click here to see a selection of Work of the Week 

Whole School Assembly 

We will have a whole school assembly on Monday to mark the end of the month of May in which the value was Happiness. 

Complaints Policy 

This policy was ratified at the Board of Management meeting last night.  Please click here to read. 

Art Day 

We are looking for any old socks (including ones with holes) and toilet roll holders please for Art day. Please leave them in the boxes are at the main school entrance. 

Upcoming Events/Reminder 

• Sports Day will be held on 2nd (Junior end) and 3rd of June (senior end), with some flexibility depending on weather. 
• School is closed on Friday 4th June and Tuesday 8th June 2021. 
• Art Day is on 18th June 2021. 
• 6th Class Graduation on 22nd June. 
• Gay Pride Parade on 23rd June. 
• Last day of this Academic Year is Friday, 25th June 2021 at 12pm. 
• Start date back after Summer Break is Wednesday 1st September 2021. 

Frása na Seachtaine: “Beidh tú go bréa, ar aghaidh leat” – You’ll be fine, off you go” 

Le meas 

Róisín Conlon 

Príomhoide