Newsletter

It is hard to believe we are nearing half term at South Lee ETNS. It’s been a lively few weeks filled with learning, creativity, and community spirit, from settling into new routines to embracing new initiatives and projects across the school.

The children have shown such enthusiasm and growth, and it’s been wonderful to see their confidence and friendships flourish. A huge thank you to our dedicated staff for their ongoing commitment and care, and to you, our parents and guardians, for your continued support and partnership.

There’s so much to celebrate already this year!

It has been a busy week for our newly elected student council.

We were delighted to welcome Cork City Councillor Niamh O’Connor to a special South Lee ETNS school assembly this week! Our Student Council did us proud, they interviewed Niamh in front of the whole school and asked thoughtful and insightful questions about democracy, the election process, and how young people can make a difference in their communities.

A huge thank you to Niamh for taking the time to visit our school and listen to the voices of our students. Visits like this really help bring active citizenship to life for the children, inspiring them to see that their ideas and actions matter.

The student feedback was an integral part of this. Every class brainstormed, discussed and even debated what they would like from the new school building. The Council members then shared every single idea with the design team. Children were asked to engage with internal and external mood boards and had to place stickers on the images that appealed to them the most under various headings. They were asked for their thoughts and ideas under various question headings. We were so proud of their engagement and the architects were so impressed with their thoughtful and considered responses.

Bí Cineálta means Be Kind.

Fifth Class led an informative assembly on what Bí Cineálta means to us at South Lee ETNS. We all have a part to play in creating a safe, inclusive, and friendly school environment. We know what bullying behaviour looks like, what it is not, and what to do when we see it.

Thank you to our Fifth Class students for being such inspiring leaders and for launching our child-friendly version of Bí Cineálta – Procedures to Prevent and Address Bullying Behaviour for Primary Schools.

Click on the link above to read our Bí Cineálta policy. So much of what we do at South Lee ETNS is preventative- focusing on the positive relationships we build each day, while also ensuring that every child knows what to do if they experience or witness bullying behaviour in school.

Finally, thank you to every single child who created a beautiful, unique feather for our “Wings of Kindness” display. The message behind it reminds us that a single feather, though beautiful on its own, cannot soar. Together, we have wings — and South Lee helps us learn how to fly. Let’s keep lifting each other. Just Bí Cineálta.

Encouraging Safe, Respectful, and Responsible Behaviour

One of the best ways to prevent bullying behaviour is by creating a safe and supportive school environment where everyone knows what’s expected of them. September can be a tricky month as we all settle back into new routines and adjust to the demands of a new school year.

During the week, I visited each class to remind the children that it’s okay to make mistakes - that’s how we learn and grow. What matters most is that we keep trying and remember our three simple school rules: we are Safe, we are Respectful, and we are Responsible. Teachers and grown ups are always here to guide and remind children of what those rules look like in action, especially during yard time and transitions.

To help encourage these positive behaviours, we’re introducing Yard Monkeys! Classes will earn a “yard monkey” when they demonstrate safe, respectful, and responsible behaviour during yard time and transitions. When a class earns ten yard monkeys, they’ll receive ten extra minutes of playtime - a positive incentive for teamwork and positive choices!

We’d really appreciate your support at home in reinforcing our school rules, especially the importance of showing respect for teachers and staff, who are there to help, guide, and keep everyone safe.

Together, we can ensure that South Lee continues to be a kind, respectful, and fun place to learn.

The children were learning about the people that work at our school and how they all contribute to making sure it runs smoothly. They then wanted to share their gratititude and appreciation for the work that everyone does by sending many beautiful written messages across the school! This was a major glow moment this week for many!

We were so lucky to welcome Scouting Ireland to our school this week! The children had an amazing time learning practical skills like building a catapult, lighting a fire safely, and working together as a team. They also played fun games that gave them a real taste of what it’s like to be part of the Scouts.

If your child is interested in joining, you can find out more or sign up using the link below.

Our wonderful SLETNS Parent's and Guardian's Association (PGA) have been very busy in the background. They held their annual AGM on October 7th where new committee members were elected. Below are the representatives for your child's class:

• Junior Infants: Sarah B, Jennie, Sarah E and Karen
• Senior Infants: Sadhbh (secretary) and Emma
• 1st Class: Jenny
• 2nd Class: Geraldine (co-chairperson with Caroline)
• 3rd Class: Isobel
• 4th Class: Gillian, Martha and Caroline (co-chairperson with Gereldine)
• 5th Class: Stephane (treasurer)
• Aoife and Marian's Classes: Mary

We want to extend a huge thank you to the PGA for setting up this incredible fundraising event. A huge thank you to everyone who supported our Tesco Wilton fundraiser - together with the generosity of local shoppers, an incredible €818 was raised for our school! We are genuinely blown away by this kindness and deeply grateful to everyone who contributed.

Running a school is a constant balancing act, and while we are always thankful for the grants we receive, they simply don’t stretch far enough to cover the true costs of providing the kind of rich, creative, and inclusive education we strive for. Everyday essentials like cleaning, maintenance, materials, and classroom resources quickly add up, leaving little room for the extra touches that make learning truly inspiring.

That’s why community support like this means so much. Every euro raised helps us bridge that gap, whether it’s for new learning materials or projects that make our school a brighter, more engaging place for our children.

Thank you again for standing with us and showing what a difference we can make when we work together as a school community.

For 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th Classes.

Your children have been participating and benefiting from their weekly yoga class with Karen. We are so grateful to Karen for her thoughtful and practical approach to wellbeing. Karen uses story and movement to help children recognise feelings and the different ways we can experience feelings in our bodies. Building empathy and understanding for themselves and those around around them.

Please go to Aladdin to complete your payment if you have not already done so.

At present there is not enough interest for the Breakfast Club to go ahead. We are putting one last call out to those who may require an earlier drop off, please fill out the below form by the 24th October to express interest in the South Lee Breakfast Club.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScBKL8VkCRN2zDe3kSs_s5Jutzi5mla9MgR5MjDIi0E98IpVA/viewform?usp=header