Newsletter – 28th February 2019

[vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1475781794776{padding-top: 20px !important;}”][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Momo Challenge

Parents should be aware of a disturbing and dangerous cyberbullying social media challenge known as the Momo Challenge. The challenge involves a frightening avatar making contact with a child from an unknown name or number via Facebook, YouTube or WhatsApp. The child is asked to perform various actions and tasks and to provide proof that they have carried out the task. Some of these tasks have led to serious injury and even suicide. One of the first clues for parents to be concerned is the image of a woman with bulging eyes and scary features. Children are given a series of tasks to finally meet the Momo. The Momo threatens those who do not perform the tasks. Further information about this can be found in this RTE news report.

The Gardaí and Police Service of Northern Ireland have urged parents to monitor their children’s usage of social media in order to combat this very evil and disturbing use of social media. CyberSafe Ireland have commented: “Parents should make informed decisions about their children’s online use, keep a close eye on things and have regular conversations about what their children are seeing and doing online.”

It might be beneficial to close WhatsApp and Facebook for the moment until this matter goes away and not to allow the children to access YouTube. Needless to say, primary school children should not have a Facebook account anyway. Some useful resources when speaking to your child about internet safety can be found on webwise.ie.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1475780129264{padding-top: 20px !important;}”][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]

Community Credit Union

Pupil savings accounts are available in the school every Wednesday from the Community Credit Union. Pupils can open a savings account and lodge money each week at school. Saving money is a fantastic habit and a wonderful life skill to learn from an early age.

Pupils can lodge money in school but cannot withdraw in school. Withdrawals can only be made in branch. Community Credit Union branches are located in the Blanchardstown Centre, Navan Road, Laurel Lodge and in West Cabra.

To join, pupils need an application form which is available from the Community Credit Union representatives on Wednesdays.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”47717″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]

Fingal Mobile Library

It’s always great to see the Fingal Mobile Library outside our school. Our pupils love to swap their books and discover new authors. Don’t forget about Blanchardstown Library which offers a wide range of services for adults and children. The importance of children seeing their parents reading has been well researched. A good article on this subject can be found here.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1475781794776{padding-top: 20px !important;}”][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Swimming

Swimming is back and so far has been a great success! We have had great reports from the instructors at the National Aquatic Centre about our pupils and their excellent behaviour and attitude. We are very proud of them!

A reminder that pupils from 1st and 2nd class will be starting their swimming lessons tomorrow (Friday, March 1st). They will need:

  • Swimming hats
  • Girls – Swimming costume.
  • Boys – Swimming shorts.
  • Own towel.
  • A small bag to carry these items

As the buses will be following a very tight schedule, there won’t be much time for drying hair after swimming. Please ensure children can tie up long hair appropriately and use a swimming hat that keeps water out, if necessary.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]