9^th September 2011

Re: Once off payment for trips for school year 2011-12

Dear Parents,

From our knowledge and experience in Griffith Barracks we have found that a variety of educational experiences during the school year are hugely beneficial to the children. They enhance the children’s learning, support and explore the curriculum using a variety of learning approaches.

As you know, many of our trips are free, such as trips to the Local Park, library, museums, exhibitions etc. Some of them however necessitate a charge to parents for admission and/or coach hire, swimming instructors etc. We found it extremely useful last year that a number of parents chose to pay us €100 at the beginning of the school year. This meant we were not chasing people for money and we had a certain amount in our account to make down payments for various trips. Most of the classes went over the €100 by €5 or €6 and those that didn’t came very close. We feel that €100 was the correct amount to ask for. We are going to run the scheme again this year. If you wish to avail of this scheme and have a child in any class from 1^st to 6^th please drop a €100 into Orla in the office, in an envelope with your child’s name on it (by cheque where possible). We are not asking €100 from Junior or Senior Infants. Some of the present 1^st and Senior Infants have credit from last year and they have been given a separate note telling them the balance needed for this year.

Please note the following:

• This €100 costing has been reached by averaging the cost of last year’s trips.

• The €100 euro covers all trips, workshops and swimming for most classes with the possibly of a little excess which we will try to avoid this year.

• The office is keeping account books of how much each class has spent and the children’s attendance.

• All the educational experiences are pre-planned and will support the DES curriculum being taught on a daily basis in the classrooms.

• At the end of the year all excess money will carry forward for the following year.

• Parents may receive a short note telling them about outings. This will include any special clothing etc that is needed. Teachers in the older classes may get the children to put notes in journals. Please sign homework diaries every night and check for any outings or special notes.

• Teachers of younger classes will communicate to parents regarding outings, lunches, clothing etc with a short note. Please check bags every night.

• At the end of the year all the outings and the in school Educational Experiences will be reviewed and a costing done for the following school year

Many thanks

Sinead O’Kane

School Principal