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Our school uses Aladdin Connect as the main communication between the school and families. On your child's first day of school you will receive an email with a link asking you to register for Aladdin Connect.

Aladdin Connect enables you to:

Message your child's class teacher directly during the time 7.45am - 4pm

Update reasons for your child's absence

View your child's school report at the end of the year

Change your personal details on the school system

View Class contact information with other parents/guardians in your child's class who also wish to share contact details

Give permissions for school trips etc.

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Text and copy book costs were covered by the Department of Education’s Primary School

Books Grant for the school year 2026/27.

We are still waiting for confirmation regarding the grant for the 2026/27 school year.

The school will provide all materials required for Junior Infants and you will be sent an epayment request to cover these costs. You will receive an itemised list with the breakdown of this payment.

From Senior Infant upwards, the school will still cover the cost of some items/materials and the pupil's family will purchase a number of items to be used in school.

These lists will be finalised and issued to families once the school has received confirmation regarding the Book Grant for next year.

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* School tours (usually from April/May)

* Swimming (2nd and 4th Class)

* Coach hire for school events (throughout the year)

If you are facing difficulty with any school payment, please contact the school office in total confidence and we will work with you to help in the situation.

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If a child needs to leave school early, using Aladdin Connect, a note should be sent to the child’s teacher in advance. The child must be collected from school at the agreed time by the child's guardian or pre-nominated adult.

If a child is absent from school, parents/guardians should enter the reason and a brief explanation on Aladdin Connect.

There is no need to email or call the school when a child is absent.

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Equality-based

All children have equal access to the school and no one religion or worldview is given priority over another within the school.

Co-educational

All children are encouraged to explore their full range of abilities and are provided with equal opportunities regardless of their gender or identity.

Child-centred

Our child-centred approach means that we put children at the heart of all policies and practices and involve them in decision-making where appropriate.

Democratically-run

We run schools on a democratic basis, encouraging active participation by parents and students in the daily life of the school whilst positively affirming the professional role of the teachers.

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https://firhouseetns.ie/calendar/

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Firhouse Educate Together National School

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School begins on Wednesday 1st September 2021

School will be closed on the following dates (inclusive):-

October / November Monday 25th October - Friday 29th October
December / January Thursday 23rd December - Wednesday 5th January (Winter Holidays)
​ (School will close on Wednesday 22nd December and reopen on Thursday 6th January)
February Monday 21st - Friday 25th February
March Thursday 17th, Friday 18th and Monday 21st March
April Monday 11th April - Friday 22nd April (Spring Holidays)
May Monday 2nd May
June Monday 6th

Please note all dates are inclusive.*
School will close on Thursday 30th June 2022 for Summer Holidays.

Holiday List 2022-23

School begins on Wednesday 31st August 2022

School will be closed on the following dates (inclusive):-

October / November Monday 31st October - Friday 4th November
December / January Thursday 22nd December - Wednesday 4th January
February Wednesday 1st February
Monday 13th - Friday 17th February

March Friday 17th March
April Monday 3rd April - Friday 14th April
May Monday 1st May - Tuesday 2nd May
June Monday 5th June - Tuesday 6th June

Please note all dates are inclusive.*
School will close on Friday 30th June 2022 for Summer Holidays.

The school will be closing for half days at the start of the three main holidays in Winter, Spring and Summer.

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School begins on Wednesday 1st September 2021 School will be closed on the following dates (inclusive):- October / November Monday 25th October - Friday 29th October December / January Thursday 23rd December - Wednesday 5th January (Winter Holidays)​ (School will close on Wednesday 22nd December and reopen on Thursday 6th

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Junior Infant Schedule for Starting School 2026

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Junior Infant Schedule for Starting School 2026

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The Junior Infant schedule is as follows:

Wednesday 26th August

9.15am to 11.00am

Thursday 27th and 28th August

8.25am to 11.00am

Monday31st August - Friday 4th September

8.25am to 12.15pm

Monday 7th September onwards

8.25am to 1.05pm

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School Bag

Please make sure that your child is able to carry and close their bag - keep in mind that wheely bags often obstruct the path of others and are difficult for younger pupils to navigate around the school.

Children are asked to leave their own toys at home and won't be allowed in the classroom. There are plenty of toys in school that the children can play with and share. We appreciate your co-operation with this.

Snack box and water bottle

Have your child practice opening and closing their lunch box and water bottle so that they are independent using it

Please make sure that water bottles are leak proof

Provide food that your child is comfortable and able to eat. Eg. many children have difficulty opening frubes etc

We have a Healthy Eating Policy in place in the school.

There is a strict NO NUT policy in the school. This includes all nuts such as coconut, nutella, peanut butter etc.

Art Shirt

Please supply a large t-shirt/apron labelled with your child's name at the start of the year. It will be kept in school and used during art time.

Clothing

There is no school uniform in Firhouse ETNS. Make sure that all clothing is labelled with your child's name and class and is suitable for play and comfort.

Please provide a full change of clothes for your child in a plastic bag. This can be kept in their school bag. Accidents happen with spills etc and children often need a change of clothes in the first few years of school.

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Meetings/ phone calls occur between teachers and parent/s at the request of either party at a time convenient to both parties.

Short conversations between parents/guardians and teachers may occur at the end of the school day as appropriate.

If there is an issue that requires discussion, parents are advised to make an appointment to see the class teacher. This can be arranged by sending a note to your child's class teacher by Aladdin Connect.

Further information on communication can be found in the school's Communication Policy.

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8:25am School opens

8:25-8.55 Assembly & Play of Choice in Class

8.55-9.50 Teaching and learning

9.50-10.10 Outdoor play - yard

10.10-10.25 Morning snack fruit break

10.20-11.50 Teaching and learning

11.50-12.10 Outdoor play - yard

12.10-12:30 Hot lunches

12:30-13.05 Teaching and learning

13.05 Junior Infants go home

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Firhouse Educate Together National School operates under the Rules for National Schools which are drawn up by the Minister for Education (www.education.ie). The Department of Education and Skills (DES) provides a percentage of funding and pays teachers' salaries. The DES Inspectors monitor the implementation of the curriculum in the school.

National schools are managed by a Board of Management which is set up according to Departmental guidelines with elected parent and teacher representatives, nominees of the Patron and members from the wider community.

In the case of Firhouse Educate Together National School our first Board of Management was established in December 2013. The Board is responsible for the appointment of teachers and of other staff and for the day-to-day management of the school including heating, cleaning and maintenance of the building. The Board is also responsible for ensuring that all school policies are up to date and the finances necessary for running the school are available.

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Much of children's early learning and development takes place through play and hands-on experiences. Through these, children explore social, physical and imaginary worlds. These experiences help them manage their feelings, develop as thinkers and language users, develop socially, be creative and imaginative and lay the foundations for becoming effective communicators and learners.

In our Junior Infants class much of the children's learning will be through structured, child directed play and with dedicated Aistear sessions each week. There is a theme each month e.g. Hairdressers, Vets, Pirates, Supermarket, Doctors etc. During these sessions children will play, dress up, role play using a variety of resources such as water, play-doh, sand, blocks, junk art etc.

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If English is not your child's first language please note that we encourage children to speak English or Irish at school except when sharing their native language with the class. Total immersion in a language is the easiest way for children to become fluent and this will enable them to learn better in our school. However we encourage parents to use their native language at home as this is also really important for the child's development and acquisition of languages.

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Parents/Guardians have a range of talents, abilities and skills that have the potential to enrich and extend the educational opportunities provided for the children.

In line with the principles of equality based education, we actively seek and welcome parents to participate in and make a valuable contribution to our new Educate Together school in Firhouse at every level, including:

Going forward for election to the Board of Management

Becoming a member of other committees e.g., our P.G.T.A. (Parent Guardian Teacher Association)

Fundraising

Participating in working groups to review policies

Giving time to share a hobby, skill or interest during school hours in association with Class Teachers and the Principal

Helping the Principal and Teachers with extracurricular activities, school

outings, art, library etc. whenever possible.

Gardening, Painting and Decorating etc.

Suggesting and getting involved in interesting projects for the children e.g. our Forest School Initiative

If you wish to become involved in any of the above please contact info@firhouseetns.ie or your child's class teacher.

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Like most other primary schools, Firhouse ETNS is under the administration of the Health Service Executive. Childhood vaccinations and screening tests for sight, hearing and dental problems may be offered to your child whilst attending the school. You will be asked to sign a consent form before any health test or intervention. If necessary your child can be referred to the Health Centre for treatment.

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No matter how careful you are about your child's hair, there is still a chance that it can become infested with head-lice if he/she comes in contact with other children. It is part of school life! Please check your child's hair regularly. It is very important that you inform your child’s teacher immediately if you find head-lice, as they are highly contagious. We will then notify all parents/guardians to check their children's hair.

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If your child has a particular health problem such as allergies, asthma, diabetes etc., you should advise the school.

If your child needs medication on a regular basis you may need to make special arrangements. As a general rule teachers should not be involved in the administration of medication to pupils. However, where a teacher must become involved the following procedure should be adhered to:

1. The teacher must obtain authorisation from the Board of Management to administer the medication.

2. The Parent(s) should write to the school management requesting permission for the teacher to administer the medication enclosing details of the procedure and indemnifying the teacher for same. This request must be in writing for school records.

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There are many ways in which you can help your child to settle into and enjoy school life and, in particular, their year in Junior Infants:

Write their name on their coats, bags, books, lunch boxes, flasks, and particularly their clothing etc.

Teach your child how to take off and put on his / her coat, and how to open and close zips, buttons, buckles and tie laces.

Show your child how to use and flush the toilet properly, and how to wash their hands properly.

Encourage your child to share their toys and to tidy up after playing.

Choose a lunch box and flask that are easily opened.

Give some thought to lunches. Peeled oranges for example, are easier for your child to manage. Set yoghurt may help to avoid spills.

Talk with your child about how they are getting on in school.

Read stories with your child daily.

Practise words and reading with your child when he / she starts to bring them home.

Encourage good behaviour and respect for others.

Come to the meetings or workshops arranged by the school for parents.

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It's also a good idea to ensure your child is as independent as possible – physically, emotionally and socially. For example, if they can remain contentedly for a few hours in the home of a relation, friend or neighbour, then separation from parents when they start school will not cause any great anxiety. Meeting for play dates with future classmates is also helpful. Such experiences will help your child to feel more secure and self-confident and they will be able to settle into school more easily

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Don’t make a big deal about starting school as this can make children anxious. It helps if you prepare your child coming up to the first day. Ideas are: let your child choose their clothes for the first day/choose their schoolbag/pencil case/lunch etc.

• When you arrive at the school be as casual and calm as you can. Your child will be met at the door by staff and brought to the classroom.

• Assure him/her that you will be back to collect them, wish them goodbye and make your getaway without delay.

• We will be having a coffee morning in the school so that you can meet other new parents and remain on the premises a little longer while your child settles in.

• In spite of the best efforts of both teacher and parents a small number of children will still become upset. If your child happens to be one of them please remain calm. Patience and perseverance always work wonders.

• Trust the teachers. They are experienced at helping the children settle into their new surroundings.

•We understand that parents/guardians may be feeling anxious inside but it is vital that you appear to be positive and calm.

•Tell your child that the teacher will look after him / her until home time. When you have reassured him/her leave promptly. The teacher will comfort your child and help them settle into the morning.

•You can always check back in with the office in a short while. You will invariably find that calm has been restored.

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•Be sure to collect your child on time. Children can become very upset if they feel they are forgotten.

•The teacher will call each child in turn to return to their parent/guardian. Your patience at this time will be very much appreciated.

•If at any time the collecting routine has to be changed please ensure you tell your child and the teacher.

•Please check your child's bag each evening for letters/notes from the school.

•If you have any concerns please talk to your child's teacher.

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Department of Education - New Primary Curriculum  

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Department of Education - New Primary Curriculum  

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The Vision:

The curriculum aims to provide a strong foundation for every child to thrive and flourish, supporting them in realising their full potential as individuals and as members of communities and society during childhood, as they progress through primary and special education and into post-primary education. Building on their previous experiences, the curriculum views children as unique, competent, and caring individuals, and it views teachers as committed, skilful, and agentic professionals.

New Curriculum Areas:

The curriculum is presented in five broad curriculum areas:

1. Language

2. Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Education

3. Wellbeing

4. Arts Education

5. Social and Environmental Education.

In addition to the five areas, school patrons have a legal right to design their own programme in accordance with the ethos of their school. This programme forms part of children’s learning experience in primary and special schools.

In E.T. Schools the Learn Together Curriculum is taught instead of RE

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Preparing young children for primary school

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Preparing young children for primary school

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We provide a programme of information about major religions and thought systems, called Learn Together. Further information on the Learn Together curriculum is available on the Educate Together website; (www.educatetogether.ie).

We look at the similarities and the differences between religions. We also provide religious education programmes based on morality, human rights and responsibilities, ethics and good citizenship.

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Guidance on transition from pre-school to primary school

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Guidance on transition from pre-school to primary school

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We hang our coats here in the morning and after yard.

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This is where we wash up after playtime and get water to keep ourselves hydrated and ready to learn.

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All the important words that we learn are put on display so that we can see them and practice our sounds.

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All our infant classes have touchscreen interactive panels. We love using them ourselves!

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One of our favourite activities is choosing a book from the class library.

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Each class has a padlet where the teacher will share pictures and information on what the class have learnt in school.

These padlets are password protected and you will receive your password at the start of the school year.

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Helpful information for parents and guardians about school.

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Screens and technology are woven throughout our daily lives. However, the effects on a developing brain are only emerging and the findings are not positive. Please be mindful of the amount of time your child spends in front of a screen.

Remember; there is no app to replace your lap!

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Our school provides the option for a hot school meal. After a thorough selection process, we have signed up with "The Lunch Bag" to provide the meals.

Parents and guardians sign up to the app and can select the meals for the week ahead.

This has been a huge success in our school and we have had reports of children eating meals they would normally not have eaten at home!

As your child is only settling into school on a shorter day for the first few days, there will be no hot food option available these days. This will give you time to register on the app, discuss the meal options with your child, and then select for the first full week your child is in school.

Please visit https://www.thelunchbag.ie/ for more information.

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The children will have snack time in the morning, before haaving their hot meal in the afternoon.

Please provide your child with aa healthy snack they enjoy. Ensure they can open anything you have provided. For example; - oranges should be pre-pealed,

- yougurts/yogurt drinks should be able to be opened independently

- practice opening packets