Dear parents, guardians and carers,

I am writing to ask for your support in relation to mobile phones and social media.

At school, we would like to remind you that mobile phones must be out of sight as soon as students walk through the front gate. Phones will be confiscated if they are being used or are seen. For a first offence, students will need to collect their phones from the school office. For a second offence, a parent or guardian will need to collect the phone.

We also do not allow students to sport headphones as a fashion accessory. Students may be asked to use headphones for certain situations (e.g., in Music class). Some specific students known to us may need noise cancelling headphones or ear-mufflers due to sensory issues. Other than this, students should not have headphones with them at any time.

In talking with other school leaders in a wide variety of secondary schools, we have identified the use of social media and messaging services after hours and at the weekend as a significant disruptor to teaching and learning. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for schools to end up having to pick up the pieces, spending valuable time on investigating and then debriefing students and parents. I am writing to urge you to do whatever you can to ensure that your children are aware of the harm that can be done to others by careless actions or engagement online. 

Best wishes

Jonathan Browner, principal

A number of students have asked about the dates for work experience and volunteering during Transition Year.

To facilitate them in organising placements, we are happy to outline the dates below:

Week 1: The week beginning November 6th, 2023. Work Experience 1.

Week 2: The week beginning February 26th, 2024. Work Experience 2.

Week 3: The week beginning April 29th, 2024. Volunteering Experience.

We understand that certain placements (e.g., the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland) take place during specific weeks in the year. 

Further information about Transition Year and work experience will be shared as plans are finalised. 

Dear Parents, Guardians and Carers,

Over the next couple of weeks in SPHE classes we will be covering the topic of Relationships and Sex Education (RSE). We will be covering topics such as puberty and bodily changes, gender, sexuality, reproductive organs, and changing relationships while learning about this topic. Your child may have some questions following these classes.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact the relevant SPHE teacher. 

The SPHE teachers are: 

Third Year: Bridget

Second Year: Newton - Kate; Bernoulli - Eddie

First Year: Markeivicz - Bridget; Pearse - Kate; Collins - Eddie

Kind regards

Goatstown ETSS

The countdown is on!

There are only a few days to go until our 3rd Birthday party celebration this Sunday 21st from 15-17:00. 

• Please fill out our RSVP form here if you are attending on the day
• Raffle prizes gratefully received! Please drop any donations in to the school office tomorrow or at 15:00 on the day
• There will be a card machine on the day for buying raffle tickets and buying food, but also bring cash so we have backup options!
• Don't forget to wear your trainers to take part in our Boxing classes with Probox, and our mini-games on the astro!

We are looking forward to seeing you there.

PSA Committee

Dear parents, guardians and carers,

A reminder that the school will finish for all students at 13:00 tomorrow (Thursday) to facilitate our Incoming First Year transition afternoon.

Kind regards

Goatstown ETSS

Dear parents and guardians of our Incoming First Years, 

A reminder that our transition afternoon for incoming First Year students takes place on Thursday May 18th from 3pm to 4:30pm.

What your child can expect on the day:

Students should arrive from 2:45pm and meet in the school hall in our main building. They will be divided into six groups and will rotate through a range of activities including team building, science, technology, fun sports and much more. The groups are not an indication of which class your child will be in in September. Our Additional Needs Coordinator will be on hand to meet and chat to students who will receive additional support in school. Some of our Second Years will be on hand to help to welcome your child. We would ask that you collect your child promptly at 4:30pm.

For parents:

There will be a parent information evening in early September (Sept 6th). In the meantime, the school app and website remain the most up-to-date sources of information about events in our school.

We look forward to welcoming your child on May 18th.

Kind regards

Goatstown ETSS

A reminder that students should bring a packed lunch, water and rain gear/sun screen with them tomorrow for the hike.

Dear parents, guardians and carers,

The whole school will take part in a hike around Ticknock next Friday, May 12th.  School start and end times remain the same.  We will be leaving on a bus from the school at 09:45 and will return at 15:00. Students will need to bring a packed lunch with them. There will be no food village available on this day. 

Please ensure your child wears suitable footwear/raingear.

Kind regards

Goatstown ETSS

Dear Third Year parents,

A reminder that the Transition Year Information Meeting takes place next Thursday evening (May 11th) at 19:00 in the school (Bellfield Room, Prefabs).

Please submit your parent voice questions here in advance of the meeting so that we can make our evening as efficient and informative as possible.

If you do not intend to take up a place in TY next year we kindly ask that you inform the school as soon as is reasonably possible so we can fill places from our growing TY waiting list. 

Kind regards

Goatstown ETSS