Newsaround - Spring 2012
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Thank you Gaelscoil Uí Drisceoil from parents & pupils
A grateful parent has paid tribute to the hard work and dedication of a principal and her staff which she credits with transforming the life of her son and his fellow pupils.
The efforts of staff at Gaelscoil Uí Drisceoil are nothing short of inspiring and are appreciated enormously, said the parent in a letter to Primary Times.
Just 17 pupils were on the register when the school opened in 2006 at the Old Christians Rugby club in Rathcooney, Cork,
but prefabs were brought in to cope when numbers swelled to 220.
So principal Siobhán Ní Chatháin struck a deal with Seamus Geaney, the owner of the former Ibis hotel in Dunkettle, Co Cork,
and the Department of Education agreed to pay the lease for 10 years.
Mr Geaney spent around 1 million euro refurbishing the premises before Miss Ní Chatháin and her staff spent last summer working flat
oout to make sure the state-of-the-art school was ready for the new year.
The new school is on a 4.5 acre site and has 16 separate classrooms, four resource rooms, two music rooms, a drama room, a computer
room, a large open-plan library, a purpose-built cookery room and an open-plan assembly/PE hall with changing room. It also boasts a GAA pitch, two tennis courts and a basketball court, plus raised beds to encourage the children’s green-fingered aspirations.
Parent Anita Long wrote: “The kids were housed in the Old Christians Rugby Club which was really unsuitable so through the efforts of the
principal, vice principal, teachers and families, the old Ibis hotel has been transformed into the new and wonderful Gaelscoil Uí Drisceoil.
“Siobhán, deputy principal Fionnuala Ní Drisceoil and the fantastic teachers spent many, many long hours over the summer getting the new school ready.
“I’m sure every parent would like to thank them for giving the kids such surroundings so this a huge thank you from the 220 pupils and their parents.”
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Is your fire safety equipment and training up to date?
AA Fire Safety are the only private company in Ireland offering fire protection training using MISTY Electronic Blindmask equipment which simulates conditions in a smoke filled room; and a new alternative to live fire training – The AA Fire Safety Fire Simulator laser training system. AA Fire Safety are the first company in Ireland to launching this exciting innovation to help schools, crèches and sports clubs keep their fire safety training up to date in a new and affordable way. Green and clean, this environmentally friendly system allows training to take place entirely indoors, and in the actual work environment.
Mark Costelloe and Joe Curtin from AA Fire Safety have over 30 years combined experience in the fire and safety industry, and are certified by the Fire Industry Association of Ireland (FIAI). They help people to understand the dangers of fire and how the right equipment can help prevent serious injury, even death. Based in Cork and Waterford, their company is a leading nationwide provider of fire protection equipment and fire training courses, and specialise in programmes and service supplies to local schools and businesses. They offer 0% vat on fire training, with servicing and refilling of extinguishers at only 13.5% vat, with six months inspections free of charge. First Aid equipment, smoke alarms and all types of fire extinguishers can be supplied and fitted.
AA Fire Safety is offering a unique payment plan especially for schools through Primary Times. Designed to fit in with annual budgets, payment plans mean you can keep fire safety in your school up to date and pay for these essential services in instalments. For more information, please call Mark on 086 2654375 or Joe on 087 7742402 and visit www.aafiresafety.ie
Parents wondering about the safety of their own homes can also call AA Fire Safety for special Domestic Kit offers from only €65 for a full Fire Safety Kit or for a Fire Escape Ladder.
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SEE OUR COMPETITION PAGE FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN A FULL FIRE TRAINING SESSION FOR YOUR SCHOOL AND FIRE SAFETY DOMESTIC KITS FOR FAMILIES
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Cakes for Communions and Confirmations by Christine
Cakes by Christine specialises in cakes for that special day, whether Communions, Confirmations, Christenings, Birthdays, Weddings or other special occasions. All cakes are made from fresh, quality ingredients with no manufactured cakes mixes used. With 20 years experience in making and decorating cakes for special occasions, Christine Reid is a member of the Cork Sugar Craft Association and has a Masters degree in Sugar Crafting from Brennan’s Cookshop Cork. She is an expert in 3D modelling – just see some of the unique designs on her website www.cakesbychristine.ie – with everything from castles to cars, people to planes, there’s something to suit every taste!
Cakes can be tailored to whatever you are looking for and colour themed for boy or girl. Confirmations often have the same religious symbols as for Communion, or can include dove and church window on their own, or behind a cut out of a kneeling child. The cake can be specifically tailored for your child and include their name and a particular theme. Popular choices with children include Madeira sponge, chocolate biscuit and fudge with a wide variety to suit all tastes. Dairy free and nut free options are also available, ask for more information about specific dietary requirements. Call early to discuss your ideas and requirements at this busy time of year on 085 2409405 or please email: christine@cakesbychristine.ie
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GO FOR GOLD!
Michael O Suilleabhain from Chobh Chionn Tsaile National School in Cork will now be part of Olympic Games history!
His ‘Dishes of Best Wishes’ design was chosen following a nationwide competition by Fairy and his school wins €5000 towards improving their sports facilities, helping to nurture the next generation of Olympic athletes!
Fairy invited national schools around Ireland to get creative and send their ‘Dishes of Best Wishes’ to the Olympic and Paralympic athletes and teams competing in the 2012 games. Congratulations Michael!
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‘Maths-athon’ €2000 schools prize fund
Entries are now being taken for the 4to12maths.com maths-athon. With a prize fund of €2,000 and open to all primary schools in Ireland, it has generated a lot of interest and is seen as a very positive initiative in attempting to raise the standard of maths in primary schools in a fun and effective way. For more details go to www.4to12maths.com
4to12maths.com is an easy-to-use and engaging Irish website that allows children to practice maths skills, earn stars towards awards and allows parents and teachers to see how their children or pupils are performing. Free home trial available and free for schools during academic year 2011/2012. For more details go to www.4to12maths.com
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Parties & Fundraisers open for business at The Grain Store @ Ballymaloe
The Grain Store at Ballymaloe is great for many occasions, and often holds children's birthday parties. Children can run around in a safe environment - the room is so spacious you can even put a bouncy castle in it and bounce away, no matter what the weather. Some people like to hire a clown for entertainment.... either way the room is yours to do what you would like and decorate as you wish prior to the party. If you want to take the hassle out altogether why not let Ballymaloe kitchen staff organise some nibbles for the party with free range chicken or local sausages with homemade hand cut chips, jelly & homemade ice cream, meringues for dessert and homemade elderflower or lemonade to wash it all down.
If you're looking to host a larger school event or fundraiser, there are many ways The Grain Store team can help - from catwalks for fashion shows, stages for dance acts or theatre, 20ft screen for educational films and all requirements needed for a gala dinner for that special fundraising event. They recently had Billy Jean’s East Cork Stage School & Joan Denise Moriarty School of Performance put on a wonderful show with proceeds going to a local charity. Get in touch to enquire about your event or to make an enquiry about school or group fundraisers, birthday parties or special family events by calling The Grain Store at Ballymaloe on 021 4651511.
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Make your child’s computer fun magical, and safe!
In a nationwide initiative, UPC Ireland has launched Magic Desktop, an innovative piece of free software which will help parents as they encourage children to play and learn in a safe computing environment. Designed especially for children from two to ten years of age, UPC Magic Desktop allows them to have fun safely through a delightful desktop interface of their own while sealing off the wider computer and managing online access with parental controls.
UPC Magic Desktop early learning programmes and clever games are designed to help children get the most from their computer usage. Fun features include children’s mail, reading, writing, numbers, maths, painting and music. Features for parents include computer access controls, system and data protection and content supervision. They can approve and manage what their children can access and who they can contact.
UPC has a strong commitment to digital inclusion for all, early skills development and online safety. Unlike most parental control software, which requires you to block websites that could be inappropriate, the Magic Desktop requires parents to pre-approve the websites that children can access. This gives them total control over their children’s computer usage and provides a very enjoyable and entertaining experience for young children. The windows based software is free to download for every household, family or school in Ireland at www.upc.ie/magicdesktop
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Waterford school scoops award at World Irish Aid Awards
Congratulations to Christ Church National School, Waterford, finalists in the World Irish Aid Awards with their project ‘In an Age of Plenty, Why are so Many Hungry?’ Over 9,000 primary school children took part in the seventh annual awards, from over 450 primary schools across Ireland, submitting a host of creative projects with the theme ‘Caring for the Planet, Feeding Our World’. The Waterford pupils showcased their winning project at a special awards ceremony in Dublin Castle on February 21st. With the help of their teachers, pupils explored the day-to-day challenges faced by children in developing countries and created multi-media projects, using art, drama, writing, poetry, film or music. For more information, visit www.irishaid.gov.ie/ourworld/our-awards.html
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Garda Schools Primary Programme: Respectful Communication Online Pack
Launched in Dublin last month by the Garda Commissioner, Martin Callinan, the Repectful Communication Online programme aims to foster a sense of care and respect for others online or when using mobile phones and to equip children with the skills to deal effectively with textbullying and cyberbullying. It will help develop and enhance the children's social skills of communication, cooperation and conflict resolution. The pack also complements the Webwise Primary Schools Programme.
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The Webwise Primary Teachers’ Handbook
The Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Frances Fitzgerald TD launched The Webwise Primary Teachers’ Handbook in February 2012. The Handbook has been developed for primary school teachers who wish to introduce internet safety into their teaching of the Social Personal and Health Education (SPHE) curriculum. The handbook is also complemented by the Repectful Communication Online programme from the Garda Schools Primary Programme.
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Make this year’s Communion/Confirmation even more special, by helping Make-A-Wish Ireland® grant a child’s wish
It is that time of year again when children across the country are excitedly preparing for their communions and confirmations, with this special event in their lives approaching Make-A-Wish Ireland® would like to ask children to think about those who are less fortunate than themselves.
Make-A-Wish would be delighted to provide individuals or their communion/confirmation classes with a special Certificate of thanks, celebrating their donation and thanking them for their thoughtfulness and support. For further information please contact Michelle at Make-A-Wish on 01 2052012 or by email at michelle@makeawish.ie.
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11 year old Fiadh Lucey from Kenmare the youngest editor in Ireland
'Gikkie Bokkers' - Book One' by Jason Conway is the first in a new series of nine books for children aged seven years and over. Student Fiadh Lucey edited the book, and at such a young age, we reckon she’s the youngest editor in the country – thumbs up from Primary Times! Fiadh also appeared with her class on 'The Business' with George Lee recently on RTE1 TV as they were outright winners of the Junior Entrepreneur Programme in 2011. Their invention/product was a cookbook and CD-ROM featuring recipes from the eateries of Kenmare.
Signed copies of 'Gikkie Bokkers' are available to buy from Kenmare Bookshop and at the Book Centre Wexford, or ask your local bookstore and library to order a copy. If you’d like to find out more about this great new children’s book please visit www.gikkiebonkers.com
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Marine Life Education Programme visits Lifetime Lab
The wonders of Irish marine will be investigated as Lifetime Lab invites local school to participate in a collaboration with the “Explorers” Primary Marine Outreach and Education Programme.
Pupils will engage in activities based around animals and plants that live in Irish waters, the power of the sea, the real map of Ireland and will also make their own submarine and periscopes.Classes participating in Discover Primary Science can use an explorers workshop visit to fulfill Step 2 of the steps required to achieve a DPS Award of Science and Math’s Excellence.
The Explorers Education programme aims to integrate marine themes as closely as possible with lessons already taught in national schools through the Social, Environmental and Scientific Education (SESE) curriculum and other cross curricular subjects and hopes to reach 750 primary school pupils in Cork.
Workshops will run from March 12th to March 23rd,are available to primary schools free of charge, and may be booked by contacting Lifetime Lab at 021 4941500 or lifetimelab@corkcity.ie
Mervyn Horgan Manager of Lifetime Lab said “We are delighted to be involved in the pilot series of workshops, we are always looking for new and innovative ways of engaging in science education and raising the awareness of marine science in Cork classrooms can only bring long term benefits” He further added “We perceive Lifetime Lab as an extra classroom for every school in the city and county, a science nursery for institutions whose high level graduates ensure that Cork has a well educated and highly skilled workforce long into the future”.
The "Explorers" Education Programme brings the excitement of the sea into the classroom and has already been successfully rolled out to some 40 primary schools in the West of Ireland from Mayo to Clare, and in six schools in the greater Dublin area. The Cork project is a collaborative effort between the Marine Institute, Forfas Discover Primary Science and Lifetime Lab.
Further information available from Lifetime Lab 021 4941500 or www.lifetimelab.ie
Free GUZZLER workshops visiting Cork schools
Lifetime Lab is seeking help from primary school children all across Cork to keep an eye out for Guzzler, a furry energy eating alien, as part of a new interactive, hands-on primary workshops available free to Cork primary schools and junior (1st & 2nd) classes. To find out more about this great opportunity for your school, read more at
http://www.primarytimes.net/south_ireland/free-guzzler-workshops-visiting-cork-schools-before-march-2012
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Waterford urged to nominate county’s Carers of the Year
The Carers Association are urging Waterford to recognise the work of their local carers by nominating them for the Carers of the Year Award 2012. There are 4,131 carers in Waterford providing 91,295 hours of care in the home each week to frail older people, people with disabilities, those terminally ill and with special needs. Recognising the commitment made by Ireland’s family carers, they are inviting the public to nominate their chosen local family carers. Four regional winners are chosen and award recipients will be announced at a special ceremony in Dublin this May - to nominate your chosen family carer please call 051 857970 or visit www.carersireland.com
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Cork launch of Irish Fiddler app
Fifteen year old Mairéad Hickey from Cork, winner of eight all Ireland titles for her fiddle playing and the current National Concert Hall Young Musician of the Year, has released a music education application called ‘Irish Fiddler’ for the iPad and iPhone/iPod touch. The application uses a combination of video tutorials featuring Mairéad along with colour coded printable music to support students as they learn how to play three well-known Irish tunes. The application is ideal for anyone who can already play the violin, for those just starting out or if you just enjoy traditional Irish music.
Irish Fiddler can be downloaded from http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/irish-fiddler/id488114759?mt=8
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Charity looking for volunteers as it celebrates 10th anniversary
The Meningitis Trust is looking for volunteers to join in and help make its 10th anniversary year in 2012 the biggest year yet in the fight against meningitis. The Trust works throughout Ireland to raise awareness and support everyone affected by meningitis. Their helpline number is 1800 523 196.
Knowing the symptoms can and does save lives. Anyone interested in exploring volunteering or business partnership opportunities can find out more from Carole on 01 276 2050. You can also like them at www.facebook.com/MeningitisTrustIreland
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A "Star" for an Irish child – Adam Vaughan wins Galileo Drawing Competition
Adam Vaughan from St Cronan's Senior National School, Swords, Co Dublin has won the Galileo drawing competition. The 10-year old's drawing, entitled "The Solar System" was selected as the winner of the Irish leg of the competition. As first prize winner, one of the Galileo Satellites will be named after Adam and launched into space later this year.
The competition was organised by the European Commission to coincide with the creation of the EU's 'Galileo' satellite navigation system. Children aged between 9 and 11 were asked make a drawing representing space and satellite navigation. The Galileo Programme will launch a total of 30 satellites that will form a constellation orbiting at more than 20,000 km from earth. Each of the competition winners will have one of these satellites named after them. More Information: www.galileocontest.eu
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Cazbaa Wools Mobile Workshops
KNITTING has never been more popular and now ewe too can get in on the act thanks to a new mobile and online haberdashery company. Cazbaa Wools is based in Co Waterford but travels across the country to unravel the intricacies of haberdashery for schools, colleges, knitting groups, craft fairs and farmers markets.
The company stocks high quality yarn with well known brands such as Robin, Wendy, Peter Pan, Twilleys of Stamford and Teddy - but also go that extra mile to source special brands for customers.
A wide range of patterns is always in stock, as are great value first knitting kits for beginners.
Follow Cazbaa Wools on Facebook to find out when they will be in your area, and keep up with special offers and new stock. And if ewe would like them to visit your school or knitting group, just call Caroline on 087 051 8187.
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See the new exhibition at Cobh Heritage Centre
The chilling last words of a young Cork man who was lost aboard the Titanic are on display for the first time as part of a new exhibition. Jeremiah Burke from Ballinoe, White’s Cross, was just 19 when he boarded the ill-fated liner at Queenstown for Massachusetts, USA. Using the bottle of holy water his mother gave him when she saw him off in Cobh, Burke used one of his shoelaces to tie it up and threw the letter overboard.
It simply reads: "From Titanic, goodbye all, Burke of Glanmire, Cork.” Miraculously, the bottle made its way to shore only a few miles from his family's house, where it stayed until now when his niece, cllr Mary Woods of Midleton, decided to donate it to Cobh Heritage Centre. The carefully preserved artefact now forms part of the Titanic exhibition in the centre, along with the photographic and military medals of Titanic photographer Fr Frank Browne.
Speaking of how the loss affected her family, Ms Woods explained: "Jeremiah's mother was at a removal several days later when a person came up to her and said 'I'm sorry for your loss.' It was only then that she found out what had happened. She died of a broken heart within the year.”
Jeremiah was just one of the 1,521 other passengers who died on April 15, 1912, when the ship struck the iceberg and sank. For more information about this unique exhibition, contact Debbie Walsh, General and Marketing Manager at Cobh Heritage Centre on 021 4813591 or email: DWalsh@cobhheritage.com
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Hands on Science 2012 Workshops
Hands on Science weekly workshops will be recommencing in Kinsale on Friday 13th January 2012 - see website for further details. Hands on Science also runs workshops for Schools; suitable for all primary age children. Workshops can be tailor made to suit your requirements or choose from a range of workshops on Kitchen Chemistry, Light, Forces, Electronics, Plant or Human Biology, etc. Workshops can be credited towards the DPS Awards of Excellence. Day workshops or a series of workshops options are available. A new interactive show “The Fizzy Factor” was launched this autumn, as part of the RDS Science Live lectures. This show is suitable for 5th and 6th class.
Hands on Science parties are a fun yet educational way of keeping your guests busy as they become real scientists in the comfort of your own home (or other suitable location)! All materials and equipment are provided, as scientists you’ll make chemical lava lamps, set off soaring rockets, make bleeding hand prints or self inflating balloons, experiment with snow, volcanoes, goo, elephant toothpaste or imploding cans. All safe but guaranteed fun! Suitable for 6 to 12 year olds. Customised Invitations and spot prises makes yours the party they will all remember! Scientific goody bags and Birthday cakes such as a soaring rocket cake or erupting volcano can also be ordered. Based in Cork, but will travel! Call Siobhan on 087 9506527to discuss your requirements further, or visit www.handsonscience.ie for more information and video clips from some parties.
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Lismore Mobile Science Workshops at a school near you!
The Lismore Mobile Science Workshop is designed to give students a hands-on learning experience that brings science to life before their eyes. At only €6 per child (min 30 students), the mobile science workshops are great value and developed as a support to the school’s curriculum, the workshop focuses on three areas: electricity, light and water.
The electricity workshop brings to life literally the concept of electricity as energy, electrical circuits, switches and fuses. The children learn the difference between simple, series and parallel circuits using purposely constructed educational sets. The concept of switches turning on and off the power is explored by adding them to the circuits. Children will also learn about insulators and conductors by testing various materials using crocodile clips attached to their circuit. Finally they are introduced to the fuse and the workshop concludes with a bit of a spark!
Light is introduced to the children in a presentation that explains the concept of light as a form of energy, a demonstration of lenses and their uses, the eye, refraction, the spectrum and the concept of shadows. Children are introduced to Newton, Galileo and finally to the environmental issue of light pollution and its effect on the planet. Water pollution and conservation are very current topics.
The water workshop introduces the student to the water cycle, the 3 states of water, creating water using a glass and a candle, water conservation, pollution and treatment. Children participate in a practical that includes cleaning dirty water by filtration, mixing oil and water and using detergent as a surfactant to break up the oil in the water. Mixing and dissolving various materials in the water will demonstrate the difference between a mixture and a solution.
Each child has an opportunity to conduct a number of different experiments that will enhance their understanding of fundamental scientific principles. Student worksheets are supplied to reinforce learning. If you are interested in bringing hands on investigation and experimentation to your school, cut the costs and call Alice or Eleanor on 058 54975 or email: ehoward@lismoreheritage.ie
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Let's Talk Speech & Language Assessments
Every parent wants the best for their child and that is why LETS TALK is an investment in your childs future. At LETS TALK qualified and experienced speech and language therapists assess and and provide intervention for your children from 18 months - 18 years of age. http://www.primarytimes.net/parent_times_news_ie_lets_talk.php
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Birthday Gift Shopping for Children Made Easy
AN arty innovation designed to bring out your child’s creative side is now available at a Dungarvan store in the run-up to Christmas. The Lil Davinci Art Cabinet provides three solutions in one - a showcase for children’s art work, a store of up to 50 A4 sheets of art and or certificates, and a souvenir of your child’s artistic talent. This unique product is on offer at Birthday Gifts, run by mum-of-three Brenda Mackle, which aims to take the hassle out of selecting fun but educational presents for children aged 3-11. Birthday Gifts will also be running a free drawing/colouring competition every week at their store at 56 Main Street, Dungarvan, Co Waterford until Christmas Eve.
All entries will be framed in a Lil Davinci Art Cabinet with the winners receiving a prize from Birthday Gifts’ select range of Art & Crafts, fun educational games and toys. Parents can also browse their select range of products at www.birthdaygifts4children.ie Gifts are delivered by courier for a flat rate of €6.45 anywhere in Ireland with free gift wrapping, gift card with personal message.
Follow them on Facebook at www.facebook.co m/birthdaygifts4children
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Miss Makeover Parties: Beauty is our duty
TREAT your little princesses to some seasonal sparkle at their Christmas parties with Miss Makeover. Super styling in your own home is on offer from this Fairy Godmother service which offers a dazzling range of beauty treats on your doorstep.
Fabulous facials, marvellous makeovers and awesome nails and sure to have your budding beauties shrieking with delight when Miss Makeover has waved her magic wand! Groups of all ages and for occasions are catered for and personalised Miss Makeover birthday innovations are provided.
For more info from the girls whose duty is beauty, call Orlagh on 087 1372279.
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Treat Coughs, Colds, Flu and Nits the natural way
During the autumn & winter season, children and parents, fall prey to a host of viruses such as sore throats, coughs, colds, flu and even nits. Homeopathy can be very effective at treating these acute illnesses, while at the same time strengthening your overall health and immunity. This spring we will be running ‘Get Started in Homeopathy’ workshops in Dublin, Cork and Galway. For less than the cost of a GP visit learn how to take control of your family’s health which is also indirectly cost saving to the household. During the workshop, participants will be taught how to prescribe for common acute complaints (sudden and short term conditions) such as coughs, colds, flu, and first aid remedies in a natural way. Homeopathy is also very effective in treating chronic or long-term conditions such recurrent respiratory infections, eczema, asthma, migraines, and much more. Chronic complaints should be treated by a registered Homeopath.
Contacts: Angie Murphy, Irish School of Homeopathy, 01-8682581 info@ish.ie & www.ish.ie and registered list of Homeopaths www.irishhomeopathy.ie
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Communions and Confirmations just around the corner!
As the year slowly draws to a close, preparations are already underway in a number of schools who are organising their Communions and Confirmations. As everybody knows both of these occasions can sometimes be a stressful and expensive time for parents. However, Academy Crests Limited is on hand to remove those unnecessary stresses as well as the financial burden with their Communion & Confirmation Gown Rental Service. An exemplary service which Academy Crests has proven over the past decade helps alleviate some of the stresses and costs involved in your schools Communion and Confirmation. Academy Crests would be delighted to answer your queries, simply call Phil or Mary for an appointment on 021 4396800 or email them at sales@academycrests.ie for further information.
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Communions at Cinderella’s Closet 2012
If your little Princess is having her First Holy Communion in 2012, you will want to make the whole experience as special as possible from start to finish, and Cinderella’s Closet Boutique in Cork would be delighted to help you. They provide one-to-one consultations for you and your daughter to help you find that perfect dress and accessories.
Cinderella’s Closet have three designers in stock currently, one Irish Designer using bridal fabrics in unique designs, an English design house and also a German designer. All three have exquisite designs which give a very wide range of styles available from simple and elegant to dresses to embellished dresses with exquisite crystals and pearl detail. There is a design for everyone at Cinderella’s Closet. Please note: there is also a ‘one-dress-per-school’ policy- so be sure to visit as early as possible to have the best selection.
All designs are now in stock and Cinderella’s Closet can still order sizes that may not be in stock with some of their suppliers. They can also arrange orders for larger sizings.
Cinderella’s Closet work on an appointment only basis, so call them as soon as possible on 085 7855199 or 021 4507777 to make your appointment, or email: info@cinderellascloset.ie You can also check out a selection of their stunning styles on www.cinderellascloset.ie
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The private Communion viewing room at Minnie Mee Clonmel
Minnie Mee Communions 2012
A unique boutique which offers a tailor-made communion service at affordable prices is on offer in the heart of Clonmel, Co Tipperary. Minnie Mee & Minnie Teens children’s boutique, nestled in Mitchell Street, prides itself on its professional and friendly service for newborns up to 14-year-olds.
In addition, the boutique boasts a fabulous private communion room to ensure Communicants are specially styled in the most beautiful, yet affordable, dresses and accessories.
A wide range of suits as well as smart shirts, jackets and chinos ensure the boys are made to feel just as special! Deposit accounts are also available to help parents spread the cost of their special day, and Minnie Mee & Minnie Teens also specialise in confirmation and occasion wear. Forgot the stress and enjoy the pleasant surroundings and wonderful experience shopping at Minnie Mee & Minnie Teens in Clonmel. Booking is advisable to avoid disappointment. Call to book your appointment on 052 6124597, email: minniemeeltd@gmail.com or visit www.minniemee.com
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Drive in Cinema success anniversary in Carrigtwohill, Cork
The first drive in cinema in Ireland and the UK is celebrating its first birthday - and Primary Times readers have an exclusive invitation to join the party!
Movie Junction has been a phenomenal success since it opened its doors with sell out shows a year ago and history is set to repeat itself with the opening of Happy Feet 2 this winter.
To celebrate the Carrigtwohill venue’s first anniversary in style, a sparkling seasonal line-up is on offer - and Primary Times readers are being treated to a €2 discount per car.
The brainchild of entrepreneurs Stephen and Ellie Redmond from Watergrasshill and John Caulfield of Carrigaline, Movie Junction is attracting families from all over Ireland to watch the latest new releases on a 2,500 sq ft screen while listening to the soundtrack on a dedicated radio channel in the privacy of their own car. “It’s a whole new concept for cinema in Ireland, where people can enjoy freshly made warm popcorn while they wait for Four Star Pizza Midleton to deliver their favourite hot food to their car as they enjoy the latest blockbusters,” said Ellie.
“People don’t have to turn off their mobiles, and they can bring their children with complete peace of mind. The kid’s movies are always a big hit with families and we expect Happy Feet 2 to be very popular too, along with other great releases.
"We are constantly looking for more opportunities to take advantage of the onsite facilities (canopies protecting cars from rain and wind, kitchen and toilets) with the aim of developing a strong relationship with the local community.
Tickets, at €16 per car regardless of occupancy, can be purchased at the door or online at www.moviejunction.ie for a full list of movie and show times.
DON’T FORGET OUR SPECIAL OFFER FOR PRIMARY TIMES READERS - €2 DISCOUNT PER CAR WHEN YOU MENTION ‘PRIMARY TIMES’ AT THE DRIVE IN CINEMA CARRIGTWOHILL
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Kids hit the right note with Ceol Ireland
Ceol Ireland’s support programme for the music curriculum is a new, innovative model of curricular music support to advance the aims and objectives of the Primary School Music Syllabus for teachers and students in all pre and primary schools in Ireland. Developed by Carmel Dunne and Ali Guisti, the programme is now being used by teachers in 350 primary and pre-schools, all over Ireland, who are using the teacher training, weekly lesson plans and resource materials in their classrooms.
Teachers don’t need a musical background, because the Ceol programmes are so teacher friendly that you can learn as you go and the children learn through fun, games and stories. The programme includes scripted lesson plans, resource materials and teacher aids, teacher training DVDs and CDs of songs & activities. For information contact Carmel on 087 9036139. www.ceolireland.ie
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NCTE: Webwise - Internet Safety
Get your school ready for Safer Internet Day - Register your school for free and get ready to be involved in Safer Internet Day 2012. Safer Internet Day (SID) is 7th February 2012 and you can register your school on the website www.ncte.ie Registered schools will receive a SID kit in January 2012 including information about SID, promotional materials, suggested learning and awareness activities, and eSafety resources.
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New science based competition for primary schools in 2012
Primary schools across the country are being urged to take part in a major new science competition, sponsored by telecoms giant Ericsson in association with the Atlantic Corridor development agency. The competition, which is curriculum-linked, aims to provide students with an insight into science and maths in today’s world. For more info, log ontowww.atlanticcorridor.ie
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FÍS Film Festival
The FÍS Film Festival took place on the 16th November 2011. FÍS is a wonderful celebration of the creativity and imagination of children and teachers in Irish schools. The annual event sees schools from all over Ireland creating short films from animations, documentaries to educational dramas. C
Congratulations to the 24 finalists, including local schools: Togher NS; Scoil Chaitigheirn, Eyeries; Burnfort NS; Ballinora NS, Waterfall; Ahiohill NS Enniskeane; Fossa NS Killarney; and Scoil Mhaoilíosa, Knockavilla. For a list of winners check www.ncte.ie. and visit www.fisfestival.com for resources, ideas about film-making and how to enter next year!
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Multilingual Café Cork
A multilingual breakfast which aims to help children speak minority languages is being held every month in Cork. Multilingual Café Cork kicks off at 10am on the second Thursday of each month at the Marks and Spencer coffee shop in Douglas, beside Tesco Extra. If you are free, male or female, with or without your children, drop in and share ideas and concerns on how can parents can help children speak a variety of languages.
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Scientists and campaigners call to protect children from the health risks of mobile phones
A new report is warning that children’s health is being jeopardised by the failure of Government and phone companies to act on mobile phone health hazards. UK charity MobileWise says children are at risk of serious health problems, including brain tumours and infertility, from the rising use of mobile phones. The charity is calling for children to be informed about how to limit their exposure – including keeping calls to a minimum, texting, using headsets and keeping phones away from the head and groin. For more information on the report and the Safe Mobile Code go to www.mobilewise.org
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