Digital Wellbeing - Keeping Our Kids Safe Online
Parent Information Sheet
Parent Videos
We recommend parents look at the videos on the link below, as it has useful information for parents on a number of different aspects of digital wellbeing:
https://www.webwise.ie/category/videos/videos-for-parents/
Parents 2 Parents
I`m sure as parents we`ve all heard these words:
“I am fed up.”
“I am bored.”
'There is nothing to do.”
As parents we`ve worried and wonder what our kids are doing. Through this newsletter we hope to help each other to find out what`s out there for our children.
We are delighted to launch our new Parents 2 Parents Webpage and Newsletter.
This idea has been worked on by your Local Education Committee over the past 6 months, which includes parents from both St. Finian’s CC, Thornleigh ETNS, HSCLs and Community representatives.
We hope this project will benefit us as parents and our children by showing the opportunities that are available in our Community.
“I am fed up.”
“I am bored.”
'There is nothing to do.”
As parents we`ve worried and wonder what our kids are doing. Through this newsletter we hope to help each other to find out what`s out there for our children.
We are delighted to launch our new Parents 2 Parents Webpage and Newsletter.
This idea has been worked on by your Local Education Committee over the past 6 months, which includes parents from both St. Finian’s CC, Thornleigh ETNS, HSCLs and Community representatives.
We hope this project will benefit us as parents and our children by showing the opportunities that are available in our Community.
FIT KIDS – FIT TEENS Hip Hop Dance Classes
Where: St. Colmcilles GAA Club
When: Tuesday 4.30pm – 5.30 Fit Kids; 5.30pm - 6.30pm Fit Teens Phone No.: 0862489824 Fee: €7 pay as you go “After trying a number of different classes, my daughter was finally happy to find Hip Hop classes that she likes and has been attending for more than 4 years now. Being a very shy girl, she really enjoys this type of dance where there are almost no rules applied and no steps to remember. It is free style and makes the kids feel “cool,” these “cool” moves increase their confidence and self-esteem. It is a great way for kids to stay fit, spend excess energy after sitting in class all day and make new friends at the same time. So it is WIN WIN for everyone, kids and their parents!” (Parent) The classes are run by professional and friendly young people who are passionate about what they are doing. The location is brilliant as it is within walking distance from Applewood, Castleview, Glen Ellan, Thornleigh and Brides Glen areas.”(Parent) Swords Celtic football clubWhere: 1 Newtown Cottages, Balheary Road, Swords
When: Friday from 6-7pm Contact: 0871262691 Web page: http://www.swordscelticfc.yourclub.ie “Swords Celtic football club is situated only 5 minutes drive from Applewood. Both boys and girls can join the Pee Wee Academy from 5-7years old and they train every Friday from 6-7pm. Pee Wee academy is very reasonably priced and you pay each quarter of the year. Once children have completed the academy they are then assigned to teams depending on their ages. Each team plays in the NDSL league with matches taking place most Saturday or Sunday mornings. My son is now on the under 9's team. He has made friends for life because of joining swords Celtic. I feel it really helps children learn important life lessons such as working as a team and the harder they train the better results they get. No child is judged on how they perform at any match but they are encouraged to attend each training session usually 1-2 a week. The trainers are both teenagers and adults so the children have lots of role models to look up to. Swords Celtic hold a number of summer and Easter camps which help keep children occupied over the long summer holidays and family fun days with marathon matches which the children love. I am extremely happy that my child chose Swords Celtic to train with at 5 years of age. It helps him keep fit and focused while having great fun and I'm sure parents would agree extra activities should be fun.“(Parent) Whizzkids Summer CampsWhere: DCU and other University locations around Ireland
Time: 9.30-3.30 Age: 8-18 Contact: www.whizzkids.ie “My 13 year old son, like most kids his age spends most of his free time on his computer or tablet. So, last summer instead of trying to force him to do something different I decided to send him to a summer camp where he could improve his computer skills and learn something new. Whizzkids Summer Camps are run throughout the summer for ages 8 up to 18 teaching a great variety of activities each day all with a high tech theme but with an emphasis on fun. These activities include web design, desktop publishing, video game programming, animation and also a sport activity at the end of every day. My son loved the camp last year and one of the best aspects of the camp is its location on a university campus. While they are there they are getting a flavour of college life, they are using the university's computer labs and bring home a disk with their work on it. I have already booked him to return this year to do the advanced class.” (Parent) Rhythmic GymnasticsRhythmic Gymnastics
Contact: 0894407016 Karolina Golovina “My daughter attends Rhythmic Gymnastics in the Applewood Community Centre every week. It’s a very good form of exercise for children and they enjoy competing with each other. It’s good that kids can come together and enjoy the benefits of exercising in a fun way. My daughter has great admiration for her teacher who works well with the children as a team and on a one to one basis. Rhythmic Gymnastics gives the kids a focus and they get great enjoyment out of it as well.” (Parent) scoutsWebpage: http://brackenstownscouts.ie
“I am a leader in Brackenstown 164th scout group. The children are aged from 6 to 25 years. It is a fantastic organisation to be part of: teaching children many life skills including cooking, arts and crafts, tent building, map reading etc. They also take part in hiking, camping, orienteering and fun activities. There is a great team spirit and scouters often make friends for life” (Scout leader) Fingallians Gaa clubContact: Wayne on 083 -1057957
Webpage: www.fingallians.com “My child joined Fingallians GAA Club in October 2015. I was interested in sports activities for my child because he has a lot of energy. I was given a leaflet for Fingallians by a teacher in my son’s school who thought joining a GAA Club could be good for him. I contacted the coach and on the Saturday we went to our first training session. The coaches were very welcoming, explaining things about football and hurling. It was good to hear the coach saying that he wanted my child to be part of the team and that he could be a really good player. After the first practise the coach checked to make sure that my child would be coming back again. The team has a great support system, amazing coaches teaching the kids new skills, supporting, cheering and making sure that everyone is having fun. Being part of Fingallians GAA isn’t just about training and playing matches against other teams. They also have fun days in Jump Zone or Bowling and an Annual Christmas Party. My child absolutely loves going to Fingallians GAA, nothing and nobody can stop him, not even the weather. He doesn’t complain even when they are outside in the rain and cold. He loves playing football and hurling and the experience of being part of Fingallians GAA Club. For me as a parent it is important to see my child happy, feeling confident, improving his skills and enjoying the game. Important parts of being in Fingallians GAA Club are being part of the Community and enjoying Irish lifestyle and culture. I like knowing that every Saturday we have a routine and I don’t need to plan extra activities. I appreciate all the hard work the coaches are doing, especially regards discipline and respect. The coaches are always giving positive feedback to the children which is great for the children and the parents to hear. Joining Fingallians GAA is one of the best decisions I have made for my child!”(Parent) BoxingWhere: North street Swords
When: Girls-Tues and Thurs 7pm Boys Mon and Wed 7pm From 10-18 years Contact: 086 124 7060 “Our children have been in a number of boxing clubs in north Dublin and of all of them we found Swords Boxing Club to be the most professional, organized and very well-run club. We would highly recommend Swords Boxing Club from both a parents and child’s perspective. Our boys love going.” (Parents) “I decided to take up boxing to improve my fitness level for soccer. I tried a number of different clubs and finally settled on Swords boxing club. I find the coaches friendly and helpful and I enjoy going.” (Teenager) Taekwando
Where: Thornleigh ETNS School Hall Time: Wednesday 5pm-8pm Age: 6yrs- Teenagers Phone: 0879033824 “My son is attending Taekwando. He chose that sport because he found at last something he likes. This activity gives him something to dream about, relax, to try something new. Playing sports is like a new world for children to be out of their everyday routine to train their body, character and mood. I think sport relieves stress and it’s also a great way to stay active and healthy. Taekwando activities help to keep children physically fit and many of the group activities show children the benefits of good behavior such as – taking turns, sharing, listening and co-operating. I like that classes are organized an a fun but disciplined environment where children can build confidence, keep fit, increase concentration, meet new friends and have fun.” (Parent) Soccer
Where: Applewood Community Centre Phone: 0871273258 I would recommend Soccer for children in the Community Centre Applewood. My son goes on Monday for two hours, kids can also go for one hour. The cost is €4 per hour. I brought my son for the one hour and sat there and read my book while I waited, now he stays for two hours for €8, which gives me time to make dinner for the family without interruption or go shopping or to relax and have coffee with my friends/family. After two hours running my son is tired, he does not have the strength to complain as he enjoys it so much, so if you`d like 2 hours of extra free time for yourself. I would highly recommend the soccer on Mondays from 4pm to 5pm or the 2 hours from 4pm to 6pm, both children and parents are happy!” (Parent) “I like football because I like to play as part of a team. It also keeps me fit and not lazy. It`s good because I get to meet different kids there, we can all learn to play together. I would like to see more of my friends play with me.” (Children) |
Kellog’s Cúl Camp
Where: Fingallian’s GAA Club in Swords
When: 15 - 19 August Web: www.kelloggsculcamps.gaa.ie “My son and daughter have been going to the Kellog’s Cúl Camp in Fingallian’s GAA Club in Swords for the last couple of years. They wouldn’t miss it for the world. They run in the gate, find out what team they’re on and queue up in the hall. It’s very well organised and they make new friends every year. Cúl Camps is for boys and girls between the ages of 6-13 years. They don’t only do GAA they play lots of other games as well. It’s an action packed and fun filled week of activity during the summer holidays. Anyone can go and join up. I love seeing them so happy there. They’re well supervised and the coaches are very friendly. When they start they get a welcome pack which consists of the Kellog’s jersey, shorts and a bag. So you’re all sorted for the week, all you have to do is pack a lunch (and put some sun cream on them…..hopefully).” (Parent) Weekly music classes
Where: Naul National school
Time: Monday from 5pm Contact: Phone: 01 8020898 Web page: www.tseac.ie “Catering for complete beginners to advanced players weekly music classes take place in Naul National School on Monday evenings from 5pm throughout the academic year. Classes are available in Guitar, Banjo, Button Accordion, Bodhran, Tin Whistle, Flute, Fiddle and Uileann Pipes. These classes are provided by the Seamus Ennis Arts Centre and are open to anyone aged 7 upwards. Registration for the September term of 10 classes will take place on Saturday 19th September at The Seamus Ennis Arts Centre from 10am to 12 noon. Fees for the term are 90 euro with discounted rates for early payment and for additional family members. Further details from The Seamus Ennis Arts Centre, Naul.” Music lessonsWhere: Ballyboughal National School, Ballyboughal
Time: Friday 6:30 to 9:00 (30 mins lesons) Contact: Sean at 085 8582855 Music lessons every Friday evening from 6:30 to 9:00pm from Sept to May in Ballyboughal National School, Ballyboughal . Classes are 30 mins long. Learn 2 instruments for the price of 1. Instruments include box, bodhrán, fiddle, banjo, flute, tin whistle, guitar and keyboard. All levels catered for. A small amount of instruments are available on loan. House of Swag dance studioContact: 086 738 0300 (Janelle Kelly)
http://houseofswagdancestudio.weebly.com/ My Daughter goes to House of swag dance studio they mostly do hip hop but also a huge range of other stuff Creative work, Musical dance, Fun Dvd nights and more I found out about it when I was looking up summer camps and my daughter went she had an absolute ball and has gone ever since The owner/teacher is a young lady called Janelle and she has a passion for all things dance this shows because the kids love her. Janelle has a huge emphasis on "inclusion" and kindness from all the kids towards each other and really gets them all to mix. There are a lot of boys there too, so it's not just for girls because I know from talking to other Mams some of them say “oh he would love to dance but they can’t find a class that includes boys and girls, so House of Swag is ideal. It's also great value with weekly or monthly passes available, that's great for me because I'm not looking to pay money for every class. I hope parents find this info useful”. (Parent) Happy Days DramaWhere: Thornleigh Educate Together National School
Time: Fridays 3.30 -5.30 Age: 4 - teenagers Contact: Grainne O'Rourke 087 6795470 www.happydaysdrama.ie “My six year old daughter attended Happy Days drama for a year and a half. In that time I found she gained confidence and enjoyed expressing her creative side! The session on a Friday lasts for two hours and is broken into two classes, speech and drama and the second hour was singing and dancing. The children are split roughly into their age groups so they meet kids their own age and make friends. My child enjoyed playing games and learning new songs and the actions to go with them and was happy to perform them at home afterwards for us! She was barely aware of the fact that she was learning new skills because she was having fun and learning through role-play. As the children progress, they can take part in national speech and drama exams and achieve qualifications, or just take part in the happy days end of year show for the parents. Although it is not cheap, (it works out at €175 for 20 hours or 10 weeks) I feel they are very professional in their approach to the children and it is a very well run after school activity.” (Parent) Swords Library
Where: Rathbeale Road, Swords beside JC`s shop Time: 9:45am-8:00am Mon-Fri; Sat 9:45am–1:00pm and 1:45pm–5:00pm “Hello everyone. I am a mother of two school students. I wanted to talk about why I am encouraging my kids to visit Swords library and hope it will grow into a good habit. First of all I want to say that reading is important and one of the main characteristics of children`s education. And this is a part of education which I can provide for my children apart from school. Reading opens a whole new unique world, which doesn`t have borders. The book is a world of fantasy, magic, imagination and knowledge. It is what I as a parent can give to my children by encouraging them to visit the library and read. And it doesn`t cost me anything.” (Parents) “I like to go to library because I like to read books about adventures and fantasy. And Swords library has a good variety of those books. And you can take books that you choose, home for 3 weeks.” (Child) Swords Library Events for December 2016 Contact us at (01) 8905582 / 5894 Email swordslibrary@fingal.ie Leabharlann Shoird: Nollaig 2016 Ríomhphost: swordslibrary@fingal.ie Fón: (01) 8905894 nó (01) 8905582 The Baby Book Club / Parent & Toddler Group Leanbh Club Leabhair Takes place on Tuesday 20th December at 10.30am. There will be storytelling and fun activities for pre-schoolers. Please contact the library to book a place. Phone (01) 8905582 / 5894. Children’s Book Club Leanaí Club Leabhair Will meet again in January to discuss ‘Arthur Quinn and The World Serpent’ with a date to be confirmed. For more information please phone the Library on 01 8905582 / 5894 Computer Classes Ranganna Riomhaireachta We are currently taking names for future computer classes if you are interested please contact the Library to put your name on our waiting list. For more information please phone the Library on 01 8905582 / 5894 New Film Club Club Scannan The Club will meet again on Wednesday 25th January to discuss ‘Manhattan Murder Mystery’ at 7pm. All Film fans welcome To place your name down please contact the Library 01/8905894 Form in Poetry Foirm san Fhilíocht Monthly Workshop with poet, Máighréad Medbh Last Thursday of each month , 5.50pm to 7.50pm To place your name down please contact the Library 01/8905894 Irish Dancing
Where: Thornleigh ETNS School Hall When: Tuesday evening at 6pm Phone: 0863864166 “My daughter goes to Irish dancing on a Tuesday evening, I find it a great form of exercise and socially a lot of fun, I find it great for her as she can be very shy so I always try get her to try out stuff and she loves this. It is on in the evening and all the boys and girls always come out of it laughing and showing us all their new steps.” (Parent) My son loves this afterschool Club. It is really fun to see him trying his hand at all the Irish dancing moves!!! I also really like its Pay as you go“(Parent) |
Crosscare Swords/Baldoyle Youth Service
Where: Swords Village, just behind the Bank of Ireland (17 Rear Main St Foster Way)
Phone: 01/8405100
Crosscare Swords/Baldoyle Youth Service is based in Swords Village, just behind the Bank of Ireland and opposite the Senior Citizen's Centre. We work with young people between the ages of 12 - 20 years. We are open from Monday through to Friday. We offer the young people a variety of groups and activities including drop ins, outdoor activity groups and a range of other groups. Each Friday evening between the hours of 8pm - 11pm we run a Youth Cafe. The Youth Cafe is for young people aged 14 upwards and is run by a committee of young people who have been trained up in Junior Leadership. This Committee plan and run a range of events and every Friday evening up to 60 young people attend.
Should you require any further information please contact us or drop in and say hello.
“I have 4 children ages ranging from 2 to 13. My 13 year old recently started Secondary School. As a mum I worried how he was getting on. My son came home with a letter to say he got picked to go to the Youth Service, with no knowledge of Youth Service I wondered why he got picked.
After my son attended his first Youth Service he told me he had a great time he said he made new friends and played games and did cooking. I was relieved as a mother we worry a lot about our kids.” (Parent)
Foróige 'Infinity ' Youth Club
Where: Applewood Community Center
When: Friday 7 pm – 9 pm
I started going down to the Youth Club to give me something to do on a Friday night. But two years later and I still haven`t left. It`s a really safe environment and you feel that from the moment you walk in nobody will judge you. There`s different types of people in the club, everyone`s very accepting of different cultures, religions, sexualities and personalities. It`s just great to unwind on a Friday night. (Teenager)
My daughter joined Foroige in Applewood when it opened three years ago. She really looks forward to her two hours every Friday at the Youth Club. She has made new friends and looks forward to going to their many events. They also fundraise for the group which involves bag packing, bucket collections and organizing bake sales. Her confidence has grown since joining. It is well run by the leader and is a very safe environment for your child.” (Parent)
“I go to the local Foroige Youth Club ‘Infinity’ because socialising is an important part of life. I feel very welcomed when I go and there is always something for everyone. We got given a guitar from a local music shop and we always have lots of games to play. I highly recommend joining ‘Infinity’ Foroige.“ (Teenager)
Where: Swords Village, just behind the Bank of Ireland (17 Rear Main St Foster Way)
Phone: 01/8405100
Crosscare Swords/Baldoyle Youth Service is based in Swords Village, just behind the Bank of Ireland and opposite the Senior Citizen's Centre. We work with young people between the ages of 12 - 20 years. We are open from Monday through to Friday. We offer the young people a variety of groups and activities including drop ins, outdoor activity groups and a range of other groups. Each Friday evening between the hours of 8pm - 11pm we run a Youth Cafe. The Youth Cafe is for young people aged 14 upwards and is run by a committee of young people who have been trained up in Junior Leadership. This Committee plan and run a range of events and every Friday evening up to 60 young people attend.
Should you require any further information please contact us or drop in and say hello.
“I have 4 children ages ranging from 2 to 13. My 13 year old recently started Secondary School. As a mum I worried how he was getting on. My son came home with a letter to say he got picked to go to the Youth Service, with no knowledge of Youth Service I wondered why he got picked.
After my son attended his first Youth Service he told me he had a great time he said he made new friends and played games and did cooking. I was relieved as a mother we worry a lot about our kids.” (Parent)
Foróige 'Infinity ' Youth Club
Where: Applewood Community Center
When: Friday 7 pm – 9 pm
I started going down to the Youth Club to give me something to do on a Friday night. But two years later and I still haven`t left. It`s a really safe environment and you feel that from the moment you walk in nobody will judge you. There`s different types of people in the club, everyone`s very accepting of different cultures, religions, sexualities and personalities. It`s just great to unwind on a Friday night. (Teenager)
My daughter joined Foroige in Applewood when it opened three years ago. She really looks forward to her two hours every Friday at the Youth Club. She has made new friends and looks forward to going to their many events. They also fundraise for the group which involves bag packing, bucket collections and organizing bake sales. Her confidence has grown since joining. It is well run by the leader and is a very safe environment for your child.” (Parent)
“I go to the local Foroige Youth Club ‘Infinity’ because socialising is an important part of life. I feel very welcomed when I go and there is always something for everyone. We got given a guitar from a local music shop and we always have lots of games to play. I highly recommend joining ‘Infinity’ Foroige.“ (Teenager)
Everyone's contribution matters:
If you are looking for an activity for your child or your child is participating in an activity in the Community, please let us know your experience on our email address:
parents2parents.swords@gmail.com
Our newsletter will be published at the end of each school term and the webpage will be continuously updated. Looking forward to hearing from you.
If you are looking for an activity for your child or your child is participating in an activity in the Community, please let us know your experience on our email address:
parents2parents.swords@gmail.com
Our newsletter will be published at the end of each school term and the webpage will be continuously updated. Looking forward to hearing from you.