The big news this week is the announcement of the election on the 29th November. As we are a polling station, the school and the childcare facility will be closed on that date.
The announcement of the election coincides with this week's Comhairle na nÓg in the Mansion House which our Student Councillor chairs attended. The purpose of the Comhairle is to give children between the ages of 12 and 17 a voice for what is important to them in their city. Last year's Comhairle produced an information document and lesson plan which is probably more suited to teenagers. It is attached with this newsletter to give you an idea of the work of the Comhairle. This year the children worked on several different topics and then voted on the one they felt was most important to them. They selected how to make Dublin a kinder and more welcoming city as the topic they want to work on for the coming year.
It was heartwarming to see the children working on ideas bigger than themselves and I hope it is something that our adult politicians can replicate in the upcoming elections. If you have someone calling to your door, please ask them how they plan on supporting children in schools as sometimes it feels like we are facing more and more needs while getting fewer resources, particularly for vulnerable children. Our three Additional Needs Assistants could easily be a much bigger team if the work they actually do was reflected in what needs are looked at when allocating resources to schools (currently it is just care needs or a danger to yourself or others). The fact that we need to ask for voluntary contributions to pay our bills is another topic which you can raise. The INTO have a lot to say on this matter which you can read about here.
Rather than just complain (politicians are people too) you can also say thank you for the provision of school books to remove that burden from parents and thank you for the provision of hot lunches and solar panels.
The ESB are due to call next week to approve the works carried out over the summer which will then allow us to turn on our solar panels which is exciting.
The other big news is that we have our Parent Teacher meetings starting next week. The schedule is as follows and you should have already received a prompt from the Aladdin Connect app to book your meeting slots. If you haven’t booked a slot then please contact your child’s teacher or use the connect app to select a slot that works best for you. These meetings are a very important part of the year as you get a chance to discuss and make plans for how best to support your child. As much as possible please try to arrange a meeting on the days selected. The school and the Board of management go to significant lengths to avoid disruption to your child’s learning while facilitating these meetings. Your help to maximise the two days provided to meet with you is greatly appreciated.
Rang a 4 and Senior Infants have their meetings on Monday and Tuesday 11th and 12th November.
R4 in the orange resource room(the resource room upstairs between r3/4. Senior Infants are in the Blue resource room. The resource room upstairs between SI and R1.
Rang a 5 and Rang a 1 have their meetings on Wednesday and Thursday 13th and 14th November.
R5 in the orange resource room(the resource room upstairs between r3/4. Rang a 1 are in the Blue resource room. The resource room upstairs between SI and R1.
Rang a 3 and Rang a 2 have their meetings on Friday and Monday 15th and 18th November.
R3 in the orange resource room(the resource room upstairs between r3/4. Rang a 2 are in the Blue resource room. The resource room upstairs between SI and R1.
Rang a 6 have their meetings on Tuesday and Thursday 19th and 21st November.
R6 in the orange resource room(the resource room upstairs between r3/4.
We are trying something new for Junior Infants, their meetings will be in February and we will be in touch about these closer to the time. Maria is using the time to get a headstart on the class's winter performance which is scheduled for Wednesday the 18th of December. The song I listened to this morning, complete with actions is going to be lovely. You might think it is a bit early to think of Winter Festivals but if you are trying to organise 28 infants to work together in a small space in front of a large crowd, there is no such thing as too early. I am thinking of the time my Junior infants class took to the stage with their swords and shields to talk about an african festival and spent ten minutes shaking those shields and roaring. I can laugh about it now-just. The theme for this year’s Concert is Celebrations. I’m looking forward to seeing all the creativity and inventiveness that the children bring to the event. The rumours coming from rang a 6 highlight this creativity.
For those of you that have no experience of the show. There are two performances on the day, a junior one. Junior Infants to Rang 2, a brief interlude and a second performance for the senior classes R3-6. The previous day the whole school have a dress rehearsal where the whole school get to see each other's performances. Our hall is small and it gets even smaller when we invite 142 families into it. Space is at a premium so we generally ask that only immediate family attend. Be prepared for a squash and a squeeze. If you have any skills that you think would benefit or be useful to your child’s class please let the teacher know. They are all starting to think of ideas and put plans in place so your idea might be just perfect.
Since I have burst the Winter/Christmas bubble, the design a cards were sent home in the school bags this week. If you want to order some then today is the last day to avail of free delivery. If yours didn’t make its way home please contact the office.
To get away from all talk of festivals, Rang a 6 have been incredibly industrious this week. It seems like everytime I walk out of the office I meet a bunch of the organisers of the hockey world cup on a job to tell the classes about something to do with the event or to get something they have forgotten. The senior classes are really enjoying the event so far and today’s match was particularly competitive. Some of Emily’s hockey players were showing all they had learned from her which is difficult to do when you switch from a traditional hockey stick to a plastic unihoc one.
Have a lovely weekend everyone,
Paul
It's that time of year again! RMDS Christmas Fair preparations are full steam ahead.
This will take place on the 8th December.
Come and get involved – manage a stall, paint faces, spin the adult only Tombola Wheel !
We need your support.
Any amount of time or experience is welcome. Email us pa@rmds.ie
The BOM would like to thank the PA for all the work in organising such a successful table quiz. Thank you also to everyone who supported the table quiz. At the most recent JCM of the PA, Exec and BOM it was agreed that fundraising this year will focus on upgrading the lighting to more energy efficient lighting and remodelling the roof garden as a sensory space.
Work on the redesign of the website is nearing completion- thank you to all involved. Following a lot of interest, the Trad Music sessions started this week, if you have unloved/unused instruments that would be suitable for a trad session please ask Therese if she would like to give it/them a new home tess@rmds.ie.
As RMDS has received more applications for places in JI than it has available, the lottery for remaining incoming JI places will be completed on Monday next, the 11th November in line with the RMDS Admissions Policy of November 2022. You will be informed by Friday 15th if you have received a place.
Once this has been completed we will be looking to revise the policy in conjunction with all the stakeholders to reflect what we have learned this year implementing the policy and the policy changes agreed by Educate Together Schools at the last AGM.
Please see important information below :
Page 1 of 12
Dublin City Comhairle na nÓg
Lesson Plan – Substance abuse & the dangers of Nitrous Oxide
Page 2 of 12
Index
About This Booklet ……… 3
Information for Teachers ……… 4
Lesson Material ……… 8
Page 3 of 12
About This Booklet
This Booklet and the accompanying material was compiled by the Members & Staff of Dublin City Comhairle na nÓg.
Comhairle na nÓg was established as the permanent structure representing young voices in decision-making at local and national level in Ireland in response to Ireland’s commitment to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Dublin City Comhairle na nÓg has 56 Active members aged 12-17years. Members are elected at the youth conference for a two year term. Members focus on a new working topic annually. This year’s topic is substance abuse amongst young people with a specific focus on the harmful use of Nitrous Oxide/ Fast Gas. This topic was selected by a vote at the 2023 Youth Conference.
Page 4 of 12
Information for Teachers
About Nitrous Oxide
What is Nitrous Oxide?
Nitrous oxide is a gas that, when inhaled, produces a quick but short-lived high. If used recklessly, in large amounts, or frequently, it can lead to health problems. Nitrous oxide is used in various industries and has medical purposes. In healthcare, when mixed with air in equal parts (50% gas, 50% air), it can be used as a pain-relief gas during procedures like dental work or childbirth.
This gas is colourless, and some people describe its smell and taste as slightly sweet. You can find it in different forms, such as small silver cartridges used in whipped cream dispensers, often called "whippets." It’s also available in larger coloured canisters or in devices that fill balloons.
Because of how it works and how it’s used, nitrous oxide is classified as a depressant, dissociative, or inhalant drug. A depressant slows down your body’s functions, while a dissociative drug can make you feel detached from your surroundings or yourself.
People who use nitrous oxide might refer to it as "Laughing Gas," "Whippets," "Chargers," "N2O," "Nos," or "Balloons." The media sometimes calls it "Hippy Crack." Since it’s sold in silver canisters similar to CO2 canisters, which are used to inflate bike tyres, some people confuse the two. Helium, another gas used for inflating balloons, can also be mistaken for nitrous oxide, but they are different.
How is it taken?
Nitrous oxide is usually inhaled from a balloon that’s been filled with the gas. To get the gas from the canister into the balloon, the canister must be attached to a device, such as a whipped cream dispenser or a cracker, which releases the gas. Larger nitrous oxide containers can also fill balloons directly with gas.
Source: Drugs.ie
Page 5 of 12
Information for Teachers
Why do people use nitrous oxide?
People may choose to use this substance for quick euphoric effects.
What are the effects?
Nitrous oxide is typically inhaled from a balloon that has been filled with the gas. To transfer the gas from the canister to the balloon, the canister needs to be connected to a device like a whipped cream dispenser or a cracker, which allows the gas to be released. Larger containers of nitrous oxide can be used to fill balloons with gas more directly.
Effects can include:
Unwanted effects can include:
Source: Drugs.ie
Page 6 of 12
Information for Teachers
What are the risks?
More research is needed to better understand the short- and long-term risks. We do know that certain factors can increase these risks, including:
Taking Nitrous Oxide Directly From The Canister Without A Balloon Can Increase Harms: It is dangerous to inhale nitrous oxide directly from a canister. Doing so can lead to frostbite on the mouth and nose and may also cause damage to the throat and lungs, which is highly risky. The gas inside the canisters is extremely cold and should be warmed before being inhaled.
Some People May Be At Greater Risk To Unwanted Effects And Becoming Unwell: People People with heart conditions, blood pressure issues, or mental health concerns may be at higher risk. Nitrous oxide can lower oxygen levels, which might cause an increase in heart rate.
The Setting: People are at risk of falls or accidents after using nitrous oxide, with the dangers being greater if it is used near roads or water.
The Environment: Nitrous oxide related litter is a concern in lots of regions across the country.
Mixing Drugs Increases Risk: Using nitrous oxide alongside other substances, such as alcohol or prescription medications, increases the risks. Taking nitrous oxide at the same time as stimulants could have a stronger impact on blood pressure and heart rate.
Long Term Risks To Health: Frequent, long-term, or heavy use of nitrous oxide can result in a vitamin B12 deficiency, which may cause health problems. A lack of vitamin B12 can lead to nerve damage, tingling or pain in the toes and fingers, spinal cord damage, and changes in skin pigmentation. Be aware of symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency, such as numbness in your fingers, hands, and toes, and don’t hesitate to talk to a medical professional if you have concerns.
Suffocation or Lack Of Air: Taking nitrous oxide can lead to suffocation. There is a risk of oxygen deprivation if too much nitrous oxide is inhaled or if someone uses it continuously without pausing to breathe. Globally, there have been reports of people suffering from suffocation or oxygen deficiency.
Page 7 of 12
Chest Pain or Breathing Concern: Any concerns that arise immediately after using nitrous oxide or in the following days should be discussed with a healthcare professional.
In conclusion, while nitrous oxide may seem harmless to some, it carries significant risks, especially with improper use or frequent exposure. Understanding its potential dangers, such as oxygen deprivation, nerve damage, and the risk of suffocation, is crucial. If you or someone you know experiences any adverse effects after using nitrous oxide, it is important to seek medical advice promptly. Staying informed and using caution can help minimize harm and ensure safety.
Source: Drugs.ie
Page 8 of 12
Page 9 of 12
Page 10 of 12
Page 11 of 12
Page 12 of 12
