NEWS & UPDATES FROM SCHOOLDAYS

NEWS & UPDATES FROM SCHOOLDAYS.ie  Websites to make learning easier There are lots of fantastic websites around to help primary or secondary school kids with their projects or revision.  In fact there are so many that it can be hard to find what you looking for.  So we have put together a list of websites and apps to help your kids learn.  If you have suggestions of other websites and apps we would love to hear about them.  Check out our list of Primary Education websites Check out our list of Secondary Education websites    and don't forget to check out our Learning Resources Section A chance for your kid's class to see 'The Orchestra' The Irish Times and RTÉ Music in the Classroom are offering a class of up to 30 pupils the chance to see the RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra play a wonderful programme that includes seasonal delight, The Snowman in the National Concert Hall this December. The prize is for tickets for a class (up to 30 children and 3 accompanying adults) to attend a Music in the Classroom concert in National Concert Hall on the 12th, 13th or 20th December at 10.15am or 12 noon, subject to availability. Find out how to enter this great competition here New School Self-Evaluation Guidelines launched by Minister Quinn. New School Self-Evaluation Guidelines launched were by Minister Quinn on Mon 19th November. The purpose of the School Self-Evaluation Guidelines are to support schools to evaluate their own work and to set targets to improve teaching and learning.  It is hoped that this will help to achieve the targets set out in the Programme for Government and in the National Literacy and Numeracy Strategy, launched by the Minister last year.  Read the Ministers' full press release here  Countdown to Christmas  All schools, primary & secondary, close on Friday 21st December which will be the final day of the school term. All schools re-open on Monday 7th January 2013. Plan you Christmas school holidays with our special Christmas Holidays Section on Schooldays.ie where you will find: Suggestions for some great family breaks over the festive season Information on Kids camps around the country Updates on festive family events around the country Craft Ideas, Recipes, Decorations and lots more Visit our Christmas Section for lots of ideas Competitions - Enter to win some great prizes on Schooldays.ie! Design a Christmas Card and you could win an iPad Mini or Smyth's Toystores vouchers with thanks to the McCarthy Insurance Group - Submit your Child's Christmas Card here! Win a €150 Communion Dress voucher from Yvonne Harrington Dresses. All dresses are lovingly designed using the finest fabrics - Win a €150 Communion Dress Voucher Win an iConnect Card - The iConnect Student ID Card is the only dedicated Second-Level Student ID and Discount Card brought to you by YouthConnect and the ISSU. - Win one for your teenager here! Win childrens passes to the Pirates Village now in Liffey Valley until April 2013. We have 5 sets of 2 passes to give away, 3 sets on our site and 2 sets just for our Facebook Fans.  Enter to win on our site here! Win family passes to The National Wax Museum Plus Want to see what the Plus is all about? We have 3 Family Passes to give away. While you can win one of two on the site we also have a family pass just for ourFacebook Fans.  - Enter to win on our site here! Visit our Competitions Page Latest News Stories on Schooldays.ie After-school scheme boosts literacy skills, study finds Minister Fitzgerald launches report on consultation with children and young people More students than ever completing Leaving Cert Quinn 'disappointed' by third-level grant delay Parents urged to get childrens eyes tested during Bright Eyes week  Construction to commence on 8 new schools under PPP model Maternal smoking leads to child behavioural problems, report finds Patronage surveys receive low turnout Speech and Language Therapy Service recommended for disadvantaged areas Two-tier teacher pay rates 'may lead to resentment' Imaginosity recognised as Discover Science Centre Additional funding announced for Teaching and SNAs posts to support special needs children New School Self-Evaluation Guidelines launched by Minister Quinn Cuts to hours forcing post-primary teachers into income poverty Share your views on your School Take a few minutes to assist other parents by sharing your views on your child's school - take part in our 'Parents School Feedback' initiative. Find out more about this initiative and how to take part