When I was a child, and that was'nt yesterday, when my parents asked me if I had any notes from the teacher, it usually meant that if I had I was in trouble. As my own children now are attending school I have kept this time honoured tradition up. I must admit though what I was expecting from such notes was something along the lines of  my little boy had kicked another little boy in the "hows you fathers" during break and the teacher together with the other boys parents would like a "little chat".

No those days seem to be gone forever, the notes that my children come home with, and both of them are in the same school for now,are essentially free advertising for the numerous "after school activities that are available" from the many commerical companies providing these services. They range from painting clubs, science clubs to dancing clubs, and the cost of these can range from €60 to €120 depending on the club.Add to this the book fair where you child will buy a book for a minimum of €10.

I am really annoyed by this ,not only are the companies getting a nice distribution channel but they are exploiting the children. I cannot comment if the school is gaining anything from this,as I d'ont know, but irrespective of that look at the pressure that this puts parents under. Your child asks if they can go ,if you say no all hell will break loose,with them accusing you of being a "Mean Daddy". And what about those parents that simply cannot afford these extra's, it simply add stress to already stressful life.

It also must be a distraction for the teachers having to remember to hand out this material during the day, thereby having to disrupt the teaching process, which can only mean that its our children will suffer from "bity" teaching.They are employed to teach not to be a part of a commercial concern, allow them to do their job.

Surely this has to stop, and I for one think its deplorable. If it the case that the school has to do this for financial reasons then shame on you Department of Education

During this appalling 2 months of continious rain and wind, getting your children out and about is a hit and miss situation. You essentially avail of any opportunity to get then out to get some air. Over the last two mornings the weather has been reasonable and I decided to walk them to school as it would be good for them.

During the walks I was shocked and really annoyed by the amount of dog shite that is lying in wait for every unsuspecting parent, child and parent pushing buggies and prams.I do not see dogs roaming freely around where I live during the day time and I d'ont see many dogs roaming freely at night time either. I have noticed people walking their dogs which makes me arrive at the conclusion that the dog owners are not picking up the shite after "fluffy" lets one go,(about the size of a carrot).

Just to clarify not all dog owners are this irresponsible but evidence would suggest that there are a few out there that are happy turning away whilst the business is being done.I thought this was an offence,is it?. If it is how would it be enforced?. I suppose the only way that this would stop is for the dog owners to act responsibly and pick up the shite.

I can see it now you confront someone and say "that will cost you €100" to that they'll probably reply "You can have it for nothing"