We’re making great efforts to organise some events for Kildare RTAI – Suggestions, help and support much appreciated.

Please pass the word around to sign up for blog or to contact Secretary Anne Rogan for text updates 0834298713

1. FLAT WALKS

I’m delighted to hear that the short walks have restarted. Today (5th April) was first one –  from Ardclough (meeting at 11 oclock), along the canal to Hazelhatch, returning by Lyons Estate for coffee, about 9km.

Special thanks to Maura McAuliff for organising the walks – put the first Friday each month into your “WALKING DIARY” – venues will be notified closer to time. Hopefully we might get some pics – until then all I can offer is me completing the Camino – two beautiful sunny days then three of driving rain and sleet … but I made it!

Breda Fay on the Camino de Compostela

2. GOLF

Forward your name and mobile number to Ted Roony 086 1545031 if you are interested in Golf outings planned for Athy, Naas and Mullingar – dates and details will be arranged later.

Mullingar 17th June Inter Branch Golf – we can enter 2 teams – Ted will have details in April.

3. KILDARE RTAI BRANCH MEETING

Our summer together is in Killashee on Tuesday 18th June. General Secretary, John O’Brien will attend.

4. DANCING

Dancing resumes after Easter Break on Wednesday 10th April and continues every second Wednesday in The Town House Naas. Cuppa to start us off at 10.00, followed by dancing, then lunch. All welcome!

I’m sure most of you have received this comminication from TC – I’m just posting as a reminder!

FROM TEACHING COUNCIL:

“Táim ag scríobh chugat le cur in iúl duit go mbeidh toghcháin don Chomhairle Mhúinteoireachta ar siúl i mí Feabhra 2024. Tá an rolla toghthóirí anois foilsithe agus tá sé ar fáil ar ár suíomh gréasáin.

Más mian leat seasamh sa toghchán, ní féidir leat a bheith ainmnithe agus vótáil a dhéanamh ach laistigh de do chatagóir agus do thoghcheantar.

Thíos atá an chatagóir agus an toghcheantar atá tugtha duit ag úsáid an t-eolas ar an gClár.
Catagóir : Catagóir 1 – Bunscoil / Category 1 – Primary
Tógcheantar : Cúige Laighean / Leinster
Mura bhfuil do chatagóir nó do thoghcheantar i gceart, comhlánaigh, le do thoil, an fhoirm iarratais ar leasú an rolla Toghthóirí atá ar fáil ónár suíomh gréasáin agus seol é trí ríomhphost chuig elections@teachingcouncil.ie.

Is é an dáta deiridh le haghaidh foirm iarratais ar leasú a fháil ná 12 pm (meán lae) ar an 20 Nollaig 2023.”

Scam alert – Beware of scammers pretending to be a relative asking for help 

Beware of text or WhatsApp messages appearing to be from a relative, in most cases a son or daughter, asking for help because they lost or broke their phone. It is likely to be a scam.

The messages often begin with ‘Hi Mum’ and could provide several different reasons why they are using a different phone number.

These scams are designed to trick you into handing over money or financial information to a fraudster. If you respond to these messages, the fraudster will eventually request help for some kind of emergency, such as needing a new phone or paying an urgent bill.

If you get a message like this:
1. Contact your relative through an alternative communication channel such as a phone call, video chat, or another messaging platform on a number that you always use for them.

2. Confirm their safety and ask if they indeed lost their phone. It is essential to have direct confirmation from your relative before proceeding with any assistance.
3. Take your time and do not be rushed, fraudsters are using your emotions to make you fall victim.
4. Report the account immediately to WhatsApp and An Garda Siochana.
5. Block the suspicious account to prevent further attempts at communication.

Look out Number 11 at Cahore Point, Co Wexford

LOOK OUT POST number 11

Great seeing everyone on Tuesday – I think the few weeks of fine weather lifted all our spirits. The meeting was a wonderful opportunity to catch up with friends as well being informative. Thanks to the committee, Carmel, Mary and Michael.

**********************************************

The meeting commenced with presentation of vouchers to our Golf team, Mary Mahon, Ann Fenelon, Ted Rooney and Mick Deeley who ably represented us in RTAI All Ireland Golf Classic in Mountrath .

The Committee is anxious to support branch social activities – they are already supporting golf and dancing. Any suggestion for further activities would be welcome. Carmel suggested that a WhatsApp group might be beneficial in spreading news about events; if you wish to be part of a whatsApp group send your name and ph no to Breda Fay @ 087 2417226. Breda also encouraged members to make better use of website/blog by scrolling down on home page, adding email and subscribing (free). You will then receive an email every time a new post is added.

Carmel Gleeson welcomed Gen Sec ARTI, John O’Brien for his first official visit to Kildare Branch.

JOHN’S REPORT

John was glad to report that all ARTI activity levels are back to normal. The final increase of the Building Momentum agreement will hit our accounts in October and already work is underway for the next pay agreement. While ARTI do not have a voice at the bargaining table, the INTO remains staunch in its view that pension parity is a priority. John also advised that retired teachers could join movements that do have a voice i.e. Retired Civil and Public Servants Association and of course we can always write to local politicians or make suggestions to ARTI to forward our views to pressure organisations.

A number of retired teachers are being surveyed – John advises ignoring the veiled threat that pension could be cancelled if you fail to reply – but also advises that you complete survey.

There were some queries at our table about the increase to Winter fuel allowance for over 70’s. This should not be confused with the Household benefits package (free TV Licence- €160 and electricity /gas allowance- up to €35 credit per month IF YOU’RE OVER 70). Siobhan or Patricia in ARTI 01-245 4130 will answer any queries you have – best to ring them in the morning.

There is still no bar on retirees subbing – schools are supposed to explore availablity of not retired trained teachers – but as subs are few and far between, retirees are in demand.

 

Here are some events that might interest you.

POETRY COMPETITION

NAAS LIBRARY HOSTS LOCAL AUTHOR