In this newsletter: Seachtain na Gaeilge | Proclamation Day | Cór Féile | Red Day | Grandparents Day / World Book Day | H.S.C.L. News | Car Park | Points to remember | Parents Association | Sacraments | School Closures | School Calendar

Seachtain na Gaeilge

The school is marking Seachtain na Gaeilge next Monday, 14th to Wednesday, 16th March. We have lots of fun activities organised to promote the speaking of Irish. Lá Glas or Green Day will take place on Wednesday, 16th where the children can wear green clothes and we will have the annual Céilí Mór on that day too. Weve included a few phrases below to help you support your child with the ‘cúpla focail!

Proclamation Day – Tuesday 15th March

All across the country schools will celebrate the centenary of 1916.  We will have a ceremony in the hall for 3rd to 6th classes from 11.15am to 12 approximately and then the whole school will gather on the basketball court for the raising of the flag at 12 noon.

All parents are welcome to join us for this special celebration.  (Limited standing space in the hall for parents from 11am or join us in the yard at 12).  There will be a cup of tea afterwards.

Cór Fhéile

Congratulations to the Choir for a great performance in the Cór Fhéile last Thursday night, 3rd March in the Basketball Arena.  They got a wonderful review from the judges on the night.  Well done to Mr. Reilly, Ms. Clancy, Ms. Giblin and Mr. Carthy for all the work they do with the choir.

Red Day (Friday, 12th February)

€528 was collected for Tallaght Hospital on Red Day.  This money has been allocated by the hospital towards the purchase of a machine which will help stroke victims.  Dr. Ronan Collins visited the school on Wednesday the 2nd of March to talk to the 5th and 6th class children about the impact of stroke on families.  He thanked them and their parents for their very generous donation.

Grandparents Day / World Book Day

Well done to all involved in celebrating Grandparents Day and World Book Day.  A special thanks to all who participated and helped out on both days. 

Well done to Raed, Yazin, James, Luke, Eoin, Sara, Alfie and Sean from 2nd class who did a book review on the Ian Dempsey Show last Thursday, 3rd of March.

H.S.C.L News

Easter Chicks:  The parents’ Knitting Club will sell Easter Chicks in the yard on Monday, March 14th and Tuesday 15th at 9.15am, 2pm and 3pm.  All money raised goes to Barretstown.

How to Build Self Esteem and Life Skills in Children & Teens:  Begins on Tuesday, April 5th at 9.30 to 11am in the Parents’ Room and continues on April 12th, 19th and 26th.  There are still some places available.

Glasnevin Cemetary and Museum Tour for Parents [Thursday 14th April]:  The bus leaves the school gate at 9.30am sharp and returns before 2pm.  Still some places available.  All places need to be confirmed by Monday, April 11th as both Glasnevin and the Bus Company need exact numbers.

Parent/Toddler Group:  Continues every Friday morning in the Parents Room from 9.30am.  All are welcome to come in for a cuppa and a chat.

Book Club:  The next meeting is on Thursday, April 21st at 9.30am in the Parents’ Room.  The following books will be discussed:  Victim Without a Face – Stefan Ahnhen,  Animal Farm – George Orwell,  Of Mice and Men – John Steinbeck.

Kathleen McKiernan H.S.C.L  –  086 0276666

Car Park

A number of unfortunate incidences have been brought to our attention with regard to the car park. Regretfully we have heard of parents acting aggressively towards others in front of children and other parents. We would like to remind you that you are on school grounds and it is distressing for children to be exposed to this behaviour.

Safety First

Safety of the children entering and leaving the school is of the utmost importance and I would urge you to work with us to ensure this.

• The SET DOWN area is strictly no parking – it is a drop off area only.  Strictly no double parking and park in marked spaces only.
• Please do not park in the Disabled Parking Places, a number of parents need these spaces and you must have a permit to park here.
• Under no circumstances should parents park in the Staff Car Park (in front of the Eco Rooms)
• Please remember to accompany your child to the footpath.  Children should not be unsupervised in the car park.
• Children should not arrive on the school grounds before 9.10am (unless taking part in pre school activities such as sport). Supervision is not provided before this time.

Points to remember

• School starts at 9.20am. All pupils should be on time.
• If a child is absent for any reason a note of explanation must be sent to the class teacher when the child returns.  We are legally obliged to report any children who have been absent for 20 days or more to the National Education Welfare Board.
• If you have changed address or telephone number recently, please notify the office of new details.
• No dogs allowed on the school grounds.
• Smoking is illegal (including e-cigarettes) anywhere within the school boundary, as it is a public building.
• When walking up to the school, please follow the footpath.  Please do not take shortcuts across the field (in the wet weather muck is being brought in to the school and the field is being churned up) or through the church gardens and only use paths provided.
• Anyone cycling to school must wear a helmet, have a lock and walk the bicycle/scooter along the footpath within the school grounds.

Parents Association

On Wednesday, Thursday and Friday of this week a book sale is being held at 9am, 2pm and 3pm.  Children’s books cost .50c for 1 or €1 for 3 books and Adult books are €1 or €3 for 4 books.

On Tuesday night, 15th March there will be a Family Fun Quiz in the hall from 7 – 9pm.  Doors open at 6.30 and tickets cost €5 per family table.   All welcome for what promises to be a fun night.

Sacraments

First Holy Communion

Congratulations to 2nd class on making their 1st Confession on Tuesday night.

First Holy Communion will be celebrated on the 28th of May.

Confirmation

There will be a Retreat for the 6th class Confirmation children on Friday, 11th March in the Church.

The Ceremony of Light for the Confirmation children will be held on Monday, 14th of March at 7.30pm in the Church.

Confirmation will be celebrated by Archbishop Diarmuid Martin on Friday the 8th of April.

School Closures

Please note that school will close next Wednesday, March 16th at 12.30pm sharp for all pupils.  Please ensure your child is collected on time.

SCHOOL  CALENDAR  2015/2016

We would like to thank you all for your continued support during the last term and we would like to wish you and your family a very Happy Easter.

Míle Buíochas,

Dara Lalor,
Deputy Principal.