Jan 08
Dear Parents/Guardians,
Welcome back after the Christmas break. We hope everyone had a restful time although it probably feels like a distant memory at this stage
Enrolment – Enrolment packs for the 2008/2009 school year will be available in the school hall from Monday the 4th of February at 9.30. These packs include an application form and some school policies for parent’s information and signature. Completed forms should be accompanied by the child’s original birth cert, baptismal cert and a utility bill showing the families home address. These documents are necessary to ensure that places in our school are allocated in as fair a manner as possible. Places will be allocated on return of the completed pack according to the criteria outlined in the policy.
Confirmation – The ceremony of light took place on the 22nd of January. The ceremony was a lovely occasion and the children in the Confirmation classes and the school choir were a credit to themselves. Confirmation will take place on the 19th of February. The children in sixth class are very much looking forward to the occasion. Thanks to the ladies of the ICA who have once again agreed to organize the tea and coffee afterwards.
ICT – Lusk Motor Group have agreed to sponsor the purchase of six new computers for our ICT room. The order has been placed and we expect delivery soon. We would like to express our sincere thanks to Leo Neary and all in Lusk Motors for this support. One member of our Parents Association, Steve Allen has been extremely supportive in organizing the order and is also providing some sponsorship to install an up to date server in the room. The room will now have sixteen modern computers, an up to date server and a mobile ICT unit. Thanks to Ms. White for all her hard work in upgrading our facilities.
Policies - The Homework Policy is currently under review. At present a draft is with the Parents Association for parental input. We expect that our new policy will include guidelines regarding time to spend at homework as well as useful hints towards the stress free completion of homework for all concerned. Once the consultation process is complete the policy will be made available to the school community.
Quiz Team – Good luck to the boys and girls from fifth class taking part in the Credit Union Inter-Schools Quiz Competition on Saturday the 26th January and thanks to Ms. Rochford and Mr O’Flatharta for preparing the teams.
Oral Hygiene – The children in Senior Infants, 1st, 3rd and 5th classes had a visit from the oral hygienist in Coolock Health Centre this month who demonstrated the best way for the children to care for their teeth.
W.O.W. – The Green Schools Committee is encouraging all families who live within walking distance of the school to ‘Walk on Wednesday’ or ‘W.O.W’ rather than take the car. This initiative is part of our campaign to reduce energy usage within the school community and is a step towards our new green flag. The committee are monitoring the numbers who walk each day and we hope that walking becomes part of each child’s weekly routine.
Astronomy Ireland – The Parents Association have organized a visit from Astronomy Ireland on the 5th of February. The group will make two presentations to suit children at both the junior and the senior end of the school. We are very much looking forward to the visit.
Lost Property – A fine collection of coats, hats, jumpers etc are stored in our lost property box at this stage of the year. We would ask parents to have a quick look if their child has lost anything. Unclaimed items will be sent to the St. Vincent De Paul during our mid-term break, Feb 14th/15th.
Collection of Junior/Senior Infants – We would like to thank our parents for their co-operation in collecting children from the school yard each day. This greatly assists our teachers in ensuring that each child is collected by an authorized adult.
Absenteeism – The National Education Welfare Board collects information four times a year regarding pupil absence and then contacts families of children who have missed more than twenty days within the school year. We would ask all parents to ensure that where their child has been absent the class teacher is informed by sending in a short note.
Dates to Note: Feb 6th – Staff Meeting – Children home at 2.00
.Feb 14th/15th – School Closed – Mid-Term.
Regards,
Paul Comiskey.
Principal.
Principal: Paul Comiskey, B.Ed., Dip. Ed. Man., M.St.
Deputy Principal: Peggy O'Connor N.T. D.A.I..
