23rd March 2010
Dear Parents/ Guardians,
We would like to wish everyone in our school community a happy Easter. We hope everyone enjoys the break and we look forward to seeing all the children in the summer term. As you can see from the newsletter below it has been a very busy March.
Confirmation - We are delighted to inform parents that Archbishop Diarmuid Martin will visit our parish on the 30th of April to celebrate the sacrament of Confirmation with our sixth class children. Prior to this the sixth class children will take part in the Ceremony of Light in St Maccullins church at 8.00 on Thursday the 15th of April
Sacrament of Penance - Well done to all the boys and girls who celebrated their First Penance this month. The children were a credit to us all. Due to the increase in numbers taking part in the ceremony from the four schools in the community it is likely that from next year we will hold our own school celebration as we have the greatest number of children participating in the sacrament.
Rainbows - The children who have been participating in the Rainbows Group for those who have suffered loss or bereavement are taking part in their "We Celebrate" day this week. We hope they have benefited from taking part in the course and would like to thank the teachers involved for giving their time so generously.
Reports - The staff have drafted two new report cards to be used in Junior and Senior classes in the future. We hope that the new report cards will provide parents with a clearer picture of their child's progress in school during the year.
Sport - School leagues are in full swing at present. We have three football teams, a hurling team, basketball teams and athletics teams all participating in their respective school leagues at present. Well done to all concerned. The children are also receiving coaching in GAA, cricket, basketball, rugby and dance from visiting coaches. Our senior classes were also delighted to receive a visit from the Heineken Cup this month. It certainly is a busy school on the sports front.
ICT -The final stage of our ICT upgrade took place this month with the installation of a further four interactive whiteboards (IWB) and twenty three new computers in our classes. Each class now has an IWB or projector and two computers as well as the computers in the computer room. We would like to thank Ms. White for all her hard work in co-ordinating this project.
Seachtain na Gaeilge - Seachtain na Gaeilge -Bhí spórt. is spraoi ag na páistí i rith Seachtain na Gaeilge. Bhain siad an-taitneamh as an tráth na gceist, an comortas filíocht agus na cluichí go leir a d'eagraigh na múinteoirí. The children had great fun during Seachtain na Gaeilge this year. They really enjoyed the table quiz, the poetry competition and the games organized by Ms. Ní Chonaráin.
Policies -Two new policies, "An Emergency Closure Policy" and a "Custody and Separation Policy" have been ratified by the Board and are available to view on the school website.
Games Club - About twenty five children from third, fourth and fifth class have been participating in our after school Games Club. I know from visiting the group that the children have been thoroughly enjoying it. Thanks to Ms. Hickey for giving her time up for the children.
Computer Club - Ms. Canny and Ms. Beattie are organizing a Computer club for fifth class children which will run next term. They will contact parents this week regarding the classes.
Tree Planting - Our fourth class children recently took part in tree planting in Turvey Woods with Fingal County Council. Thanks to Ms. McWalter for organizing the event. A good day was certainly had by all.
Artist in Residence/ Wall of Fame -The artist in residence programme organized by Ms. Scott is up and running once again with the support of the voluntary contribution. The project is also receiving part sponsorship from CostCutters Village Store for which we are very grateful. The children from fifth class seem to be thoroughly enjoying the programme with artist Maura O'Neill. We also have many talented artists among the children in our school. Some of their work is on display on our wall of fame and can be viewed on the school website www.lusknationalschool.org
Visiting Author - This Thursday the children's author Maeve Friel will visit the children from 1st to 4th class to read stories from her collection of novels. We are very much looking forward to the visit which is funded from the Voluntary Contributions. A big thanks to Ms. Murtagh for organizing the event.
Foroige - We are delighted that the Foroige Youth Club resumed their activities in our school hall. It is wonderful to see people in the community giving their time to the youth of the area. We hope the young people of the area get great enjoyment from the club.
Parents Association - The Parents Association meeting planned for this Thursday has been postponed until after the Easter break.
Bug Busting Programme - This programme will be rolled out with the children in second class after Easter. We will be in contact with parents directly after the break
Dates for the Diary
Easter Break - School Closes - Friday 26th March 12.30
School re-opens-Monday 12th April 9.20
Staff meeting - Wednesday 14th April - Children home at 12.30
Ceremony of Light - Thursday 15th April, 8.00 St. Maccullins Church
Regards,
Paul Comiskey.
Principal.
Principal: Paul Comiskey, B.Ed., Dip. Ed. Man., M.St.
Deputy Principal: Peggy O'Connor N.T., D.A.I.
