November2009
Dear Parents/Guardians,
We have been very busy in school over the last few weeks. Below are some of the activities going on at present.
Heritage Ireland Visit -Recently we had a visit from Dale Treadwell of Go Wild and The Den fame. He gave the children in every class a presentation on Irish Wildlife, Mini beasts and ecology systems as part of our SESE curriculum programme. The visit was thoroughly enjoyed by all.
Planetarium -We also had a visit from the Armagh Planetarium in the past month. The children from each class were brought into the mobile planetarium to view the solar system. There are pictures of the visit on our website which show how enthralled they were by the experience.
Attendance -At Halloween we presented all children who had been in full attendance in September and October with a certificate to say well done for not missing a day so far. We will do the same at Christmas, Easter and Summer to reward full attendance each term. The photos of children who received these certs are available to view on the website. Some of the photos are very frightening indeed as the children are dressed up in Halloween costumes
ICT -Over the Halloween break we installed a further three Interactive Whiteboards in the school and eight new computers in our pre-fab classrooms which now have internet access. One more whiteboard will be installed prior to Christmas bringing the total in the school to nine. The new computers have been funded from the voluntary contribution while the whiteboards have been purchased with the assistance of Department grants.
During the summer our teachers put together an application for ICT support from IBM for children with learning support needs. A big thank you to IBM for the supply of three new computer stations. These stations will give our younger children and children with special needs greater access to ICT facilities in the coming years. Thanks also to Derek McKettrick from the Parents Association for assisting in the installation of the units.
Sport -Congratulations to the school athletics team for their smashing performances in the cross country competition to date. They are doing themselves proud. Well done also to the Girls Senior Football team who played so well in their recent football blitz. Thanks to all the teachers for giving their time to all our teams.
Rainbows -We are delighted that the Rainbow Group has recommenced this month. Rainbows is a support programme to assist children (1st class upwards) who are grieving due to a death or separation within their family. Thank you to the teachers, all trained facilitators, who are providing a safe setting for the children to express their feelings.
Smoking -We would remind parents that schools are smoke free zones. On Health and Safety grounds we would ask that there be no smoking in the school yards at any time.
Approach to Children -Recently we sent out a note advising that an inappropriate approach had been made by an adult to some of our children on their way home from school. While we would always recommend parental vigilance in this regard the Gardai have reported to us that this matter has been resolved to their satisfaction and they have spoken to the adult involved.
Mobile Phone Use - As you know children may not have their mobile phones powered on during school hours. We would ask parents to be aware of their child’s phone use to avoid any possibility of inappropriate usage
Voluntary Contribution - Thanks to all the families who have made their voluntary contribution to date. The Parents Association and I have met recently to allocate funding to certain projects in the first term. Between September and Christmas the following items will be funded through the Voluntary Contribution.
| Recorders for Music Programme | 700 euro | |
| Transport for Sports Events | 1,100 euro | |
| Swimming Programme | 400 euro | |
| Choir Trip | 800 euro | |
| Planetarium | 1,140 euro | |
| ICT - new computers | 3,360 euro | |
Dates For Your Diary - I am sure that parents of children in First Holy Communion and Confirmation classes are anxious to know the date for our upcoming celebrations . The dates are as follows.
First Holy Communion
| Parents Meeting | Wed 2nd December: 8.00 | School Hall |
| First Penance | Wed 10th March : 7.30 | Parish Church |
| Holy Communion Celebration | Sat 15th May : 10.30 | Parish Church |
Confirmation
| Ceremony of Commitment | Wed 10th February :8.00 | School Hall |
| Ceremony of Light | Thurs 15th April : 8.00 | Parish Church |
| Confirmation Celebration | Fri 30th April : 11.00 | Parish 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.
