Welcome back to school!
All pupils and families are very welcome back to school after the summer break. I would like to extend a very special welcome to our five new junior infants. We hope that the academic year 2015/16 will be an extremely happy and successful year for all associated with Garrydoolis N.S.
A Few Reminders:
Communication:
At Garrydoolis N.S. we encourage communication and the sharing of ideas and opinions. Should a parent wish to meet his/her child’s class teacher he/she is most welcome to do so. Parents can arrange an appointment through the school secretary, by writing to the teacher, via email at garrydoolisns@gmail.com or by mentioning it to the teacher when collecting their child. In the event of an emergency during school holidays/ outside of school hours, contact with the principal/ school authorities may be made via email. Please note that the phone answering service is also operational, should you wish to leave a message.
Uniform/ P.E. Day:
Children are expected to wear their full uniform to school each day. All children should have a pair of black pumps to wear as indoor shoes. The school tracksuit should be worn only on PE day which will be each Friday during this academic year. Pupils in the senior classroom are kindly requested to each have a pair of maroon football socks for our participation in the football seven-a-side tournament later in the autumn.
Healthy Lunches:
Pupils are encouraged to bring a healthy lunch to school in line with our healthy eating policy. Treats such as fizzy drinks, chocolate, crisps and sweets should be avoided. In the event of a birthday or special occasion, parents are welcome to provide treats for their child to distribute amongst classmates, should they so wish. Equally, teachers may choose to present a treat as acknowledgement of an achievement. As we all become increasingly aware of the importance and benefits of healthy eating habits, we encourage your support in this regard.
Reduce our Rubbish!
In connection with our green schools project, we would ask that all pupils continue to take lunch rubbish home in their lunchboxes in an effort to reduce rubbish levels in the school. We thank pupils and parents for their cooperation with this endeavour during the past two school years. This year we are working towards our fourth green flag!
Headphones:
Again this year, we would kindly request that parents provide children with their own set of headphones for use with the classroom computers.
High Vis Jackets:
We request that all pupils wear high vis jackets to school in the mornings in order to maximise visibility at the side of the road as they exit cars.
Birthday Invitations:
We ask that invitations to birthday parties are distributed outside of school please.
Thank you Roger and Welcome Johnny:
I wish to extend thanks on behalf of our school community to Mr. Roger Butler who has served as caretaker for the past two years. Roger’s hard work and dedication certainly did not go unnoticed. As a result of Roger’s departure, we extend a warm Garrydoolis welcome to Mr. Johnny Leahy who will take over as caretaker this year.
“Garrydoolis Gals”:
We extend sincere congratulations to our “Garrydoolis Gals” who, under the mentorship of Riah Hogan, represented the local community at the All-Ireland Finals of the Community Games U-14 Group Singing Competitions. Well done to Lisa, Sinéad and Claire!
Iestyn Represents Ireland!:
We are also extremely proud of our talented golfer, Iestyn Winn, who just last weekend competed in the Adidas /Taylormade Wee Wonders Grand Final at the home of golf, St. Andrew’s in Scotland. The competition brought together the best players from the UK and Ireland, as well as a few international guests. Iestyn came a wonderful ninth, which is fantastic given the talented field of British, European and World Champions. In both rounds, Iestyn shot better than his handicap and scored best of the Irish group. What an achievement!
Front Hall:
We extend thanks to Johnny Leahy who did such a fabulous job in re-vamping our front hall. The hall underwent a full paint job over the summer and is indeed much brighter.
Junior Infant Timetable:
Junior infants will go home at 12.15 each day during their first two weeks at school. Therefore, junior infants will start to go home at 1.40p.m. as normal on the week beginning September 14th.
Ceoltas Ceoltóirí Éireann:
All pupils from junior infants to sixth class will enjoy a ten week block of tin whistle lessons, beginning on Wednesday 23rd of September. These lessons will focus on traditional Irish music and will be facilitated by Ceoltas Ceoltóirí tutor, Josephine Malone. Children who already play an instrument are asked to bring same with them on the day of lessons. We kindly ask that each pupil brings €2 weekly as contribution toward cost of these lessons.
Graded Readers/ Literacy Lift Off:
Following substantial investment, graded fiction and non-fiction novels and sets of exemplar cards have been purchased for use in the senior classroom. Similarly, a “Literacy Lift Off” style approach will be introduced in the junior room in an effort to target individual levels of reading ability. Such is our dedication to literacy development throughout the school that we hope to purchase further graded readers for the junior classroom later in the year.
Sammy Saving Scheme:
Sammy Stamps will re-commence shortly. We will communicate further details as soon as possible.
Staff Meeting:
A staff meeting will be held on Thursday September 24th. Please note that school will close at 1.40p.m. on the day.
Student Council:
The elections for student council representatives will take place in the senior classroom on Friday 11th. As last year, five members will be elected to represent students during this school year.
Friendship Week:
Garrydoolis N.S. Friendship Week will be held on the week beginning Monday September 28th. Children will engage in activities based on the theme of friendship and play related games.
Family Masses:
Our first three Family Masses will take place in Nicker Church at 10am on the following dates: September 13th, October 18th and November 22nd. This year senior pupils will join pupils from Barna N.S. to sing as a combined school choir during Family Masses.
Christmas Show:
Please note well in advance that this year’s Christmas show will take place on Friday 18th December.
“Sleeping Beauty”:
All pupils will travel by bus to the University Concert Hall at U.L. to see a performance of “Sleeping Beauty” on Monday 21st December.
Dates to Remember:
Sammy Savings Scheme restarts- date to be confirmed
Student Council Elections- Friday 11th September
Staff Meeting- Thursday 24th September, school will close at 1.40p.m.
Ceoltas Ceoltóirí lessons commence- Wednesday 23rd September
Family Masses- Sunday 13th September, 18th October, 22nd November
Halloween Holidays- Friday 23rd October
Christmas Show- Friday 18th December
“Sleeping Beauty”- Monday 21st December
Christmas Holidays- Tuesday 22nd December, 12.15 close
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