Whole-School Evaluation- Management, Leadership and Learning
The inspectorate conducted a W.S.E.-M.L.L. in our school on the 23rd and 24th of January. The inspection process was a most positive experience and we thank our divisional inspector for her professionalism and courtesy throughout. The Board have received and responded to our written report and we look forward to posting a link on our website when the document is published. When reading the report, please refer to the Quality Continuum used by the inspectorate. This will be located near the end of the document and will clearly show that the inspectorate uses five echelons in their grading system. We are very proud to have scored in the top two echelons throughout the report; “good” and “very good”; and to have been highly commended on the work ethic and behaviour of our wonderful pupils.
First Penance
Congratulations are extended to Gerard, David, Holly, Aishling and Caoimhe who celebrated the Sacrament of Penance on February 26th in Templebraden Church. We say thanks to Ms. Hickey and Fr. Pat for preparing the children so well, and to all children who sang in the choir on the night. Second class pupils were treated to a chocolate fountain in school on the following day. We now look forward to First Holy Communion which will take place on Saturday May 12th in Templebraden Church.
“School of Rock”
Senior pupils travelled to John the Baptist Community School in Hospital to enjoy a performance of “School of Rock” on Thursday 22nd February. We congratulate past pupil, David Wolfe, on his tremendous performance as the lead male.
“The Beast from the East”
We thank all families for their cooperation during our recent emergency closure due to the red weather warning put in place for March 1st and 2nd. We appear to have escaped lightly on the school campus, with only burst pipes in one of the sheds to be repaired. Due to the loss of two contact days with pupils, a number of strategies have and will be implemented by teachers in order to ensure that we keep up with our curricular plans.
Seachtain na Gaeilge
Seachtain na Gaeilge will take place during the week of Monday 12th March. There will be an even greater focus on gaeilge during the week through engagement with scéalta, drámaíocht, amhráin, ealaín, dánta, cómhrá agus cluichí. “Green, White and Gold Day” will take place on Friday 16th, whereby all pupils will be invited to wear their colours!
Bake Sale
Our Student Council will organise a bake sale, also to take place on the 16th March at 2pm. Families are invited to bake in preparation for the sale and to drop items to school at 9am that morning in order that “The Shamrock Bakery” may be ready and open for business at 2pm. This event has been extremely popular over the past two years and we sincerely thank you in advance for your support! Homework for all pupils on Thursday 15th will be to bake a treat for the bakery!
St Patrick’s Day
School will be closed on Monday 19th March.
J.E.P. Showcase
Senior pupils are busily working on their Junior Entrepreneur Project at present. The winning idea was greeting cards showing local images. These will be sold in packs of five costing seven euros per pack. There are ten images in all and two packs may be purchased at a special price of ten euros. Senior pupils will host their Showcase Day on Friday 23rd March at 11.15am and all are most welcome to attend. We look forward to promoting our wonderful locally-inspired product and we will soon be ready to start taking orders!
Easter Holidays
School will close for Easter holidays on Friday March 23rd at 12.15pm and will reopen on April 9th.
Well-Being Day for Sixth Class Pupils
In line with our Amber Flag project and in preparation for transition to secondary school, sixth class pupils will enjoy a Wellbeing Day, as hosted by Mary Dillon, on Tuesday 10th April. Sixth class pupils will wear their own clothes to school on the day, lunch will be provided and there will be no homework that evening. This is a special event being organised for our most senior pupils as they prepare to move on to all the new experiences that secondary school will offer.
Clothes Recycling
We will hold a clothes recycling event in aid of N.C.B.I. on Tuesday 1st May.
“In My Own Shoes”
With parental consent, fifth and sixth class pupils will attend “In My Own Shoes” as presented by Mary Dillon, an experienced relationships and sexuality facilitator, on Tuesday 1st May. Course content and consent forms will be circulated after the Easter break.
Staff Meeting
School will close for all pupils at 1.40pm on Friday April 13th for a staff meeting.
Friends for Life Programme
In line with our Amber Flag project, the Friends for Life Programme will be implemented as a whole-class programme in the senior classroom after the Easter break. This programme helps students to develop resilience by teaching them effective strategies to cope with, problem solve and manage all kinds of emotional distress, including worry, stress, change and anxiety. Skills learned throughout the programme help students both now and in later life.
Dates to Remember
Seachtain na Gaeilge- Week beginning 12th March
“Green, White and Gold Day” and Bake Sale- Friday16th March
St. Patrick’s Day- School closed on Monday 19th March
J.E.P. Showcase- Friday 23rd March, 11.15am
Easter Holidays- Friday 23rd March, 12.15pm close
Well-Being Day for Sixth Class Pupils- Tuesday 10th April
Staff Meeting- Friday 13th April, 1.40pm close
Clothes Recycling- Tuesday 1st May
“In My Own Shoes” for Fifth and Sixth Class Pupils- Tuesday 1st May
First Holy Communion- Saturday 12th May
Thanking all families for your continued support and wishing you all a most enjoyable Easter break.
Kind Regards,
Heidi Jordan