Doodle4Google:
This year’s theme is “Ireland is…” All senior pupils have taken part in the in-school Doodle4Google competition and six entries have been chosen by junior pupils to represent the school. The wonderful entries going forward belong to Caoimhe Winn, Sinéad McGuinness, Lillian Houlihan, James Ryan, Alex Fox and Leah Butler. We wish them good luck!
P.A. Table Quiz and Raffle:
We thank all families and friends of the school who so generously supported our family table quiz held in the school on Sunday the 18th of October. The event raised €1,017.50 which has been used to fund graded readers for the “Literacy Lift Off” programme in the junior classroom. Sincere thanks to our P.A. who organised the event.
Clothes Recycling:
We thank the P.A. for also organising a clothes recycling event recently. We got a good response and €262.50 was raised.
Travel Action Day:
We hope to formally apply for our fourth green flag based on the theme of travel shortly. This flag will be a culmination of two years’ work around travel, as well as maintenance of the first three topics of litter and waste, energy and water. On Tuesday the 10th of November, all pupils took part in a most enjoyable Action Day. We examined helmet design and took part in a travel quiz as facilitated by Seán Hartigan, green schools travel officer. The winners of our travel poster and slogan competitions were also announced. These lucky winners received pencil cases made from recycled tyres! Senior pupils received high-vis snap bands on the day, while junior pupils received bag tags. We then designed pop-up road signs which you will shortly see on the road on your approach to school. Additionally, pupils enjoyed the visit of two gardaí and the principles and rules of safe travel were highlighted.
Team Hope Christmas Shoebox Appeal:
We thank all families who so willingly got involved in the Christmas shoebox appeal. The project was meaningful to the pupils and drew their attention to those children less fortunate than themselves. We are delighted to announce that a total of forty seven boxes will benefit children in Africa this Christmas.
Presentation of our National Flag and Proclamation:
Monday the 16th of November saw much excitement as we welcomed two members of the defence forces who presented our national flag and proclamation. Senior pupils beautifully sang “Amhrán na bhFiann” as Anna Ryan accepted our flag. Lisa McGuinness then read the Proclamation while our official copy was being presented to Seán Ryan. Senior pupils also played a beautiful rendition of “Cill Mhuire” and “An Ghaoth Aneas” on their tin whistles before all pupils were offered the opportunity to ask the soldiers questions about life in the defence forces.
The event was indeed most informative and we look forward to engaging in our projects to commemorate the centenary of the 1916 Rising and to sharing our work with you all on Proclamation Day on the 16th of March 2016.
Anti-Bullying Week:
Anti-bullying was highlighted during the week of November 16th. “Caught You Caring” vouchers were presented and pupils completed set tasks around showing kindness during the school day. Senior pupils also signed the anti-bullying promise and we all agreed to “make a noise about bullying”.
Setanta Christmas Book Catalogue:
Many thanks go to Breda McGuinness who organised the Christmas book catalogue.
Family Mass:
Our next family mass will take place on Sunday the 6th of December. We commend pupils for their participation in our schools’ choir and again we thank Fr. Burns for his commitment and time in preparing these masses with our pupils.
First Penance and First Holy Communion:
We send good wishes to Anna Ryan as she prepares for her First Holy Communion during this academic year. First Penance will take place in Nicker Church at 7.30pm on Wednesday the 24th of February 2016 and First Holy Communion will take place on Saturday the 7th of May 2016.
Parish Carol Service:
Again this Christmas, we look forward to our pupils’ participation in the Parish Carol Service to be held in Nicker Church on Thursday the 17th of December. All three schools of the parish will sing together, as last year. There will be practice prior to the service and dates for same will be communicated as soon as possible.
Christmas Show:
Our Christmas Show takes place on Friday the 18th of December at 1pm, with rehearsal on the previous day, Thursday the 17th at 1pm. As is traditional, we will hold a Christmas raffle following our show on the Friday. Our student council will assist with organisation of the raffle and funds raised will be used to subsidise our trip to the Christmas pantomime in the University Concert Hall. We kindly invite donations of prizes for our raffle.
“Sleeping Beauty”:
Subject to parental consent, all pupils will travel with teachers by bus to the University Concert Hall to enjoy a performance of “Sleeping Beauty” on Monday the 21st of December. School drop off and collection times will remain as normal as we will attend the morning show. We ask that each pupil pays €10 contribution towards the cost of the show and their travel. The associated consent form is to be found at the end of this newsletter.
Mass on 8th December and 6th January:
We ask that senior pupils attend mass in Nicker Church at 10am on Tuesday the 8th of December and Wednesday the 6th of January 2016, in line with the wishes of the patron regarding leaving schools open on these days. Sincere thanks are expressed to parents for your cooperation.
Outgoing Board of Management:
As you are all aware, the term of the current Board of Management comes to an end on November 30th. I wish to extend my sincere gratitude to all members of the outgoing board for their interest, dedication and sharing of expertise. I particularly wish to thank Fr. Burns for his hard work and support as our outgoing chairperson.
As Christmas fast approaches and excitement builds, we look forward to hanging the tinsel in Garrydoolis N.S.! Enjoy the build up to the big day with your families.
Best wishes,
H. Jordan
Heidi Jordan
Consent Form for “Sleeping Beauty”
Please fill in the form below to consent that your child(ren) may travel to see “Sleeping Beauty” on Monday the 21st of December. School drop off and collection times will remain as normal as we will attend the morning show. We ask that each pupil pays €10 contribution towards the cost of the show and their travel.
Regards,
H. Jordan T. Hickey
I give consent for my child(ren)_________________________________________to travel by bus to U.C.H. in Limerick to see “Sleeping Beauty” on Monday 21st December.
Signed: __________________________ Date: ___________________
Parent
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