Welcome back to school!
All pupils and families are very welcome back to school. I would like to extend a very special welcome to our six new junior infants, Seán Connolly, Ayryn Creamer, Lily-Mai Grace, Anthony McGrath, Jessica O’Connor and Alfie O’Sullivan. We also welcome Seán Ryan to first class. We currently enjoy a very healthy enrolment of forty pupils. We send best wishes to all associated with our school for what we hope will be an extremely happy and successful academic year.
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. 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. Heeled and wedged shoes are discouraged. The school tracksuit should be worn only on PE day which will be each Friday during this academic year (day may change during GAA seasons). Pupils in the senior classroom are kindly requested to each have a pair of maroon football socks, football boots and gum shield for our participation in the football seven-a-side tournament. Junior pupils should each have a gum shield for rugby and football. We always recommend that children keep a spare pair of socks in schoolbags as they may prove useful on wet days. We expect tracksuit orders to arrive to the school from All Season Sports this week. Pupils should wear tracksuits as of this Friday for P.E.
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. Pupils are welcome to use the fridge in the support room should they wish to bring a beaker of milk. Please ensure that drinks bottles are labelled. 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 continued cooperation with this endeavour. This year we commence work on our sixth green flag!
Birthday Invitations:
We ask that invitations to birthday parties are distributed outside of school please.
Explanation of Pupil Absences:
As you are aware, teachers have a strict obligation in tracking pupil attendance at school. At Garrydoolis, we are exceptionally lucky to have such an exemplary pupil attendance record. We kindly ask that parents provide either a verbal or written explanation to their child’s teacher in the event of absence from school.
Headphones:
All junior pupils need headphones for use whilst working on the computer. These headphones should cover the ear please, as opposed to ear-buds.
Summer Works:
Our school has been a hive of activity during the summer months due to maintenance work being completed. Flooring has been replaced in both of the front classrooms, the senior classroom has been fully painted and the other two classrooms refreshed, windows have been washed, outdoor areas power-washed and a new fob security system has been installed. The inside of the school has also undergone a thorough summer clean.
Security on External Doors:
Fob entry is a new feature of school life at Garrydoolis NS this year, whereby pupils are completely secure inside during the school day. As the safety and well-being of your children is of the utmost importance to us, doors will now be secured once all pupils are received in the mornings. Parents and visitors during the school day will be admitted by a member of staff.
A Wonderful Summer of Hurling!
Congratulations to all of our Limerick supporters who recently celebrated their team winning the All-Ireland Senior Hurling Final. Best wishes are extended to Mr. John Kiely and his team on this tremendous achievement! Congratulations are also extended to our Tipperary supporters who no doubt enjoyed the success of the Under 21s, as they won the All-Ireland hurling title just last weekend.
Junior Infant Timetable:
Junior Infants will go home at 12 midday during their first two and a half weeks at school. Therefore, junior infants will start to go home at 1.40pm, as normal, on the week beginning September 17th.
Staff Meeting:
A staff meeting will be held on Friday 7th September. Please note that school will close at 1.40pm on the day.
Student Council:
The elections for student council representatives will take place in the senior classroom on Monday 3rd September. As in previous years, five members of the senior class will be elected to represent students during this school year.
Parents Association:
A meeting will be held in the school on Thursday 6th September at 8pm to discuss the re-establishment of our Parents’ Association. Your support and sharing of opinions and expertise is vital to the success of our school. Therefore, we look forward to working together in the best interests of our pupils.
Sports:
We look forward to commencing preparation for the seven-a-side football tournament prior to Halloween. Senior pupils will also take part in spike ball training with a view to entering the tournament later in the year. Jim Kissane will visit for rugby coaching for all classes on Friday 14th, 21st, 28th September and Friday 5th October. All pupils must have gum shields please and a change of socks on these days. Junior pupils should bring a change of footwear in case the field is damp, whilst senior pupils must have football boots. We kindly ask for a contribution of €1.50 per pupil towards the cost of each of these sessions.
Science Projects:
It is planned that all pupils will participate in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths Awards this year, while senior pupils will submit an expression of interest to participate in the RDS Primary Science Fair in Limerick. Science Week will be celebrated during the week beginning 12th November and you are cordially invited to attend our Science Showcase which will take place on Friday 16th November at 1pm. Work will also commence on our sixth green schools theme which is “Global Citizenship, Litter and Waste.” Junior pupils will continue their work on “The Great Plant Hunt.”
Book Fair:
We will host the Scholastic Book Fair in October. This event will provide a wonderful celebration of literacy in our school, as well providing an opportunity for families to purchase some new titles should they so wish. A percentage of all sales is returned to the school in credit, thus allowing us to further develop our classroom libraries. The fair will be set up in the support room and pupils will be invited to shop with their parents at the following times:
- Junior and Senior Infants: Thursday 11th October at 1.40pm
- First, Second and Third Classes: Thursday 11th October at 2.40pm
- Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Classes: Friday 12th October at 2.40pm
- Last Chance to Buy: Monday 15th October at 1.40pm and 2.40pm
Parent Teacher Meetings:
Parent teacher meetings will take place during the week commencing Monday 16th October. Appointments will be distributed nearer the time.
“Wild Encounters”:
We look forward to welcoming Ben from “Wild Encounters” on Tuesday 23rd October. “Wild Encounters” offers exciting and educational animal demonstrations that provide up-close and personal experiences whilst the students learn about the world around them. We look forward to learning about the fascinating animals presented!
Christmas Show:
Please note well in advance that this year’s Christmas show will take place on Friday 14th December. Our dress rehearsal will take place on Thursday 13th.
“Snow White”:
All pupils will travel by bus to the University Concert Hall to see a performance of “Snow White” on Tuesday 18th December.
Dates to Remember:
- Student Council Elections – Monday 3rd September
- Parents’ Association Meeting – Thursday 6th September at 8.00pm
- Staff Meeting – Friday 7th September, school will close at 1.40pm
- Tree Day – Thursday 4th October
- Maths Week – Week beginning 15th October
- Book Fair – Thursday 11th- Monday 15th October
- Parent Teacher Meetings – Week of 15th October
- “Wild Encounters” – Tuesday 23rd October
- Halloween Holidays and Dress Up – Thursday 25th October {subject to school being used as polling station for presidential election}
- Halloween Holidays – Thursday 25th October, normal close {subject to school being used as polling station for presidential election}
- Friendship/ Anti-Bullying Week and Science Week – Week beginning 12th November
- Science Showcase – Friday 16th November at 1.00pm
- Christmas Show Dress Rehearsal – Thursday 13th December at 1.00pm
- Christmas Show – Friday 14th December at 12.30pm
- “Snow White” – Tuesday 18th December
- Christmas Holidays – Friday 21st December, 12.15pm close