Welcome back to school!
All pupils are very welcome back to school after the summer break. I would like to extend a very special welcome to our seven new pupils! We hope that the academic year 2014/15 will be an extremely happy and successful year for all associated with Garrydoolis N.S. Let’s keep in mind our school motto: “Ag obair le chéile, working together.”
Farewell Mrs. O’Dwyer and welcome Mrs. Barry
We extend sincere thanks to Mrs. Mary O’Dwyer who finished as secretary during the summer. Mrs. O’Dwyer’s hard work, expertise and warm nature were a significant addition to our school. We warmly welcome Mrs. Joan Barry as our new secretary. Mrs. Barry will be in the office each Wednesday from 9.50a.m. to 2.45p.m.
Summer Works 2014
We may have closed our doors on June 26th; however the past two months have seen much activity at Garrydoolis N.S. with regard to the upkeep and improvement of our school building and grounds. Issues relating to our sewage system have been rectified, while the urinals in the boys toilet block have been removed and replaced with an extra cubicle. Additionally, our office space has been painted and our corridors have been lined with purpose-built display boards.
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 Thursday 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 last school year.
Headphones:
Again this year, we would kindly request that parents provide children with their own set of headphones for use with the classroom computers.
Junior Infant Timetable
Junior infants will go home at 12.15pm each day during their first week and a half at school. Therefore, junior infants will start to go home at 1.40pm. as normal on the week beginning September 8th.
Sammy Saving Scheme
The Sammy Savings Scheme was a huge success last year and we are delighted to announce that this initiative will recommence on Tuesday next, September 2nd. As last year, pupils who wish to join should have their savings with them on Tuesdays thereafter. While we encourage the development of saving habits, there is no obligation on any pupil to join the scheme.
Self-Assessment Learning Folders (S.A.L.F.)
Self-assessment and learning folders provide a framework for children to present evidence of their work and their assessment of that work across the curricular areas. This year, all pupils from junior infants to sixth class will learn how to create their own S.A.L.F. This process follows a systematic approach and more information on same will be provided as we work through.
Active Flag
This year we hope to continue our emphasis on physical activity in the school and to apply for the Active Flag. Our active review has been completed and a plan put in place with new activities for the coming year including activity logs, an active school notice board, “Bizzy Breaks” activities, indoor rainy day activities, “10 Minute Thursday” and a measured walking route around school. We thank the Board of Management who has funded some new sports/ playtime equipment including balls, hoops, skipping ropes, flying disks and throwing games. While we acknowledge that more investment is necessary in the area of physical education, it is wonderful to have these resources available to the children on return to school.
World Cup Draw Winner
Congratulations to Jack Dillon who was winner of our World Cup draw. Jack was supporting Germany and won a Brazil football.
“Walk for Garrydoolis N.S”
In line with our Active Flag programme, a sponsored walk will take place on Sunday October 5th at 2p.m. This event is organised by our Board of Management and funds raised will be used to further enhance our sports equipment. Further details will follow and each family will receive a sponsorship card. We hope that as many families as possible will walk for Garrydoolis!
Staff Meeting
A staff meeting will be held on Thursday September 4th. Please note that school will close at 1.40p.m. on the day.
Tipperary and Limerick Supporters
Garrydoolis N.S. are proud to support Tipperary senior hurlers and Limerick minor hurlers in the upcoming All-Ireland finals. Pupils are invited to wear their county colours to school on Friday September 5th in anticipation of the big matches!
Green School
Our green schools programme continues this year with the theme of travel.
Junior Entrepreneur Programme
This year, pupils in the senior classroom will engage in the Junior Entrepreneur Programme (J.E.P.); a 10 week entrepreneurial education programme for primary school pupils. This innovative programme opens the minds of primary school pupils to the joy of entrepreneurship at a time in their lives when they are full of imagination and open to new possibilities. The programme, which was developed in Ireland, is embedded in the principles of the Primary School Curriculum and utilizes an integrated teaching and project-based approach to teach many strands of the curriculum. We will begin the programme in December but in the meantime further information may be accessed by visiting www.juniorentrepreneur.ie.
Student Council
The elections for student council representatives will take place in the senior classroom on Thursday 4th September. As last year, five members will be elected to represent students during this school year.
Friendship Week
Garrydoolis N.S. first Friendship Week will be held on the week beginning Monday September 22nd. Children will engage in activities based on the theme of friendship and play related games.
School Garden
All classes will shortly begin preparatory work in relation to the planting of our school garden. We again thank Sally Ann and Fiona for sharing their expertise!
Library Book Appeal
In line with our commitment to literacy development, we again wish to update the contents of our classroom libraries and feel that the families of the school may be able to help in this regard. If your child has finished reading books that are still in good condition, and which you no longer need at home, you are invited to donate them to the school. Alternatively, if your child has a book which they wish to loan to the school for swapping during the year, it will be clearly labelled with the child’s name and returned at the end of the year.
It is our hope to invest in literacy resources this year with the long-term goal of compiling a graded library of specific titles for each class level.
Choir
Any pupils who would like to join Templebraden Parish Choir are invited to do so. The choir practices each Tuesday evening at the church and they sing at Sunday mass. We acknowledge the immense commitment and enthusiasm of our current choir members!
Family Mass
The first of our family masses takes place on Sunday September 21st at 10a.m. in Templebraden Church.
Scholastic Book Fair
Thanks go to Breda Mc Guinness and our fabulous Parents’ Association who are currently securing dates for a school book fair in mid-October. Further information will follow. 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.
Christmas Concert
Please note well in advance that this year’s Christmas concert will take place on the Friday prior to the holidays and not on the day of the holidays as in years past. Therefore, we will welcome you all to our 2014 concert on Friday December 12th.
Dates to Remember
Sammy Savings Scheme restarts- Tuesday 2nd September
Student Council Elections- Thursday 4th September
Staff Meeting- Thursday 4th September, school will close at 1.40p.m.
County Colours Day- Friday 5th September
Family Mass- Sunday 21st September
“Walk for Garrydoolis N.S.”- Sunday 5th October at 2p.m.
Scholastic Bookfair- Prior to Halloween holidays… dates to follow
Halloween Holidays- Friday 24th October
Speak Your Mind