The first day of summer today and the sun is out. So long winter and hello good times!!!
Primary Language curriculum day: The school will be closed on Tuesday the 4th of June to facilitate training in the new Primary language curriculum. This is a department of Education directive. The school is also closed on the Monday for the bank holiday.
Elections: School is closed on Friday, May the 24th for the elections.
Signage: With our classroom complete our school is beginning to take shape. Thanks so much to Callaghan signs who have kindly sponsored our brightly coloured signage at the front of the school.
Bathrooms: A big thank you also to Bathroom and Tile Boutique who helped us complete the 6th class toilets.
Book rental/photocopying cost: The Board of Management have decided due to the increased strain on the financial resources of the school to increase this yearly cost from €40 to €45. If anyone is under financial pressure, please be sure to call me in the office and your issue will be dealt with using the utmost confidence.
Confirmation: Congratulations to the boys and girls from sixth class who were confirmed last month. They were a credit to their school and families. We had a big crowd in the hall afterward, there was a huge amount of food donated and a massive thank you to the parents who volunteered on the day. We really could have done with more volunteers to help on the day so please give an hour of your time when your time comes.
Communion: The boys and girls from second class are eagerly awaiting their big day. The children will receive their First Holy Communion on Saturday the 11th of May at 11 am in Burt Chapel. Please come in plenty of time for the ceremony and there will be light refreshments in the hall afterward. Volunteers are needed on the day from first-class parents. A note will go out next week seeking volunteers and donations of food. County Photos will be there on the day to take photos at the school and afterward in the school hall. You can get your photos taken and you are under no obligation to buy these photos. A note will go out at the start of the week seeking volunteers and food donation. Please respond to this note.
Standardised testing: The English, Irish and Maths standardised testing takes place over the next three consecutive weeks. Please make sure your child is on time for school and is in attendance for these important tests.
Arts and active week: This will take place for the week starting on the 10th of June. We are asking for a donation of €3 per child/€10 max per family for this week. It is a week that is filled full of different experiences for the children. We plan to have our sports day on Friday the 14th of June (weather permitted). Parents are invited to come from 1 pm to see the races. It is a non-competitive fun day for children of all abilities to enjoy.
Athletics: Athletics training will take place every small break and as always every morning before school. Regional qualifiers take place on Friday the 10th of May in Buncrana. Only 3 from each age group can be brought.
School tour week: We will endeavour to have all our school tours on the week starting the 17th of June.
Sponsored Walk: This will take place on the 9th of June. We do a huge amount of work in the school to promote a healthy lifestyle so please support.
Thanks to all you supported the Easter draw. All proceeds will go directly back in providing resources for your children.
Internet safety talk: Vincent from Zeeko delivered internet safety talks to the children during school, to the teachers after school and the parents in the evening. There were some eye-opening statistics coming from the surveys conducted by the children in the school. It was unfortunate that there were only 18 parents in attendance but a very positive meeting was held.
Pitch: We had hoped to finish the pitch during Easter but we were delayed because it had not dried out properly. We are as keen as the children to get it ready so we will move on it as soon as possible.
Open day: Junior infant open day is on Thursday the 6th of June. The children will be invited to come to the school from 1:30 to see their new teacher and there will be a small meeting for the parents to explain some of the routines and what is expected of the parents during the first year of schooling. If you cannot make that day, please let the school know and another day can be arranged for your child to see his/her new class on another day.
Official opening: We hope to get in contact with Minister Joe McHugh and officially open our new classroom. We are very proud of our new building but we will be pushing him for extra help in completing the classroom. More details to follow.
Classroom changes: As you may have been already aware the children have changed classrooms. The Junior infants have the new classroom and senior infants are located beside the office. The classes continue in order down to the end of the school with the exception of having 6th class in the old junior infant room.
Fan the Flames: 6th class will be attending Fan the flames in Celtic Park, Derry on the 7th of June. This is a celebration of all the children in the Derry Diocese who have been recently confirmed.
Easter Draw winners:
€100: Shea Doherty
Large hamper: Patrica Boyle
Small Hamper Isla McLaughlin
Small hamper: Amelia Rose Breslin
€20 fuel voucher: Lucy Bonner
Large Egg: Tommy Barr
Large egg: Shane Kerrigan