As Term 1 draws to a close, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who have contributed to our school community over the past four months; Parents Council members, Board of Management, parents, grandparents, our teachers; Mrs. Prendergast, Mrs. McLernon, Mrs. Forde, Ms. Lacey and Ms. Shanahan, and to Cecilia, Linda, Jackie and Ned who work so hard to ensure our school is a welcoming and inclusive learning environment for all our pupils.

Catholic Ethos

Mrs. Prendergast co-ordinated and led a beautiful Remembrance prayer service in November and we look forward to our Christmas Mass for all pupils on the 18^th in school which will be celebrated by Fr. Hannon.

Congratulations to 5^th and 6^th Class on their enrolment for the Sacrament of Confirmation which took place on 4^th December. This ceremony marked the start of formal preparations for Confirmation.

The Do This In Memory of Me programme for First Communion is ongoing and will run up to the First Communion.

Child Safeguarding

We are committed to ensuring the safety and welfare of all children in our care. Our Child Safeguarding Statement is on display in the front entrance hall. The designated Liaison Person is Ms. Browne and the Deputy Designated Liaison Person is Mrs. Prendergast.

We operate a policy of kindness and respect for others which is incorporated into our S.P.H.E. lessons. Our school motto is ‘Kind Hands, Kind Feet, Kind Words’ and all children are reminded of these simple words to help promote positive behaviour in the classroom and on the playground.

Board of Management

The new Board of Management’s term commenced on 1^st December. We look forward to working together over the coming 4 years. The new Board is comprised of the following members.

Chairperson-Leon Kenny

Patron’s Rep.-Anne McEvoy

Principal/Secretary to the Board-Louise Browne

Teacher’s Rep.-Martina Prendergast

Mothers’ Rep.-Marina Kelly

Fathers’ Rep.- Trevor Henderson

Treasurer- Gráinne Johnson

Community Rep. Michael Eustace

Monster Bingo

Our school Bingo raised in excess of 4,000 euro and we would like to express our thanks to our wonderful Parent’s Council, Christy Byrne, our parents, staff, Board members and pupils for their support. The Bingo was a tremendous success and hugely enjoyable for everyone who attended.

As you are all aware, the funding which we receive from the Department of Education and Skills is not nearly enough to keep our doors open. Overheads such as school insurance, electricity, phone, security, building repairs, stationary, IT, etc. are continually rising. Therefore, it is only through fundraising events that we can continue to meets these growing costs and we are very grateful to all who give selflessly of their time to help.

We were delighted to be in a position to purchase a new smart board for the 1^st and 2^nd class room using some of the money raised. This will greatly enhance the learning opportunities for our pupils.

Christmas Cards

Well done to all our pupils on designing their individual Christmas Cards and thank you to the Parent’s Council, Linda and Cecilia for co-ordinating the ordering and distribution.

Pupil Attendance

Please be advised that all schools are obliged to return details of pupil attendance/records of late arrivals and early leavers to Tusla. We are also obliged to provide details explaining pupil absence through our online system. Therefore, it is imperative that the class teacher is provided with a written explanation of absence and we thank parents/guardians for their co-operation in this matter.

However it is still very important not to send your child to school if he/she is sick as this can lead to the spread of virus throughout the school.

School Carpark

Thank you to all who continue to drive slowly in the carpark. In the interests of Health and Safety please refrain from blocking entrance and exit points to the school.

Reminder to those who often have very young children in their care in our car park:  Please keep these little people by the hand or under strict supervision. We would hate to see anyone getting injured.  We look forward to your full cooperation on this matter.

 Active Schools

Our Girls’ and Boys’ Basketball teams have enjoyed a successful start to the Cumann na mBunscol campaign with victories over Ballysax, Moone and the Curragh.

We extend a huge thank you to Tom and Barney from the Newbridge Volleyball Club who have undertaken a comprehensive programme with all pupils in the run up to Christmas.

We look forward to starting our gymnastics lessons in the New Year.

Upcoming Events:

Christmas Holidays: School will close at 12pm on Friday 20^th December and will re-open on Monday 6^th January 2020.

All children may wear ‘Christmas Colours’/Christmas Jumpers instead of uniform on Friday 20^th in aid of Focus Ireland. Any family who wishes to make a contribution on the day may do so and we will use the money to buy food vouchers for the charity.

Wishing all our pupils, parents and families a wonderful Christmas and a Happy and Peaceful New Year.

 Nollaig Shona agus athbhliain faoi mhaise daoibh go léir.