Dear Parents and Guardians,
I’m delighted to start our January newsletter with the great news that work on our new school building will commence on February 2nd 2017 and is due to be completed for the start of the next school year on September 4th 2017.
Another important date is March 6th 2017 as this is an extra day our school will be closed this year. This extra closure is for a staff training day on the new Language Curriculum for Primary Schools as per Department of Education and Skills’ directive. We will also send a reminder note about this closure home with children during next month.
Current and Upcoming Events in our school:
Today, January 17th 2017, our Student Council had its first meeting in the resource room of Firhouse Community Centre which included the committee eating lunch together as they made plans for our school. We’re looking forward to hearing about them at our assembly tomorrow morning. Many thanks to Cillian for volunteering to take on this initiative in Triona’s absence. We also require a parent to join this committee to help with drawing up a Student Council Charter. Please let your child’s Class Teacher know if you are interested in taking up this most interesting challenge and can be available at least once a month during the school day for half an hour.
On Wednesday 25th January 2017 at 8.25am our first ‘Move It Morning’ of 2017 will be led by Conor, who is co-ordinating our Active Flag activities. Many thanks to Conor for taking on our Active School initiative.
On Thursday 26th January 2017 at 8.10am our school choir will have its first rehearsal. There has been a wonderful interest in this initiative by Rachael, with twenty five children signed up. Many thanks to Rachael and Cillian for taking on this exciting venture with the children.
On Friday 27th January 2017 at 7.30pm in St Anne’s GAA Club our Quiz Night fundraiser will take place and many thanks to our PGTA Committee for organising this. We hope to see as many of you as possible at the event.
In February 2017 our classes will enter the Texaco Children’s Art Competition and many thanks to Lynne for suggesting this as part of our Arts initiative which she co-ordinates.
On February 27th 2017 Garbo Productions will present their ‘Mina Swims the Liffey’ drama by Margaret Callan Bergin, to our Senior Infant, 1st and 2nd Classes in Firhouse Community Centre during school hours. This is an underwater anti-litter fishy tale set in Dublin. Thanks to Jen for organising this as part of our Green School initiative which she co-ordinates and to Lynne for organising liaising with the Community Centre.
Finances:
The first moiety of the Capitation Grant has been received, however, we will be paying outstanding bills next week and by mid February our projections show we will be getting into debt again. We are, therefore, depending on a great turn out for the Quiz Fundraiser on Friday 27th January to help us and the Board of Management is also considering ways to reduce costs. If you have an idea for cutting costs please give me a call and I can put it to the Board.
Thank you to all of you who continue to send in stationery, sanitary resources, games etc. Everything you send in is used and we are most appreciative of your help in this way as well as in financial donations and especially in giving your time. Thank you so very much.
That’s all the news I have for now, but I’ll soon be back to you as there are more plans in the pipeline….…. Forest School, Philosophy, Science, Mindfulness and Homework Choice to name a few. Meantime, if you've any suggestions or questions please give me a call on 087 330 1332 anytime after 13.10.
Very best regards,
Collette
