School Self Evaluation
• First Steps in Writing: The genre in the First Steps in Writing programme after Halloween is Writing to Socialise. Examples of the children’s writing will be on display in the halla.
• Maths for Fun will continue in Fourth Class after the Halloween break. Any parents/grandparents who would like to help would be most welcome. Please contact the office if you are available to help.

Junior Infants 2016

Unfortunately, due to a technical hitch we were unable to insert the photograph of our new Junior Infants in last month’s issue so the boys and girls feature in this issue instead! Missing from the photograph are Aoife and Kaylon.

Uganda Mission Fund
As you are all aware we make regular donations to this worthy cause. However, as we believe education opens up vast opportunities for children we have committed to sponsoring one child’s education in Coloma Primary School in Uganda. The yearly cost will come from our 6th Class Christmas Sale Charity Fund each year. The child which has been selected for us is Veronica Chegem. Veronica is making great progress and is learning the melodica this year. Sr Mona Maher who is the co-ordinator will update us yearly on Veronica’s progress.

Visitors to the School
• Once again in conjunction with the Slieve Bloom Story Telling Festival we were delighted to have storyteller Jimmy Maher visit the school on Thursday 13th October. Jimmy had the children from 2nd, 3rd and 4th Class in stitches with his tales.
• Colm and Mark from Birr Fire Brigade visited 3rd Class on Friday last to speak to the children about fire safety. Each pupil got a fire safety pack with a checklist to ensure that each houses has a plan in the event of a fire.
• Offaly Junior Camogie champions Naomh Bríd visited the school recently. Members of the panel including past pupils Amy Ryan, Claire and Valerie Meagher joined our own Ms Higgins on the stage along with trainer Stephen Corcoran. They were very impressed with the boys and girls singing GoNoodle classic Pop See Ko led by Sixth Class. The pupils were delighted with the drinks, crisps and bars the club brought with them. Hopefully they will be back next year with the Senior Cup.
• Fr Laurence and Niamh visited the pupils on Monday 24th to talk about the parish mission which is running this week. They encouraged the children to come to the mission and bring the information back to their parents.
• Garda Declan Ganley visited 5th and 6th Class on Tuesday to speak with them about the dangers over the Halloween period.

Sport in School
• Hurling: Third, Fourth and Fifth Class really enjoyed the coaching sessions with Hughie Hannon. Hughie will return to the school in the Spring to coach the younger classes.
• Football: The boys took part in the Cumann na mBunscol football competition over the last number of weeks. They played three matches beating Tullamore Gaelscoil, and losing to both St Rynaghs and Birr. Though unsuccessful in the campaign the boys enjoyed both the training and matches and would like to thank to Mr Brislane who coached the team.
• Rugby: The sessions under the guidance of Mark Lown are coming to an end. The pupils in Sixth Class really enjoyed the rugby and had great fun participating.
• Sixth Class took part in the hurling blitz organised by Colaiste Phobal on Tuesday 18th October. The boys and girls put in a great performance winning the group stages, and the semi-final. However, it was not to be our day and unfortunately we lost out in the final. All the pupils had a great day.
• Athletics: On Friday 30th September thirty two pupils from the school travelled to Tullamore to take part in the Offaly Cross Country Championship. It was a very successful day for the school winning nine individual medals and three team medals. The pupils thoroughly enjoyed the day. Well done everyone!

Parents Association
The Parent Association would like to thank all the parents and children who turned out to support our recent family walk. The weather stayed on our side and the walk was thoroughly enjoyed by all as were the refreshments afterward. After its success we will definitely look to organising another. We will be in touch with details of upcoming fundraisers and also more social events in the coming weeks.

Choir
The school choir has recommenced practices on Thursday afternoons with Ms Ailbhe Kelly. The children will participate in the Peace Proms Concert again this year but the performance will be in the Concert Hall in UL in March. We will also have a workshop for the Peace Proms in the New Year. We will be performing carol singing in Roscrea during the Christmas period.

Aoibhneas Request
We would be grateful if parents would consider donating any tricycles, tractors, scooters etc that are no longer being used to Aoibhneas. The children would get much enjoyment from them and we would just ask that the items are in good condition.

Team Hope
This year we are again participating in the Team Hope Christmas Shoe Box Appeal. Co-ordinator Marie O Brien asked that we remind people that it would be great if each box could contain something to write with, something to wash with – soap or toothbrush and toothpaste, something to wear and something to play with. She encourages us to look at home and see what we can donate (please make sure any clothing or soft toys have been washed). Boxes can be returned to the school on Tuesday 8th and Wednesday 9th November.

Dates for your Diary
• Parent/Teacher Meetings – Monday 21st November at 3 30 pm
• Christmas Show – Friday 16th December 11 30 am and 7 00 pm
Enjoy the Halloween Break – See you all on 7th November 2016

Choir Perform at Peace Proms Concert
The pupils in our choir went to The Hub in Kilkenny on Wednesday 10th February for a practice for the upcoming Cross Border Peace Proms Concert. The pupils performed beautifully on the day singing Uptown Funk and Shake it Off among others. The concert will take place on Sunday next at 2 00 pm. Good luck to all involved. Thank you to Music teacher Ms Kelly, Mr Hanamy and Mrs Maher who will accompany the choir on Sunday.

School Proclamation and Flag Raising Ceremony
Tuesday 15th March has been designated “Proclamation Day” for all schools in Ireland. As part of our school celebration 4th Class will perform the play “Triumph of All Sorts” which is based on the events of 1916. We will also be unveiling and reading our own school Proclamation and we will have a flag raising ceremony.
Parents and members of the wider school community are invited to our school Proclamation Day celebrations which will be held in the school hall at 11 45 am on Tuesday 15th March. Light refreshments will be served following the Flag raising. We look forward to seeing you on the day.

Grandparents Day
Wednesday 3rd February saw many grandparents come to the school to join with their grandchildren from First and Sixth Class to celebrate Grandparents Day. Some had travelled great distances to be with us and we were honoured each and every one of them had given their time to be with us. Fr Harding led the celebration with a few words of welcome in the hall. The grandparents went to the children’s classes – some grandparents had children in both classes and had to visit both.
• In Sixth Class the pupils traced the Family Tree with their grandparents and looked for any links to the Easter Rising, we also played cards and draughts.
• In First Class we learned what school was like in our grandparents time, we did lots of artwork incorporating photographs of our grandparents, we sang an Irish song for them and we put up photographs of our grandparents which are still up – we like to look at them each day.

Religious Ceremonies
• Fr Harding and Fr Deeley visited the school on 3rd February to our throats for the Feast of St Blaise.
• Fr Harding returned on 10th February to bless the children with ashes on Ash Wednesday.
• Second Class went into St Cronan’s Church on Tuesday to practice for their First Confession Ceremony which takes place tonight Wednesday 2nd March at 7 30.
• Sixth Class are preparing for their Confirmation which takes place on Saturday 16th April. The children will be well prepared as the boys and girls will attend the De La Salle centre in Castletown on 4th April for a retreat.
• For Catholic Schools Week our school choir, along with representatives from the senior classes attended the 10 00 am mass in St Cronan’s. The choir sang beautifully and we were delighted to see so many parents and grandparents join with us in the church.

Annual Drama Show “Once Upon a Time”
Over the past few months, in the small townsland of Dromakeenan, the pupils of Scoil Chrónáin Naofa have been preparing their 2016 drama show “Once Upon a Time” under the direction of Jared Madden. With some of the pupils from Junior Infants to 6th Class taking part, rehearsals have been taking place every Thursday over the past few months. All of the actors and actresses have learned all their lines and stage directions and full dress rehearsals are due to take place (next week). The show ‘Once Upon a Time’ is based on the life of the big bad wolf, played by Liam Murphy a 6th Class student. When the big bad wolf is accused of crimes he claims not to have committed, all spotlights zoom in on the courtroom, where the big bad wolf will be tried by Judge Justin Case. Trying to prove his innocence, despite what his rivals the three little pigs say, could prove to be quite a challenge for Mr Alexander Wolf, but can he possibly prove himself innocent? Come and join the pupils from Scoil Chrónáin Naofa on the 9th and 10th of March at 7:30pm. It is a show not to be missed! Admission is €5 and all are welcome – spread the word!
(Drama synopsis written by Coaimhe 6th Class)

Hurling Skills Competition
Well done to Sean Delaney and Robyn O Brien who won the hurling and camogie skills competition in 6th Class. Both pupils took part in the Offaly County Skills Competition in Banagher yesterday and did the school proud.

Green Schools
• An upcycling workshop had been arranged for the Sixth Class pupils for 29th February but unfortunately Joanne, who was giving the workshop hurt her back and the workshop had to be postponed. It will be rescheduled after the Easter Holidays
• Plans are underway for our annual 5k cycle – a date has to be confirmed
• A whole school clean up will be held in April to coincide with National Spring Clean Up Week – date for this to be confirmed too!

Offaly Badminton
Well done to the two teams who took part in the Offaly Badminton Association on Sunday last in Clonaslee, Co Laois. Our U13 team won the championship while the U10’s won the plate.
U10: Aoife, Clodagh, Conall and Harry from 4th Class
U13: James and Scott from 5th Class and Sam from 4th Class

Class News:
6th Class are making 1916 workbooks and concentrating on the role children had in the Rising……….5th Class are finished their yoga sessions with Suzanne – the calmness that descended the classroom following the session was amazing…….4th Class will visit Gloster woods on Friday next……3rd Class made pictures inspired by the artist Archimoldo using fruit and vegetables…….2nd Class pupils were carefully writing their passages for the ESB Handwriting Competition – we hope some of us win this competition…….1st Class and Junior Infants had great fun when Faye’s (1st Class) and Jack’s (Junior Infants) dad brought in two lambs to visit the classes……Senior Infants made robots using cardboard boxes……Aoibhneas pupils made delicious pancakes on Shrove Tuesday.

Dates for your Diary
• First Confession: Wednesday 2nd March at 7 30 pm
• Drama Show: 9th and 10th March at 7 30 pm in the school hall
• Proclamation Day: Tuesday 15th March at 11 45 am
• Easter Holidays: Wednesday 16th March returning on Monday 4th April

Christmas Show

Following weeks of practice our Christmas show was performed on Friday last at 11 00 am and again at 7 00 pm.  Both shows were very well attended with the evening show packed to the rafters.  Many of the incoming Junior Infants were delighted with the invitation and enjoyed the show immensely.  The pupils were thrilled to put on the concert for such enthusiastic audiences.  Well done to all the pupils who performed excellently.

Junior and Senior Infants opened the show with “The Sleepy Shepherd” a show full of catchy songs which tells the story of a very sleepy shepherd.  We were all wondering would he wake up in time to see Baby Jesus?  First and Second Class had great fun performing their Nativity Play.  Their version of the Nativity was entitled “The Landlord’s Cat”.  The cat was on the verge of leaving home, however, one night he sensed that something special was about to happen and decided to stick around to find out just what!

Third Class performed a play written by Peter Gunning called “Following the Star”.  It was great fun performing the songs and even though the pupils were very nervous before they went on stage they were very excited too.

The Fourth Class pupils performed “Triumph of All Sorts” written by Damien Whyte.  It tells the story of the Easter Rising in 1916 through narrative and sketch.  The pupils really enjoyed practicing their piece and performing it on the night.  It was made even more special for the boys and girls as Rugi  played the part of Eamon Bulfin who was his great grandfather. Fifth Class told the charming true story of how the well loved carol “Silent Night” was written in the Austrian village of Oberndorf in the 18^th Century during a snow storm on Christmas Eve.  The class combined Christmas carols, dance, drama and humour to deliver this heart-warming tale.  Sixth Class finished the show with their story about a mystical genie, an old lamp, a beautiful princess, irresistible baddies and an exotic trip to the Far East – yes you have guessed it – it could only be the much loved pantomime Aladdin.

We thank all who came to the show, especially those who had travelled long distances.  Thanks also to Anne Marie O Meara who painted the fabulous backdrop for the show, Mulrooney Oil, Oliver Douglas and Sons, Jared Madden School of Speech and Drama, Parents Mary T O Connor and Mary Ryan, the Staff of Scoil Chrónáin Naofa, The Memory Gallery, Leona’s Barber Shop and the Parents Association for sponsoring the spot prizes.

Board of Management

• As a new Board we wish to thank the outgoing Board for their commitment over the last four years and wish pupils, parents and staff a safe and Happy Christmas and New Year.

School Self Evaluation

Literacy Lift Off has been completed in First Class.  All the children enjoyed the sessions and certificates were presented in assembly this morning.  The programme will commence in Senior Infants in the New Year.

Sixth Class Christmas Sale

The annual Sixth Class Christmas Sale took place yesterday.  Sixth Class really rose to the challenge of organising a great event, with lots of bargains.  There was a great bake sale, toy and book sale, and lots of organised games for the rest of the pupils to take part in.  The Sixth Class pupils also made Christmas logs which they sold at the Christmas show – Thank you to Standish Sawmills for providing the logs once again.  The charities that benefitted from last year’s sale were Shave or Dye, Riding for the Disabled, Uganda Mission Fund, The Hope Foundation and The Laurels, Roscrea.  We will advise the amount raised in the next newsletter.  Well done to Sixth Class and Ms Hogan.

Aoibhneas

The pupils in Aoibhneas have been very busy preparing for Christmas.  They have been involved in Christmas plays and enjoyed all the singing and dancing.  They have made a variety of Christmas decorations in Art and they had tremendous fun decorating our walls, windows and Christmas tree.

Sixth Class Debating

Following a bye in the first round three Sixth Class pupils Caoimhe , Liam and Leanne  pupils took part in the All Ireland Primary   Debating competition.  The competition was held in Birr and the opposing school was Rathcabbin NS.  The motion was “Food waste should be made legal” and our pupils were opposing the motion.  The team won on the day and now go forward to the next round against Seir Kieran in January.

Lunchtime Hurling League

The boys from 4^th, 5^th and 6^th Class and girls from 6^th Class really enjoyed the lunchtime indoor hurling league.  We had six teams – comprising of pupils from each of the classes and the teams played each other three times.  We have reached the semi final stage which will be played in the New Year.

Presentation of Flag and Proclamation

Sergeant Kieran Kennedy came to the school on November 9^th to present a tricolour flag and copy of the Proclamation to the school.  Kevin spoke to the pupils about his role and life in the army and gave an overview of what he could be doing each week.  The boys and girls had many questions for the Sergeant and his fellow officer John.  We thank them for their visit.

Santa’s Visit

Santa made his annual visit on Thursday morning last on his usual mode of transport (for school anyway) – in the Fire Engine accompanied by the Gardaí – we hope his reindeer are ok for Christmas Eve.  He brought sweets for us all – Thank you Santa, Siobhan from the Credit Union, the firemen and Gardaí and Parents Association.

We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

See you all on 6^th January.

Board of Management

The Board of Management election of parent nominees is proceeding with the first round completed.  Ballot papers to elect one father/guardian and one mother/guardian will be distributed after the Halloween break.  Each parent is entitled to vote for one mother/guardian and one father/guardian.  Ballot papers should be placed in a sealed envelope in the ballot box in the reception area by 12 noon on Wednesday 11^th November.  Postal nominations clearly identified on the envelope as Board of Management Election will be accepted.

School Self Evaluation

Maths for Fun will continue in Fourth Class after the Halloween break.  Any parents/grandparents who would like to help would be most welcome.  Please contact the office if you are available to help.

Visitors to the School

• Once again in conjunction with the Slieve Bloom Story Telling Festival we were delighted to have Bat the storyteller from Sneem in Kerry visit the school on Thursday 8^th October.  Batt had the children from 1^st to 6^th Class totally enthralled with his stories about “The Boy who had Many Wishes”.
• Two firemen from the Birr Fire Station visited 3^rd Class on Thursday 8^th October also to give the pupils a talk on fire safety.  The information given is very important especially at this time of the year.

Sport in School

• Hurling:  Third, Fourth and Fifth Class really enjoyed the coaching sessions with Hughie Hannon.  Hughie will return to the school in the Spring to coach the younger classes.
• Gymnastics:  The children are disappointed this years’ gymnastic sessions are coming to an end.  Each year we see an improvement in what the children are able to achieve.  Thanks to the Parents Association for sponsoring the sessions again this year and to Ms Mary Wyer for her expertise.
• Football:  The boys had a very successful campaign reaching the final on Tuesday last.  However, it was not to be our day as we came up against a stronger Birr team who came out on top in the end.  Well done boys and thanks to Mr Brislane who coached the team .
• Rugby:  The sessions under the guidance of Mark Lown are coming to an end.  The pupils in Sixth Class really enjoyed the rugby and had great fun participating.
• Sixth Class took part in the Hurling Blitz organised by Colaiste Phobal on Tuesday 13^th October.  The children topped the group but lost out in the semi-final.  All the pupils had a great day.

• Athletics:  (Update on Cross Country from last newsletter) Well done to Emma from 3^rd Class who won a medal for 4^th place.  Congratulations to Keisha who finished in 1^st place and Ciara who came 4^th, the two girls along with Leah and Emma made up the team that won the gold team medal.  Fourth Class boys did very well too.  Rugare was first home leading his team of Marc , Robbie and Conor to bronze medals. Orlagh and Kelsey were 3^rd and 4^th respectively in the Fifth Class girls race.  The girls accompanied by Niamh and Kellie also got silver medals in the team event. In the Sixth Class boys race Oisin was 2^nd and Jamie 4^th, they joined with Enda and Stephen to win gold medals in the team competition – a first for the school.

Parents Association

The Outgoing Parents Association would like to:

• Welcome the incoming committee including Chairperson Ray Kennedy, Joint Secretaries Fiona Dunford and Rachel Doran and Joint Treasurers Caitriona Egan and Aileen Hoyne.
• Remind parents there will be a bag pack in Dunnes Stores in the near future and support would be greatly appreciated.
• Like to thank all parents for their support during the last term of office.

Internet Safety and Cyber Harassment Talk by John Murray

• On Monday 12^th October John Murray expert in Internet Safety and Cyber Harassment gave workshops to the boys and girls of 3^rd to 6^th Class.  The workshops were age appropriate to each class and it is hoped that the children will be more informed in this technological age.
• That evening John gave an extremely informative talk in the school hall.  The parents found John to be very knowledgeable on the subject and were delighted to have his tips on CD for future reference.

Choir

The school choir has recommenced practices on a Thursday afternoon under the guidance of Ms Ailbhe Kelly.  The children will participate in the Peace Proms again this year but the performance will be in the Hub Kilkenny in March.   We will also have a workshop for the Peace Proms in February.  We will be performing carol singing in Roscrea during the Christmas period.

Fred the Magician

Fred the Magician visited the school again today.  He is extremely popular with all the pupils who thoroughly enjoy the show.  A variety of magic, music and singing enthralled the group.

Team Hope

This year we are again participating in the Team Hope Christmas Shoe Box Appeal.  Co-ordinator Marie O Brien asked that we remind people that it would be great if each box could contain something to write with, something to wash with – soap or toothbrush and toothpaste, something to wear and something to play with.  She encourages us to look at home and see what we can donate (please make sure any clothing or soft toys have been washed).  Boxes can be returned to the school on Thursday 5^th and Friday 6^th November.

Class News

In Sixth Class we are debating each week and our topic this week is “Children know how to use the Internet Safely”, we will take part in the All Ireland Primary Debating Competition which will take place in December…………In Fifth Class we did projects on famous explorers.  We are learning “The Time Warp” and “Calling all the Monsters”….In Fourth Class we are learning how to play Countdown – wonder who will have the longest word?………..In Third Class we had lots of fun learning about both explosions and electricity in Science……..In Second Class we have been very busy learning about the history of Halloween and its traditions.  We made our very own creative pumpkins.  We learned a poem called “Halloween is Nearly Here” and a song called “Wicked Witch”…………..  First Class had terrific fun when we visited the Cistercian College Roscrea.  We learned about the different types of trees and berries.    We took lots of photographs and lots of selfies…….  Senior Infants went on a nature walk to Golden Grove woods and found lots of signs of Autumn.  We even found where the fairies live – they left ribbons tied to the tree……………Junior Infants have been very busy learning all about Autumn.   We painted beautiful spikey hedgehogs.  We have been working very hard on our sounds and writing…………In Aoibhneas 1 we planted Spring bulbs and in Aoibhneas Class 2 we dug up potatoes and made wedges.  We are learning some golden words such as Please, Thank you, Excuse me, Sorry and Pardon.

Dates for your Diary

• Book Fair – Thursday 19^th – Wednesday 25^th November
• Parent/Teacher Meetings – Monday 23^th November at 3 30 pm
• Christmas Show in School Hall – Friday 18^th December 11 00 am and 7 00 pm

Enjoy the Halloween Break – See you all on 2^nd November

September Newsletter 2015

Junior Infants

We welcome our new Junior Infants who have settled in very well.  The pupils are an energetic happy group and are delighted to join the rest of the school for assembly. The children  look forward to break times when they can go on the playground equipment.  Check the website for photographs of the children.

Board of Management

• The Board welcomes Ms Anna Larkin as a permanent member of staff and welcome back Ms Louise Hickey for the year.
• The term of office of the current Board of Management finishes this term.  A new Board must be in place by December 1^st 2015.  The parents’ nominees (one mother and one father) will be elected in the coming weeks.

School Self Evaluation

• Literacy Lift Off has resumed in First Class and will take place in Senior Infants later in the year.
• First Steps in Writing is a programme that provides the children with an opportunity to engage actively and collaboratively in analysing, interpreting and constructing a variety of genres.  The focus is on seven genres – Recount, Report, Explanation, Procedural, Persuasive, Narrative and Writing to Socialise.  These will be taught in a two year cycle starting this term with Recount.
• As part of our Numeracy strategy we will continue with a “Problem of the Week” board in the school halla.  Two different problems will be introduced each week at assembly – one for 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd Class, and another for 4^th, 5^th and 6^th Class.  The problems will be discussed on a Monday with the problems being solved on Thursday morning.
• The Maths for Fun initiative will continue again this year.  Details will follow in our next newsletter.
• We are undertaking a comprehensive review of the teaching of Gaeilge in the school.  A questionnaire will be sent home to parents in the coming weeks.

School Mass

Our school chaplin Fr Michael Harding came to the school on 29^th September to celebrate mass for the beginning of the school year.  The children were delighted when Fr Harding suggested that if the children were good during mass he would encourage Mr Hanamy to go easy on the homework.  A big cheer went up when Mr Hanamy decided the children had behaved excellently and deserved a night off homework.

Internet Safety Talk

The Board of Management have joined with the Parents Association to provide information sessions on Internet Safety aimed at both children and parents on Monday 12^th October.  Workshops for children from 3^rd to 6^th Class will take place during the school day and we invite parents of all children in the school to the hall at 7 30 pm for this information session. The workshops and presentation to parents will be given by John Murray who has 26 years teaching experience in both the primary and post-primary sector, including eight years as the ICT Advisor for Waterford Teachers’ Centre.  John holds a BA Degree, Higher Diploma in Education, Post Graduate Diploma in ICT in Education and an MA in Education.  He is highly regarded in his field.  Light refreshments will be served after the talk and John will be available to chat to anyone who may have questions.  If you know anyone who might be interested in the talk please encourage them to come along – all welcome.

Tullamore to Calais Project

Following a request from the Tullamore to Calais Project for hygiene packs for refugees we were overwhelmed with the response from our pupils and proud of the charitable ethos that prevails in our school.  Over 200 hygiene packs were collected in the school and given to the project for transportation to those less fortunate.  Well done to all!

Culture Night

To celebrate Culture Night recently our 6^th Class pupils were invited to sing in Birr.  The children attended 10 00 am mass, following this the pupils sang for the gathered congregation.  Many of the parishioners complimented the group.  Thank you to the parents who travelled too.

Upcoming Events

• Friendship Week takes place next week.  Each class has organised a number of activities to coincide with this and assembly each morning will incorporate the theme of friendship.
• Thirty two boys and girls are gone to Tullamore Harriers Stadium today to take part in the Offaly Cross Country Championship.  Good luck to all.
• Slieve Bloom Storytellers will visit the school on Thursday 8^th October for the annual storytelling festival.

Green Schools

Following a very successful Fifth Green Flag programme we are now seeking our Sixth Green Flag.  This flag concentrates on Global Citizenship.  Election of a new committee is taking place in classes from 3^rd to 6^th at the moment.

School Activities

• Hughie Hannon has recommenced the GAA coaching with the pupils in 3^rd and 4^th and 5^th Class.
• Rugby continues in 6^th Class under the guidance of Mark Lown.
• Our footballers played two matches recently against St Rynaghs and Crinkle.  We were thrilled to win both matches. Our match against Birr takes place next week.
• The pupils are delighted to have gymnastics in school again this year with Ms Mary Wyer.  All the children really enjoying these sessions and eagerly await their turn.  A big thank you to the Parents Association for sponsoring these sessions again this year.

Dates for your Diary

• Internet Safety Talk with John Murray – Monday 12^th October at 7 30 pm
• Book Fair – Thursday 19^th November to Wednesday 25^th November
• Parent / Teacher Meetings – Monday 23^rd November
• First Confession – Wednesday 2^nd March at 7 30
• Confirmation – Saturday 16^th April 2015 at 11 00 am
• First Communion – Saturday 7^th May at 11 00 am

• Maths for Fun continues in First and Second Class.  The children are enjoying it greatly and the parents, grandparents and aunts have said they are enjoying it too.  Certificates will be presented on Wednesday 25^th March to all the children who have taken part in the programme and to everyone who has helped this year.
• Four members of staff are attending workshops in Literacy Lift Off in Portlaoise run over six Wednesday evenings in February and March.

Choir Perform at Peace Proms Concert

Our school choir were honoured to be selected to sing at the Peace Proms Concert in the RDS on 31^st January along with the Cross Border Orchestra of Ireland.  The CBOI was established in 1995 as a peace initiative and is composed of over 100 talented musicians from the north and south of Ireland.  The orchestra has performed in many venues such as Carnegie Hall in New York, Royal Albert Hall in London, Stormont Castle in Northern Ireland and Dublin Castle.  Our pupils travelled to Dublin on a very frosty morning but despite the cold, our spirits were high.  When we arrived we took our place among the other 100 choirs who were performing at the afternoon performance.  We sang lots of songs including  “You’ll Never Walk Alone”, along with a medley of One Direction songs and “Let it Go” from Frozen.  After the concert a tired but thrilled group left Dublin and stopped in Junction 14 for some light refreshments.  Many of the parents who attended the concert said it was a fabulous occasion.

Religious Ceremonies

• Fr Treacy, Fr Harding and Fr Deeley visited the school on 3^rd February to bless the throats for the Feast of St Blaize, and returned a few days later to bless the children with ashes on Ash Wednesday.
• Second Class are busy preparing for their First Confession Ceremony which takes place on this Wednesday 4^th March at 7 30.
• Sixth Class are very busy getting ready for their Confirmation which takes place on Saturday next 7^th March.  The children are well prepared after attending the De La Salle centre in Castletown for a retreat.  We hope you have a lovely day 6th Class pupils.

Credit Union Quiz

We have had success as well as disappointment in the Credit Union since the last newsletter.  In the local round held in Racket Hall, both teams won comprehensively – each team was 4 points ahead of the runners up.  Both teams went forward to the chapter quiz which was held in Templemore last Friday night.  Despite intensive study during breaks under the guidance of Mr Maher it was not to be our night.  Both teams, while scoring highly, were not high enough to get through.

U13 Team:  Luke, Abby, Caoimhe and Aisling                   U11 Team:  Sarah, Leanne, Eoghan and Bill

Annual Drama Show “A Night at the Museum”

Preparations are well underway for the upcoming drama show “Night at the Museum” featuring pupils from the Jared Madden School of Speech and Drama.  The show takes place on Wednesday 25^th and Thursday 26^th March at 7 30 pm in the school hall.  The show is based in the museum and will have you rocking in your seats to such hits as Lulu’s “Shout” performed by 5^th and 6^th Class, “Walk like an Egyptian” sung by 3^rd and 4^th Class, 1^st and 2^nd Class will become “Rocking Romans” while the ever popular Junior and Senior Infants will woo our hearts with some poems and their renditions of “I Like to Move It” and “Yakety Yack – Don’t Talk Back”.  The show finale is “We Could Have Been Anything We Wanted to Be” a sentiment we hope all the children will believe.  Following workshops in African Drumming the pupils in 4^th and 6^th Class will also perform on the night under the guidance of Eddie O Neill.  Admission on the night is just €5.00 and a great night is assured.  All are welcome.

Hurling Skills Competition

Best of luck to Joe and Kelsey who won the hurling and camogie skills competition in 6^th Class.  Both pupils go forward to the Offaly County Skills Competition in Banagher on Thursday next 5th March.

Green Schools

During this month we had our renewal visit from Orla Fogarty from Offaly County Council.  Orla was very impressed with all the work we had done in preparation for the flag.  The infants surpassed themselves and even posed some questions that Orla was unable to answer.  On Monday 23^rd March we will be holding our action day when every class will be working on biodiversity – check with your child what his/her is doing on the day.  Our renewal form is to be completed this month and hopefully after the Easter holidays we hope to get some good news!

Supermac’s Art Competition

Well done to Harry in 3^rd Class who won an art competition sponsored by Supermacs.  Harry along with his classmates went into Supermacs for a pizza making class.  The children rolled the dough and chose their own toppings and got a drink into the bargain.  Harry won a Shawn the Sheep soft toy.

Class News

In Sixth Class work is continuing on our FÍS Film project.  After putting together all our ideas we are ready to start writing our script.  We can’t wait until filming begins!…………Fifth Class have been learning all about The Famine or ‘An Gorta Mór’.  We designed and made our own famine ships based on all the information we had gathered, at least 3 of the materials used had to be recyclable.  Have a look on the website at some of the photographs of the Famine Ships..……….Fourth Class made Georgian Houses from cereal boxes – wonder who the Dermot Bannon of our class is? We are doing projects on famous people at the moment including Nelson Mandela, Enid Blyton and Barack Obama……………Third Class are learning all about milk and how the production of it has changed over the years……………………….Second Class are busy finding out about Space, rockets and the planets.  We are making planets from papier mache in Art this week………..First Class are learning all about the rainforest and especially about the anaconda.  We made our very own Shawn the Sheep to bring home……………..Senior Infants are busy writing stories for the “Write a Book” competition……………..In Junior Infants we had an indoor nature walk.  We looked at flowers, leaves, branches and pinecones with magnifying glasses.  One of our snowdrops had a little caterpillar on it.  In Maths we learned about different shapes and got to make pictures using these shapes.  In Science we looked at the colours of the rainbow and learned the song “I Can Sing a Rainbow”……………Aoibhneas Class 1 made yummy pancakes for Shrove Tuesday while Aoibhneas 2 enjoyed making the bird houses with 5^th Class.

Dates for your Diary

• First Confession:  Wednesday 4^th March at 7 30 pm
• Ceremony of Light:  Thursday 5^th March at 7 30 pm
• Confirmation:  Saturday 7^th March at 11 00 am
• Seachtaine na Gaeilge:  Monday 9^th to Friday 13^th March
• Shave or Dye or Oh My – “Mad Hair Day”:  Friday 13^th March
• Drama Show:  25^th and 26^th March at 7 30 pm in the school hall
• Easter Holidays:  Friday 27^th March

Board of Management

The Board would like to:

• Congratulate Ms Rachael McMahon and her husband Cormac on the birth of their son just before Christmas
• Welcome Ms Brid Maher who is teaching Junior Infants while Ms McMahon is on maternity leave
• Wish Angela Ryan a speedy recovery and look forward to her return
• Wish the school choir the best of luck at their performance in the Peace Proms Concert in the RDS on Saturday next at 2 00 pm.

School Self Evaluation

• Maths for Fun will recommence on Wednesday 25^th February for the pupils of First and Second Class with a training day on Wednesday 18^th February (10 am to 11 am).  This initiative is proving very worthwhile and was a tremendous success before Christmas.  The success of the programme is dependent on parents (or grandparents) volunteering to help.  If you would like to become involved in this round please contact the school office by phone or email by Friday 6^th February.  It involves volunteering for one or two hours (depending on the number of parents willing to help) on a Wednesday morning for four weeks.
• Senior Infants have started the Literacy Lift Off programme.  This is an intensive twelve week programme of reading and writing.  Mrs Harding, along with Ms D’Arcy, Ms Crowley, Mrs Bergin. Ms Maher and Ms Leamy work with a small group of children for 45 minutes three times a week.  The pupils read lots of books at their own level of competency and develop new strategies and reading skills.  This increases the complexity of what the pupils can do in both reading and writing.  First Class completed the Literacy Lift Off programme before Christmas and it has proved to be extremely beneficial.

Grandparents Day

In conjunction with Catholic Schools Week our school celebrated Grandparents Day on Tuesday.  The pupils of First and Sixth Class invited their grandparents to the school.  The event started with a short prayer service celebrated by School Chaplin Michael Harding.  Following this the pupils brought the grandparents to the classrooms where they had lots of interesting things to see and do.

• In First Class the pupils made flowers with their grandparents photograph in the centre of them.  The children also made certificates and wrote poems to give to their grandparents.  The pupils created booklets in which they had lots of questions about school life and family life years ago and how it differs to now.  On the back of the booklet each child and grandparent drew their hand – this was a lovely memento of the day.
• In Sixth Class we the pupils were delighted with the opportunity to show our grandparents how much they mean to us.  We loved showing them around our classroom and it was fun to see them sitting at our desks – They didn’t get any homework though.  We presented them with a special poem and shared our favourite memories of them.

Following this there were light refreshments in the hall.

Catholic Schools Week

To celebrate Catholic Schools Week we are participating in a number of events:

• On Wednesday morning the pupils from 2^nd Class to 6^th Class were invited to participate in the morning Mass in St Cronan’s Church.  Many of our parents and grandparents joined us for the mass.
• At assembly we are celebrating Catholic Schools Week with its theme “Called to Serve”.  Each morning the teacher leading assembly reads a short reflection with an emphasis on love, kindness, joy, truth and justice and we all pray for a special intention.

Christmas Sale

Following on from last month’s newsletter a total of €1618.62 was raised at the Christmas Sale by 6^th Class – well done all.  The children donated €200 to past pupil Keelan Flynn who came to the class to talk about her trip to India with the Hope Foundation.

Green Schools

We were delighted with a visit from Paul Davey, a parent and owner of the local garden centre.  Paul gave a very informative talk to the 3^rd and 4^th Class pupils, and had the children enraptured with the wealth of his knowledge.  The children learned some new facts and asked many interesting questions.  Paul accompanied the Green Schools Committee on a walk in the woods to decide the most advantageous position for our bug hotel.  He also kindly presented us with an apple tree which he planted in the car park – Thank you Paul.

Tommy made some birdhouses recently from timber.  The pupils from Aoibhneas along with 5^th Class pupils divided into groups to paint the birdhouses.  There is great rivalry between the groups as Tommy has sponsored a prize to the group whose birdhouse gets the first resident.

Fallon Library Books

We were delighted to be recipients of a number of books from Roscrea People at the Roscrea People of the Year Awards.  It is great to see the library growing – Thank you George and Roscrea People.

School News

Sixth Class are learning about World War 2, including the Anne Frank story.  We worked on a biography of her hiding place- it was amazing!  We have a very exciting project at the moment – we are working on a short film as part of the “FÍS Film Project” – keep an eye out for updates – the Oscars are coming up!! …………… Fifth Class are enjoying DEAR Time (Drop Everything And Read) and learning all about the famine.  We are going to make our own famine ships too!  We also learned about chocolate – yum yum – and all about Australia for Australia Day……………..Fourth Class have just finished reading James and the Giant Peach and love going to the Fallon Library on Fridays when we can choose a book………….Third Class are delighted to have our projects on Natural Wonders displayed on the corridor outside our classroom, some of the topics covered were The Northern Lights, K2 Mountain, the Giants Causeway …….Second Class loved our projects on Australia and some of us brought in things connected with Australia like boomerangs, books, Kangaroo and Koala teddies, even two didgeridoos!  We researched the cost of flights to Australia and what cities we might visit on the way.  Flying first class to Oz costs an average of €9000 return! G’day Mate!……………….First Class are loving indoor hurling with Ms Higgins.  In Maths we are learning all about length, width, halves and equal to!  We are delighted with our art display of our penguin pictures and the information booklet we made to go with the pictures……………..In Senior Infants we were learning about electricity and circuits.  We also learned about the owl – we wrote our own stories about them and Keeva brought in an owl sculpture from her garden.………Junior Infants had great fun in Science making some yummy experiments – we made jelly and rice krispy buns -  we had just as much fun eating them as we did making them!  In art we made and decorated lovely umbrellas.  We also learned lots of songs and poems and even danced to “I Like to Move It” in assembly…..Aoibhneas Class 1 and 2 were thrilled with the snow earlier this month and had great fun making snowmen.  We are delighted to see some of the daffodils we planted earlier in the year peeping up from the ground.

Dates for your Diary

• Mid term break (usual finishing time):  Thursday 19^th and Friday 20^th   February
• First Confession:  Wednesday 4^th March
• Drama Show: Wednesday 25^th and Thursday 26^th March at 7 30 pm in the school hall

Parents Association AGM

• The Parents Association held its AGM recently.  Officers Michelle Ryan (Chairperson) and Tom Deegan (Secretary) have remained on in their respective positions, while Tom Curran has been elected to the position of Treasurer.  In her address Michelle welcomed everyone to the meeting and briefly described the work they had undertaken during the year.  Michelle thanked outgoing Treasurer Aidan Moloney for his work and dedication over the last three years.  Aidan gave a comprehensive outline of the finances, the biggest outlay again this year is for gymnastics, but this also benefits every child in the school.  The new committee is:  Michelle Breslin, Michelle Standish, Siobhan Brophy, Caitriona Egan, Aileen Hoyne, Mary Crofton, Eilish Ahearne, Lisa Delaney, Shauna Walsh, Angela Mulvey and Jim Egan.
• The Parents Association wish to thank most sincerely all those who helped with the recent bag pack in Dunnes Stores.

Board of Management

The Board of Management welcomes Ms Bríd Maher to the staff, Bríd will teach Junior Infants while Ms Rachael McMahon is on maternity leave.

School Self Evaluation

• The Maths for Fun programme has finished for this term.  The pupils in Fourth Class and Senior Infants really enjoyed the sessions and we could see the competitive streak coming out in some of the children.  A sincere thank you to the parents who have so kindly given up their time to become involved.   There will be four more sessions in the New Year – if you are available to help, or perhaps a grandparent may like to help, we would be very grateful.  Please contact the school office and leave your name.
• All classes have been taking part in Maths trails around the school.
• The staff have completed their second workshop in First Steps in Writing.

Christmas Show

Preparations are now well underway for our Christmas Show “Do the Christmas Rock”, a different take on the Nativity Story.  The whole school will feature in this production which has many catchy and singalong songs.  The show takes place on Friday 12^th December.  There will be two performances on the day – one at 12 noon and another at   7 00 pm.  Admission will be free and all are welcome!

“Not Now Darling” Drama Show

Thank you to all who supported the Banagher Drama Group’s production of “Not Now Darling” on Friday 14^th and Saturday 15^th November.  A total of over €2,800 was raised for our IT fund.  Thank you especially to the Banagher Drama Group for giving their time and talent to raise funds for our school.

School Choir

• The school choir has joined with children from the other local schools to record a Christmas CD.  The title track “Love Came” was composed by Seamus Doran.  The CD will be launched on Thursday next at the Taste Roscrea Festival.  CD’s can be pre-ordered through the school (cost €5.00), and will also be available in Super Valu.
• The choir have been invited to take part in the Peace Proms Concert in the RDS in January.  It is an honour to be invited to participate in such a prestigious event and we are delighted with the invitation.  The choir are thrilled to be going in January and to have a practice session in the Basketball Arena in Tallaght on December 15^th.

Science Week

• In conjunction with Science Week recently the pupils of Sixth Class put on an exhibition for the other pupils in the school hall and invited their parents in to view their experiments.  The pupils divided into groups and carried out many varied experiments.
• Fifth Class also put on an exhibition in their classroom and invited other pupils along with their parents to see their experiments.
• Third Class enjoyed Science Week too and also were delighted to have experiments on display in their classroom for other pupils to view.

Amputee Soccer Mascott

Good luck to 6^th Class pupil Kieran  who jetted off to Mexico on Friday last.  Kieran is one of two mascots for the Irish Amputee Soccer Team.

School News

• Pottery with Fin O Hara has finished for the pupils of Junior Infants but continues for Senior Infants, 1^st, 3^rd and 5^th Class and the pupils in Aoibhneas.
• The pupils of 6^th Class were delighted to take part in a hurling blitz organised by Colaiste Phobal.
• Sixth Class pupils were thrilled to attend the show “All Shook Up” performed by Colaiste Phobal’s Transition Year pupils.  We congratulate all our past pupils who took part and were delighted to see some of them play lead roles.

Green Schools

• Our campaign for our Fifth Green flag continues.  Each child brought in a plant container which was labelled in school.  The pupils planted a conker in their pot.  The pupils will bring home the container to nurture over the Winter and when the conker has sprouted the children can plant them at home or bring them back to school to be planted here.
• Early in the New Year we will have Paul Davey, Milltown Garden Centre come to the school to talk to the pupil about biodiversity.

GAA Quiz

We had two teams entered in the North Tipperary GAA quiz on Sunday last 30^th November in Cloughjordan.  The 6^th Class team of Sean, Luke, Conor  and Shane along with 5^th Class team James, Mark, Jamie and Sean missed very few questions but unfortunately the standard was so high that they did not qualify.

Christmas Sale

The annual Christmas Sale of Work will take place on Thursday 18^th December.  This event is organised every year by the 6^th Class pupils and has become a rite of passage for these pupils while being eagerly anticipated by all.  This is the only time during the year we make a monetary collection for charity and the funds raised are distributed when we get requests from charities during the year.  The charities that benefitted from last year’s Sale were:  Shave or Dye Campaign, Kieran McCartney Mexico Fund, Irish Autism Action, and the Jack and Jill Foundation.  Used toys, books etc in good condition will be accepted on Monday 15^th, Tuesday 16^th and Wednesday 17^th December only.  Raffle tickets for selection boxes, name the doll and guess the number of sweets in the jar will be on sale from Monday 15^th also.

Dates for your Diary

• December 4^th – CD Launch and Carol Singing at Taste Roscrea Festival
• December 12^th – Christmas Show at 12 noon and 7 00 pm
• December 18^th – 6^th Class Christmas Sale
• December 19^th – Christmas Holidays

School Self Evaluation

A training morning was held today for the parents who have volunteered for the Maths for Fun Programme.  The pupils from Senior Infants and Fourth Class will take part in the programme after the midterm and First and Second Class in the Spring.  Thank you to all the parents who volunteered to help in this worthwhile initiative.

Visitors to the School

• Once again we were delighted to have the Slieve Bloom Story Tellers visit the school on Thursday 11^th October.  Well known storyteller Michael Creagh told stories to all the children in the school.  Michael brought lots of props with him which he used to great effect and had the children singing “The Galway Girl” while others danced – Michael was a big hit with the children.
• Two firemen from the Birr Fire Station visited 3^rd Class on Thursday of last week to give the pupils a talk on fire safety.  The information given is very important especially at this time of the year.

Sport in School

• Hurling:  Third, Fourth and Fifth Class are really improving as a result of the coaching sessions with Hughie Hannon.  Hughie will return to the school in the Spring.
• Gymnastics:  The children are sad that the ever popular gymnastic sessions with Emer Feehan have come to an end.  The children really enjoyed their weekly workout and hope they will have the opportunity again next year.  Each year we see an improvement in what the children are able to achieve.  Thanks to the Parents Association for sponsoring the sessions again this year.
• Football:  Having been beaten by St Rynaghs in the group stages the boys pulled off a shock result by beating the same opposition in the play off by 6 points.  They went on to the County semi final but unfortunately were beaten by Crinkle in a close fought match losing out in the end by only two points.  The lads really improved as the campaign went on and would like to thank Mr Brislane for training them over the last eight weeks.

Choir

Our choir was so successful last year that the number of children involved has doubled this year and the pupils are really enjoying the sessions each Thursday.  Invitations to perform have been increasing recently, one such invitation is for the choir to join with pupils from other local schools to record and perform Seamus Doran’s new Christmas song which will be launched at the Taste of  Roscrea festival.  The pupils will also be carol singing during the festival – more details regarding date and time will follow.

Parents Association

The Parents Association would like to:

• Remind everyone about the upcoming AGM on Monday 10^th November at 7 30 pm – we encourage as many people as possible to attend.
• Thank you most sincerely to Dunnes Stores for allowing us to hold a bag pack there on Friday 21^st and Saturday 22^nd November.  We will be seeking people to help with this after the midterm – please support this worthy cause as the money raised helps fund school activities such as the gymnastics, sports day, graduation etc.

Fred the Magician

The children were excited to have Fred the Magician back again this year.  Last year he had all the children mesmerised with his tricks and musical ability.  Needless to say he did not disappoint today performing his new show.

Team Hope

This year we are again participating in the Team Hope Christmas Shoe Box Appeal.  Co-ordinator Marie O Brien asked that we remind people that it would be great if each box could contain something to write with, something to wash with – soap or toothbrush and toothpaste, something to wear and something to play with.  She encourages us to look at home and see what we can donate (please make sure any clothing or soft toys have been washed).  Boxes can be returned to the school on Thursday 6^th and Friday 7^th November.

Upcoming Events for Pupils after Halloween

Pottery:  Local potter Fin O Hara will come to the school for pottery workshops with the children.  Junior and Senior Infants (3 weeks each) and First, Third Class and Fifth Class (6 weeks) will participate.  More information will follow after the Halloween break.

School News

6^th Class investigated how the circulatory system works in Science.  It was very interesting and we worked together to create detailed diagrams showing how the circulatory system works.  In Art we studied the famous painting “The Scream” by Edward Munch.  We recreated the painting using some funny photographs of us screaming.  We then wrote about what makes us want to scream!  Not surprisingly a ringing alarm clock on Monday mornings was the most popular choice……………5^th Class boys along with 6^th Class boys went to a skills academy in Thurles thanks to Thurles CBS.  We got a guided tour of Semple Stadium and had a great day.  We had great fun this week doing a Maths trail around the school…………….In 4^th Class we know God created the world but we created our very own “Creative Garden Masterpieces”.  At the moment we are finishing off our projects on animals.  Some of the more unusual animals studied are liana, alpaca, octopus and jaguar – not our everyday family pet!..3^rd Class have completed projects on Toys and video games.  We are making maps to help us with the Maths trails that are being created in school………………2^nd Class loved doing Art for Halloween and have made scary masks.  We also made Scarecrows and our own candles – we covered the outside of jam jars with paper and put a tea light inside.  We learned about old forms of communication – some of us brought in old radios, and we even had a phone that used a finger dial!!!  We got great fun from the old type of cameras that some of us brought in – we find it hard to understand that some of them needed film and there was one from the 1950’s that really was an antique…….1^st Class are really enjoying our Literacy Lift Off programme.  We are reading lots and lots of books.  We entered a colouring competition organised by Super Valu – we all have our fingers crossed that some of us will win……………..Senior Infants went on an Autumn trail in the forest.  We made rice krispie buns in class and we are doing procedural writing on how we made them.  We can’t wait for tomorrow when we can dress up for Halloween – we are also going to be working in groups and making mummies!……………….Junior Infants learned about Autumn this month and we went to the car park and woods looking for signs of Autumn.  We collected leaves and made leaf rubbings.  We learned about the animals who are preparing to hibernate.  We learned lots of Halloween rhymes and songs……………Aoibhneas Class 1 loved doing their Halloween Art.  We are looking forward to pottery with Fin after midterm.  Some of us had play therapy with Rody Dunne while the others enjoyed swimming and horse riding…………………..Aoibhneas Class 2 harvested our potatoes and made wedges from them.  We really enjoyed our walk in the woods.

Dates for your Diary

• Parent/Teacher Meetings – Monday 24^th November at 3 30 pm
• Christmas Musical in School Hall – Friday 12^th  December 12 noon and 7 30 pm
• Confirmation – Saturday 7^th March 2015 at 11 00 am
• First Communion – Sunday 17^thMay 2015 (12 noon mass)

Enjoy the Halloween Break – See you all on 3^rd November

May Newsletter 2014

First Communion Class 2014

Congratulations  the children in Second Class who made their First Holy Communion on Sunday last.  The children making their First Communion looked beautiful on the day sang beautifully at the end of the ceremony.  Singing during the ceremony was performed by Third Class pupils along with siblings of the pupils making their First Communion.  Well done to all.

Board of Management

• Reminder:  The draft of our revised Anti Bullying Policy is currently on the website.  Any comments regarding the draft are welcome up to the 9^th June when the draft will be ratified by the Board of Management.
• The Board of Management are delighted to be associated with The Fallon Library and thank George Cunningham for his involvement.
• Thank you to the committee of Brertons Bar Vintage Tractor Run for nominating Aoibhneas to receive half of the funds raised on the day.

Fallon Library

Preparations are well underway for the launch of our new Fallon Library, spearheaded by George Cunningham of Roscrea People to honour two past Principals namely Miss Kate Fallon who was Principal from the late 1920’s/early 1930’s up to 1963, and her nephew Mr Billy Fallon who was appointed after his aunt until his untimely death in 1979.  Thank you to all the parents who have given monetary donations to date – donations will be accepted up to the launch date on the 24^th June however large or small.  The library which will take pride of place in the school foyer will be a wonderful resource for all the children containing reference books as well as reading material for all children from Junior Infants right up to 6^th Class and indeed future pupils.  It is our intention that the library will be added to each year.  More details concerning the time of the ceremony will follow nearer the time and all parents are invited to attend.

School Musical Recital

The children are really looking forward to the upcoming musical performance in the school hall tomorrow under the guidance of Music teacher Miss Ailbhe Kelly.  The classes participating will be Junior Infants, Senior Infants, First Class, Second Class and Third Class.  Also performing will be our Senior Choir – this will be the first opportunity for Parents to see their children performing.  The performance will start at 11 30 and will take approximately 30 minutes.  All are welcome.

Sixth Class Tour

The long awaited Sixth Class tour took place recently – this tour has become the highlight of tours in Dromakeenan.  Leaving the school on Thursday 8^th May the pupils enjoyed the banter on the bus arriving just in time for lunch in Bundoran.  Once they were fed pupils headed to Rossnowlagh Beach where they enjoyed a spot of surfing.  With great enthusiasm they each put on the wet suits and after a lesson in surfing by the instructors the children practised on sand before progressing to the waves.  They had brilliant fun!  The weary bunch went back to the hostel and showered.  Following dinner the pupils took on the nightline challenge.  The photographs of this event are hilarious – children wear blackout goggles and must rely on each other as they crawl through tunnels, over obstacles and through mucky terrain!  This is truly a team building exercise.  The group had lots of fun back at the hostel before finally turning in for the night.  On Friday morning after breakfast the children took on the high rope challenge and the climbing wall.  This proved challenging and nerve wrecking for some pupils.  The pupils packed and had lunch at the Donegal Adventure Centre before heading for home.  Well done to Mr Hanamy and Ms Hogan who enjoyed (survived) the outing!

Write a Book Competition

Congratulations to all the children who took part in the recent “Write a Book” competition run by the Laois Education Centre.  The  following children were all prizewinners:  Ava, Sean and Daragh in Senior Infants, Jamie in First Class, Clodagh, Leah, Alison, Ciara, Hughie and Christopher in Second Class, Third Class Pupils Kellie, Alannah, Orlagh and Michael, Caoimhe, Sean, Aoife and Patrick who are all pupils in Fourth Class, and in Fifth Class Shauna, Aisling, Aisling, Abby and Dara, and our Sixth Class pupils Darragh, Mason, Kelly and Dearbhail.  The pupils all attend the prize giving ceremony in Racket Hall recently.  Well done to all of you!

Family Fun Day and Tractor Run

A Family Fun Day and Tractor Run will take place at Brerton’s in Ballybritt organised by Brertons Bar Vintage Tractor Run committee on Sunday 29^th June.  We are delighted that our Aoibhneas Class will share in the funds raised on the day.  Our very active Parents Association will provide more details next week but some of the events being organised are:

• A colouring completion for each class with a prize on offer for each class.
• A “Slave” auction where our very own Ms Kinsella will be auctioned off for a day – something not to be missed!
• An auction of all types of items including signed Munster, Leinster, Offaly and Tipperary Jerseys.
• Please put this date in your diary – your support and attendance on the day would be very much appreciated.

Green Flag

As last year’s 5k cycle was so successful last year it was decided to hold another 5k this year.  Sixth Class pupils were delighted to be chosen to participate.  The children really enjoyed the activity.  Thank you most sincerely to Garda Chris O Meara who accompanied the children on their bikes, Sergeant Mark Kelly who alerted the oncoming traffic of the cycle and Mr Hanamy, who travelled behind the group with the First Aid kit which thankfully we did not need to use.  Thanks also to Green Schools member Aileen Hoyne who cycled with the group.

Hurling and Camogie in School

• Hurling:  In the final match of the Tipperary Championship the boys played against Borrisoleigh, however, after a tight game with the teams level with only 5 minutes to go Borrisoleigh got the final 4 scores of the game to win on the day.
• Hughie Hannon has just completed six coaching sessions with the pupils of First Class, Second Class, and the senior classes.
• Camogie:  Our camogie girls really enjoyed the training sessions and games but were not successful in the championship.  However the girls look forward to hosting a blitz in the school in June.

School Tour Dates and Times

5^th Class:  Wednesday 11^th June – Kildare Maze – back at 4 00 pm

4^th Class:  Friday 13^th June – Carggaunowen and Limerick – returning at 4 00 pm

3rd Class:  Wednesday 11^th June – Thomond Park and Bunratty Castly – returning at 4 00 pm

2^nd Class:  Friday 13^th June – Turoe Petfarm – back to school at 2 55 pm

1^st Class:  Thursday 12^th June – Jumping Jacks – return to school at 2 55 pm

Senior Infants:  Thursday 5^th June – Birr Theatre and Castle – back to school for 1 55 pm finishing time

Junior Infants:  Thursday 5^th June – Lisduff Petfarm – returning to school for 1 55 pm finishing time.

Dates for your Diary

• Thursday 29^th May             Musical Recital in School Hall at 11 30 am
• Friday 6^th June                     Open Day for Incoming Junior Infants
• To be confirmed                  Sports Day
• Tuesday 24^th June              Opening Fallon Library
• Thursday 26^th June             Summer Holidays
• Sunday 29^th June Brertons Bar Vintage Tractor Run