Christmas Presents for Teachers

While we do not want to dictate to you, may we respectfully request that you do not go to the trouble of buying presents for teachers at Christmas.  Children can feel under pressure from their peers when they see presents being brought in.  A homemade card would be much appreciated if the children do want to acknowledge their teacher. We also ask that children not bring in Christmas cards to distribute among their friends.  Perhaps this could be arranged out of school as children can sometimes feel left out.

Anti –Bullying Week.

We will be holding an anti-bullying week in Scoil Mhuire before the end of the current school year.  We are constantly maintaining vigilance in this regard but it is important to highlight the issue on an annual basis.  Our anti-bullying policy is available to read on our website www.scoilmhuire.ie We would like to remind parents to be aware of your child’s internet usage.  In particular, the use of social-network websites can be a particular cause for concern.  It is advisable for computer usage to take place in a room in the house where you can monitor activity.

NO DOGS ALLOWED

Despite numerous requests, we still are encountering a problem with dogs fouling the playground.  Dogs should not be brought onto the school premises. It can be embarrassing for a member of staff to have to ask a parent to remove a dog from the school Please co-operate with us in this regard.

Art Exhibition.

Our recent Art Exhibition was a great success.  Once again this was down to the tremendous co-operation between children, staff and parents (and of course other relatives).  A sincere thank you in particular to all the extended family members who submitted paintings.  Well done to Ms. Madigan who co-ordinated the event.

Parent/Teacher Meetings

Our annual Parent/Teacher meetings will take place on Wednesday 16^th and Thursday 17^th February 2011.  Children will go home at 12.30p.m. on Wednesday 16^th and at 1.30 p.m. on Thursday 17^th. Teachers will do their best to facilitate parents with suitable time slots.  In the event that a parent is not available on either of those days an alternative arrangement can be made once the teacher is given sufficient notice.  Parents are, of course, more than welcome to meet with the teacher at any stage during the year.  If you ring Marie, she will arrange an appointment.

Carol Service 2010

Our annual Carol Service will take place in the school hall on Thursday 23rd December at 9.30 a.m. All of the pupils will take part.  Parents are welcome along but because of space restrictions buggies or prams cannot be brought into the hall.  We ask you not to bring buggies or prams into the hall. The Carol Service will last for approximately 40 minutes.

Book Launch

At a recent book launch, “Between the Crosses” a story of country life in Tipperary in times gone by was unveiled to the public.  The author, Jack Butler is chairperson of our Board of Management.  It is an excellent read and is a great source of information to anyone interested in life in rural Ireland now and in past.  Copies of the book are available to buy in the local book shop.

Chaplin News

Fr. Eoin celebrated a wonderful Mass with us to mark the Feast of the Immaculate Conception on 8^th December.  All those who read did a great job and the school’s singing was lovely.

Our parish is participating in the Diocese’s art competition for 3^rd classes.  The theme is “Jesus calms the Storm” and marks the end of the year of Luke’s Gospel.  The winner from our parish was Elise Gill from Scoil Aine Naofa, but Scoil Mhuire scooped all the other prizes with Evita  Obayuwana from Ms O’Reilly’s class winning 2^nd prize,   Katie Wisdom from Mr Roche’s class 3^rd prize and  Dean White and Sam Doyle being highly commended. All the entries were wonderful and are on display in the church.  I am very grateful to Ms Anita Mylod a local artist for her help and kindness judging the entries for us.

Our programmes to prepare the children for the Sacraments of Confirmation and First Eucharist are continuing and we are very grateful to all the parents for their help and support.

Collette Kavanagh (School Chaplain)

Staff

Céad Míle Fáilte to Ms Tracey Reilly who is substituting for Ms Walsh.  We have replaced one superbly talented musician with another.

Congratulations to Ms Walsh and her husband Shane on the birth of their baby boy Oisín.

Best wishes to Hugh Feeney who has been with us as a Special Needs Assistant since September.  Hugh is leaving to work as an English language teacher in Singapore after Christmas and we thank him and wish him well in his venture.

Sports

Our Boys and Girls gaelic football teams represented the school with great pride and passion during September and October.  Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays saw hectic after-school activity as they set off for their matches.  Once again a sincere thank you to the parents who provided transport to and from the matches.  We say this every year and we will keep saying it – we really appreciate your support in this regard.  In early Spring we will be represented by a hurling and camogie team so all boys and girls from 4^th up should be practicing their skills and taking advantage of the balmy weather over the holidays.  – Speaking of weather, a cross-country event for local primary schools was due to take place in early December.  This will now take place in January.

– Our second basketball league for 5^th and 6^th will be held in January and February (probably on Thursdays).  5^th and 6^th class will be starting swimming lessons on Tuesday 25^th January.

Rainbows

Rainbows is a support programme for children who have suffered a significant loss in their lives by death or separation.  It is available for children form 7years upwards at Primary School level.  The aim of the programme is to help children come to a healthy acceptance of what has happened in the family.  It is not a counseling service or therapy for children. It is strictly a peer support group.  We intend offering the programme again if there is sufficient demand.  Please telephone the school if you are interested in availing of it for your child.

Parents’ Association News.

A very well attended and informative AGM was held in November.  At the meeting the Schools Assessment Policy was outlined by Mr Ellis.  Ms Ruddy had an input on First Aid and this was very well received.  At the end of the meeting Mr Roche gave a demonstration on the Interactive Whiteboard.  We are delighted to say that every classroom is now equipped with an interactive whiteboard.  In the New Year, the Parents’ Association will be conduction a survey on the workings and function of the Association.  We encourage you to complete this survey which will help us plan a strategy for the future.

May we wish you all a happy, peaceful and relaxing Christmas and a prosperous New Year.  See you all on the 10^th January.