12^th September 2012

Dear Parent/Guardian,

Compliments 

We compliment students for the spirit in which they have returned to school and especially congratulate the students who received excellent Junior Cert results today. We urge all students to work hard and make the most of their talents. We will continue to acknowledge and reward good work and conduct. Our aim is to raise the bar in terms of standards in attendance, classwork, homework, academic success, behaviour and cooperation throughout the school community.  Hard work is rewarded.

We would like all our students to be happy and safe both in and out of school.  We remind them to respect themselves, others and their property.   As always we ask students to look out for one another and to let us know if they are experiencing difficulties.  

Anti-Bullying Talk - Monday 17^th Sept.

The Parents’ Association have invited Monica Monaghan, President of the National Anti-Bullying Coalition to talk to parents and students on ‘Anti Bullying’ next Monday 17^th September  in the school at 8pm. Monica is the founder of Haven Anti-Bullying and will speak about what bullying behaviour is and how to address it safely for healthy outcomes for all. This presentation is open to all and you are most welcome to attend.

Parents’ Association Demonstration & Health Awareness Night – Friday 21^st Sept.

As part of Personal & Social Awareness Week, the Parents’ Association have organised an evening of demonstrations and talks on Friday September 21^st at 7.45pm in the school.  The line-up of presenters includes parents, past pupils and friends of the school:

v  Baking Demo & Icing Techniques  by Celia Glynn

v  Floral Arrangements by Cathy Mannion

v  Healthy Eating Ideas for Teenagers  by Ron Cummins (Specialist Diet Chef)

v  Benefits of Good Diet & Exercise by Ann Scahill Flanagan  (Cardiac Resuscitation Officer- H.S.E)

v  Caring for your Hair by Caroline McHugh Coneran

v  Beautiful Skin & Makeup by Tracy Gannon

There will be complimentary refreshments provided and a raffle with lots of spot prizes.  Admission is free

Personal & Social Awareness Week

The Pastoral Care Team is organising a Personal & Social Awareness Week from 17^th – 21^st September, with speakers from Concern, AWARE, Cura, Bodywhys together with workshops on Anti Bullying and Road Safety.  We hope students find this programme beneficial. If you have any queries please contact Ms. O’Flanagan, School Chaplain.

Ranganna Gaeilge

Oral Irish Classes/Ranganna Gaeilge commence on Tuesday 2^nd October. Ten classes cost €20 with a €10 refund for those who complete the course. We encourage students to attend, bearing in mind that the Leaving Cert. Irish Oral will soon be worth 40% of the marks and the oral exam is also being introduced at Junior Cert. level.

Supergeneration.ie Study Skills Workshop

Supergeneration.ie  is presenting a ‘Study Skills Workshop’ for 6^th, 5^th, 3^rd & 2^nd  students this Friday 14^th September. The school is subsidising the cost by €5 leaving the fee at €10.  Students have been notified and given application forms.

Evening Study takes place Monday to Friday from 4-6pm and is recommended for all students especially those in examination years.  Junior students are welcome to join Homework Club, where a teacher is on hand to assist with homework.  Students on the Ballymoe/Williamstown bus route are welcome to study, unsupervised in the GP area from 4 - 4.30pm

Ploughing Championships

The school is not running a bus to the Ploughing Championships. As always we ask parents to let us know if for any reason their child is going to be absent or has been absent from school.

Computer Fetac Level 5 Course

Would you like to join our very successful Fetac Level 5 Business Secretarial Computer/ECDL course?  Tuition times and days are flexible and we cater for all levels.  Please contact the school for details.

Beginning of Year Mass

You are all invited to our Beginning of Year Mass on Thursday 27^th September at 10.00am.

School Musical

Good luck to the cast and crew of Back to the 80s who have begun rehearsing for this year’s show which is to be staged in The Town Hall on the week of 22^nd October 2012. 

Book Rental

By all accounts the book rental scheme has been successful. It is dependent on the D.E.S. grant and all participants paying the rental fee. It would be appreciated if outstanding dues were settled with the office.

Please contact us at school if you have queries. 

Yours sincerely,

James Duignan

Principal