Mí na Nollag 2009

 As a very busy and enjoyable term comes to an end we can reflect back on many highlights.  The great performances and victories of the Boys Senior Football and Girls Senior Football teams in Croke Park on 2 December and the inspiring evening at our Oíche Cheoil on 8 December are two stand-out events.

In this time of economic turbulence and some upheaval it is wonderful to be present on occasions of such positivity.  There is nothing more inspiring than to see young people strive in the pursuit of excellence and I congratulate our School Teams, our School Choir, Grúpa Traidisiúnta and Scoil Roc Group on the high quality of their performances and above all the great spirit and heart which was so visible at both events.

 The boys' win in the Corn Kitterick, the most prestigious trophy for Dublin Primary Schools football, first competed for in 1928, is a fantastic achievement and adds to the previous successes of St. Colmcille’s S.N.S., Knocklyon in 1994, 2000, 2004 and 2007.  For some boys on the panel it made up for the disappointment of losing last year’s final.  Mr. Patten and Mr. Ashman put in a huge effort with the boys and deserve enormous credit.

 Our girls' football team won the Corn Austin Finn, the trophy for the U-13 Division 1 girls competition.  A late goal gave us a narrow victory and the girls’ performance was characterised by wonderful collective spirit and intense commitment, qualities which Ms. O’Sullivan and Mr. Sweetnam have inculcated in them.  Míle buíochas to Ms. O’Sullivan and Mr. Sweetnam for their commitment which, as in the case of the coaches of the boys' team, went well beyond the call of duty.

 On 8 December, over 300 parents and friends enjoyed a wonderful occasion when our School Choir, Grúpa Traidisiúnta and Scoil Roc groups provided an evening of inspirational entertainment.  The same principles apply to this evening as pertain to Croke Park – high quality performances, underpinned by huge levels of preparation, spirit and teamwork.

 All in the school community are indebted to Ms. O’Connor, Ms. O’Brien and Mr. Gearty (Choir); Ms. Woods and

Mr. Brennan (Grúpa Tradisiúnta) and Mr. Casey (Scoil Roc) for the huge amount of time and expertise they bring to bear on their work with the various groups.

 We had over 650 pupil supporters in Croke Park along with many parents and friends of the school.  Over 300 people were in attendance at the Oíche Cheoil.  These events are great community occasions for Knocklyon and also provide deep learning experiences for our pupils.  They constitute those ‘Magical Moments’  which are at the heart of personal development.

Imeachtaí na Nollag: Christmas Activities

Working closely with Fr. Jimmy Murray, our Parish Priest, and the other members of the Carmelite Community, we strive to provide a context in which our pupils and their families can experience the true meaning of Christmas.

 The school crib was set up in the foyer last week and was blessed by Fr. Jimmy in a ceremony attended by a pupil representative from each class.  The Advent Wreath is also on display and its significance is explained to pupils.  Parents are very welcome to drop in to visit the crib any day after 2.30 p.m., and to attend the following upcoming ceremonies:

Thursday 17 December 2009      11.10 a.m. Christmas Mass for all classes.

Monday   21 December 2009  1.15 p.m.School Carol Service and Nativity Play in St. Colmcille’s Church

(Mr. Johnston’s 3^rd class accompanied by the other 3^rd classes will perform the nativity play).

The 6^th class pupils and parents have responded very well to the ‘Make a Crib’ Project.  Our collective thanks to

Ms. N. O’Sullivan, Ms. McCann and Maurice Barrett, our Services Officer, for their work on the construction of the crib and to Ms. O’Gara who designed the Advent Wreath.

 Féilire na Scoile: School Calendar

Comhneartú: Confirmation

Two Confirmation Information Meetings for parents of 6^th class pupils are scheduled for the following dates:

                        Wednesday 20 January 2010                  8.00 p.m. in St. Colmcille's Church.

                        Wednesday 27 January 2010                  8.00 p.m. in the school hall.

 It is a requirement that each child presenting for Confirmation is represented at the above meetings.  At the conclusion of the meetings, parents will be invited to register their child for Confirmation. 

 Nuacht Eile: Other News

-          Many thanks to four of our Special Needs Assistants, Muriel, Cathy, Alan and Jackie who did the catering for our recent Football Presentation Night.

-          All of our classes enjoyed their Teach Tionól/House Assembly last week, where they interacted with pupils from the other classes.  The theme of the Teach Tionól was to bring in something of special significance, which they showed and spoke about to their partners from the other classes.

-          The Knocklyon 2km Cross Country Race is scheduled to take place today, Tuesday, in Cherryfield.  This 2km race is for 6^th class pupils, girls and boys.

-          The school Hurling/Camogie season will commence in late January.

-          Ciarán Garry, one of our 6^th class pupils, did a fantastic job on photos from the Croke Park finals and put together a top class CD of photos and backing track.  Well-done Ciarán.

-          Our school Badminton teams are training diligently under Mr. McGowan's direction.

-          Information notes for Coláiste  Éanna Boys Secondary School, Ballyroan were distributed recently to interested boys from 4^th/5^th/6^th classes.

-          The extra classroom, recently sanctioned by the Department of Education and Science, is now almost ready.  It will be used from January to June as a special room for Art/Craft; Science and other activities.

-          Sincere sympathy to Ms. Martina Knight, a member of our Board of Management, on the recent death of her mother.  Ar dheis lámh Dé go raibh sí.

-          Check out our school website, www.stcolmcilles.org for up to date news and pictures from Croke Park and the Oíche Cheoil.

 Imeachtaí Iar-Scoile:  After School Activities

A new term of after-school activities will commence in February 2010.  Information regarding enrolment procedures will issue in the January Nuachtlitir.

 Bliainirisí na Nollag:  Folens Christmas Annuals

Folens Christmas Annuals are now available through the school at a cost of €5. Siamsa is for 3^rd/4^thand Sonas is for 5^th/6^th.  If you wish to order one, please send in €5 in an envelope to the class teacher.

 Víreas H1N1:  H1N1 Virus

The Health Board has notified the school that it intends to administer the vaccine to our pupils, in the new year.  The vaccine will be administered on site at the school.  The actual dates have yet to be communicated to us.

 Beannachtaí na Nollag: Christmas Greetings

Wishing all of our pupils, parents and staff a very happy and peaceful Christmas. 

Nollaig faoi shéan agus athbhliain faoi mhaise daoibh go léir.

 _________________________

       Pádraig Ó Néill (Príomhoide)

 *  The January Nuachtlitir will issue on Tuesday 26 January 2010.

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