Nuachtlitir
Mí na Nollag 2011
Dáta Eisiúna: 20.12.2011
Dear Parents,
As a very busy and enjoyable term comes to an end we reflect back on many highlights and look forward to the major school events of the pre-Christmas week. Last Tuesday, 13 December, was another stand-out occasion for our school as no fewer than three school teams participated in the Cumann na mBunscol finals in Croke Park. This was an unprecedented achievement and afforded almost 70 pupils the opportunity to experience Croke Park as a player. Almost 600 pupils travelled as supporters and many thanks to all the Teachers and Special Needs Assistants who braved the Arctic like conditions on the day. Over 300 adult supporters also attended thus making it a real community and family occasion.
The boys’ win in the Corn Kitterick (formerly known as the Corn Sweet Afton!), the most prestigious trophy for Dublin Primary School’s football and competed for every year since 1929, is a fantastic achievement and adds to the previous successes of St. Colmcille’s S.N.S. in 1994, 2000, 2004, 2007, 2009 with 2011 now been added to the list. Mr. Ruddy (who also coached the 1994 team) and Mr. Patten deserve huge credit.
Our Girls’ Senior Football Team went down in the Corn Austin Finn final to Belgrove G.N.S. The team had a great campaign and well done to Ms. J. O’Sullivan and Mr. R. Sweetnam for their massive efforts.
Team of the season arguably has to be our Girls’ Second Team, who competing in the Corn Irish Rubies against the first teams from all the other schools, reached the final and gave a wonderful performance, just losing out by 2 points. Well done girls and míle buíochas to Mr. Kearney and Ms. Ní Fhearghail.
Finally, over 150 boys and girls from our school participated on school football teams this term between Boys/Girls, Junior and Senior. The journey is more important than the destination and in a time of economic turbulence and some upheaval, it is wonderful to be associated with the positivity that school sport generates. The person we become is directly related to the experiences we encounter and our pupils will grow as people from the lessons learned as they ascend the mountain of experiences that lead to the Croke Park summit.
Oíche Cheoil: Musical Evening
This evening, Tuesday 20 December, over 300 parents and staff will attend the Oíche Cheoil in Amharchlann Naithí, Ballinteer, when our School Choir, Grúpa Traidisiúnta, Scoil Roc and 3rd class Folk Group will perform a selection of pieces.
As in the case of our school football teams, all of our music groups put in a huge amount of time preparing and practising. There is nothing more inspiring than to see young people strive in the pursuit of excellence and I wish all the music groups the very best for their Oíche Cheoil.
Events such as these are great community occasions for our school/parish and also provide deep learning experiences for our pupils.
Imeachtaí na Nollag: Christmas Activities
As a Catholic school and working closely in conjunction with the priests of the parish, 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 blessed by Fr. Jimmy in a ceremony attended by a pupil representative from each class. Pupils and parents responded very generously to the Christmas Hamper Appeal and a huge amount of donated non-perishable food was transferred on Thursday last to St. Thomas School, Jobstown, Tallaght. Many thanks to Ms. Smith’s 6th class and parents who transported the material.
The 6th class pupils and parents responded very well to the “Make a Crib” project. Classes from other year groups visited the 6th classes to view their cribs.
Parents are very welcome to attend the School Christmas Carol Service and Nativity Play, which will be held tomorrow 21 December at 11.10 a.m. in St. Colmcilles Church.
Buíochas: Thanks
• Special thanks to the following staff members who have worked long hours voluntarily preparing our Musical Groups.
School Choir: Ms. E. O’Connor; Ms. S. O’Brien; Ms. S. Synnott.
Grúpa Traidisiúnta: Mr. J. Brennan.
Scoil Roc: Mr. D. Casey; Ms. L. Ryan.
3rd Class Folk Group: Ms. A. Murphy, Mr. R. Maguire.
• Buíochas to the Special Needs Assistants who did the catering recently on the evening of the celebrations for our School Football Teams and on many other occasions during the term.
• Buíochas to all those parents who provided transport to school football games since last September. Just imagine the cost if bus transport had to be hired!.
• Buíochas to Ms. N. O’Sullivan; Ms. H. McCann; Ms. A. O’Gara and Maurice Barrett, our Services Officer, for their work on the construction of the Crib and decoration of the hall for recent events.
Comhneartú: Confirmation
Parents of 6th class pupils who intend presenting their children for Confirmation in March 2012 are required to attend a meeting on Wednesday 11 January 2012 at 8.00 p.m. in St. Colmcilles Church. We are privileged that Bishop Eamon Walsh has accepted our invitation to attend this meeting and speak to our parents. Ms. Rosemary Lavelle will also be in attendance as a guest speaker. At the meeting, parents will be given the opportunity to register their child for Confirmation.
Féilire na Scoile: School Calendar
Thursday, 22 December 2011 School Closes at 12 noon.
Monday, 9 January 2012 School reopens at 8.50 a.m. (Full Day).
Blúiríní Eile: Other Snippets
• The recent visit of the Guide Dogs to 3rd class pupils was most enjoyable. Thanks to Helen Mullen, one of our parents, who organised this visit.
• The Copper Collection for Bóthar is still in train. Send in any spare coppers to Ms. O’Gara, Room 15. Check up the Bóthar website for information on this worthwhile project.
• Rockbrook Park Secondary School for Boys, Rockbrook Rathfarnham, is running a scholarship scheme. For further details for 2012 places, contact Rockbrook Park School.
• 18 of our Badminton players from 5th/6th class recently enjoyed their visit to play Terenure College Badminton Teams. Buíochas to Mr. Murphy who coordinated the event.
• A school Maths team, from 6th class, comprising Will Morgan, Anna O’Gara, Laura Smithers and Chi Heng Wan recently competed in an Inter School Maths Challenge. Thanks to Mr. Connolly who coordinated the event.
• Great pictures of the school football finals on Flicker. There is a link from our school website.
• Buíochas to Ms. L. Glennon and Mr. J. Brennan who recently ran a workshop for parents of 3rd class pupils who attend Learning Support.
• Ms. L. Corcoran’s 6th class attend the regular Friday 10.00 a.m. Parish Mass throughout the year. On Friday last, the parishioners who attend the Mass made their annual visit to our school for a Christmas get together. A lovely occasion.
Imeachtaí Iar Scoile: After School Activities
A new term of after school activities will commence in January 2012. A note detailing the various activities and giving details of the enrolment procedures will be distributed to pupils on 9 January 2012, the first day back.
School Building Project Update
20 December 2011
Work is progressing on the required preparations for the commencement of the building of the new school. As previously stated, the proposed date for the relocation (mid-February) was subject to the project progressing without delays occurring.
The Contractor informed the Boards of Management this week that a number of complications have arisen regarding the provision of temporary accommodation and that the Contractor will not now achieve the February decant date.
The Boards of Management accordingly wish to inform parents that the school calendar will revert to the original dates of February Mid-Term Break (Thursday/Friday 16-17 February inclusive) and Easter Holidays (2 – 13 April inclusive). The Boards of Management will continue to keep parents informed of developments.
Boards of Management
St. Colmcille’s S.N.S./J.N.S.
Wishing all of our pupils, parents and staff a very happy an peaceful Christmas.
Nollaig shona agus athbhliain faoi mhaise daoibh go léir.
_________________________
Pádraig Ó Néill (Príomhoide)
* The January Nuachtlitir will issue on Wednesday 25 January 2012.