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School News & Important Dates

 

 

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School Policies

School policies are available on request to the school office.

 

 

 

Message from Principal

Dear parents/guardians, every New Year is about new heights, new achievements, new experiences and new acquaintances. I hope that all of us can accomplish some of these ideals in 2017.

We had a busy first term with many highs and a sadly a few lows.

I.T.

The Board of Management recognised the need for an improvement in the Information Technology used in the school and sanctioned the purchase of a flat screen interactive whiteboard for each classroom. The teachers are still getting used to the fast paced equipment and are engaging in collaborative upskilling. The school has taken out a loan with the Credit Union to fund the IWB’s and have been very grateful to Kilkerrin Arts Society who donated their raffle contribution towards reducing the loan. Our school’s Christmas Hamper Raffle was also supported generously, all funds raised went directly to the loan also. Our loan started out at E15,000 in October and the balance now stands at €11979.62.

Christmas Activities

The run up to Christmas was full of varied experiences for the kids.

Puppet Show/Advent/Crib

We began with our annual Puppet show, followed by the countdown of Advent marked by weekly assembly lessons on the meaning of each Sunday that passed. Ms. Finnegan set up a beautiful advent table in our foyer and altar in our hall. The crib was set up outside by David Conneely, Raymond Mullin, Alan Gordon and M.J. Lee, and was decorated by Pake Diskin. 

Confessions

We were lucky to have three priests visit us for our annual confessions, Fr. Tommy Commins, Fr. Louis Lohan and Fr. John Flannery. These were held in our Library.

 

Festive Family Day

Our Parents Association Committee worked endlessly in the early weeks in December. They communicated with the Parent Body and recruited so many great minds and generous time- givers in order to create a fantastic Festive Family Day at our school. Siobhan Halvey, Stephen Tighe, Seamus Collins, Mary Kilmartin, Mary Collins and M.J. Lee masterminded this event which was successful in facilitating families to see Santa in our school as well as allowing the community of Kilkerrin to come together and socialise in a relaxing, safe and festive atmosphere. 

Gerry McCarthy, Rest in Peace

Sadly however, on December 5^{th ,} in the midst of the children practising for the carol service, the school received the news of our Chairperson, Gerry McCarthy’s passing. Words cannot describe the impact this had on our school. Staff and children who had the honour of knowing, working with and being in the company of Gerry all felt a tidal wave of grief. Despite this, the staff worked on and kept the spirits of the children up. The carol service was just around the corner and off course Mr. Claus was soon to come. The children did their parents and teachers proud in participating so honourably in a candlelit guard of honour for the arrival of Gerry’s remains back to Kilkerrin as well as singing with the Kilkerrin Adult choir at Gerry’s Funeral. I would like to take this opportunity of thanking the staff in the school for their exceptional professionalism with the children and each other at this difficult time.

Carol Service

The carol service was held in St. Joseph’s Church and we were accommodated so kindly by Annette O’ Rourke and Fr. Tommy Commins. The Junior Infants children were standing proudly on the front row and weren’t they so entertaining? I think they made everyone smile. The children performed their repertoire of songs so well. A carol service wouldn’t be a carol service without ‘O Holy Night’. Four 6^th class students Ian Divilly, Niamh Hession, Áine Shaughnessy and Oisín Keane performed this. The sun light shone through the church window at exactly the moment the children began to sing this song. I think it was so appropriate.

 

A cracker of a time

Our school hall was filled with Christmas Cheer on Christmas week. The children lined up, criss-crossed their arms with a partner and in a countdown from 10, pulled Christmas crackers. Toni McCarthy, sister of Gerry, wished to bring bags of crackers to the kids as a fun way of remembering Gerry. The pops, cheers and laughter was perfect.

 

Friday Certificate Assembly

We finished off our term with our third ‘Friday Certificate Assembly’. This is our new positive initiative where all the teachers can acknowledge any child, in their own class or another class for a variety of reasons. The focus is not on academic achievement but could be as simple and as important as ‘working hard’, ‘listening attentively’, ‘helping others’, ‘taking turns’ and so on. This happens on the last Friday of each month and children give a round of applause to all the children who are recognised. The teachers also acknowledge the children who have not yet received a certificate and the learning that comes in complimenting and being happy for others. I can’t wait to see all the children who will earn a ‘Friday Certificate Assembly’ in 2017.

 

 

 

Glenamaddy Ploughing Art Winners

Congratulations to a large number of our students, from Junior Infants to 6th Class, who were winners in the recent School Art competition, held in conjunction with the Glenamaddy and District Ploughing Championship. All our students were presented with their awards during School assembly.

 

Maths Week 2016

Our students have been busy with Maths activities in recent days as we celebrate Maths Week 2016.

 

First Day

The first day back at school has gone very well indeed. The children looked very smart in their uniforms and have enjoyed being in their new classes. A special welcome to all our Junior Infants and new entrants in other classes. We will care for them and love them in ‘loco parentis’ (as a good parent), guiding them to make this world a better place because they are in it. Well done to all the Moms, Dads and Grandparents too, I know there was a tough few moments saying goodbye to your sons and daughters and grandchildren joining our school community for the first time. Please be assured your little ones are in safe hands. Here’s to a successful year full of new learning!

 

 

Thank you Parents/Guardians

On behalf of the staff, I wish to thank you all for having the children so well prepared for school. The staff appreciates the effort you have put into getting uniforms ready, labelling items, shopping to ensure the children have healthy lunches, tying back hair, getting the children up in time in the morning, helping with homework etc. It has not been easy and congratulations on doing such a good job.

 

Official Opening Time

The official opening time for the reception of pupils is 9am. The Board of Management cannot accept responsibility for pupils who arrive on the school grounds earlier than this. Pupils now enter the school building at the side door (opposite the courts) and go straight to the hall to join their morning assembly line.

Children are supervised in this room only. Children are asked to remain seated until it is time to go to their classroom.

 

Drop-Off and Parking

The roundabout is working so well. Please be careful not to leave your car unattended on the roundabout at any stage. If you need to park, do so near the benches please.

 

Staff  2016

Our Staff list for 2016 is as follows:

5^th & 6^th  -  Ms. Henry

3^rd & 4^th  - Mrs. Deveney

1^st & 2^nd -  Mrs. Fallon

Infants  -    Mrs. Walsh

Learning Support & Resource: Ms. Finnegan & Ms. Ní Niaidh

School Cleaner – Tina Fahy

School Secretary – Shirley Fahy

 

Attendance

In the event of your child being absent please inform the class teacher in writing. Please use ‘absence notes’ at the back of the homework journal. Schools are obliged to monitor school attendance. This involves mandatory reports, on occasion to the National Education Welfare Board which includes the name of any pupil who is absent for an aggregate of 20 days or more, in one school year. This is a legal requirement.

 

Allergies/ Medication

Please inform the school of any allergies which your child may have and any prescribed medication which they may require during school time. It is essential that our records in relation to this are kept updated. Policy on Administration of Medications to follow on website.

 

Late /Sign Out Book

Parents are expected to sign out children from school in the Sign Out book if they have to leave school early for any reason, and children who arrive late to school will be signed into the Late Book. Both books are kept in Shirley’s Office. This is simply for the safety and protection of all children.

A reminder will go home in the child’s homework diary if the child is consistently late or signed out 3 times or more in the month.

 

Winter is approaching

Please bear in mind the weather is changing. Children will be expected to go outside at break and lunchtimes as the weather permits. Please ensure your child comes to school with a hat, scarf, gloves and a warm coat as necessary, especially when we feel the drop in temperature.

We simply do not have the resources to be supervising children indoors during break/lunch time.

 

Parents Association

Our Parents Association is an integral part of the school and it should be given as much support as possible. A new Parents' Association committee is in place for the upcoming school year: Mr. Seamus Collins, Mrs. Siobhán Halvey and Mr. Stephen Tighe.

 

Music Lessons

We have a strong tradition of music being taught at St. Oliver Plunkett N.S. and we are very proud of the achievements our children make. We continue to offer lessons in violin, tin whistle, banjo, accordion, keyboard and guitar. Music lessons with Marian McCarthy take place in the Library every Tuesday.

 

Appointments

Parents are always welcome to meet with staff in relation to their child. However, in the interest of ensuring the safety of all pupils, teachers cannot meet parents at classroom doors.

If you would like to meet your child’s teacher, an appointment should be arranged at a mutually agreeable time.

We kindly request that you phone in advance for an appointment (through Shirley, our secretary) or to communicate a request for an appointment, through your child’s homework diary. To facilitate supervision of pupils, these meetings are generally from 2.10p.m.

Please note that Shirley’s Reception hours are Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 9:00a.m. – 12:30p.m.

 

Family Contributions

We would like to thank families who have paid their family contribution and a gentle reminder to those who are still outstanding.  

 

Support for Learning

In line with Department of Education guidelines St. Oliver Plunkett N.S. will support children with additional learning needs in a number of ways: within the classroom, in small group settings and on an individual basis. Occasionally, we will also withdraw children to support their peers in social games and learning activities. As always, if you have any concerns about your child, please do not hesitate to make an appointment with the class teacher.

 

Your Views Count

We welcome and value your comments about how to improve our school further. Positive commentary is most welcome. Please email, telephone, speak to a member of staff or pop a note into our office.