May 2021 Newsletter

Sacraments

As previously communicated to relevant parents, Archbishop Kieran released a statement on Friday last to explain that First Holy Communions and Confirmations will not take place during the month of May and most likely not in June either. We continue to prepare the children and to look forward to their big days. As soon as we have further information, we will communicate same.

Cumann na mBunscoil

We were delighted to welcome trainer, Mikey Kiely on Wednesday. Mikey will complete four weeks of training with our pupils. Unfortunately, no inter-school games can take place at present.

Creative Schools

Families are reminded that photographs for the Creative Schools Programme should be submitted to the school email by tomorrow, 7th May. Many thanks to those who have already done so.

Transition Workshop

Sixth class pupils will take part in a workshop focusing on the transition to secondary school via zoom tomorrow. Thanks are extended to the board for covering the cost of this workshop.

Standardised Testing

Standardised testing for first to sixth classes will begin on May 31st and will be completed on Tuesday 8th June.  Pupils will complete Micra-T, Sigma-T and Drumcondra Spelling tests and results will be documented on end of year reports. Second, fourth and sixth classes will also complete the Drumcondra Irish tests.

Science Blast

Senior pupils are busy working on their project which explores the effect of various genres of music on our ability to study. Their project will be presented to judges via zoom in June.

Shorts

We would like to remind you that pupils may wear grey uniform shorts for the month of June, if desired, whilst plain, non-branded navy shorts (jersey material) may be worn on P.E. days. School socks should be grey please.

Virtual School Tour and Circus Skills

In line with department guidance, travel on buses for tours is still not advised. In this regard, we have decided that in the interest of safety, pupils will go on an interactive virtual tour on Friday 4th June. Destinations have yet to be revealed! On this day, we will also welcome Conor Halpin who will complete a half-day circus skills workshop with each class. Activities will include plate spinning, juggling, balloon modelling, diablo, magic and puppetry. Pupils will also be provided with treat bags and ice-creams/ ice-lollies on the day. The cost per pupil is ten euro and we asked that this is paid to the class teachers at your convenience please. Pupils may wear their own clothes to school on the 4th and may also bring treats in their lunches. We feel that our plans for the 4th are an excellent alternative to the traditional school tour and should provide a great day’s fun for all.

June Bank Holiday

School will be closed on Monday June 7th for the bank holiday.

Active Week

Active Week will take place during the week beginning June 14th. Pupils are reminded to wear tracksuits each day. A range of activities are planned for this week including rugby, cycling, GAA, soccer and basketball. Pupils will also participate in specific activities to promote Cumann na mBunscoil. We will celebrate Sports Day on Friday 14th. Unfortunately, in line with department guidance, we are not permitted to invite parents to join us for Sports’ Day this year. We hope to walk to Knockane GAA Grounds that morning to complete the walking route, as well as relays, sack races, spud and spoon races and rounders. Activities on the return to school will include basketball challenges and fill the bucket. As we cannot share equipment at the moment, pupils are asked to bring the following in a bag for Sports’ Day; potato, spoon, sack, blindfold.

Book Rental, School Fees and School Calendar 2021/22

Booklists, summary of fees and calendar for the coming academic year 2021/22 will be distributed during the first week of June. As in previous years, we offer the option that book rental and fees may be paid in instalments during June, September and October. We kindly request that bills are fully paid by the Halloween break.

End of Year Reports

End of year reports will be distributed to parents after school on Wednesday 16th of June. In line with Department and NCCA regulations, the education passport is being used to transfer information on sixth class pupils to their new secondary schools.

End of Year Liturgy and Graduation

Our Graduation ceremony will take place on Monday 21st June at 12 midday in the yard. Hopefully the weather will be kind to us! This occasion will present an opportunity to reflect on the achievements of the past academic year and to send good wishes to our five second class pupils who are “stepping up” to the senior room and to our ten sixth class pupils who are “stepping on” to secondary school. Unfortunately, in line with department guidance, we are not permitted to invite parents or friends of our school to attend this ceremony. The graduation celebration will be recorded and added to our school website in order that pupils may share this special occasion with their families.

Summer Holidays

School will close for summer holidays on Wednesday 23rd June at 12.15pm.

Sincere thanks are extended for your continued support of our school during these unprecedented times. We are beyond proud of the manner in which our pupils have faced all the challenges posed during the COVID 19 pandemic. We look forward to brighter days ahead!

Kind Regards, Heidi Jordan

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Our Motto: Working Together / Ag obair le chéile