Shanagarry N.S.

Teaghlaigh Naofa Times

08/12/2014

The board have been informed by the Department of Education of the department’s intention to set up a data base of primary schools pupils across the country called the Primary Online Database ( P.O.D.). The board wish to make it clear to parents that information being sought is at the request of the Department of Education and not Holy Family N.S. Should you require more information about P.O.D. please refer to www.education.ie (‘Information for parents on the new Primary online Database POD’ ). A request form for your details is attached to this news letter. *

The Board also wish to inform parents that the Department of Education and Science, is in the process of re-configuring the way learning support and resource hours are organised. While the Department of Education has not fully clarified the finer points of this change it is likely that our learning support time and that of other schools similar to Holy Family N.S. will be halved.

The Board has reviewed its policy on mixed classes. If you wish to view this policy it is available in the school office.
The Board have appointed Mr. Ryan as the class teacher for 5^th and 6^th to the end of this school year 2014/2015. We wish Mrs. O Sullivan and Mr Ryan well for the coming months.

The children attended mass today in the church of the Immaculate Conception. They brought symbols and gifts to the altar, sang and read prayers. And as always they were a credit to themselves and their families.
As we prepare ourselves for Christmas, Canon O’ Mahony and Fr J Rohan will lead the senior children(3rd to 6^th ) in an Advent Rite of Reconciliation on the  Thursday 18^th December
The senior classes will sing for the residents of Oak Lodge Nursing home on December 17^TH From 11.30-12.30. There is a consent form for you to sign at the end of this newsletter and I would appreciate as much help as possible to transport children to and from the nursing home.

A little boy called Josh Walsh has travelled to Italy for surgery to improve his hearing. His parents who come from Shanagarry have asked us to help with fundraising. On the 18^th December we will have a non uniform day. Each child is to bring a contribution of €2.00 or €5.00 per family. We will announce the winner of “Guess the sweets in the jar” on that day.

Four guesses for €1.00. Start making your guesses now!!!.

Our Christmas concert will take place on Thursday 11^th in Garryvoe Hotel at 7pm. Children are to arrive wearing their makeup and costumes no later than 6.50pm . 5^th and 6^th class children will begin the concert with their drumming performance. All children may bring board games and books to entertain themselves as they wait back stage. No electronic or expensive games are to be brought. The toilets to the left of the function room and the door to the left of the function room are solely for the children‘s use. Parents may use the doors to the back of the function room and the toilets located towards the lower bar area. This is to reduce the noise levels in the function room and I request your co-operation in this regard.
When infants have finished their Nativity they may join their parents for the remainder of the concert. Ms O Brien will bring all of the infants to the back of the function room where their parents can collect them after 1^st & 2^nd concert item.

All children from the other classes (1^st – 6^th) will  have seen all the concert  items at the dress rehearsal  so they will remain back stage for the show and then they will be ready to quickly take up their places for carol singing.

We will spend Wednesday 10^th rehearsing in Garryvoe Hotel. All children 1^st -6^th are to be dropped off at the hotel on the morning and collected from there at 3pm. Infants are to be dropped at 9.15-9.20 in the morning and I would  appreciate the help of infant parents to transport the infants back to school at 11am. Please let Ms. O’Brien know if you will be able to help in this regard.

Christmas holidays will begin on December 19^th at 12pm. The bus will OBLIGE US IN THIS MATTER.  We will return to school on January 5^th . Children will attend Mass on January 06^th. This Mass will be organised by the newly established parents group. Please contact  Celine Roche  for more details.

 
The Board of Management and staff of Holy Family N.S. wish you all a Happy and Peaceful Christmas And every good wish for 2015