News

January Newsletter
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Happy New Year!

Let go of the old reach out for the new,
For the past is cold and the future is due,
Each year holds memories, some happy - some sad,
We must treasure the good, let go of the bad,
Make the most of each day,
At work and at play,
For the old is history,
The future - A mystery.
Phylis Ellison

School re-opens on Monday 9th January.

€540 for St. Vincent de Paul
The school Carol Service took place last Friday in Tubberclare Church.  There was a great turnout of parents.  Children in 5th class (Ms. Mc Ardle's) got proceedings underway with Silent Night and Jingle Bells in French.  They then used a set of bells to perform Joy to the World.  This was followed by the story of the nativity, narrated by 6th class children (Ms. Sammon & Ms. Dervin) with all classes joining in the singing.  The carol service finished with a recital by the school band under the guidance of Ms. Lenehan.  Apart from being a very enjoyable afternoon, €540 was collected for the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.  On Tuesday, Ms. Kathleen Lee and Mr. Paul Rohan accepted the cheque from school principal, Mr. Keating.  They thanked the children for their efforts and said that the money raised would go to great use.
School Carol Service
The school carol service will be held on Friday 16th December at 12.30 p.m. in Tubberclare Church.  There is no admission charge to the service although a collection will be taken up and the proceeds donated to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.  The Parents’ Association is providing refreshments afterwards in the school’s computer room so please call in.
December Newsletter
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Thomas meets Ryan Tubridy
Thomas Farrell (Ms. Gaynor's Senior Infants) met Ryan Tubridy, presenter of the Late Late Show on RTE 1 every Friday night.  Ryan was getting ready for this week's Toy Show and Thomas gave him plenty of food for thought regarding the toys that boys like!!  Ryan Tubridy is one of Ireland's best known television and radio presenter and meeting him was a great moment for Thomas.
Season of Advent
Yesterday was the first Sunday of Advent (Awaiting the Coming of Jesus).  It marks the beginning of a new Liturgical Year and we begin 4 weeks of preparation for the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ.  Advent presents us with an opportunity to be spiritually prepared for the coming of the Christ child.  A new year means new beginnings and a chance to start over.  The first candle on the Advent Wreath was lit.  First (Purple) Candle of Hope: We have hope because God is faithful and will keep the promises made to us.  Our hope comes from God.  There are 3 purple candles (purple is the colour of penance) and one pink candle (pink is the colour of joy).  The white candle is lit on Christmas Day.  The wreath is made from evergreen leaves (never die, like God's love for us) and is in the shape of a circle (no start or end to a circle, again reflecting God's infinite love for us).
School Crib
The School Crib, assembled by Ms. Eithne Gallagher, is located inside the front door (beside Aedine's office).
New Board of Management

The members of the new Board of Management are as follows:
Fr. Seamus Mulvany P.P. and Mr. Philip Fagan (Bishop Smith's Nominees)
Mr. Oliver Keating (Principal) and Ms. Sinéad Lenehan (Staff Representative)
Ms. Brigid Delamere and Mr. Gerard Clarke (Parent Representatives)
Ms. Noirín O'Rourke and Ms. Kathleen Farrell (Community Representatives)

Irish Guide Dogs

Stephen Kelly from the Irish Guide Dogs visited the school today (Friday) to talk to the classes about Guide Dogs.  He had Quimpey, an 11 month old black labrador, who is in training with him.  Stephen's talk was very interesting.  He outlined the great help guide dogs are to the visually impaired.  The children were shocked to hear that it costs €38000 to train each dog with most of the money coming from donations and fundraising.  The school intends to donate some of next year's Fun Day to this very worthy cause.  More information about Irish Guide Dogs is available at www.guidedogs.ie

November Newsletter
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Christmas Shoebox Appeal
Well done and thank you for the very generous response to the Christmas Shoe Box appeal.  Nearly 60 boxes filled with toys will be forwarded shortly to less fortunate children in Eastern Europe in time for Christmas.  A particular word of thanks to the co-ordinator Ms. Finn and her assistants Adam Connell, Conor Spollen, Kerryn O'Sullivan, Aaron Murphy, Amy Hackett and Patrick Quigley.
Ghosts!!

Pictured below are Ms. O'Connor's Junior Infants with their Halloween Ghosts

Halloween Characters!

6th class children (Ms. Dervin's) have been learning to knit since September.  The colourful pumpkins and other Halloween characters pictured below are the end product of their efforts.  Well done - they look great!

Look after your Teeth!

Children in Ms. Dermody's class (Senior Infants & First) had a visit earlier this week from local dentist, Ms. Rodrigues (Tara's mother).  Ms. Rodrigues gave the children very good advice on how to look after their teeth.

All-Ireland Winners visit School
There was great excitement earlier today (Tuesday) when 2 members of the Westmeath Ladies Football team that recently won the All-Ireland Intermediate Championship visited the school with the Mary Quinn Cup.  Sinéad Walker and Laura Walsh are past pupils of the school.  Laura captained the school team to a county championship in 1997 while Sinéad was on the 3 in a row winning team (2000, 2001 & 2002).  They received a great welcome from the children and the Principal, Mr. Keating, made a presentation to the girls in honour of their great achievement.
Christmas Shoebox Appeal
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Jon meets President Clinton
Jon Ganly (Senior Infants) met former U.S. President, Bill Clinton, on a trip to Dublin last weekend.  President Clinton is still one of the most famous people in the world and it was a great moment for Jon.
October Newsletter
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Hockey Coaching

Hockey coaching for second class facilitated by Ms. Olive Kennedy has resumed in recent weeks.  It is hoped, as in previous years, to hold a blitz before the Halloween break in the Athlone Regional Sports Centre.
 

Jersey Day raises €425

 

Jersey Day last Friday 23rd September raised €425 for GOAL and Westmeath Ladies GAA Football team.  Two past-pupils, Sinéad Walker and Laura Walsh are members of the Westmeath team which drew the All-Ireland Intermediate Final in Croke Park versus Cavan last Sunday.
Clonmacnoise
As part of the 6th class History programme, children in 6th class will make their annual visit to the monastic site in Clonmacnoise on Wednesday 21st September.
Produce from the Garden
Adam Connell, Jack Connaughton and Katie Ganley from Ms. Dervin's class with potatoes and onions from the school vegetable plot.
September Newsletter
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New Infants

A special welcome to our new Junior Infants (Ms. O'Connor's and Ms. Gaynor's) who started school today.
 

Congratulations!

 

Congratulations to Ms. Michelle Buckley on her marriage to Mr. Darren Mc Ardle.  The ceremony took place on Friday 5th August in St. Patrick's Church, Moate.  The reception was held in Glasson Country House Hotel.
€1500 for Ronald Mc Donald House Charity of Ireland
The proceeds (€1500) from the recent Fun Day were presented to the Ronald Mc Donald House Charity of Ireland on Wednesday.  For more information on this very worthy cause visit www.rmhc.ie/.  Niamh Irwin is pictured presenting the cheque to Mairéad from the House Charity.  Also in the photo are Niamh's parents Lorraine and Frank.
French Mayor visits School

Last Thursday, Monsieur Jackie Soulisse, Mayor of French town Parce-Meslay, and his wife visited the school.  Parce-Meslay is a small town located close to Tours in the centre of France.  As part of their French programme co-ordinated by Ms. Mary Durnin, children in 5th and 6th classes established a link with the children in the primary school in Parce-Meslay.  It was through this link that the Mayor's visit was made possible. There was great excitement in the school when news of Monsieur Soulisse's impending visit was announced.  French bunting and flags adorned the corridors while children also made colourful posters with French greetings.
After planting a tree to mark his visit, Monsieur Soulisse and his wife visited each classroom where they received a warm welcome.  Classes sang, played the tin whistle and recited poetry for the guests.  In the afternoon, Monsieur Soulisse raised the school's 4th Green Flag which the school was recently awarded.  The day's proceedings ended with the playing of the French and Irish National Anthems.

 

National Prizes for Áine & Lisa

Well done to Áine Gallagher and Lisa Harrington on their recent successes at National Level.  Áine won a silver medal in the Community Games National Finals (Under 10 Model Making) which took place in the Athlone I.T. at the weekend.  Lisa also won a silver medal in the All-Ireland Gymnastics Finals (Under 13 Vault).  Well done to both girls on their great achievements.

4th Green Flag for School
The school has been awarded its 4th Green Flag.  The theme of this flag was Travel.  A representative from An Taisce visited the school before Easter to assess the school's application.  Particular thanks is due to the Green Schools Committee under the guidance of Ms. Dervin - Alan Parker & Lisa Harrington (6th Class), Ross Gibbons, Ellen Kelly, Patrick Quigley & Rachel Murphy (5th Class).  The presentation will take place on Wednesday 18th May in Athlone.

Laoise & Jess receive their bicycles

Laoise Mc Daid and Jess Groarke-Donagh received their bicycles at a Green Schools presentation in Dublin yesterday.  They are pictured below holding their winning slogans with Junior Minister, Alan Kelly.
 

Credit Union Quiz: All-Ireland Final
Best of luck to our Under 11 team in the All-Ireland Final of the Schools' Credit Union Quiz.  The final will take  place in the RDS, Dublin this Sunday, 3rd April.  It is the first time that the school has reached this stage.  The members of the team are Emmet Connolly, Ciara Casey, Simon Fagan and Rachel Murphy.  They have been preparing since early January under the guidance of Ms. Dervin and Ms. Buckley.  The school is very proud of their achievement and wish them well on Sunday.
Going, Going, Gone!!

The old pre-fabs, erected in 1985, were demolished earlier today, Tuesday 22nd.  It took less than an hour for the units to be levelled.  2 new pre-fabs will be installed during the Easter break.

A Famous Cousin!
David O'Shea (Junior Infants) is pictured with his cousin, Munster & Ireland rugby star, Paul O'Connell, after Munster's match against London Irish last Saturday in Thomond Park, Limerick.  David was delighted with Munster's 28 - 14 win.
Swine Flu Prevention
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Ms. Buckley's Crib
Ms. Buckley brought in her own Crib to school today.  All the characters were knitted by her mother Rose, and the Crib was assembled by her father, Anthony.  Considerable time and effort has gone into the Crib - it is located on the corridor in the old wing of the school.
School Christmas Tree

Thank you to Paul Kearney & Joe Lennon who once again have arranged our school Christmas tree.

 

There once was a shining Christmas tree
Standing out where all could see.
Its brilliance captured every eye
And seemed to cheer each passer-by.

Motorists' Prayer
Grant me O Lord a steady hand and watchful eye.
That no one shall be hurt as I pass by.
Thou gavest life, I pray no act of mine
May take away or mar that gift of Thine.
Shelter those, dear Lord, who bear me company,
From the evils of fire and all calamity.
Teach me to use my car for others need;
Nor miss through love of undue speed
The beauty of the world; that thus I may.
St. Christopher, holy patron of travellers,
Protect me and lead me safely to my destiny.
A thought for the week.....

"If the only prayer you said in your whole life was thank you, that would suffice."
- Meister Echhart (Theologian & Philosopher)

New Junior Infants

A special welcome to the 37 Junior Infants who started school today, Wednesday 1st September. 

 

 

                                Junior Infant Boys
                              Junior Infant Girls
Congratulations

 


Congratulations to Ms. Hanley on her marriage to Mr. Karl Dermody.  The ceremony took place on Friday 6th August in St. Mary's Church, Newtowncashel, Co. Longford.

 

 
   

 

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