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Holy Family National School |
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Newsletter April 1997 |
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Welcome to the first edition of our schools
newsletter. This is designed to keep parents aware of the many activities that
are taking place within the school. The newsletter will be published as often
as the need arises but in general we hope three times a year should be
sufficient. We hope you find it informative and any comments regarding content
or format would be welcome. |
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Community Employment Scheme
(C.E.S.) |
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As well as a hard - working, dedicated teaching
staff we have a team of workers employed under the Community Employment Scheme.
Attracta Duffy is our very efficient secretary and Gerry Mitchell looks after
caretaking duties. We were very sorry to lose Claire Pickell as a classroom
assistant but we are delighted for her as she has taken up permanent
employment. We wish her well. This team of workers has contributed
significantly to the development of the school. |
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Credit Union Quiz |
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Congratulations to our two quiz teams from 6th
class who performed magnificently in the recent quiz organized by the Four
Districts Credit Union. One team ended up as overall winners and the second
team were just pipped at the post for the runner up spot. The winning team
members - Deirdre Martin, Ian Coleman, Emma Stewart and Ivan Byrne were
presented with individual trophies and a trophy for the school was presented to
Mr. Manning, their class teacher. Well done to all concerned. |
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Confirmation and Holy
Communion |
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Best wishes to the boys and girls from 6th
class who will be confirmed in Rathcoole Church next Wednesday and to the boys
and girls from 2nd class who will receive their First Holy Communion on
Saturday May 24th. We hope they will have a day to remember. |
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Hurling |
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A huge effort is being put into the revival of
hurling in our school. We are fortunate to have the services of a fully
qualified coach, Christina McGinty, provided by the Dublin GAA Co. Board who
visits the school on a weekly basis. Christina coaches 3rd and 4th classes and
5th and 6th classes are being coached after school. Over the winter months 4th
class boys and girls took part in an indoor hurling league organized among
schools in the Tallaght area. While the object of the league was participation
it was gratifying to see our school emerge as outright winners. Each child in
the class was presented with a medal and a certificate of merit. Well done !
Our under 13 hurling team have played their first game in the Cumann na
mBunscol hurling league. They had an emphatic victory over Gaelscoil Naomh
Pádraig, Palmerstown winning by 4 - 3 to 0 - 0. Hurlers to shine were
Leonard Crookes, William Moore, Martin Byrne and Mark Prendergast. Tosach maith
leath na hoibre ! |
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Athletics |
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Trials are taking place at present for athletic
teams to represent our school in Santry Stadium on June 10th.When panels are
chosen, training will commence with Mrs. Mc Nelis as coach. |
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Gaelic Football |
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Congratulations to Leonard Crookes who has been
selected on the Dublin under 12 team. Leonard is a very skilful player at both
football and hurling and has a bright future in gaelic games. |
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Swimming |
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Children in 5th and 6th classes have just
completed a twenty week swimming course in Naas swimming pool. Non - swimmers
learned to swim while a number of more advanced swimmers will represent the
school in a forthcoming swimming gala at Donaghmede on Sunday May 4th. Best of
luck to Aaron Gaynor, Michael Looby, Deirdre Treacy, Neill O'Reilly, Leann
Murray, Mark Prendergast and Richard Balfe. |
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Computers |
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The
new computer room has proved a wonderful facility for
our school. At this stage every class receive lessons each week in computer
skills and we are fortunate to have a wide variety of software which is
suitable for all age groups. A special word of thanks to Mr. Manning and
Vincent Forrestal for all their voluntary work in installing software and
sorting out initial teething problems. |
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Computer Courses |
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Thirty two children from senior classes are at
present undertaking an intensive ten week course every Saturday afternoon in
the fundamental aspects of computing. Children are given extensive tuition in
cartoon making programs, typing programs, Microsoft Windows - Word Processing
packages , Desk - top publishing rules for the P.C. and use of Multimedia
machines for information research. Phew! There was a huge response to this
course and unfortunately everybody could not be accommodated. Accordingly we
have arranged a five week course for Friday evenings starting in May for those
children - especially 6th class children who will be leaving primary school in
June. |
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Computer Course for
Parents |
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A computer course for parents will take place
on Friday afternoons commencing May 9th. There will be two 1 hour sessions with
eight parents per session. Session 1 : 12.15 p.m. to 1.15 p.m. Session 2 : 1.30
p.m. to 2.30 p.m. This course is for absolute beginners. The classes will be
for five weeks at a total cost of £10, payable in advance and are on
first come first served basis. Call or phone Attracta in the office to book a
place ( 4580570). |
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Infant Enrolments |
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Parents who wish to have their children
enrolled in Junior Infants must do so before May 1st. Contact Attracta in the
office for an enrolment form. |
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Telephone Numbers |
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We are currently updating our school records.
If your telephone number has changed or if you have a different emergency
contact number please get in touch with the office. |
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Voluntary
Contribution |
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There was a tremendous response to the
voluntary contribution from families prior to Easter. Our sincere thanks to all
who contributed. As you know we ask parents to contribute £5 per child or
£10 per family each term. We are now asking you for your contribution for
the last term and again we will be offering prizes to children whose parents
have contributed. As a special thank you to parents who have contributed for
the three terms we will be offering to children a prize of a football jersey of
the team of their choice or £50. Remember you will be able to sport the
latest strip of the team you support whether it is Manchester United,
Liverpool, Dublin or Kidderminster Harriers ! |
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Sponsored Walk |
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The Parents Association are organising a
sponsored walk for Sunday 8th June. This is an annual event and always proves
to be an enjoyable occasion for parents and children. Your child will be
receiving a sponsorship card soon so all we need is fine weather to make the
day both profitable and enjoyable. |
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School Closures for
Term |
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Other than the normal public and Church
holidays the school will be closed on : 9th May 30th May and 16th June. Summer
holidays on Friday 27th June. |
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