Holy Family National School

 

Newsletter April 1997

   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.
   Community Employment Scheme (C.E.S.)
   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.
   Credit Union Quiz
   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.
   Confirmation and Holy Communion
   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.
   Hurling
   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 !
   Athletics
   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.
   Gaelic Football
   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.
   Swimming
   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.
   Computers
   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.
   Computer Courses
   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.
   Computer Course for Parents
   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).
   Infant Enrolments
   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.
   Telephone Numbers
   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.
   Voluntary Contribution
   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 !
   Sponsored Walk
   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.
   School Closures for Term
   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.
   
   
  Other Newsletters:  October 1997
    March 1998
    April 1999
    October 1999 
    November 1999 
       
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