Dear Parents/ Guardians,

I would like to welcome pupils, parents and staff back after the summer break. Hope you all had a great holiday and are refreshed and ready for the new term.

A big welcome especially to our new Junior Infants who have settled in extremely well with Ms. Kneafsey and Ms. Dunne. We would like to say a fond farewell to Sheelagh McDonnell and wish her a very happy and healthy retirement. Our very best wishes also to Eimear de Brún and Mick Hayes who have taken up new positions in Kerry and Tipperary. All will be sorely missed. We are delighted to welcome Linda Pléamonn, Sinead Lally, Kenneth Kerins and Pat Robinson to the Staff. We hope they will be very happy and wish them every success.

SCHOOL GATES: The school gates are progressing very well. We want to take this opportunity to thank you for your patience and forbearance during their construction, which when completed will greatly enhance the appearance and security of our school.

SCHOOL BUILDING: The school is in the process of applying for planning permission for its new extension. We are confident that we will have a fine new building very soon, which will allow us to progress on many fronts.

GALA DINNER: St. Pius X Schools are celebrating their 40^th Anniversary this year. To mark the occasion we are organizing a Gala Dinner in the Burlington Hotel on Friday 30^th September. There will be a 12 piece Band, a DJ, spot prizes and lots of memories and fun! Tickets are available in the school or from Committee members after all masses at St. Pius X Church this weekend. Also Booking Forms are being distributed through the children.

PE & GAMES: Elaine Goddard who is a fully qualified PE teacher, teaches all classes in the school and organises a wide range of extra curricular sporting activities. This year she will be assisted by:-

Furthermore, we will have experienced coaches from Faughs Hurling Club (Dave and Noeleen), Templeogue Synge Street Football Club (Brendan) and the Irish Cricket Union (Brian) coming to the school to give intensive training.

SCHOOL CHOIR: Anne Purcell is continuing to direct and conduct our school choir. The boys have achieved great things in the past and we wish them every success this year.

BOARD OF MANAGEMENT: The school is governed by the Board of Management. The Board is extremely supportive of the Staff and Children and I want to thank all it’s members for their dedication and commitment to the school.

SPANISH: Elisa Dempsey will be returning to teach Spanish in October to the 5^th & 6^th Class boys. This project is a huge success and is greatly enjoyed by the boys.

PARENTS ASSOCIATION: We are fortunate to have an enthusiastic and supportive Parents Association. They provide a wealth of extra activities for the children. Enrolment for these will take place on Saturday 17^th September in the School Hall. The children will receive more information in the next week.

UNIFORMS: A uniform sale will be held by O’Sullivan Schoolwear on Saturday 17^th September

9.00 a.m. – 10.00 a.m. in the School Hall.

PUPIL UP DATE FORMS: Please find attached Pupil Update Forms and we would ask you to return these as soon as possible. It is essential that we keep our records up to date in order to ensure that we can make contact with you in an emergency.

APPOINTMENTS WITH TEACHERS: Should you wish to discuss any matter with your child’s teacher please arrange an appointment with Ms. Madigan in the office. This will allow the teacher to arrange suitable supervision and planning of class work.

CONTRIBUTIONS: Thank you to those of you who have sent in your voluntary contribution already and could this be a subtle reminder to those who have not. This money is essential to supplement the Capitation Grant from the Department of Education. The subscription of €100 to the school covers the following costs;

P.E. (full time teacher)45 euro

Insurance Cover 8 euro

Stationary 8.50 euro

Library Books & Homework Journal 6 euro

Assessment Tests 4 euro

Arts & Crafts 15 euro

Photocopying, Reports & General Admin. 8.50 euro

Miscellaneous 5 euro

TRAFFIC: A considerable problem is caused by the sheer volume of traffic outside the school. A strict one way system applies (please see attached map). As part of the schools healthy living drive we would encourage as many as possible to walk to school. Failing this we would ask you to park some distance away and then walk. Hopefully this will alleviate the situation. We would ask you to consider this when parking your car. We would also ask you to be aware of pedestrians and to avoid obstructing the pathways.

SCHOOL CALENDAR: Our school calendar will be issued shortly, but we can inform you that we will have an In-Service day on Friday 30^th September.