Newsletter 11 – Nov 24th, 2023
Dear Parents/ Guardians,
It is with a heavy heart that I write this week’s Newsletter. The events that unfolded in Parnell Square and in Dublin City yesterday were truly disturbing and our thoughts and prayers are with the staff, pupils and parents in Gaelscoile Coláiste Mhuire as they try to come to terms with what happened.
Níl na focail cearta agam, mo chombhrón a roinnt le foireann & pobal Gaelscoile Choláiste Mhuire, tar éis na scéalta a léamh faoin méad a tharla i lár an lae inné.
Ní féidir a shamhailt cé chomh deacair is go raibh inné, agus go mbeidh na laethanta amach rompu. Tá súil agam go dtiocfaidh na hothair tríd slán, cé go bhfuil bóthar chun téarnaimh fada os a gcomhair.
Béimid ag smaoineamh orthu ar fad tríd an tréimhse neamhfhéideartha seo.
Health and Safety Please be aware that there will be no Lollipop lady on duty today at 1.40pm and 2.40pm.
Amber Flag – We are currently in the process of working towards our first Amber Flag. The Amber Flag is an initiative run by Pieta House which recognises the efforts of primary schools and other organisations in creating healthy, inclusive environments that support physical and mental wellbeing. It involves the whole school community coming together to create a safe, positive, and healthy attitude towards our wellbeing.
A Wellbeing Committee, led by Ms. Corcoran, has been set up which includes pupil representatives from Junior Infants to 6th Class, as well as some staff members. The Committee carried out an audit of activities currently in place at St. Brigid’s which promote positive physical and mental health. and are now working on setting goals and new initiatives for the year ahead.
One initiative suggested by the Wellbeing Committee was ‘Thankful Thursdays’ which we implemented for the first time at the school yesterday. From now on every Thursday, every class in the school will take some time out to practice gratitude and share something they are grateful for. Many classes are already doing this, but our hope is to embed this practice across the entire school community.
Smart Devices
Working to keep our children safe and in line with Minister Foley’s recent announcements, be assured that the school strongly supports your parental decision not to give your primary school child a Smart Phone or other Smart Device during their primary school years. Helpful advice for parents re cyber safety is available on www.webwise.ie
Admissions for Junior Infants 2024-2025. The school shall cease accepting applications for admission this coming Monday 27th November. Monday 4th December 2023 is the date by which applicants will be notified of the decision on their application.
Happy Birthday – Celebrating birthdays this week are Sebastian Nolan (10yrs), Kate McConville (9yrs), Keeva McGovern (10yrs), Stefan Dimitrijevic (11yrs) and Aarav Bishnu (6yrs). We wish them all a very happy birthday and hope they enjoy their special day.
After School Activities – Please check your calendar for the end date for After School Activities for this Term as many of them will finish up next week.
Condolences – Deepest sympathy to the Kelly family on the sad passing of Vincent, a much-loved Grandad to Devin, Conal and Bobby. May he rest in peace.
4th Class Swimming – Our 4th classes had their last swimming lesson yesterday. The Staff at Shoreline are delighted with the progress the children made over the last ten weeks. They complimented the boys and girls on how well behaved they were which is always lovely to hear. Maith sibh a pháistí. A big thank you to Ms. Heneghan, Ms. Mangan, SNA Emma and all the parents who accompanied the children to the pool over this time. It wouldn’t have been possible without you.
Nomination and Election of Parents to 2023-2027 Board of Management A meeting will be held at the school this coming Monday 27th November at 7.30pm to elect the parent reps. We would love to see as many of you as possible on the night.
Gaeilge – Frásaí na Seachtaine # 11 – This week’s phrase is: “Comhghairdeas (Congratulations)
Have a lovely weekend. Keep safe, keep well, and keep appreciating the simple things in life.
Slán go fóill
Máire Costello
Principal