Dear Parents, Colleagues, and Members of the Board of Management,

 

Chick Hatching Programme

Today is Day 17 of the incubation process and, over the weekend, the incubator will be prepared for the hatching stage. The eggs will be laid flat on the tray, the heat will be reduced slightly, and the water levels increased in anticipation of hatching day on Tuesday, 19th May. Follow developments on our social media channels.

 

Treasure Island

On Monday last, we welcomed M&M Theatrical Productions from the UK, who brought Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic Treasure Island to life in our school hall. The acting, set design, costumes, sound, and lighting were all excellent, and the children thoroughly enjoyed following the adventures of Jim Hawkins, Long John Silver, and the other characters in their quest to uncover the riches hidden on the famous island.

As the company will return to Ireland next May, we were delighted to take the opportunity to book them once again. Next year’s production will be Pinocchio.

 

Swimming

Block B, involving Rang 3 and Rang 5, will commence next Tuesday and continue for the following five weeks. A second session will also be scheduled during one week in June. We are trialling a morning slot in place of an evening session, but timings are tight. As the session begins at 9:50 a.m., we ask that pupils arrive at school by 9:20 a.m., already changed and ready for lessons. It is also important that pupils bring towels and a plastic bag for wet clothes.

 

Holy Communion

Preparations are well underway for the Sacrament of the Eucharist, which will take place in our parishes next weekend. The Fourmilewater ceremony will take place on Saturday, 23rd May at 1:00 p.m., while the Nire ceremony will take place during the 11:00 a.m. Mass on Sunday, 24th May. Rehearsals at both churches, are planned for the coming week. Further information will issue next week to those participating.

 

Cumann na mBunscol Finals

Our boys’ and girls’ teams have reached the Plate Finals of the Cumann na mBunscol Hurling and Camogie competitions and are scheduled to play these finals at the Dungarvan GAA Club Grounds on Wednesday, 20th May. The Camogie Final is scheduled for 7:35 p.m. and the Hurling Final for 8:10 p.m. Playing members are asked to be onsite 30 minutes before throw-in.

Best of luck to all involved. We have also been asked to note that there will be a charge for spectators at the gate to help defray costs.

 

Irish Flag

We are delighted to share with the school community that we have earned our Gaelbhratach following a two-year evaluation process. A great deal of work, energy, and enthusiasm has been invested in promoting the Irish language within our school by both staff and pupils, and we commend everyone involved for their efforts. More information on this achievement to follow in an upcoming weekly newsletter.

 

RSE Packs

Our Relationship and Sexuality Education (RSE) Day will take place for our Rang 6 pupils on Friday, 5th June. It is customary to hold this programme in June prior to graduation later in the month. To support this, an information pack was sent home on Wednesday for relevant families. We would appreciate it if all paperwork could be completed and returned discreetly to Rose at your earliest convenience.

 

The New Primary Curriculum

The Department of Education’s new Primary Curriculum Framework (PCF) is being introduced gradually in primary schools across Ireland. The updated curriculum places a strong emphasis on children’s wellbeing, creativity, communication, active learning, and the development of key life skills alongside literacy and numeracy. It is designed to support children in becoming confident, curious, and engaged learners for the future. Parents who would like to learn more can view the framework and parent information here: New Primary Curriculum Framework Teachers continue to engage in professional development and training as part of the rollout of the Primary Curriculum Framework. Our staff took part in the latest training session last Tuesday.

 

School Tours

Our school tours will all take place in early June. The itinerary for this year’s tours is as follows:

• Junior & Senior Infants – Leahy’s Open Farm – Thursday, 4th June – €25
• Rang 1/2 – Fota Wildlife Park – Friday, 5th June – €28
• Rang 3/4 – National Reptile Zoo & Bowling – Wednesday, 3rd June – €34
• Rang 5/6 – UL Activity Centre & Crescent Shopping Centre – Friday, 29th May – €50

Aladdin Connect is now open for payments on all tours. Cash payments will also be accepted up to the day of each tour.

 

Is mise,

Michael J. O’ Ryan
Principal