TROCAIRE

We know the boys are doing their utmost, collecting for this worthy cause. We will of course be delighted to accept the boxes, but we would ask you not to send them until after Easter as we cannot accommodate them before then.

CHILD PROTECTION

All staff attended a course on the StaySafe and Child Protection Guidelines on 13^th March.  As you already know if there is a matter of concern relating to abuse of children we are obliged to refer this to the local Health Board.

CHARITABLE DONATIONS

Although the sacrament of Confirmation was celebrated over a month ago, the spirit of the Holy Spirit is still very much in evidence with our 6^th Class students. Both Ms. Corcoran’s and Mr. Coyle’s classes are donating money to two very worthy charities. Each year, pupils are asked to make a presentation on their favourite Charity and a class vote was taken. The winning charities this year are the “Haematology Day Ward at St. James’ Hospital” (Ms. Corcoran’s class) and the “Buy a Brick” project in India (Mr. Coyle’s class). A representative from both charities will come to the school after Easter to receive the donation and explain to the classes how their money will be spent. This is further proof, if it were needed, of the caring and mature attitude that is present in all of our 6^th Class boys.

INTERACTIVE WHITEBOARDS

We purchased 2 new Interactive Whiteboards recently and they are being employed with great effect and particular enthusiasm from the boys in 2^nd class.  This brings our total to 11. (including the Science Room.)

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION

Communion preparations are going very well for the two 2nd classes.  We celebrated First Penance on 24th March in St. Pius X Church with Fr. Karl.  This very special, solemn occasion went wonderfully well on the night.  The boys put a great effort into the art work that was on display, and we would also like to thank Anne Purcell and the choir for the beautiful singing.  With regular trips down to the church for Mass, the boys are well on their way towards being fully prepared for their big day on 16th May.  Mr Gough and Mr Matthews would like to thank all the parents of the 2nd Class boys for their continued support in helping their boys prepare for their First Holy Communion.

CONFIRMATION

The Sacrament of Confirmation was received by our  6^th class boys  on the 28^th February,  It was a wonderful, memorable occasion and I would like to thank the teachers, Ms. Corcoran and Mr Coyle for all their effort in making the day very special for the boys and their families.

 Easter Holidays: 

Bank Holidays

  Closed Friday 3^rd April, @ 12 Noon

  Closed Monday 4^th May

  School Reopens:

  & Monday 1^st June, 2009

  Monday 20^th April, 2009 @ 8.45 a.m..

Elections

Summer Holidays

School Closed Friday, 5^th June

Closed Tuesday, 30^th June at 12 Noon

HURLING

The hurlers have made a fantastic start to the year once again.  For the first time in the history of the school, St. Pius have entered four hurling teams.  This will allow the huge numbers training to get plenty of games.  Our senior and junior green teams have picked up full points so far in their respective competitions.  Unfortunately our Senior Navy and Junior Navy teams were narrowly defeated in both of their first games.  However, they are improving steadily and are showing great promise for the games ahead.  A development squad has also been set up for the younger players who are starting off.  This is proving very successful, with huge numbers turning out every Wednesday in Bushy Park.  They were victorious in their first game last week narrowly beating close neighbours St. Josephs . 

A big thank you to Sean Crowley our G.P.O. from Faughs.  Seán is doing trojan work with the Junior , Senior, Ist and 2^nd classes.  Any boys who would like to train or play with Faughs are very welcome.  If you would like information on joining Faughs club, you can contact Seán on 085 1332020.

GAELIC FOOTBALL

Following on from our fantastic win in Croke Park last December, St. Pius X's footballers were chosen to be in the spotlight once again on Saturday, 14th March, in Parnell Park. Our victorious senior panel was asked to show off their skills at an exhibition match played during half time of the National Football League game involving Dublin Vs Derry.

In addition, the panel also welcomed the competing counties onto the pitch at the beginning of the match. To be asked to do this was a huge honour for the school and further recognition, if it were needed, of the significance of winning the Corn Mhic Caoilte.

In preparation for the 2009 season, the hugely popular 3^rd and 4^th Class Football Tournament will take place in the final term. This annual competition allows all interested pupils in these classes to experience playing football in a team setting, regardless of ability. Added to this, trials for our school teams will be taking place in May and June. After winning 3 football titles last season, Mr. Kerins, Mr. Coyle, Ms. Keogh and Mr. Gough are determined to do even better next year!