St. Pius X Boys' National School
December 2008 NEWSLETTER
Dear Parents/Guardians,Wouldn’t you wonder where the time goes? It has been a hugely successful term on several fronts and I would like to congratulate the teachers, the parents, the Board of Management, the parents association and in particular the boys for the tremendous work they have done.
Vincent de Paul :- Ms. O’Nuallain would like to express her gratitude to everybody who contributed so generously to the annual collection. Such generosity will go a long way towards making this a happier Christmas for many families. The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is very appreciative of your donation. Go raibh mile maith agaíbh uile.
Children's Welfare: We would like to remind parents that school is open to receive children from 8.45 a.m.. We cannot accept responsibility for children prior to this. The NEWB is notified when children are absent for 20+ days.
Choir: The end of the first term was marked with our annual carol services which took place in the school hall on Friday, 19th. The carol services have become a much anticipated seasonal event in our school calendar. This year was no exception in fact many of our parents enjoyed our carol services from the school yard as the hall was full to capacity.
The after school choir is busy preparing for competitions and feiseanna in the second term. The choir’s recent successes have resulted in unprecedented numbers of new members from 3rd class joining the choir. There are approximately 60 boys who practise after school every Monday. Our 4th classes are busy preparing for the National Children’s Choir concerts which will take place in April. Join us in the front yard on December, 23rd at 11.30 p.m. to sing carols in aid of St. Vincent de Paul.
Science: We enjoyed a fun packed science week this year with the “Science 4 Life” science shows. Third class boys will attend the B.T. Young Scientist Exhibition on the 8th January, to see “Science in Action”.
Hurling: Hurling has been underway for a number of weeks now and the number of hurlers coming along is great to see. In the new year we welcome back the hurlers involved in the victorious senior football panel and we will get down to business. Nollaig shona daoibh go léir.
Football: It has been a very busy and successful season for both the Junior Green and Junior Navy teams! Both have been crowned winners of their respective Primary Touch Leagues, an achievement that is testament to the commitment and dedication that was shown at every match. Just a few years ago, the idea of TWO St. Pius X BNS teams winning TWO Junior League titles would have been inconceivable. However, through training, increased membership in local clubs and participation in school tournaments, strong players have emerged.
The Junior Green League Final took place in Marley Park with St. Pius winning out over a strong St. Brigid’s’ side. The Junior Navy League Final took place a few weeks later in Dolphins Park with Pius players emerging victorious after a nail-biting final against Gaelscoil Inse Cóir. A huge word of thanks to both sets of coaches; Mr. Gough and Mr. Coyle (Junior Green) and Mr. Kerins and Ms. Keogh (Junior Navy) for all their hard work. The enthusiasm, encouragement and energy they showed at training and matches contributed in no small part to these two historic titles. Following on from our Senior team’s win in Croke Park, don’t be surprised if our national stadium sees some of these Junior Players in the years to come!
Congratulations and hats off to the guys on the Senior Navy Team who captured the Corn Mhic Caoilte for the first time. It has been 17 years since the Pius X navy and green of the senior football team last graced the field in a final at Croke Park. Despite the huge media attention, the stadium and the weight of such an occasion the boys kept their cool and remained focused on the matter at hand. However, Terenure Junior School also performed excellently and mid way through the second half St. Pius were trailing by two points. But you know what they say about cream - it always rises. A few late scores coupled with a resilient defence and victory was ours. The team coaches, Kenneth Kerins and Niamh Keogh, worked incredibly hard in preparing the team for the event. The reward for their endeavours was to witness our boys relish the chance to show off their skills in Ireland's premier sporting venue. I would like to again thank sincerely the parents for their unrelenting support and encouragement throughout the football season. Mighty Men of Pius we salute you!!
Mary Stewart: As you may be aware Mary Stewart, former principal of the girls’ school, retired recently. I enjoyed many very happy years working with Mary (we also shared the odd laugh) and I would like to wish her a long and healthy retirement.
School Closures:
School Reopens: Wednesday, 7th January, 2009.
Mid Term Break: Monday, 16th to Friday, 20th February inclusive.
St. Patricks Day: Closed Monday, 16th and Tuesday 17th March.
Easter: Closed Friday, 3rd April @ Noon, Reopens Monday, 20th April @ 8.45 a.m.
Summer Holidays: Closed Tuesday, 30th June, 2009 @ Noon
Beannachtaí na Nollag daoibh go léir. Go mbeirimid beo le chéile i mbaclainn Dé agus an teaghlaigh Naofa an Nollaig seo agus sa bhliain úr.