St. Pius X Boys' National School

September 2008 NEWSLETTER

ST. PIUS X BOYS NATIONAL SCHOOL September 2008 NEWSLETTER Dear Parents/ Guardians,
Fíorchaoin fáilte ar ais roimh cách. I would like to extend a warm welcome to all parents and their children and wish you all a Happy (Academic) New Year.

WELCOME: We would like to extend a warm welcome to Fr. Aquinas Duffy to our Board of Management. We look forward to working closely with him and are sure the he will be a great asset to our school. Fr. Duffy replaces Fr. Kevin Rowan who has given years of sterling service to the school and will be a hard act to follow.
NEW ENTRANTS: We are thrilled with the manner in which our new entrants have settled. It augurs well for the future.
NEW CLASSROOMS: School accommodation has been greatly enhanced with the addition of three new classrooms where our new intake of infants are situated. We are delighted with the space available.
NEW APPOINTMENTS: Three newly appointed teachers, Ms. Keogh, Ms. McLoughlin & Ms. O’ Donovan have joined us and in welcoming them we would like to wish them every success and happiness in their new careers. We would also like to welcome Nuala Turnbull on board as our new SNA.
COMMUNION: The sacrament of First Holy Communion will be celebrated on May 16th 2009.
STAFF MEETING: A staff meeting will take place on Friday, 26th September. Children should be collected at 12.15 p.m.
SCHOOL OPENING TIMES: The school is open to receive children from 8.45a.m. The school authorities cannot accept any responsibility for children prior to this time.
PARENT TEACHER MEETINGS: will be held on Thursday, November 13th. Children will go home at 2.15 p.m.
SCIENCE: Our third classes (Ms. Lally & Mr Réamonn) will participate in a project under the guidance of the Irish Wildlife Trust which will enable them to develop a knowledge and love of our local park and the flora & fauna therein.
SENIOR INFANTS: Hurling training will begin again for Senior Infant classes under coach Sean Crowley (Faughs GAA Club) for a period of six weeks.
CHOIR: Anne Purcell is back in the swing of things with her choir which will continue on Monday afternoons after school. Both fourth classes will participate in the National Children’s Choir this year so will be busy familiarizing themselves with the new repertoire.
GOLF: V. O’Nualláin and V. Ryan will commence golf lessons in the Spawell Pitch & Putt/Driving Range for 6th class boys on Tuesday 23rd September continuing through October. A break will be taken for the winter months and will resume in Spring in preparation for the Castle Cup at the end of May.
GAELIC: Following intensive training sessions, victories in the Templeogue/Synge St. Blitz and an exciting 3rd and 4th Class Tournament, this year’s Gaelic Football season looks set to do even better. St. Pius X B.N.S. now has an unprecedented 4 teams (2 Junior and 2 Senior) competing in the Cumann na mBunscol (Primary Schools’ League) . This has only been made possible by the tremendous commitment of time, effort and enthusiasm on the part of both players and coaching staff. In addition to these competitive teams, coaching has resumed during school hours for 3rd and 2nd classes. Ciarán Deeley (G.P.O.) from Templeogue/Synge G.A.A. club, our resident trainer, has helped contribute to both the interest and ability that is evident in all our players. After Halloween, Ciarán will switch his focus to the younger classes, where a few budding All-Stars can be seen in the making!!
The three existing managers of Mr. Coyle, Mr. Kerins and Mr. Gough have been joined by Ms. Niamh Keogh who has already made great strides in developing and encouraging teams at both Junior and Senior level. With this valuable addition, and the continued support of parents, it would seem that this will be another memorable season for St. Pius X B.N.S.
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.
CYCLING: Cycling, skateboarding, rollerblading etc are not permitted in the school playground at any time.
CHILD PROTECTION: The Board of Management has adopted the D.E.S. guidelines on Child Protection & Welfare. Consequently if there is a matter of concern in relation to abuse of children we are obliged to report this to the local Health Board.
ATTENDANCE: In accordance with the EDUCATIONAL WELFARE ACT the school has duty to report to the National Education Welfare Board any child who has missed 20 days or more in one academic year.
APPOINTMENTS WITH TEACHERS: Those wishing to meet with teachers are requested to arrange appointments with Karen in the office. This will allow teachers time to arrange suitable supervision and planning of class work.
VOLUNTARY CONTRIBUTIONS: A big ‘THANK YOU’ 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 enable us to provide the best possible educational facilities for your child.
Wishing everybody a happy, healthy and hardworking term.

Dermot Lynch
PRINCIPAL. B.N.S.

School Calendar 2008/2009

Mid Term Break: 27th October to 31st October incl. Reopen Monday 3rd November @ 8.45 a.m.

Christmas Holidays: Closed Tuesday 23rd December, @ 12.00 Noon Reopen Wednesday 7th January, @ 8.45 a.m.

Mid Term Break: 16th February to 20th February incl.

St. Patricks Day: Closed Monday, 16th & Tuesday 17th March

Easter Holidays: Closed Friday 3rd April @ 12.00 Noon Reopen Monday, 20th April @ 8.45 a.m.

Communion: Celebration of First Holy Communion on Saturday 16th May @ 11.30 a.m. in St. Pius X Church.

Summer Holidays: Closed Tuesday 30th June, @ 12.00 Noon.