Tuesday April 30th
Dear parents,
- Family Fashion Show
It’s most appropriate that we begin by thanking everyone for making our Fashion Show last Thursday night such a resounding success. Many of you have contacted the Parents Association to express your personal admiration for all the hard work and incredible effort that was so obviously put in to bring it all together.
It was a wonderful, novel occasion enjoyed by all and it was very pleasing to see all sectors of our school community come together for such a positive experience. No doubt the act of modelling alone enhanced confidence and self-esteem in our pupils and sincere thanks to parents for facilitating this. While I am pleased to announce that we have held on to all our staff despite numerous approaches from all the major modelling agencies, I am personally disappointed that New York, Milan, Paris and London were not willing to accommodate Sciath na Scol fixtures etc. so I was forced to reject their offers to me on Friday.
On a serious note sincere thanks, on behalf of all in Shanbally NS, to our fantastic PA and all those who have worked so hard behind the scenes to ensure the night ran so smoothly. Photographs are available to view on our school website, thanks to various photographers on the night, especially Frank van Pelt, who have shared photographs with us. I believe that the Fashion Show will also feature in the Echo either Wednesday or Thursday! Our PA tells me that we raised over €3,000.
- Pat McCarthy
Pat McCarthy is a most popular and valued member of our staff here in Shanbally. Pat is most obliging and helps in so many ways. The grounds are always beautifully maintained and well-presented. Unfortunately, Pat will be absent for the next few months while he recovers from surgery. He is in our thoughts and prayers and we look forward to Pat returning to us in full health soon. Local tradesman, Mr. Declan O’Neill, will fill in while Pat’s away. No doubt Declan will be a major asset as we approach such a busy period in the school calendar.
- Maintenance of School/ Church
On the topic of maintenance I am most grateful for the work being carried out by the Communion Class parents to ensure all in in order for the big day on May 25th. I will be writing to 2nd class separately with proposals for a seating plan which everyone can examine and vote upon.
I would like to take the opportunity to thank Paul & Noelle Hurley and Barry Murphy in IITC (Irish International Trading Company, Tramore Road, Cork) for supplying paints and materials to freshen up the church and surrounds. IITC have provided brushes, scrapers, paints, trays etc. We are very appreciative.
We were delighted that GSK through their Volunteering Day recently painted the school corridors and Halla. We were conscious of the need to brighten and redecorate and are thrilled to benefit in such a manner without a financial cost to the school. Special mention to Michael Middleton and the other management and staff namely: James Clinton, Cormac Murphy, John Spriggs, Vincent O’Rourke, Marion O’Sullivan, Joe O’Sullivan, Robbie Murphy, Robert Simpson, James Joyce, Jerry Byrne and Pat Walsh who painted in the school over the Easter holidays.
I would also like to thanks Martin Scaffolding of Raffeen, Monkstown for offering their services, at no cost, to the school.
Trócaire Boxes
Fr. Seán O’Sullivan has asked me to remind you again to return any remaining Trócaire boxes to school asap. The boxes will be counted and bagged with a cheque sent off to Trócaire in our name.
Carrigaline Family Support Centre (Wylie House, Main Street, Carrigaline, Co. Cork.)
Coordinator Wendy McCarry (mobile: 087-2864644) has contacted us to remind everyone of their available services. The phone number for CFSC is 4919299. You may like to keep October 10th 2013 free in your diary as psychologist and TV presented, David Coleman, will be a guest speaker at a presentation on that night. Further details will be forwarded when confirmed.
Middletown
A gentle reminder to all parents attending the Middletown courses in school that this week’s session is on Tuesday 11am to 1pm and not the usual day.
Also
- Sciath na Scol sees us travel to play in Lisgoold on Tuesday and Cobh GAA on Thursday of this week. Best of luck to all the girls and boys involved.
- Cork City Sports have been confirmed for Wednesday May 22nd in Páirc Uí Chaoimh. WE haven’t received times yet.
- As you are aware, we close this Friday at normal closing times 1.30 and 2.30pm for the Bank Holiday and Mid-term. School re-opens on Monday May 13th. That day marks the first of 5 swimming sessions for 3rd and 4th classes, the others being May 20th, May 27th, June 10th and June 17th.
- Shamrocks GAA Club is holding a Fundraising Golf Classic at Monkstown Club on Monday May 20th. Entry fee per team is €200 (meals included). Tickets are available from John Twomey (Honorary Treasurer) at 086-2517740. Also Shamrocks GAA hold their second Camp Ciarán from Monday July 1st to Friday July 5th. The fee is €25, open to all boys and girls currently attending national school.
- I have contacted Dr. Maureen Edel Griffin, a Forensic Psychologist, to come and present some evening to us on the topic of Internet Safety. Dr. Griffin comes highly recommended, having spoken to other principals/schools who have worked with her previously. As soon as those details are confirmed I will let you know. This presentation will be open to all Shanbally NS parents.
May I remind all parents/guardians of the importance and value of our student’s Homework Journals to communicate with teachers. As per custom, any notification of withdrawals e.g. dental visits or notes explaining absences should be recorded in the relevant section of the journal rather than expressed orally or the practice of emailing the main office which is not appropriate in this regard.
Finally I would like to thank all the staff for their huge dedication to their professional development with many late evenings and nights recently. Thanks to you, parents, for your continued support on which we so rely. Have a happy and safe mid-term.
David Nolan