Dear Parents
- Sciath na Scol: Hopefully you have all received information on the Sciath na Scol Match Arrangements (dated November 5th). I wish to clarify that the regular after-school activities on Tuesdays (guitar lessons/ speech & drama) will continue as normal that day. We have encouraged our pupils to wear/display anything they have green/white (school GAA colours) or green/red (team colours) next Tuesday over their school tracksuits.
The bus for the team panel (19 girls) will depart at 10.30am with Miss Ní Loingsigh, Miss O’Mahony, Mr. Clifford and Mary O’Reilly. All others will depart at 11am. Thanks for your €2 which will help subsidise the cost of the bus.
- Table Quiz: A reminder that our PA is holding a Table Quiz tonight in the Shamrock Bar at 9pm. It is €30 for a table of four. We look forward to seeing everyone who can attend on the night. There will be a raffle with spot prizes galore, thanks to our generous sponsors in the local business community and beyond.
- Lego/Duplo: We are very grateful for all the Lego/Duplo recently donated by parents and students. It is much appreciated and the children really enjoy using it.
- Carrigaline Family Support Centre (CFSC): the CFSC want to celebrate International Children’s day and are inviting children with special needs, their families and friends to a Children’s Party at Fernhill Golf Club, Carrigaline on Sunday November 17th from 4-6pm. The cost is €5 per family. For more information call CFSC at 4919299 or see posters around the school.
CFSC are also holding a Picture & Story competition for children in primary and secondary schools. The theme of your picture or story should show or tell us how all children are special. Prize giving will take place on Children’s Day November 20th in Carrigaline Library at 4pm. Children can read their winning stories & display their artwork. The cost to enter is €1 with many prizes to be won. Entry forms are available in school.
- First Aid Training: Our school staff is currently receiving Heartsaver CPR/AED training from Mr. Pat Lowry, one of our parents. During this three hour course we are learning the basic techniques of CPT, how to use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) and the relief of choking for adults, children and infants. I was particularly taken with the use of the defibrillator and how easy it is to use. I am interested in purchasing one for the school as soon as finances allow. I want to thank Pat, most sincerely, and the school staff for undertaking this valuable course.
- Recent donation: I wish to thank, also, one of our parents (who wishes to remain anonymous) for the donation of a beautifully framed Bank of Ireland Munster Rugby Jersey signed by all the team. We are currently discussing how best to use such a generous gift to the best advantage of the school.
- Health Promotion in Shanbally NS: Recently, Mrs. Ryan (4th Class) took over the role of Health Promotion Officer in the school. For our newer parents, a Health Promoting School is one in which the whole community comes together to promote the health of everyone by developing policies, practices, and a supportive environment. Margaret will be sending out a note requesting some parents to volunteer to join the Health Promoting School Team in Shanbally NS.
- Mental Health Brochure: On that note, I recently attended the launch of a Mental Health brochure for 6th class pupils, published by the Cork Mental Health Foundation. Each 6th class student has received a copy. We are hoping to engage further with Martina Ryan of the Cork Mental Health Foundation in this regard.
- Project Health: Meanwhile, representatives from our PA and I are working on a project with one of our local pharmaceutical companies with a view to sponsorship of a comprehensive health promotion campaign across the school.
- IT Funding: On Wednesday 13th next, representatives from the Cork Lower Harbour Energy Group are calling to present a significant cheque to the school to enhance our IT education. Our intention is to improve the wireless network in the school and to purchase iPads and associated equipment to use in learning and teaching. This initiative has kick-started a process where we seek to build connections between Shanbally NS and our local business community. We are currently seeking corporate sponsorship and exploring ways of developing collaborative relationships for educational purposes. If any parents have contacts/suggestions please do not hesitate to approach me.
- Maths Circles 5th and 6th Classes: Earlier this year, one of our PA put us in contact with a company called Claran Consultants, who specialise in recruitment in the Science Sector. Through them and their contacts we have been invited to participate in a prestigious Pilot Scheme called Junior Maths Circles. Maths Circles (Ireland) is the brainchild of David Goulding, Tyndall Institute, UCC. The aim of this programme is to promote Maths using activities, games and small-group activities. Ultimately the goal is to get more children interested in and enjoying Maths.
Junior Maths Circles is based on the concepts of Project Maths which our students will be doing in secondary school. Claran Consultants arrange for local companies to nominate members of their workforce to engage with local schools. This morning, we were delighted to welcome Aoife McCarthy from Bio Marin who has been appointed our tutor. Aoife worked with our 5th and 6th classes this morning and the feedback was excellent. 7 more sessions are planned. Please note that these sessions will take place after school on Monday from 2.35 – 3.30. The dates are Monday November 18th, 25th, December 2nd and 9th. Other dates to be confirmed after Christmas. These sessions are completely free of charge and are not compulsory. However we respectfully ask that only students who are genuinely interested and who give a commitment to attend all sessions should attend. I am extremely grateful that Ms. O’Mahony and Ms. Moran have offered their free time to help with the implementation of this programme.
Thank you,
David NolanPrincipal