2020 Newsletter
Credit Union Table Quiz
Congratulations to Ben, Adam, Emily, Chloe, Daniel, Alex, Ethan and David who represented our school at the annual Credit Union table quiz last Friday night. They came up against stiff competition on the night but be that as it may they performed well and should be rightly proud of their achievement.
Safer Internet Day
Tuesday 11th February is Safer Internet Day. This is an EU wide initiative to promote a safer internet for all users, especially young people. The theme for this year’s Safer Internet Day is “Together for a Better Internet”. As part of this initiative we are having a ‘technology day’ next Tuesday 11th February. All children will experience digital technology including the use of the internet throughout the day. Pupils in middle and senior classes will design and create posters promoting safer use of the internet. A guard has been invited in to speak to the children about the safe use of the internet which will include the use of many current apps on mobile phones etc. The internet is a great source of information for us all but young children need to be aware of the dangers of the internet also. As part of our schools Digital Learning Plan on line safety is one of the areas the school is focusing on this year and this day gives us an opportunity to do that.
Also as part of our Digital Learning Plan and thanks to funding received from the Department of Education we have recently purchased 10 Apple Ipads for the school bringing the number of iPads to 16. These Ipads will greatly support and enhance teaching, learning ad assessment practices in the school.
French/Gymnastics
Agnes Callaghan is presently teaching 5th & 6th class French. These classes take place for 6 weeks and it gives the children a flavour of the language before going to secondary school.
Gymnastics is continuing each Monday for all pupils. On Monday 17th February (which is the last day) we are travelling to the gym in Newbliss where the children will get a chance to complete their class in a proper gym. We thank Lisa, LA Gymnastics, for facilitating this for us.
Shared Education
On Wednesday 15th January we welcomed our friends from Clea Primary School to take part in a fun day organised by Mrs Patton and Ms Hazlett. The children were very busy as they moved from station to station. On Wednesday 11th March a trip for the children taking part in the Shared Education initiative from both schools is being arranged to visit Erica’s Fairy Forest in Cootehill. More details will follow nearer the time.
Postal Bible School Prize Giving
The annual Postal Bible School prize giving took place in Hall St. last Wednesday night. If you were unable to attend you may still attend one of the other prize givings in the area.
Open afternoon/Enrolments
Enrolment forms are available from the office for any family wishing to enrol a child in the school in September. They will also be available at the Open Afternoon on Wednesday 19th February (1.00-3.00pm). All enrolment forms must be returned to the office by Friday 28th February.
Advance Notice
School will be closed on Monday 16th March to facilitate staff training for the new Primary Language Curriculum which will be followed by a staff meeting.
Children will also be off school the following day, Tuesday 17th March for St. Patrick’s Day.
Parents’ Association Table Quiz
What has now become an annual event, the Parents’ Association are organising a table quiz which will take pace in Derryvalley on Friday 6th March. Cost €10 per adult, €5 per child. There are no quiz sheets this year so it is very important that all families support the quiz. If you are unable to attend you may send a donation to the PA via the school. Please try to encourage as many people as possible to attend the table quiz. Our quiz master this year will be Stephen Duffy.
It is important that parents realise money raised at this event is used to fund additional costs incurred by all families in the school. Swimming, school tours etc. are all subsidised by the Parents’ Association.
The very successful Evening of Music and Song in October covered the PA contribution to the new play area.
Dates for your diary:
Tuesday 11th February Safer Internet Day
Wednesday 19th February Open Afternoon
Thur/Fri 20th/21st February Mid Term – School Closed
Friday 6th March School Table Quiz in Derryvalley
Monday 16th March New Language Curr. Training Day – School Closed
Tuesday 17th March St. Patrick’s Day – School Closed