May Newsletter 2026
Active School Week
Last week was our Active School Week and everyone had a great time keeping active every day. The week started with a 5km walk on Monday and ended on Friday at the swimming pool. During the week children in 2nd-4th class took part in table tennis with Jing Yi who has represented Northern Ireland as a coach and player in the Commonwealth Games. There was a treasure hunt in the park, fun active stations, cycling for 5th and 6th classes, visits to the playground and each day all children and staff completed an Active Walk around the school grounds after lunch time. Active homework was completed each evening. We have been working towards our Active School Flag for the last two years and Ms Brown, our Active School Co-ordinator is ready to submit the application before the end of term. Fingers crossed our Active School Flag will be proudly flying soon.
PE in the Park & Cycle Right Programmes
Pupils from 2nd-6th class are taking part in PE in the Park on two different days this month (Thursday 7th May & Monday 18th May). This week they will be kayaking and on Monday 18th they will be orienteering. This is a great opportunity for our children and it is right on our doorstep! The cost is €15 per child which has been subsidised by Monaghan Sports Partnership. Please forward payment to school if you have not already done so. PE in the Park is facilitated by Castleblayney Outdoor Adventure Centre.
5th and 6th class children are taking part in the Cycle Right Programme at the moment. This programme is usually offered to our school every second year and children learn all about safe cycling, road signs etc. At the end of the six weeks the children are brought on a cycle outside the school grounds. All bikes and helmets are provided. Again we are very thankful to Monaghan Sports Partnership for subsidising this programme. The six weeks only costs €5 per child in total!
School Tour Survey
Many thanks to all who responded to the school tour survey, 88% of parents replied and your suggestions were noted. The Student Council completed a questionnaire to gather pupils’ views on school tours. A new school tour policy is currently being formulated. The cost of school tours, in particular the cost of transport has a great impact on the destination of our tours. Parents agreed that school tours were important and the tour should be a fun day where memories are made. Overall the pupils felt that the most important aspect of a school tour is having fun and enjoying a day away from the regular school routine. While no final decision has been made yet regarding this year’s school tour, it is anticipated that we will stay local, keep costs down and have a fun day. More details will follow.
Standardised Testing
Standardised testing (1st-6th class) will take place over the coming weeks. If your child is absent on the day of testing they will be required to complete the test on their return to school. Test results from 2nd, 4th and 6th class are forwarded to the Department of Education in June.
Staff Changes
We wish Mrs Reyburn best wishes as she leaves us this month to commence her maternity leave. Mrs Reyburn works in school on Monday and Tuesday. We are delighted to welcome back Ms Donaghy to cover Mrs Reyburn’s leave until the summer holidays. Ms Donaghy was our EAL teacher last year and covered in the Senior Room the previous year for the Principal’s admin day.
Best Wishes
Best wishes to Annabelle Patton, 5th class and all the U12 Monaghan Girls Rugby team who are playing at half time at the Women’s 6 Nations Match (Ireland v Wales) on Saturday 9th May in Affidea Stadium (Ravenhill) Belfast.
Dates For Your Diary
Friday 8th May School closed for staff in-service training
Friday 29th May Last swimming day
Monday 1st June School closed – Bank Holiday
Wednesday 17th June Induction morning for incoming Junior Infants 10.00-12.00pm
Monday 22nd June Fun Afternoon 1.00-3.00pm
Tuesday 23rd June School closes at 12.00pm for summer holidays
Thursday 27th August School re-opens for the new school year