Principal Notes for May 2015-05-05

Scoil Naomh Lucáis

Notes From the Principal

5^th  May 2015

Dear Parents,

First Holy Communion 2015

The ceremony of First Holy Communion takes place for the children receiving the Sacrament on Saturday 16^th May 2015 @ 11.00a.m. in St Luke The Evangelist Church, Mulhuddart, Dublin 15. School photographs will take place on Tuesday 19^th May and the children will have a school celebration with all children in Second Class.

Multicultural Day – 7^th May 2015

There will be a short parade on the day at 1.30pm, involving the Junior and Senior Infants, which parents are welcome to attend. Infants will be dismissed just after this small parade. Parents are welcome to come to the back yard where children from first - sixth will perform a dance for the parents. A Big Thank You to Mrs Connolly and her team for organising this event. There is a contribution of €5 per family for this event.

Health and Safety – Hygiene ( Pupil hand Towels)

Hand washing is a preventative measure against illness and virus. Each class has a protocol for hand washing. Please encourage your children to wash their hands effectively. Each child must have a hand towel in school and this towel must be changed regularly. Thank You.

Trócaire Box

Please return the Trócaire Boxes to the class teacher by Wednesday 6^th May 2015. The effort of the pupils and families on behalf of Trócaire has been fantastic. Recently Trócaire announced that €100,000 has been donated to the victims of the earthquake in Nepal – a most worthy cause. Congratulations to all involved with the Trócaire Box Collection todate and please return the outstanding boxes as soon as possible.

Pupil Contribution to School costs

(Art Craft, Photocopying, Book rental etc – see booklist 2014 - 2015 )

Many thanks to all the parents who have forwarded this money since September 2014 – the Department of Education is not in a position to fund many necessary activities in any state sanctioned school due to cut backs in capitation grants etc. Please forward any outstanding monies to the class teacher as soon as possible to allow the school to continue funding these fundamental activities in the school for your children.

National Referendum – Friday 22^nd May 2015 – School Closed on this day

Fingal County Council has requisitioned the school for the Referendum on Friday 22^nd May 2015.On the basis of Health and Safety Fingal County Council has requested that the school be closed on this day.

Health and Safety in the School yard

Many thanks to everyone who has supported the request that Dogs, Bicycles and scooters etc remain outside the school yard. There are still some bicycles and scooters etc being brought into the yard.  All wheeled items must remain outside the main school gate.Prams &  walking aids are accepted.

Pupil Online Data base Form – Department of Education and Skills

There are still some outstanding Pupil Online Data Base Forms - Please return your Pupil Online Data base Form to the class teacher by Monday 11^th May at the latest – if not already returned.

School Class Tours

School Class Tours will take place in the months of May & June. Class teachers will keep parents informed of the event, date, cost and times.

School Garden

A school garden is being developed at the back of the school. The children will have an opportunity to participate in this ongoing project. Many thanks to Ms Brown who initiated the project and her team who are bringing it to fruition.

School Uniform Fitting – Friday 12^th June from 1.30p.m. to 3.30p.m. in the Gym

This is a School Uniform Fitting session for all children from Junior Infants to Fifth Class.

Is Mise Le Meas,

_____________________

Mairtín Ó Caomhánaigh

Príomhoide

Notes From the Principal 20th April 2015

Dear Parents, Confirmation 2015 Confirmation takes place for the children receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation on Saturday 25th April 2015 @ 11.00a.m. in St Patrick’s Church, Corduff, Dublin 15. School photographs will take place next week and the children will have a school celebration of the event with all children in Sixth Class.

Health and Safety - Hygiene A number of children have reported to the school with viruses. Hand washing is a preventative measure against a virus. Each class has a protocol for hand washing. Please encourage your children to wash their hands effectively. Each child must have a hand towel in school and this towel must be changed regularly. Thank You.

Trócaire Box Please return the Trócaire Boxes to the class teacher ASAP. To date we have over €500 collected. This money has been collected through the Bake Sale arranged by Ms Brennan’s Class and a Bead Sale arranged by two children Conor Rooney and Daniel Roban in Ms Mc Namara’s Class.

Congratulations to all involved First Holy Communion Preparation Mass The second preparatory Mass for First Holy Communicants takes place in St Luke The Evangelist Church @ 6.30p.m. on Saturday 25th April. The children making First Holy Communion will be the primary focus of the celebration of the Mass. We invite all families with children making First Holy Communion to attend and participate. Mass in St Luke’s N.S. – Sunday @ 11.00a.m. Mass was celebrated in St Luke’s N.S. during the Easter season. There was a regular attendance. Mass will continue in St Luke N.S. @ 11.00a.m. every Sunday between now and the Summer.

Health and Safety in the School yard Please note that Dogs, Bicycles and scooters etc cause a Health and Safety risk in the school yard. Dogs, Bicycles and scooters must remain outside the main school gate. Bicycle Shed outside the school The Bicycle Shed outside the school gate is in a commonage area. The school does not own the shed. However there is access for all bicycles, scooters etc from the school in the shed. As the weather improves and as there are more bicycles, scooters etc in the shed I would advise that all bicycles are securely locked when left unattended.

Pupil Online Data base Form – Department of Education and Skills Please return your Pupil Online Data base Form to the class teacher by Monday 27th April at the latest – if not already returned.

Is Mise Le Meas, _____________________ Mairtín Ó Caomhánaigh Príomhoide

Many thanks to Ms Brennan & her class for organising a cake sale in aid of trocaire. Well done all, a fabulous response to the appeal!

Please see link to pics below !

https://www.flickr.com/photos/131823121@N07/sets/72157649239882574/

Dear Parents/Guardians,

Another term is drawing to a close and Easter is upon us. The children are truly excited and looking forward to the celebration of Easter and all it entails.

To celebrate Easter, Fr Seamus Connell invites you and your family to join him at the Easter Ceremonies, in St Luke the Evangelist Church, during Holy Week.

The Solemn Celebration of the Lord’s Passion begins with the outdoor stations of the cross on Good Friday 3^rd April. It would be wonderful for the parish community to support this new approach to the celebration.

On Easter Sunday, 5^th April, Mass will be celebrated @ 11.00a.m. in St Luke’s National School. All are welcome. Further details on Easter Ceremonies will be issued as they become available.

I would like to thank all our families for their support over the second term of the school year.

The high percentage attendance of parents at the Parent /Teacher meetings set a solid foundation for the continuation of a successful school year. In addition punctuality of pupils has improved magnificently. Congratulations to all concerned for their efforts.

Please review the school website – it is regularly revamped. A Notice board is available on the new school website, outlining upcoming events – photographs and videos recount the progress that is taking place on a day to day basis. Links on the school website to “Vimeo” and “Flickr” display school videos and photographs respectively. Please review these with your children.

Confirmation & First Holy Communion take place after Easter. Once again the teachers are working wonders in their preparation of the children.

However, it is your day to day support of the teaching staff that ensures a strong partnership in education and assists in providing the children with a meaningful and worth while educational experience.

I am grateful to the Parents’ Association who have dedicated themselves to the school in so many ways throughout the second term. Thank you for all you do for our pupils.

Please recall those who are needier than ourselves and give generously to the Trócaire Lenten Campaign. The Trócaire boxes are to be returned after the Easter Holidays to the class teacher in school. This year, with a little luck and your continued generosity, hopefully over €1000 will be raised breaking the school record to date.

School re-opens on Monday 13^thApril 2015 @ 9.00a.m.

Casca Shona agus Beannachtaí na Féile oraibh go léir,

Mairtín Ó Caomhánaigh

Dear Parents,

Please see links below to video grabs of celebrations in Saint Luke's NS for Saint Patrick's Day  ! Special thanks to Mr Kelly who played the bagpipes at one of our Ceili !

https://vimeo.com/122541795

https://vimeo.com/122540899

https://vimeo.com/122540549

https://vimeo.com/122523210

Dear Parents,

There will be a preparation mass for Confirmation on Saturday 21/3/2015 at 6-30 pm in St Luke The Evangelist church on Church Road.

Sincerely,

Martin Kavanagh

https://vimeo.com/122523210

Please see link to our Saint Patrick's Day Celebrations !

https://www.flickr.com/photos/131823121@N07/sets/72157651012874798/

Dear Parents,

The Department of Education and Skills are developing a pupil online database for Primary schools.

The acronym for the Pupil Online Database is P.O.D.

The D.E.S guidelines are quite clear in regard to P.O.D.

On behalf of the school I am forwarding you the following information:

1. This cover letter
2. Information note for parents on the Primary Online Database
3. Letter from the Department of Education and Skills re P.O.D.
4. Pupil Information Sheet (to be completed by parents and returned to school)

The Pupil Information sheet must be returned by Wednesday 18^th March 2015 or earlier to the class teacher.

Fortunately the requirements to complete the Pupil Information Sheet are not too onerous as there is some information pre recorded on the Pupil Information Sheet.

Is Mise

________________

Le gach dhea ghuí

Mairtín Ó Caomhánaigh 

Dear Parents,

Please see link to Green School Committee at their evaluation today. Many thanks go to Ms Smith for organising the initiative.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/131823121@N07/sets/72157651283156955/

Notes From the Principal

6^th  March 2015

Dear Parents,

Punctuality

From Monday 23^rd February 2015 the late roll has been extended to include late arrivals after 9.05a.m. A late stamp has been and will continue to be issued to all children who arrive for school after 9.05a.m. The yard is available to all children for assembly from 8.45a.m. Junior and Senior Infant children must be supervised by an adult until a teacher collects the children in the yard. Punctuality is fundamental to school achievement.

Easter Holidays

School will be closed for Easter Holidays from Monday 30^th March until Friday 10^th April inclusive. The school will re-open on Monday 13^th April @ 9.00a.m.

School Secretary

The secretary is available to deal with school business from 9.30a.m. – 2.30p.m.The school office is closed from 9.00a.m. - 9.30a.m.There will be no secretarial services between 9.00a.m. – 9.30a.m.

Health & Safety – hair hygiene

There has been repeated cases of headlice reported in junior classes. Please check your child’s hair as  soon as possible to avoid whole school infection.

Parish Lenten Programme

The Parish  Lenten Programme continues in the Church every Wednesday from 7.30p.m – 8.30p.m. Fr Seamus requests that any person interested in participating in a Pageant to celebrate the Stations of the Cross on Good Friday would attend a meeting in the Church on Wednesday 18^th March @ 7.30p.m.. All welcome

Trócaire Lenten Campaign

The Trócaire Box was issued to each child at the start of Lent. Your generous support last year helped many children in need. €949 was collected last year. A fantastic success story and growing year on year. Please support this wonderful programme by placing some money in your Lenten Trocaire Box. Boxes can be returned to the school after Easter.

Pupil Online Database (P.O.D)

The Irish Department of Education and Skills is preparing a database of all children in recognised primary schools in Ireland. The data base paperwork, which has been re-issued by the DES, will be forwarded to each family next week.

Tyrrelstown Womens Social Club

T.W.S.C plan an Easter Fair on Saturday 28^th March in St Luke’s N.S. Details to follow next week

Mass

Mass is celebrated every Sunday in the School @ 11.00a.m. Mass will also be celebrated on St Patrick’s Day 17^th March @ 11.00a.m. in the school. All are invited to join the celebration.

St Patrick’s Day 17^th March 2015

School is closed on Tuesday 17^th March. St Patrick’s Day will be celebrated in the school on Wednesday 18^th March. Details will be forwarded next week.

Sacrament of Confirmation

A preparatory Mass for the students receiving the sacrament of Confirmation will take place on Saturday 21^st March @ 6.30p.m. in St Luke’s the Evangelist Church

Is Mise Le Meas,

_____________________

Mairtín Ó Caomhánaigh

Dear Parents,

Please see link to Jujitsu being taught to one of our classes today!

Mr Neary

https://vimeo.com/121659402

Dear Parents,

We will occasionally share video footage of group events/celebrations/festivities etc on the school website.

Please see link to a wonderful video shot & edited by one of our parents, Claite Clifford. Claire shot the video at our celebration for Seachtain na Gaeilge and spent many hours editing and producing a wonderfully enjoyable video. The children will be able to view the video in school to learn from it for the upcoming Seachtain na Gaeilge. Many thanks again Claire.

Liam Neary

https://vimeo.com/121540772

Please be advised that dogs are not allowed on the school grounds as they may present a risk to our children.

Liam Neary

Deputy Principal

Notes From the Principal

11^th  February 2015

Dear Parents,

Punctuality

As and from Monday 23^rd February 2015 the late roll will be extended to include late arrivals after 9.05a.m. A late stamp will be issued to all children who arrive for school after 9.05a.m. The yard is available to all children for assembly from 8.45a.m. Junior and Senior Infant children must be supervised by an adult until a teacher collects the children in the yard.

Mid Term Break

School will be closed for midterm break from Monday 16^th until Friday 20^th February inclusive. The school will re-open on Monday 23^rd February @ 9.00a.m.

School Secretary

The secretary is available to deal with school business from 9.30a.m. – 2.30p.m.The school office is closed from 9.00a.m. - 9.30a.m.There will be no secretarial services between 9.00a.m. – 9.30a.m.

Health & Safety – hand towels and the importance of effective hand washing

Please make sure that your child has a fresh hand towel to dry their hands in school. Each child ought to store the hand towel in a ziplock bag and replace it regularly. Please remind your child about the importance of effective hand washing technique to minimise the spread of disease. Each toilet has a “Hand Washing” poster on display.

School Journal

Children  from 1^st class to 6^th class have a school journal. Children record homework in the journal from Monday to Thursday. Parents are requested to view & to sign the journal daily and Teachers will stamp the journal daily with a date stamp. The journal is a means of communication between Parents and Teachers.

Ash Wednesday – 18^th February 2015 – Distribution of Ashes and Parish Lenten Programme

Fr Seamus will distribute ashes in St Luke The Evangelist Church on Ash Wednesday at and after the 10.00a.m. and at and after the 7.30p.m. Mass in the evening. All are welcome. The Parish  Lenten Programme continues in the Church every Wednesday from 7.30p.m – 8.30p.m.

Trócaire Lenten Campaign

The Trócaire Box has been issued to each child this week. Your generous support last year helped many children in need. €949 was collected last year. A fantastic success.

Pupil Online Database (P.O.D)

The Irish Department of Education and Skills is preparing a database of all children in recognised primary schools in Ireland. After the midterm break the data base paperwork will be forwarded to each family.

School Yard

A combination of weather, the grass and the pupil population has resulted in the grass area in the yard turning into a quagmire. We are working to resolve the issue in an environmentally friendly way.

Mass

Mass is celebrated every Sunday in the School @ 11.00a.m. All are invited to join the celebration.

Is Mise Le Meas,

_____________________

Mairtín Ó Caomhánaigh

Príomhoide

Congratulations & Many Thanks to Aimee & Niamh from Mr. Lynch's class fpr their initiative in organising a Pyjama Day fundraiser in the school in aid of Temple Street Hospital . They raised 123.11 Euro. Well done girls !

Dear Parent,

Please see link on advice about cyberbullying as it is an issue to watch out for in our childrens' lives.

Sincerely,

Liam Neary

http://www.barnardos.ie/resources-advice/parents/cyberbullying-advice-infographic.html

Trócaire Lenten Campaign

9^th  February 2015

Dear Parents,

St. Luke’s National School participation in the Trócaire Box Lenten Campaign has been a growing success story during the last three years. In three years you have doubled your contribution to a most worthy cause.

Many thanks to everyone, who has returned their Trócaire Box, to the school last year. Your generous support for the Trocaire Lenten Campaign helps the very needy people in the world.

This year Trócaire will be giving support to the needy people in Ethiopia. The money goes towards the development of a sustainable environment in Ethiopia.  

We hope to be as successful this year, 2014-2015, in our Trócaire Lenten Campaign. It would be great to top the €1000 mark this year.

I would request that you keep the Trócaire Box visible in your house and talk to the children about the most worthy causes involved in the work of Trócaire. Please review the leaflet that accompanies the Trócaire Lenten Box.

Please return your Trócaire Lenten Campaign Box to school, as soon as possible after Easter, and at the latest by Friday 24^th April 2015.

Is Mise Le Meas,

_______________________

Mairtín Ó Caomhánaigh

Príomhoide

Scoil Naomh Lucáis

Parent Association Initiative

9^th  February 2015

Dear Parents,

At our Coffee Morning on the 3^rd February a number of initiatives regarding the facilitation of the childrens learning by the Parents were discussed.

The following initiatives were discussed

1. Paired/Shared reading
2.  Maths Games
3. Social Story

To commence these initiatives the school needs parents to volunteer to assist in these aspects of school life.

Presently we are compiling a list of interested parents.

Please complete the form below and return to the school by Friday 13^th February 2015.

Is Mise Le Meas,

_______________________

Mairtín Ó Caomhánaigh

Príomhoide

The school will close for the mid-term break next Friday afternoon 13/2/2015. 

The school will re-open on Monday 23rd of February 2015.