Dear Parents,
Cake Sale
Thanks to everyone who supported our Cake Sale today which created a fantastic buzz around the school. We are very grateful to all the boys and parents who baked delicious buns, pastries and cakes. Once again we appreciate all the work our Parents’ Association (PA) put in to organising this annual event. Thanks to the PA and Chairperson, Dilly O’Brien, for all their hard work and for organising all the amazing prizes for our raffle. We really appreciate the following list of local businesses who donated vouchers and prizes for our raffle:
Stagg Cycles: €250
Lucan Credit Union: €100
SuperValu: Two Hampers
Zero Literacy: €50
Jumpzone: Two passes
Awesome Walls 4 People: €72
Collins Butchers: Voucher
Fresh & Fruity: Hamper
Mycro Sports: Hurley & Sliothar
Clondalkun Leisure Centre: Three swim passes
Turkish Barber: Voucher
New Look Hairdresser: Voucher
Artisan Pantry: Voucher
Skin Smart: Voucher
Grafton Barber: Voucher
Salon Anu: Voucher
Seasons on the Weir: Voucher
World Autism Day – Non-Uniform Day tomorrow, Friday 31st March – Colourful Clothes
World Autism Day takes place on Sunday 2nd April. The theme this year is colour. All the boys are asked to wear colourful clothes on Friday instead of their uniform. There will be a table of colourful cakes and buns in the hall today dedicated to World Autism Day. Some of our classes will be watching an educational cartoon that explains autism to children. Other classes are visiting our Oasis class this week. Please familiarise yourselves with the following terminology associated with autism:
Neurodiversity – describes the natural diversity in human brains
Neurodivergent – having a brain which differs significantly from the dominant societal norm (Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Dyscalculia and many more)
Neurotypical – having a brain which does not differ from the dominant societal norm
Autistic – the vast majority of autistic people (+90%) prefer to identify with first language “autistic person”. Many say this is because autism is an integral part of their identity and not something they come with or without. It is good practice to always ask what language someone prefers but if you cannot ask assume they would be part of that majority.
Autism Spectrum – Autism exists within a spectrum of different traits, strengths and support needs. In recent years the autism community has asked that we don’t use ASD (Autistic Spectrum Disorder) as the word disorder implies there is something inherently wrong with them.
Functioning labels – You may have used high functioning and low functioning in the past. These labels are not accurate as someone you may perceive to be high functioning could be facing significant struggles that are unseen and someone you perceive as low functioning may be very intelligent but struggle with everyday tasks. It is better to describe each individual’s specific needs e.g. “needs assistance to complete self-care tasks such as dressing, cooking, cleaning”. “Has anxiety in social situations” etc.
Many of us have learned and used different words and terminology for a number of years and it takes practice and time for new language to become automatic but “when we know better we do better”.
INTEL fundraising
INTEL have a system in place where they donate money to local organisations where their employees have volunteered their time. We are fortunate to have a number of parents in our school working with INTEL due to our close proximity to their base in Leixlip. This year we have received over €3,000 from parents who work with INTEL. The total money raised by INTEL in recent years is now over €20,000 which we really appreciate. If you are new to the school and work with INTEL then please contact Fergal Higgins at fergal.higgins@intel.com.
Table Tennis League
Yesterday saw the final Table Tennis fixture played in the PE Hall. St Mary’s III played St Mary’s IV in the return leg of their highly entertaining draw back at the start of the Leinster leagues. With plenty of family in attendance and their Sixth Class classmates looking on, it was a thrilling match with Team III winning all four singles games before Team IV exacted revenge by winning both doubles games. It brings the table tennis season to a close after numerous league and cup fixtures. Huge thanks to all the teachers and classes who made sure our PE Hall was available and also to the parents (and Mr Burke!) who provided transport to and from matches. It was St Mary’s first foray into the Leinster Leagues and the sixteen players represented the school wonderfully; the standard has been set! The teams were:
Team I: James Dillon, Johnny Donovan, Mamadu Bah & Daragh Kelly
Team II: Aaron Farrell, Rohan Malik, Adam Elhadi & Cian McCarthy
Team III: Ryan McElhinney, Alex McMahon, Eoin Gleeson & Ben Kelly
Team IV: Samuel Wright, Alex Mitchell, Jayden Singh & Mason McEvoy
A lot of credit must be given to Mr. Clandillon who organised training sessions before school and for organising lifts to the various fixtures. This has been a great experience for the boys and it’s great to see St. Mary’s involved in another sport.
Hurling
The Cumann na mBunscol hurling leagues get started after the Easter break. St Mary’s is delighted to have entered two senior and four junior teams. Huge thanks to the teachers who will be looking after the teams.
Easter Camps
Martin Russell is running a soccer camp during the Easter holidays. Please contact Martin on 087-9256250 for more information.
Sherpa is running an Easter camp. Please contact lucan@sherpakids.ie for more information.
Lucan Sarsfields is organising an Easter Camp but there are a limited number of places available. Please click on the following link if you wish to register: http://Bit.ly/3SSzybE
Please check out the attached flyer if you would like to join their club.
Westmanstown Gaels are keen to recruit too and I have attached their flyer too.
Dates for the Diary
Friday 31st March: School will close at 11.40am for Infants for the Easter holidays.
School will close at 11.45am for all other classes.
Monday 17th April: School will re-open after the Easter holidays at 9am
Sunday 7th May: Sports Day at 2pm
Le dea-ghuí,
Dara Burke, Principal.