Dear Parents,
Stay Safe Programme for Senior Infants, Second Class, Fourth Class and Sixth Class
We are planning to teach a personal safety education programme called Stay Safe over the next few weeks starting in February. The aim of the Stay Safe programme is to teach children personal safety skills so they can look after themselves in situations which could be upsetting or dangerous. It deals initially with common situations which most children will experience at some stage or other, e.g. getting lost or bullying. The programme also teaches children the safety skills necessary to protect themselves from physical or sexual abuse and emphasises the importance of telling a trusted adult about any problems they have. Every year Stay Safe is taught to senior infants, second class, fourth class and sixth class and will be age appropriate. You can familiarise yourself with the content of the Stay Safe lessons at www.staysafe.ie/teachers/resources.htm. Please contact the school if you wish to discuss the programme further.
Appointment of new Board of Management
We are very grateful to all the members of our new Board of Management. Many thanks to our outgoing Board for all their time and effort. Our new Board will consist of the following:
| Leo Hargaden |
(Chariperson) Patron’s Representative |
| Patricia McManus |
Patron’s Representative |
| Dara Burke |
Teacher’s Representative |
| Caitriona Murray |
Teacher’s Representative |
| Susan Mullan |
Parent’s Representative |
| Diarmuid Conway |
Parent’s Representative |
| Ciarán Byrne |
Community Representative |
| Mark Beagan |
Community Representative |
Caitriona Murray was re-elected teacher’s rep at a staff meeting on the 23rd October 2023. Susan Mullan was re-elected as parent’s (mother) rep and Diarmuid Conway was elected parent’s rep (father) at the PA AGM on the 22nd November 2023. The Board of Management are all volunteers who carry out very responsible duties and we value their time and effort in making important decisions for our school.
Extra Garda presence to monitor traffic and parking on Chapel Hill next week
There will be an extra Garda presence to monitor traffic and parking on Chapel Hill next week. Parents are asked to avoid parking on double yellow lines and to use the Church Car Park if possible.
Registration for First Holy Communion and Confirmation – Closing date is Wednesday 24th January
There are a number of boys in second class and sixth class who have not registered for First Holy Communion and Confirmation. The closing date for registration is Wednesday 24th January. Please contact St. Mary’s Parish Centre to register if you have not done so already.
Cultural Awareness
Last Friday we were entertained by some wonderful poetry and music from Canada. Ben O’Toole (Ms. Staunton’s second class) recited a poem about the different provinces in Canada. Finn O’Toole (Mr. Lynch’s fourth class) gave us some interesting facts about Canada. We look forward to hearing the language spoken by boys of German heritage tomorrow.
Le dea-ghuí,
Dara Burke, Principal.