Principal's News

Dear Parents,                                                                                      6th November 2015.

 

I hope everyone enjoyed a safe and pleasant Halloween and mid term break.   Well done to all the children and staff who participated in our Halloween costume day on Oct the 23rd last.   It was lovely to see the children dressing up and enjoying themselves.    Thanks in particular to the children who sported costumes made from recycled materials.  There were some creative and exciting costumes on display.

Listed below are items of interest for the coming weeks:

1916 – 2016  Centenary Programme:  On Wednesday next November 11^th  at 9:45am a ceremony will take place in our school to commemorate the centenary of the 1916 Rising, when we will reflect on our past, celebrate our achievements over the last 100 years and reimagine our future.  Children will be at the heart of the commemorations next year.  The Ireland 2016 Centenary Programme aims to capture the imagination of our young people so they may better understand the events of 1916, as well as the stores of their own families and communities during that time.  Our school, therefore , will be a hub for this exploration and learning.   One of the most important events will be the presentation of a National Flag and a copy of the 1916 Proclamation to every primary school in the country by a member of Óglaigh na hÉireann, the Defence Forces. This will be a proud and prestigious occasion for our school.  Parents are invited to attend the ceremony at Assembly in the school hall.

Mass for deceased staff & Pupils:   The annual mass for deceased staff, pupils and for the St. Oliver Plunkett’s list of the dead takes place on Saturday 14th Nov. at 7pm in St. Oliver’s Church.    During this week we explain to our pupils why we remember our dead at this time of year and why we pray for them.   We also remember at this time the families in the school who have suffered recent bereavements in our prayers.

Enrolment:   Our enrolment process is now completed and we will be issuing places for junior infants September 2016 next week.

Science Week  9^th to 13^th November 2015:   On Tuesday next 10^th November classes will be timetabled for a visit from Wildlife on Wheels Tayto Park Irish Wildlife & Biodiversity team.   This is linked to the Social Environmental and Scientific Education (SESE) curriculum.   They will talk about Living Things, the Natural Environment and Environmental Awareness and Care.  Plants and Animals, The Local Natural Environment and Caring for my Locality.  We are committed to educating pupils about wildlife, their habitats and what we can do to conserve and protect our environment.

Board of Management elections: As you probably know the current term of the Board of Management is now completed and a new Board must be put in place by December the 1^st.    A meeting has been arranged where the parent nominees from the mothers and fathers panel will be elected.  This meeting will take place on Wednesday the 11^th of November at 7:30pm. This meeting is open to all parents of children in the school.

40^th Anniversary Celebrations: A big thank you to staff, parents and parents association for their help with our 40^th celebrations on Friday 16^th October.  Also thank you to Fr. Daly for celebrating Mass with Fr. Hurley.  It was great to see past staff, pupils and friends back into the school. 

Christmas Activities:  

·         Our school Choir will be taking part in The Navan Silver Band Christmas Concert on Sunday 6^th December in the Newgrange Hotel at  7:30pm.  Tickets for the show will be available later in the month

·         Christmas Cards: Templates for Christmas cards have now been distributed to all the children in the school to be return to the class teacher by Monday 9^th November.  Please ensure that your child’s creation is returned on that day as the Christmas Cards will not be processed for late entries.

·         Christmas Annuals are on sale.  If you wish for your child to buy a copy please send in €4.00 to class teacher.

 

Child Protection Policy:   The Board of Management of St. Oliver Plunkett N.S. has a comprehensive child protection policy in place.   The Principal Fergal Kelly is the designated Liaison person and the Deputy Principal Mairead Traynor in the Deputy Liaison person.   Any queries relating to child protection should be directed  to Mr. Kelly or Mrs. Traynor.

Parents Council:   The next meeting of the Parents Council will take place on Wednesday Nov. 11th in St. Oliver Plunkett’s at 8pm.   Thanks to all who attended the AGM.  It was great to get help for the coming year.    We would like in particular to welcome the new families who are willing to participate on the Parents Association this year.   Peter Brady (Chairperson) Louise O’Malley (Secretary) and Susan Foley (Treasurer) are the officers for the coming year and we wish them well in their  roles.

Parent Teacher meeting:     Parent Teacher meetings will be held on the evening of Thursday 26th November.   The school will close at 1:45pm to facilitate these meetings.   You will be given an appointment time in the next couple of weeks.   We will do our best to co-ordinate times for brothers and sisters with other teachers.    Alternative dates or arrangements can be made if these times are not suitable to you.

School Website:  The website has recently been updated with photographs from the 40^th celebrations and class activities.  Please have a look at www.stoliverplunkettnsnavan.ie

School safety:   It is important that all visitors report to the school office before proceeding to classrooms during the school day.   Also please note that the school grounds is designated as a no smoking area.  

In order to avoid unnecessary congestion and for child protection purposes parents should not enter the school building in the mornings.   Children should enter the school in their lines or on wet mornings be left at the appropriate school door.   At this stage the children should have the independence to go straight to their own classroom.  On wet mornings parents/guardians of children in junior infants may bring the child to their classroom after 8:45am but can leave once the teacher or SNA is present.

School Maintenance Improvements:  Our new extension works are continuing while the roof repairs over the school hall have been completed.

Friendship Week:   Friendship week takes place as part of our anti-bullying initiative from the 16^th November to 20^th  November 2015.  Ms. Murphy & Mr. Roche will be coordinating this project.    The activities that will be organised for this week form part of our anti bullying initiatives.

First Holy Communion & Confirmation:    First Holy Communion will take place in St. Oliver’s Church on Saturday  14th May 2016 at 10am and Confirmation will take place in St. Mary’s Church on Saturday 21st May 2016 at 3:00am.  

Inclement Weather:   It is the policy of this school to open every day on the school calendar.   In the event of  inclement weather the school will open provided the requisite number of teaching staff are available for duty.   Parents should assess road and weather conditions and decide for themselves whether it is safe for their child to travel to school.

Swimming:   I would like to thank the teachers and SNA’s who assisted with supervision of children at the swimming classes this year.                                                  

Mathematics:   Well done to the children in classes who worked on their numeracy and mathematical skills during Maths week in October.   Well done to the classes who participated in the maths trails around the school and to Ms. McKeown and Ms. Murphy who co-ordinated the events.

RSE:     This talk will take place for children on 10^th & 11^th November for 6^th classes.    Children have already have been given forms for Parental Consent.

Recorder:    Recorder classes continue under the direction of Blaithín Cahill Gregg.   Please encourage your child to practice every day for 5-10 minutes.   This will make a big difference in their ability to make a mastery of the instrument.

Green Schools:     Our green schools committee continue to work towards a 4th green flag and our green schools committee are working hard to ensure that green issues are at the forefront of our daily routines.   Well done to our Bin Masters who are particularly diligent in keeping the school clean and tidy.

Assembly:   Our Assemblies continue every alternative Friday and classes are asked to do a little performance.   We also give out Pupil of the Week trophies and celebrate certain achievements of pupils and classes.    These gatherings also give a chance for Principal and Staff to relay messages and information to the pupils in the senior classes.    Parents are welcome to attend these assemblies should they so wish.    We also have our Golden Trophy Assembly for Senior Infants on Tuesdays.

Health Promotion School:  As we are a Health Promoting School many activities have been organised with particular emphasis on improving mental health in the school community.  Ms. Dunne is coordinating these activities.

Couch to 5K:  There was a great response to our recent letter to parents and more details will follow in the Spring of 2016.

Sporting Events:  Members of our 4^th classes attended the FAI schools soccer competition in Gormanstown on Thursday 5^th November.  The children represented the school very well.    Thanks to Mr. O’Duláine and Ms. McCarthy for their help with this event.

Visiting Teachers:  We welcome visiting teachers to the school this week as they prepare for their examinations.   We would like to take this opportunity to wish them well in their careers.

HSCL: At present we are running the following courses for our parents

·         Supporting Your Primary School Child:  Tuesdays 9.30 – 11 .30 am

·         English Class : Wednesdays: 9am-11am

·         IPads Course: Thursdays: 9.30-11.30am

We are looking for parent volunteers to get involved in a sewing project as part of our 40^th  Anniversary celebrations .  The project will take place on Friday mornings and will be directed by Sewing Tutor Mary Kirwan (LMETB). If you would like to help out please contact Margaret  (087-9329545) or Bridget our Secretary. 

A big thank you to the parents who helped to organise our stock of school uniforms.  Thanks also to all the parents who helped out with Maths Trails during Maths Week and with Hallowe’en Story Reading for all classes from Junior infants to Third on Oct. 23^rd.

 

Dublin City Marathon:  Congratulations to parents,  Frances Browne and  James McGarry who participated in the Dublin City Marathon on Monday 26^th October.

 

Yours sincerely,

 

 

 

 

__________________

Fergal Kelly

Príomhoide

 

0ctober 2015 Newsletter

 

Dear Parents

 

Here are some items that should be of interest to you this month.

Halloween Break:  The school will be closed for mid-term break from Friday October 23rd at 2.45pm and will returning on Monday November 2nd.  There is no half day on Friday 23^rd.   I hope everyone enjoys the break.  I have been asked by the Gardai to remind parents and children of the danger of Fireworks and similar materials over this holiday period.

40th Anniversary of St. Oliver Plunkett National School :  Our anniversary Mass  will take place at 11:30am on Friday 16^th of October.  This promises to be a lovely occasion where we welcome past pupils, parents, past staff and people of the wider community to the Church and the school on the day. We will have a display of photographs and memorabilia in the school while activities are being arranged in the classrooms to celebrate this milestone.  We also hope to take a photograph of our present Junior Infants with any members of the first Junior Infants classes who started school in Sept. 1975.  Please let anyone you know in the community who was associated with St. Oliver’s that we are having this celebration. Thank you to Renata Dapsyte for agreeing to take the photographs on the day.  If at all possible and weather permitting try to walk to the school for the 1:45pm collection as there will undoubtedly be a lot of congestion around the school on the day.

School Photographs:  The school photographerwill take the class photos for Junior Infants on Friday the 9^th October.  Please ensure the children are wearing full school uniform on this day.

Enrolment 2016/2017:  Enrolment for September 2016 will take place between Tuesday 8^th October and Friday 23^rd October.  Please ensure that you have registered with the school in this timeframe as places in the school cannot be guaranteed. The school is restricted to enrolling 60 pupils.  The relevant enrolment forms will be distributed to all families in the school.  Please let friends or family who are considering sending their children to St Oliver’s that we are enrolling.  Families who have previously filled in enrolment forms must register during this fortnight. Families can register by telephoning the school or calling to the office.   All Catholic Schools in the parish are enrolling during this set period.

Parents Association:  The Parents Association AGM will take place in the school at 8pm Wednesday 7^th October 2015.  A great way to get involved in the school is through the parent association who help out with all the various activities of the school and I would encourage you to attend.

School Building: The building work is ongoing every day and progressing satisfactorily. We hope that some windows will be replaced during the Halloween period.

Community Events:  The organisation CRY (Cardiac Risk in the Young) are having a coffee morning on Saturday November 7^th in memory of our past pupil Ruth Maguire in Simonstown GAA Centre from 10am – 1pm.

Board of Management:  Our Board of Management is coming to the end of its four year term and all new Boards are expected to be in place for the month of December.  The process for electing parent nominees to the Board of Management will start next month.  Further information to follow.

Reading Programmes/Maths:  We are delighted to have our literacy lift off reading programmes again in place this year.  A considerable amount of money has been spent on the graded reading programmes which are being followed in senior infants and first class.  Junior and senior infants are being immersed in the ready steady maths programme which is an activity based learning programme designed to develop children’s number sense in a fun and stimulatory environment.  As in literacy lift off four teachers take each class in different situations and practice different skills in each station.  The children learn lots through fun and games and we are delighted with their progress.  The classes have been further supplemented this year by the introduction of ipads. The teachers have received training on the online maths programme of Cracking Maths recently and the children’s lessons are expertly supplemented by these interactive online games and tasks.  We are still focusing on problem solving in mathematics as part of our school improvement plan and we are very hopeful that the new initiatives and programmes will continue to improve the children’s skills in this area.

Staffing:  We would like to welcome Shannon Byrne who is working in the school office with Bridget this year. 

Health Promotion:  We are also focusing on Mental Health in the school community this school year following on from our Active School Flag award last year.  There are a variety of events planned for Meath Mental Health week – October 4^th to 10^th 2015.  Please ask at the school for details and there is a poster on the notice board near the office.  More teachers are being trained on our programmes which deal with coping with anxiety and forming positive relationships such as Friends First, Fun Friends and Zippy’s Friends.   These programmes are now being embedded in the school curriculum. 

Mass of Enrolment for children preparing for the Sacraments:   Children preparing for the Sacrament of Holy Communion will be enrolled at Masses on the weekend of 10^th/11^th October.  Children preparing for the Sacrament of Confirmation will be enrolled at masses on the weekend of 17^th/18^th October.  The Mass for St. Oliver’s is at 7pm on Saturdays in St. Oliver’s Church.

Mass for Schools:  The Mass for the list of the dead will take place on the weekend of 14^th/15^th November and the schedule is the same as that for enrolment Masses above.  It is hoped that all classes will prepare a list of the Dead and that the Mass will be a coming together of the school community to remember and pray for its dead.  

School Activities and other news:

·         On Thursday Sept. 30^th the pupils of Mr. Roche’s class prepared, cooked and served a breakfast to their parents under the instruction of Chef Turlach McKeown.  The pupils performed really well and showed great talent, interest and skill.  Everybody enjoyed this experience.

·         Our boys/girls football teams are participating in the Cumann na mBunscol leagues and best of luck to all concerned.  Thank you to the teachers who are giving their time and effort in training the children at lunch time and after school.

·         Music:  Blaithin Cahill Gregg has started our recorder programme for the coming year.  5 to 10 minutes rehearsal per day will lead to many of the children becoming quite proficient in this instrument.  We have extended our recorder programme to 2^nd class for this coming year.  We are setting up a violin programme for some children after Halloween.

·         Krisha McPhillips is looking for pupils to enrol in her keyboard classes this coming term.  A flyer has been sent to the classes.

·         After school groups:  Karate classes with Rhonda Balfe are held on Mondays and Wednesdays after school, Irish Dancing classes with Alyson Redmond after school on Tuesdays, while Speech and Drama classes continue on Mondays and Fridays after school with Elfrieda Manahan Vaughan. Please ask at the office for details of these activities.

·         Library Visits: 4^th 5^th & 6^th classes are visiting the County Library as part of the children’s book festival.  The classes involve listening to various authors talk about their chosen works. 

·         Senior Infants:  Senior Infant children enjoyed their visit to the Solstice last week where they attended “The Gruffalo”. Thank you to the Parents Association for part funding this event.

·         P.E. Equipment:  The school purchased indoor athletics equipment recently.  Thank you to the Parents Association once again for funding this equipment.

·         Mr. Ryan’s 6^th Class: 6^th class enjoyed their History walk around the town of Navan with Mr. Ryan recently.  We have been so fortunate with the weather this year that we can go on these kind of outings this September.   

·         Achievement Wall:  Our achievement wall is a great addition to our Foyer – every 2/3 weeks children’s work is selected and displayed in a colourful manner.  Parents are welcome to view this at any time. 

School Website:  Our school website is updated regularly and is a source of  information stoliverplunkettnsnavan.ie We are also on Twitter  @stoliverss.  Our parents association have a face book page stoliverplunkett Nspa.

Coffee/Information for Junior/Senior Infant Parents: We held a verysuccessful coffee morning for Junior and Senior Infant parents on Friday last.  It was well attended and it was an opportunity for parents to come in and have a chat.

Secondary School Open nights: Secondary school open nights are upon us.  The dates as follows:

Beaufort College Monday 28^th September.

St. Michael’s Loreto Thursday 1^st October.

St. Pat’s Monday 5^th October.

Colaiste na Mí Tuesday 6^th October.

St. Jospeph’s Mercy Thursday 8^th October.

 

Contact numbers:  It is essential that class teachers and the office are provided with updated mobile/landline numbers and addresses.  These numbers should also be written into the homework journals.   Also, please inform Bridget if you are not receiving text messages sent out from the school.

School Uniforms:  I would like to remind children that outside of P.E. activities or swimming days that they should wear full uniform each day.  Please ensure that uniforms and tracksuit tops have their children’s names written on them so in the event of loss they can be returned to their owners.

School Safety:

·         We are delighted to see more bikes being cycled to school.   However, it is essential that cyclists wear a safety helmet and a high visibility vest.  Please ensure that your child is familiar with the rules of the road.  Cycling is not permitted on school grounds.

·         The school opens at 8.45am and the yards are not supervised before this time.  On wet mornings the school will be opened (provided there are 2 members of staff available to supervise) to allow children to come directly into the school.  No child should be on school grounds before 8.45am each morning.

·         It is important that parents are vigilant in supervising how their children use their mobile phones.  Inappropriate messages and pictures may be distributed on phones and these can be disturbing to the recipients.  Children should not take mobile phones to school.

·         It has come to our attention that some parents are observing their children closely from cars parked outside the infant yard.  From a child protection point of view this is inappropriate as staff are being put in a position where they have had to ask people for identification.  If you have any queries or concerns about your child the appropriate course of action is to speak to the class teacher or Principal.

·         Please be aware when parking or driving around the school that children are in the vicinity.  Please drive with care and attention and do not block any of the clearways or entrances near the school gate.

·         If you collect your child early from school any day please call to the office and sign to release your child.  (Bridget will then call your child for you).

·         Head Lice:  Please be vigilant about head lice during the year and report any concerns to the school or the class teacher.

·         Hand Foot and Mouth disease:  There has been an outbreak recently in the infant classes.  This case be quite common but please see the email sent to all parents this week for further information.

H.S.C.L.

·         English classes for parents with Teacher John Wallace will start on Wednesday next 7th October (9am to 11am).

·         It was great to see so many parents attend Information/Coffee morning for Junior and Senior Infant parents.

·         Classes have been visiting and planting bulbs in the Community Garden which is on a small plot of ground between Blackcastle and Clusker Park Estates.  This garden is blooming,  thanks to the work of many of our pupils and their families.  It has been a very rewarding and enjoyable project for all, with a good harvest of flowers, fruit and vegetables.  We hope that they continue the good work!

·         Navan Community Gospel Choir will continue practising on Monday nights here in St Oliver Plunkett’s National School.  The practices start at 8pm.  New members welcome! The choir, which has a core group of our parents among its members, performed along with the High Hopes Choir (RTE)  and the  Allforone Choir (U.K.)at a concert for the homeless in Raheny in July.   If you wish to enquire  please contact Jonathan 085-2779700

·         Please label all uniform items especially track suit tops and jumpers/cardigans as these can easily get mixed up.

·         Sewing / personal development class on Monday mornings is going very well.

·         Upcoming courses in St. Olivers for parents: Supporting Your Child in Primary school starts 20^th October in Parents Room and working on ipads starts on 22^nd October Enquired to Margaret HSCL 087 9329545.  

Homework Policy:  I hope the children are settling into the routine of homework each night.  Homework is not assigned at weekends unless in exceptional circumstances.  If it is taking excessively long for your children to complete assignments, please bring the matter to the attention of the class teacher.

Assemblies:  Assemblies are always the high point of our Fridays and it is great to see the children performing and doing well in their classes.  Awards for pupils of the week and mentions of special achievements are an integral part of these occasions.

Financial Considerations:

I would like to thanks parents and guardians for co-operating with the arrangements to collect monies this September.  Collecting these funds at this time of year assists the school greatly to administer and manage finances during the rest of the year.  There are still some outstanding bills for Art & Craft and Book Rental.  Our online facility is very convenient for paying these remittances – if you have lost the link to this online facility please contact the school office where it can be re-issued.  Please contact the school office if you are having financial difficulties relating to school bills this year.

School Health:  The dental check up has recently been completed in the school for 4^th classes while the Junior Infant Junior Booster Injection for the 4 in 1 and MMR takes please in January.  

Swimming:   We are coming to the end of our successful swimming programme in 3^rd and 4^th class and the children are making good progress.  The fact that each class has been taken individually in the allocated time means great room for the children in the sessions. 

 

Yours sincerely,

 

 

 

 

_____________________

Fergal Kelly

Príomhoide

 

 

Dear Parents,                                                                                      31^st August 2015.

 

Cead Mile Failte ar ais ar scoil don Bhliain Nua.   I hope you all enjoyed the summer holidays and are ready for the new school year.   I would like to welcome you all back to the school and extend a special word of welcome to all the children and their families who are new to the school and indeed to Navan.

 

I would also like to welcome Ms. McMahon and Ms. Madden who are teaching 1st class and Junior infants respectively.   Ms. Flood is expected to return in early October.

 

A huge thanks to Peter and Marian who got the school ready for classes this year and of course Bridget, Frances, Rosaleen and Colette who ensured our books and other information was ready for the new school year.

 

Junior Infants: A tremendous welcome to our new Junior Infants who to all appearances have settled in extremely well already.   We wish them well during their eight years in the school and we hope that you their parents can take an active part in the school during their time here.   Junior Infants will commence their full day on Wednesday 9^th September. 1:45 pm collection.   ID cards for safe collection of the children will be issued soon.

 

Special Blessing of Children’s school bags: A special blessing of children’s school bags will take place in St. Oliver Plunkett’s church tomorrow Wednesday after school at 3:15pm for all schools.  Parents are asked to take their child to the church for this blessing.

 

School Calendar: The school calendar is available and a copy is being sent out to all families in the coming weeks.   Important dates for the moment to note are Halloween mid-term break – school closed Monday 26^th October to Friday 30^th October inclusive.  Christmas - school closed Wednesday 23^rd December to Tuesday 5^th January 2016 inclusive.

School Building:  At last works have started on the remedial works to the new extension and this process will be completed this school year.   Each section of defective block has to be taken out in a surgical like process which is time consuming.  We are using half the building and at some stage these classes will have to move to the completed other half as the year goes on.  We hope that works will not be too disruptive to the running of the school.  A new kitchen has been installed in Room 5 for support breakfast club and other cooking initiatives that may arise while new carpets have been installed in rooms 9, 10, 11 and 12. Our disabled toilet has been comprehensively renovated while new storage areas are being added to rooms 9 and 11. 

Roof works will commence above school hall next week.  When this is completed work can commence on the floor of the school hall which was affected by leaks last year.

Book rental scheme: Some books remain to be collected for our book rental scheme.   Please send in €10 to your child’s teacher as soon as possible so that your child can make the best start to the school year that he/she can

Nut allergy:     We have some children with nut allergies in classes throughout the school.   We would ask parents even from other classes to avoid giving their children lunches or foods with nut products in them.   Even touching another child who has ingested nut products and who has traces on their hands or skin could cause a reaction.   I ask parents to be vigilant on this for the coming year. I attach an explanatory letter for the classes of children involved.   I would also ask parents of children in First Class to be mindful that we have a child enrolled who has a pineapple allergy.  Please do not send pineapple into the school as a result.

School Uniform:   It is great to see the children presenting wearing the full school uniform including the tie.   It is important to get into the habit of wearing the uniform to school each day.   Only when the children have P.E. should they wear the school tracksuit.   Please make sure that your child’s/children’s jumpers are labelled so that they can be identified if lost.   Hair must be worn neat and tidy and no streaks or severe haircuts allowed.   Students are not allowed to cut/shave designs into their hair or eyebrows.   We would seek all parent co-operation on this.   Many shops are now selling black runners/shoes and these are more acceptable as part of the uniform than brightly coloured shoes/runners.

Mobile Phones:   No mobile phones are permitted in school.   Should your child wish to make a call then this can be facilitated in the office.

Punctuality:   The bell goes each morning at 8.55am and 9.am.   It is extremely important that the children are ready to line up at this time each day.   The school gates will be open from 8.45am to receive pupils but we would discourage the practice of children being in the school at a very early time as there is no supervision available.   On wet days if there are staff members available we will ensure that doors are open to receive the children into the classroom by 8.50am. 

Please make sure your child has the independence they need by letting them off at the gate.   Children in the middle to senior classes are now at an age that they can independently go to their classroom line. Classes from fourth to sixth are dismissed at 2.45pm while the first, second and third classes leave at 2.40pm.

Swimming:   Swimming will resume for third and fourth classes  - on Wednesday 16th Sept for 3rd classes and Friday 18th Sept., for 4th classes.   I would like to remind parents of these classes that aquatics is a strand of the P.E. Curriculum and children should participate unless there is a genuine reason for not doing so.

Music:  Ms Cahill Gregg will be returning to teach recorder this year.    Please encourage your child to practice 5/10 minutes each day with this instrument and it is surprising the progress that can be made.  Third Class will be starting this instrument so we will be ordering recorders for them this week.

Friends First.  Ms Dunne and Ms McKeown have been trained in Friends first - a new programme by NEPS. They hope to operate this programme with fifth classes this year. The programme explores the importance of positive relationships and  aims to teach a whole class or smaller groups of children the skills to manage their thoughts, emotions and body responses.

Healthy Eating:   As you know our healthy lunch policy encourages children to eat/drink foods that are beneficial to a healthy lifestyle.   Many of the foods available in our supermarkets are very high in sugar and fat.   Please try and help educate your child in this area and please read the accompanying letter.

School Football:   Mr. Farrell and Mr. Kearns and Mrs. Carley are eagerly assessing the boys and girls panels for the football leagues that lie ahead.   Best of luck to everyone involved.

NEWB returns:   The school is obliged to report all absences of 20 days or more to the National Education Welfare Board.   It is therefore of vital  importance that all absences are accounted for in the spaces provided for in the back of the homework journal.   You will be informed if and when your child is absent for 15 days that he/she is nearing reporting point.    Teachers advise the Principal should continuous absences give cause for concern.   I am particularly concerned that a large cohort of children miss more than 20 days and therefore have to be reported to the National Welfare Board.   I will be meeting with parents over the next few weeks and months to try and alleviate this problem as the same children are being affected year after year and they are missing a vital part of their education.   New regulations from the Dept of Education mean that a child who has missed 20 consecutive days will be taken off the roll.

Pupils Personal Accident Insurance Scheme:

€6.00 School Activities only / €9.00 24 Hour Cover -

School Personal Accident Insurance letter/application form will be given to all pupils -  please complete and return with payment in a sealed envelope  clearly marked  - INSURANCE.   If your child is taking part in school sporting activities please take out this policy.

Car Park –Please impress on your children the need to be extremely vigilant and careful in the car park area.   It can be very crowded at school starting and finishing times.   Please drive slowly and carefully in this area.

Stay Safe– Our Stay Safe programme as part of our SPHE syllabus is going to commence at the start of the school year.   We feel that this important area should be taught at this time of the year. 

Phone Numbers:   It has come to our attention that some phone numbers on school records are no longer in use.   Please make sure the school has updated phone numbers and addresses.   Should you need to be contacted urgently it is essential that these updated details are provided.

Homework:   Soon the children will be getting used to the good habits of homework and learning.   The learning aspects of homework are equally as important as the written tasks.   Please check this regularly and communicate with the teacher using the homework journal.

Second Hand School Tracksuits–  track suit tops and/or bottoms would be much appreciated and any other uniform clothing.   Please talk to Ms. McKeown in Room 28.

After School Activities:

Speech & Drama:   Speech and Drama will commence again this year  on Mondays/Fridays next week .   Forms  have already gone home with children and parents should register on line. 

Elfrieda Managhan Vaughan Mobile – 086 8373582 or email info@metta-morphics.com

Irish Dancing:   Irish Dancing will commence again this year on Tuesday next 2nd Sept.   Details have been sent home and if you are interested please contact the Irish Dancing Teacher – Alyson Redmond Mobile 086 8430492

Keyboard Lessons:  Contact Krisha 087 2022505 between 11am and 1pm.

Website www.creativekeyboards.ie

Karate:   Karate lessons take place each Monday and Wednesday after school – contact Rhonda Balfe Hoban Mobile 0868958878

HSCL:   Ms. Margaret McKeown is well known to most of our parents and she is available to provide help and support to everyone.   Should you have any issues or concerns about your child or school.

Margaret can be contacted at 087 9329545 or through the secretary’s office.

 

Please leave messages with Bridget in the office and they will be transferred to the class teacher.  Teachers are very busy particularly at this time of the year and assembly time in the morning can be disrupted if parents need to deliver impromptu messages.

 

A newsletter is prepared each month. If you wish to have any information included please contact the office.   It takes a few weeks for children to get used to our new classes, the routine of school and homework but in a few weeks this will become second nature to us all.

 

I look forward to working with you again during the coming school year.

 

Yours sincerely,

 

 

 

______________________

Fergal Kelly

Príomhoide

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dear Parents,                                                                                                    19^th June 2015.                                                                                                                                                 

This newsletter specifies some items of interest for you over the final week of school in June.

Retirement of Deirdre Murphy:   Congratulations to Ms. Murphy who is retiring after teaching for 35 years in St. Oliver’s.  Deirdre has made a huge contribution to the school during her time here.  She has been a wonderful colleague to all the staff in St. Oliver’s and we have all benefitted from her lovely energy and professionalism. Deirdre had great empathy and consideration for the pupils in her classes and indeed she has taught all class levels in the school at some stage throughout her career.  Over the past few years she has concentrated on organising and stream lining our special education department. She has been a magnificent support to me during my time here in St. Oliver’s.  She will be greatly missed by the school community as a whole.   We wish her every happiness in the future.

Rosemary O’Reilly:   Rosemary has been an SNA in the school since 2001.   Unfortunately the Special Needs Assistant Post to which she was assigned has recently been suppressed.   During her time here she has worked with a wide variety of children in all classes.   She is greatly appreciated by all the school community for her work in the school.   Her organisational abilities and her gentle care of the children will be hugely missed.  

6th Class Farewell:  The children will attend Mass in St. Oliver’s church at 9:15am next Friday 26^th June.  Our graduation ceremony will commence immediately after Mass, in our school hall. I would like to wish our 6^th class pupils the best of luck as they move on to a new phase of education.  I would like to thank all the families who are leaving us this year for their great contribution over the years to St. Oliver’s.  Their input and their commitment to the school will be missed.

School Show “Aladdin Trouble”:   Congratulations to Mr. Farrell, and Mr Ryan and the children in 6th classes for their production of “Aladdin Trouble” which took place over two evenings in the Community Centre this week . This was a great opportunity for the children in 6th class to showcase their talents to a huge audience.  The show indeed was pure entertainment from start to finish . It was a great confidence builder for the children as they move on to secondary school. Great credit is due to all the teachers and staff and special needs assistants who worked so hard in the previous weeks and months to ensure that it would be a success. Well done to all involved. A special well done to Adam Smith who suffered a broken hand the day of the performance and still acted his leading part in the musical.  Great resilience indeed and great casting.   A DVD is available at a cost of €20.00 and if you are interested please send money into class teacher by Tuesday next 23^rd June. 

Book swap:   A text will go out to parents next week.

The details of classes and new teachers are as follows 2015/2016

Junior Infants    Ms. Flood            Ms.  Quinn          Ms.  Murphy     

Senior Infants    Ms. Carley          

Senior Infants    Ms. McAteer    

1st Class               Ms. Lynch           

1st Class               Ms. McCarthy   

2nd Class             Ms. McKeon      Takes Ms. Flood’s class

2nd Class             Ms. Forry             Takes Ms. Connolly’s class

3rd Class              Ms.  Traynor       Takes Ms. Forry’s class

3rd Class              Ms. Connolly      Takes Ms. Lynch’s class

4th Class              Mr. O’Duláine    Takes Mrs. Traynor’s class

4th Class              Ms. Priest            Takes Ms. McKeon’s class

5th Class              Ms. Fox                                Takes Mr. O’Duláine’s class

5th Class              Mr. Delany          Takes Ms. McCarthy’s class

6th Class              Mr. Kearns          Takes Mr. Delany’s class

6th Class              Mr. Ryan              Takes Mr. Kearns’ class

Due to unforeseen circumstances at the time of writing things can happen over the summer break that can necessitate changes to the above listings.

Reports:   Reports were sent out yesterday and today.  Please check your child’s bag today for reports.    6th class reports have been posted today.  

Book Lists: Book lists were emailed last Friday and a link was texted to parents for payment on line  book rental, Visual Arts etc.

Sport:  Congratulations to our Boys Basketball Team who won the schools championship yesterday in St. Anne’s School by 20 points to 6.  Hard luck to our girls team who went so close in their final but who performed superbly. Thank you to Ms. G. Lynch for all her preparation of the teams.

Rounders Our girls team had a great win last week in Navan O’Mahony’s against a very determined Scoil Mhuire team.  Well done to all involved especially Ms. Carley and Ms. Tunney.

Opening of Blackwater Park:  Our 6^th class Rugby  squad took part in a mini tournament on the day of the opening of Blackwater Park.  Some of our boys also took part in a soccer tournament.  Best of luck to all involved.

Book Rental Scheme:     We hope that all parents will support the scheme.

National Bike Week:   This week was national bike week.   Well done to those pupils who cycled to school.  The numbers cycling to school increased each day.  We encourage children to keep this up over the summer holidays and we would like to thank all the parents who supported this initiative.

Active Schools:   Our Active Schools programme continues to the end of the year and we feel that the children have gained great benefits for the programme.  Not least of which has been an overall decline in bullying incidences and bad behaviour. Our Active school Flag was raised on Friday 29^th May by Ms. Deirdre Murphy, Aimee Carey and Jackie Shields.  (This is a correction from the previous newsletter).

School holidays:   The summer holidays start on Tuesday June 30th at  12 o'clock.   At this juncture I would like to thank all the parents for the great support you have shown the school over the past year. The school will reopen on Thursday Aug 27th at 09.00 am.

Yours sincerely,

 

F. Kelly

Príomhoide

 

 

Dear Parents,                                                                                  8^th June 2015.

 

This newsletter specifies some items of interests for you over the final month of school in June.   Another newsletter will issue towards the end of the month.

 

School holidays:   The summer holidays start on Tuesday 30^th June at 12 noon.    The school will reopen on Thursday August 27th.

School Show:   The 6th class musical ‘Aladdin Trouble’ will take place on the 16th and 17th of June in St. Mary’s Community Centre, Navan.   The classes are busy rehearsing and the children are looking forward to the big performance.  The Show is booking fast and some tickets are still available - €5.00 each and money can be sent into class teachers.

Classes for next year:   In order to accommodate new pupils and balance numbers in various classes it may be necessary to re-arrange some classes at the end of every school year.   It is important that children and parents are aware of this.   Please inform the school at an early stage in June so that places can be allocated to children on our waiting list or moving into the area.  This year, Junior Infants and Senior Infants will be reconstituted into two classes.

Ordination:  You are invited to join the celebration of Rev Robert McGivney’s Ordination to Priesthood at 3pm on Sunday 28th June in St. Mary’s St Mary’s Catholic Church. On Monday, he will offer his First Mass of Thanksgiving at 7pm.   Robert is from Navan and with not that many vocations for the priesthood happening in recent years it is a huge occasion for the Catholic Community of the Parish.

This will be a wonderful occasion for our parish and community. All welcome. 

First Holy Communion:   Congratulations to the children from Ms. Forry’s and Ms. Lynch’s class who received the Sacrament of First Holy Communion last month.   It was a wonderful occasion for the children, their families and our school.   I would like to thank Mr. Ryan and Ms. Lynch and the choir for the lovely singing which enhanced the ceremony.   Thank you to Fr. Hurley who officiated at the Mass.   The reception at the school afterwards was very enjoyable and a welcome opportunity for the families to mix and meet after the ceremony and show the school to our guests.   Sincere thanks to the Special Needs Assistants staff of the school, members of the Parents Council and other parents who organised this reception.   Thank you to Ms. Lynch and Ms. Forry who prepared the children for First Communion this year.

Confirmation:  Congratulations to all the children in Mr. Ryan’s and Mr. Farrell’s classes who received the Sacrament of Confirmation on May 23rd.   This was once again a wonderful occasion for all children and families involved.   The children attended a reconciliation ceremony with their families on May 21st and this was very well received by the participating families.  Thank you to Mr. Ryan and Mr. Farrell who prepared the children so well for this Sacrament.

Book Lists:  Book lists and book rental details will be on our website at the end of this week.

Ipads:  The school has made a major investment in technology over the past few weeks.  We have purchased 10 ipads and we hope to keep extending this commitment to technology over the next year.   At the moment the ipads will be very much part of our station teaching and literacy lift off strategies.

School Tours:   I hope the children enjoy their school tours. 

6th Class Farewell:  Our 6th class farewell will take place on Friday June 26th at 10:30am.   This will be preceded by Mass in St. Oliver’s Church at 9:15am.

Active School Week:   St. Oliver Plunkett N.S. held a very successful Active Schools Week recently.  The children enjoyed a wide variety of sporting activities and active pursuits during this week.  Coaches from Simonstown GAA, local Karate Clubs, Navan Cricket Club, Hockey Clubs, Irish Dancing School, Meath Local Sports Partnership athletics, Zumba and much more besides all participated.  All 480 children took part in the “Walk a Mile with a smile” activity and it was certainly an arresting sight to see all the pupils resplendent in their hi-vis gear marching in the environs around the school. Another highlight of the week was our Dance competition and a large crowd attended what was an excellent show.   Congratulations to all the children who took part and to our winners  from 3^rd Class Viktorija Lovkel and Mia Brady.   The weather stayed kind for most of our activities and we are grateful to all the helpers, contributors, coaches and parents   for their support during what was a very busy week.  We are also grateful to the Parents Association for helping to provide a safe trail for the children and to Spec Savers &Meath Local Sports partnership for providing the hi-vis equipment. 

The children’s Sports Days were the highlight of the week and we welcomed parents and visitors to witness all the events and activities.   The week was such a success that we hope to run more of these activity weeks in the future.  Our school continues to put a large emphasis on healthy eating and fitness programmes throughout the year and with levels of obesity in Ireland of grave concern we hope to bring the highlight the benefits of a healthy lifestyle to children and their parents.  

Raising of School Active Flag:  The week culminated in the raising of the Active Schools Flag on Friday the 29^th May.  We were very pleased to welcome of Past Pupils, Conor Farrell, Conor Nash,   Kevin McGrath, Sean Tobin, Niamh Lister and Jackie Shields who spoke to the children about their sporting lives and encouraged the children to participate in all sporting activities.  Jackie Shields, Deirdre Murphy and Ellen Farrell raised the flag to a thunderous cheer.   Thank You to our Active School team for organising such a special occasion.

Sporting Events:

Athletics:  Our athletics team that participated in the All Ireland Finals in Athlone are invited to St. Paul’s on Thursday for a reception.

Gaelic Football:  Mini Leagues final will take place on Friday 19th June.  Our 5th Classes are going to a fun football day in Pairc Tailteann on Monday 15th June.

Rounders: Our Rounders Girls are competing in the final V Scoil Mhuire on Thursday at 3:15pm in O’Mahony’s.  All support is appreciated.  Thank you to Mr. Ryan, Ms. Tunney and Ms. Carley for preparing the children for these competitions this year.

Basketball: Our Basketball teams have also reached the finals of their competitions on to be held Thursday 18^th June  3:00pm in St. Anne’s school  – Our boys play St. Anne’s and our girls play St. Paul’s.  Well done to all concerned.  Thank you to Ms. Lynch for all her work in this area.

Green Schools:     To congratulate the hard work done by the Green Schools committee we will be having a tour to the Blackwater Park  with picnic on Tuesday 23^rd June.   Next week is National Bike Week and well done to those pupils who cycle to school. 

H.S.C.L. 

Uniforms:   Please send in any second hand uniforms which are in good condition to Margaret McKeown next week.   She will collect them on Monday / Tuesday & Wednesday of next week.  

Thanks to all the parents who attended the” Mindfulness ”,  “Safety Online” and “ Preparing for Second Level” Courses, which were very  interesting  . English Class for parents will continue for the next few weeks.

Story Reading with parents will be taking place in Senior Infant Classes on Thursday mornings starting next Thursday 11th.   Junior Infants will be playing Maths Games (Maths for Fun) on Friday afternoons, also starting next Friday 12th.

A visit to The Fighting Words Creative Writing Centre in Dublin, which was founded by Roddy Doyle, has been organised for Ms.  Forry’s  2nd class who  will be going there  on Wed. 10th June.

A visit to Sonairte with some of our Local Community Garden pupils and their families will take place on Tues. 16th June.

Some of our parents went on a most enjoyable recent trip to New Ross Choral Festival and performed   with The Navan Community Gospel Choir under Musical Director Jonathan Davies Wright.

If you would like to help out with any of the above activities, please contact Margaret (087-9329545)

School Housekeeping:  During these last few weeks of June it would be a good idea to drop your child off and let them find their class line particularly from classes 2^nd to 6^th.   This will foster a sense of independence and achievement in your child.

 

 

 

 

Yours sincerely

 

 

 

 

 

________________

Fergal Kelly

Príomhoide

 

 

 

 

 

 

May 2015 Newsletter:                                                                                                        13^th May 2015.

Dear Parents,

Here are some items for your attention this month.

School Closures:   Please note that a Referendum will be held on Friday 22nd May and the school will be closed on this date.    School will also be closed on Monday 1^st June and Tuesday 2^nd June for the Bank Holiday weekend.

Infant Induction:   New Junior Infants parents and children in our new junior infant classes are invited to the school on May 14th at 1:15pm to see the school and meet their teachers.   We hope to give the parents a tour of the school to give them a sense of a typical school day in St. Oliver’s.   Our current junior/senior infant classes will finish at 12noon on this day to facilitate this important meeting.

Community Choir: Congratulations to the Community Choir who won First Prize in the Navan Choral Festival last weekend. This is a great achievement for John and his choir which is comprised of many parents and friends of St. Oliver’s.  We are delighted that all the practice has paid off and we look forward to seeing the choir perform in the school before the end of the year.

School concert:   The 6th class musical “Aladdin Trouble” will take place on the 16th and 17th June in St. Mary’s Community Centre, Navan.   The classes are busy rehearsing and the children are looking forward to the big performance.

First Holy Communion:   Congratulations to our Children who received the Sacrament of First Holy Communion on Saturday last 9^th May.  Thank you to the class teachers Ms. Lynch, Ms. Forry, Mr. Ryan and the school choir,  SNA team particularly Rosemary and Claire, and the parents association  and other parents who contributed to make this day for the children very special.

Confirmation:   The Sacrament of Confirmation takes place on Saturday 23rd May in St. Mary’s Church at 11:00am.   Rehearsals for schools involved in the 11am ceremony will take place in St. Marys Church on Monday the 18th and Wednesday 20^th May at 11:30am.   The Wednesday rehearsal will be a full rehearsal involving all readings, processions etc., as well as bringing all children forward to rehearse the moment of Confirmation. It is very important that children are present for these rehearsals.   A Penitential Service will be held for children and their families who are participating in the Sacrament on Thursday May 21st at 8:00pm in St. Mary’s Church.  Attendance of the children is mandatory.  Sponsors are welcome if they wish to attend.   The school photographer for the confirmation classes is attending the school on Tuesday May  26th. 

Enrolment 2015/2016:  If your family is moving out of the area over the summer please inform the school as soon as possible so that pupils who might otherwise be placed on a waiting list can be accommodated.  Please note also that some classes are re-grouped each year.  Children and parents from the classes involved will be informed in advance and the process explained to them. 

Parents Association:   Next meeting takes place tonight Wednesday 13th May at 8:00pm.

Fund Raising:  Thank you to the parents for their support of our schools PE and Active Schools programme this year.  We are delighted to see funding being put to good use in the school for the improvement of educational outcomes for all pupils. 

Active Schools Week:   First of all congratulations to the school on achieving the Active Schools Flag.  This has been the culmination of a whole year’s work lead by Mr. Carley, Mr. Farrell and the Active Schools Committee.  Thank you to all the staff and pupils for their commitment and hard work.  Our school is hosting an active schools week on 25th to 29th May.   We will be having sporting activities this week plus the school sports days.    We will have dance competitions, active home work, walk a mile activities, orienteering and many more events.   Junior Sports day is on Tuesday 26th May while Senior Sports day will be held on Wednesday 27th May 2015.  We hope to raise our Active Flag on Friday 29^th May and all parents are invited to this ceremony. A more detailed letter outlining all the activities will be sent out next week.

Sports:  School Mini Leagues are taking place at lunch times daily in the field and we hope the children enjoy these activities.  Our Rounders competitions have started.  The girls team have already enjoyed a good victory over Ballivor recently.  Our Basketball team are looking forward to playing St. Paul’s on Friday.

Spelling Bee:  Congratulations to our 6^th class student Matt Magdadaro who is representing Meath in the Leinster Final in Drogheda on the 19^th May.  Best wishes to Matt as he seeks All Ireland glory.  Congratulations to 5^th Class student Shane Fagan who won a bronze medal in Karate recently.  Congratulations to Senior Infant student Chloe Walshe who has been chosen to advertise the upcoming Bloom Flower Show in various newspapers.

Home School Liaison:  Please contact Ms. Margaret McKeown for up to date courses and activities that are on-going in the school at the moment.

Science and Nature:   Thanks to Gavin Clarke for his work on geology in the classes.

Dental Screening:  Dental Screening for 1^st and 6^th classes will take place in the Dental Clinic over the next few months. Children will be called by appointment.

Music:   Thank you to Blaithín Cahill Gregg who prepared the children for our Easter Recorder recital.   The repertoire and playing of the children was a pure joy.   We are delighted with the progress of the children with this instrument and we look forward to the further development of the children in this area in the months and years ahead.

Nut Allergy:  Some pupils attending St. Oliver’s have been diagnosed with a severe Peanut allergy.  Please do not being items for lunch to this building which contain nuts or trace of nuts.

E.W.B. The school is obliged to report the names of all children who are absent for over 20 days to the Education Welfare Board. Parent/Guardians need not become unduly worried in circumstances where these absences can be satisfactorily explained due to illness, bereavement or family circumstances.  Please ensure that all absences are explained to class teachers.

Warm Weather: On warm sunny days it is advisable that children have sun block applied before they come to school.   Children are permitted to wear tailored blue/grey shorts on these days.

Yours sincerely,

 

 

 

_________________

Fergal Kelly

Príomhoide

 

Dear Parents,                                                                                     17^th April 2015.

 

Here are some items that are of interest to you for the month of April.

School Recorder Recital:

Our school recorder recital took place before the Easter holidays and it was a marvellous success.  Thank you to Blaithin Cahill Gregg for her musical direction.  A special word of thanks also to Emer and her groups from Waterford City - Budding Bows and Concert Strings who played with our pupils and enhanced the whole occasion.

Confirmation & Communion:

First Holy Communion takes place on Saturday 9^th May at 10am.  A meeting for Parents about First Communion takes place in St. Oliver’s Church on Monday 27^th  April at 8:00pm.  Confirmation takes place on Saturday 23rd May at 11:00pm.   The Ceremony of Light for Confirmation takes place on Wednesday 29^th April.  The Penitential Service for Confirmation takes place in St. Oliver’s Church on Thursday 21^st May 2015 at 8:00pm.   The children are busy preparing for these sacramental celebrations. We will send more details as soon as they are at hand.   

Junior Infant Induction:  Thursday May 14^that 1:15pm. 

Bank Holidays: The school will close onMonday May 4^th and Tuesday 5^th May 2015.  The school will also be closed on Friday May 22^nd for the Referendum.   The school will also close on Monday June 1^st   and Tuesday June 2^nd for June Bank Holiday.

Building & Maintenance:  We received great news over the Easter holiday period that we were approved for complete replacement of doors and windows under the Summer Works Scheme.  You have been aware that our current situation with regard to heating has been problematic over the years due to the current standard of our windows in particular.  The replacement of these windows will lead to a huge reduction in our heating bills and an improvement in the physical structure of the building which is sustainable for many years to come.  We hope to make some aesthetic changes to the front of the building should funds allow. 

We have had some roof issues recently which have caused damage to the flooring in the school hall and we hope to rectify these issues as soon as possible if not over the summer months. 

New Building – We are pleased to announce that agreement has been reached between all parties and work is set to commence on the remedial works.  This certainly means a very busy summer season for us all in St Olivers.  We hope that works can commence as soon as possible. 

Active Schools Week:   Our school is hosting an active schools week on 25^th to 29th May.   We will be having sporting activities this week plus the school sports days.   We will have dance competitions, active home work, walk a mile activities, orienteering and many more events.   We will send out a more detailed notice in the weeks ahead. Junior and Senior Sports days will be held on Tuesday 26^th & Wednesday 27^th May respectively.

Parents Council:   The next meeting of the Parents council will take place on Wednesday May 13th at 8:00pm.  

Sports Events:   Well done to the boys’ footballers who reached the finals of the Mini 7’s recently.   Well done to the soccer squads who performed well in the MDL while our  4^th & 5^th class footballers are currently competing in the new spring league.   

Our Athletics team competed in Athlone representing Meath recently and they aquitted themselves very well in their chosen events. Congratulations in particular to the 3^rd & 4^th class boys who came 2^nd, and 5th and 6th class boys who came 4^th  and 5^th & 6^th class girls who came 3^rd out of the 17 counties that participated. 

Rounders training has started and the competition will be in May. 

We also welcome Brendan from Simonstown GAA who is currently coaching the pupils in 1^st & 2^nd class for 6 weeks.

School Musical:   Our school concert  “Aladdin Trouble” will take place on Tuesday 16^th and Wednesday  17^th June.

Green Schools: The Green Schools committee is working away as busily as ever.  They are continuing on with great work on their transport and walking/cycling to school initiatives. 

They had a very successful Big Travel challenge during February.  Next up we will have the National Walk to school from 11^th to 15^th May culminating on Wednesday 13^th  National WOW (Walk on Wednesday).  Our aim is to have over 300 walkers.    Third and fourth classes had a workshop on climate change on Friday 17^th April.

School Photographer:   Photographers have been here in St. Oliver’s before Easter holidays and the proofs have been sent out to families.   Please return the proofs  which will be collected on Friday 24^th April.

Spelling Bee:  Matt Magdadaro Meath Spelling Champion, will contest the Leinster title on May 19^th in a Louth venue.  Best of Luck to Matt and congratulations once again on his achievement. 

HSCL: The school has invited Jean  Ryan  to give a  Presentation for parents /guardians on  Internet  Safety , here in the school on Thursday next  23rd April at 9. 15 am.   At this  presentation  parents will be given tips for protecting and  keeping their children safe online.

As  this is a very important issue for all families, we recommend that  one parent from each family attends if possible.

The following topics will be discussed

•           Internet Safety  Risks

•           Social Networking

•           Cyberbullying

•           Email ,I phones and Tablets

•           Online Reputation

 

The following courses for Parents/Guardians will take place in the school. 

Next Mindfulness Class is on Friday 24^th April at 9:00am.  Preparing for Second Level – a course for parents of 6^th class pupils starts Tuesday 28^th April (9:15 – 11:15am). 

A free Parenting Skills Programme will begin on Tuesday 5^th May (10am to 12 noon) at Springboard on Flower Hill.  (Contact 046 – 9078221/0).  A big Thank You to parents and grandparents who helped with knitting in Mr. Kearns 5^th class.  

School Completion Lunches: School Completion are now providing free snacks to the children on Tuesdays as part of the DEIS initiative.   When sending lunches in on Tuesdays be mindful that the children are getting fruit and a scone also on these days.

Ready Steady Go Maths:   Ready Steady Go Maths is a new skills based learning approach to maths which we have successfully introduced into the infant classrooms this year.   We have invested considerable resources  in this project.   The programme is activity based and is designed to develop children’s number sense in a fun and stimulating environment.  

           

School Tour Dates & Times:

 

	Date
Junior Infants	19/06/2015
Sen Infants	21/05/2015
1st Class	20/05/2015
2nd Class	11/06/2015
3rd Class	04/06/2015
4th Class	28/05/2015 04/06/2015
5th Class	09/06/2015
6th Class	10/06/2015

 

 

 

 

Yours sincerely,

 

 

 

 

_______________________

Fergal Kelly

Príomhoide

 

  

 

 

 

March 2014 Newsletter                                                           13^th March 2014.

 

Dear Parents,

Here are some items for your attention:

St. Patrick’s Day:   The school will be closed on Monday 17^th March St. Patrick’s Day.

Chisom  Nebechi  remembered:  Last week was the 2nd anniversary of the death of Chisom who was in 4th class at the time of her passing.   Our prayers and thoughts are with the Nebechi  Family at this time.   Mr. Farrell’s class marked the anniversary with a quiet ceremony with a lovely prayer service on Thursday last while Chisom was also remembered at  Assembly on Friday last. We also send condolences to the Bellew, Bermingham and Brady families who have suffered recent bereavements.

Seachtain na Gaeilge:  This year Seachtain na Gaeilge takes place from Monday 10th March to Friday 14th March.   The week includes events such as traditional Irish dancing, the poc fada, quizzes, yoga classes ,music and sports tournaments. We also celebrate  Lá Glas - a day when pupils dress up in our national colours which takes place on Monday 16th.   A parade for Junior and Senior Infants takes place on La glas , which is always the highlight!   Seachtain na Gaeilge is an annual event in our  school which promotes the Irish language through enjoyable activities:   Ta suil agam go ndearfaidh gach duine iarracht cupla focal Gaeilge a usáid.  Thanks to our Gaeilge committee who co-ordinated the weeks activities . For parents who want to brush up on their Irish- Duolingo is a free app that can be downloaded onto their smartphones.

Parents Council meeting: The next meeting of the parent’s council will take place on Wednesday March 11^th @8pm.  We hope to organise a speaker some evening for parents in the coming months.       

GAA – Sport:  Our 4^th/5th class football team are engaged in a local school league at the moment and we would like to wish them well in their matches.   Our mini 7’s teams participated in the completions last week.   Our boys team narrowly missed out on a place in the Meath Final while our girls team reached the final on Monday 31st March. 

The Fais Soccer competition takes place on the 13th March.   Best of luck to all the teams involved. 

Athletics:   Well done to our athletics team who participated in Track and Field Indoor athletics final run by Meath Sports Partnership last week. Well done to everyone who participated in the event.   Some photos of the children in action on the day will be on the website soon.   

HSCL

Spelling Bee:   Best of luck to Matt Magdadaro to who will represent the school in the Meath Spelling Bee in Trim next week. 

Speech & Drama

Easter Holidays:   Easter Holidays will take place on Friday 27^th April 2014.  There will be a half day on this date.   School will close at 12 noon and will re-open on Monday April 28^th at 9am.

Website:   www.stoliverplunkettnsnavan.ie  Our website always keeps everybody up to date with news, happenings, and photos of events.     

6^th Classes:   6^th classes are attending Loreto Secondary schools, presentation of “Alice in Wonderland” this week.   Mr. Ryan and Ms. Rennicks class will attend on Thursday morning at 11am while Mr. Farrell’s class will attend the Solstice for their show on Friday at 2pm.  This show will finish at 3.30pm and the children can be collected from the school at approx. 3.40pm.  We hope that the children enjoy this surprise outing.  

Tickets cost €5.00 but the school is subsidising this charge for all children.

the skills needed for participating in school and life beyond school.   

Ash Wednesday and Lent:   Many children and their parents are making a sacrifice during this

Yours sincerely,

 

 

 

 

__________________

Fergal Kelly

Príomhoide

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dear Parents/Guardians,                                              10^th February 2015.

 

I would like to bring the following matters to your attention this month.

 

Mid-term break:   The school will be closed for mid-term break from Monday 16th to Friday 20th Feb. inclusive.   School will re-open on Monday 23rd February. 

Also please note that the Parish require the school to close early at 1:45pm on Friday 27^th Feb. to facilitate a major religious event being held in St. Oliver’s Church nearby.

School Building:  Many parents have enquired as to the completion of our school extension.   It has been very disappointing for the school community that no progress has been made since late August.   Please understand that the Board of Management and our Architect have been working hard to solve outstanding issues and finalise the project.   The plan of works has been with the insurers for some time now and we are anxiously awaiting news.   As soon as there are any developments I will communicate this to parents as soon as possible. I cannot give any timeframe for completion of the project at this present time.

The Green Schools Committee:   The school is hosting a Water Forum on Friday 27^th Feb. in our school hall.   Other Green Schools co-ordinators from around the county have been invited to the school to see how our students acquired their Green Flag for water conservation last year.   There will be speakers on environmental issues from Meath County Council present on the day. Our emphasis at the moment is on transport and particularly numbers of children walking to school.

Credit Union Quiz:   Well done to our Quiz teams who performed in the Credit Union Quiz on Thursday 5th February.   The children who participated were as follows:   Ben Moriarty, Luissa Guinane, Mapalo Mwenya , Luke Kavanagh, Adam Smith, Aaron Chinchilla, Kayla Guiheen and Daragh Clarke.

Parents Association:  The next Parents Association meeting is on Wednesday 11^th Feb. at 8pm.  We would like to thank Lillian Kavanagh, Andrea Barry and their team for the many mornings spent organising and archiving the school photos for future display.   The Parents Association are currently working on transitioning programme to secondary schools for the children in 6^th classes.  This will supplement our existing programmes which are organised by School Completion. 

School Completion: We would like to welcome Majella Clarke who is our new School Completion key worker replacing Yvonne Forde in the role.  Majella will support the children  in many areas such as homework club, cookery classes, First Tee Golf Programme, and Rainbows.

Nut Allergy:   Life-threatening peanut/nut allergies.   Three students in our school have a food allergy to peanuts/nuts.   It is important that there is strict avoidance to this food in order to prevent a life-threatening allergic reaction.   We are asking your help to provide the student with a safe school environment.   Any exposure to peanuts/nuts may cause a life-threatening allergic reaction that requires emergency medical treatment.   To reduce the chance of this occurring, we are asking that you do not send any peanut or nut containing products to school with your child that will be eaten in the classroom. If your child has eaten peanuts/nuts before coming to school, please be sure your child’s hands and face have been thoroughly washed before entering the school.   We appreciate your support of these procedures.      Please contact me if you have any questions.

Email communication:  We are hoping to email parents our newsletters and other communiques from now on in order to make a considerable saving on paper and of course benefit the environment as part of our green school policy.

Catholic Schools week:   Many classes attended mass during Catholic Schools week and participated in class based activities during this week.   Highlight of the activities was our International Day which coincided with a special assembly.   It was lovely to meet all our international parents and they really enjoyed visiting the various classes and meeting the teachers.  I would like especially to thank the Community Choir, Fr. Louis, Fr. Janusz. Peter Brady from Parents Assoc., Sarah Brady and Gordon Chimbganda, our traditional dancers and the children for contributing to what was a very special occasion.   Right throughout the day we had visitors, Story Tellers and performers in all classes and we hope the children enjoyed the celebrations.   Thank you to our staff and especially Margaret McKeown, Ruth Dunne and Barbara Connolly who planned and organised the event.   A special word for the children and parents who all made a great effort to get “gleasta suas” in some traditional  and appropriate dress/attire.

St. Brigid’s Day:   Catholic schools week also involved some activities to celebrate the life and works of our patron saint and thanks to the parents who helped out with the St.  Brigid’s crosses etc.   I would like to thank Margaret McKeown and Frances Browne who co-ordinated all the above events. 

Report from Board of Management to general parent body:  A reminder that a report on the activities of the Board of Management will be available on our website at the end of the month.   This is important as it gives information on the general workings of the Board of Management during a specific period.

School Safety:   Thank you for not parking in our disabled bays.   They are of vital importance to ensure that our disabled children get into school.  

Active Schools/Sport:  Our active Schools programme continues to grow from strength to strength.  Our teachers have completed gymnastics training and I am delighted to see some of the exercises and techniques being practiced in the hall in the last few weeks.  Athletics training was recently organised for 4th & 5th classes  while 1^st to 4^th classes benefitted from skipping tuition last week.   Girls and Boys are currently in training for Mini 7’s football which will take place after mid-term break.  The school hopes to enter a float in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade to highlight all these school activities.

School Library:   Our library committee are looking for donations of books, particularly books that are appropriate for 5^th and 6^th classes.   Please send any donations for the attention of Ms. Fox. 

Home School Liaison Activities:

Well done to all the parents who braved the early Monday mornings for our Zumba  classes which were under the watchful eye of Paula Bermingham.   These were a great success and we hope that we can organise further activities like this in the future.     Ms. McKeown will send notification to the parents about further activities next half term.   A  sincere thanks to parents from around the world, who helped out and contributed so much to our recent International Day.   The Parents Association would really like to invite all these parents to come along to their meetings which take place in school on the second Wednesday of every month at 8pm., as they have so much to offer to our School Community.   Thanks very much to Paula Bermingham (MLSP) our energetic Zumba Dance Fitness Teacher, who has been putting us through our paces and firing us up with enthusiasm on Monday mornings for the past 6 weeks.  

The following courses are on-going in the school.  

            Supporting your Child in the Primary School:  Thursdays 9:15 to 11:15am (Feb. 12^th, 26^th, March 5^th).  This course will cover the following: Understanding the Irish Primary School system, your child’s learning style, communicating with the school, fun ways to help with reading, writing and maths.

            English course for parents: Wednesdays 9am to 11am.  This course is for parents who wish to get better at speaking and writing in English.  Brush up on your Irish: Fridays 9am – 11am (Feb 13^th, 27^th, March 6^th).  This course is for parents with no Irish and for those with a little or a lot.  It will show you how to  help with homework etc.

Mobile phones:   Children should not bring mobile phones to school.  If necessary children are permitted to call parents /guardians on the school phone through the school secretary.    If a child is found in possession of a mobile phone in school it will be confiscated and may be collected from the office that evening.

Literacy:  We have recent tested senior infants in their literacy and it is apparent that the programmes are working really well.

Internet Safety:  Thank you to Garda McKeown and her colleague who visited our 5^th classes recently to inform them about internet safety.  This is a very relevant topic for children particularly in senior classes.

Entrance Exams:  Best of luck to our children in 6^th classes who are completing entrance exams in their relevant secondary schools over the next few weeks.

Book Rental:  An inspection of our books will take place on Wednesday 25^th February.  We will be adding new books to the Book Rental Scheme for the coming year.

Principal Meetings:  Please make an appointment through the school secretary if you wish to meet the Principal.  It is very difficult to fit in impromptu meetings at 9am in the morning as it is a busy time with assembly of classes etc.

 

Yours sincerely,

 

 

 

 

 

Fergal Kelly

Príomhoide

  

 

 

 Dear Parents,                                                                                                    14^thJanuary 2015.

 

Curim Fáilte mór raibh gach duine ar ais ar scoil tar eis saoire na Nollag.   I hope you all enjoyed the Christmas break and wish you all well for the coming year.

Catholic Schools week:  To celebrate Catholic Schools week we are having an International Assembly on January 30th.  We have invited Fr Louis and Fr Jarusz to our assembly where they will speak about their own country and their experiences.  We are also hoping children will dress up on the day to celebrate their own heritage and customs. We hope that the children will enjoy this occasion.  Thank you also to Fr. Hurley for hosting a special Mass for the school on January 6^thto celebrate the feast of the Epiphany

Christmas activities:   Thanks to the staff, parents and children who worked hard during the month of December to support the wide range of activities going on in the school and the wider community.   The varied Christmas Plays and concerts were greatly appreciated by the attentive audiences.   The mix of music and song and dramatic content were indeed a great success.  

The Christmas Plays and activities were rounded off by Xfactor on December 19th and the children turned in memorable performances.   Congratulations to the winners Mapalo Mwenya, Luke Kavanagh and Ben Moriarty (Sound Waves) with the song Rip Tide.   The show once again attracted a huge crowd and we were delighted in true community spirit to welcome back past pupils and friends.   Thanks to Mr. Ryan and Ms. Maginn who organised the programme while Elvis was resurrected again to add diversity to the show.   Thank you to our Xfactor Judges The Three Wise men, Caspar, Balthasar, and Melchior who entertained us with their witty comments.   Thanks also to Peter Maguire who erected the stage and Jimmy & Audrey Fox who sponsored the prizes.   Children from various classes throughout the school got a chance to appear on stage at this time of year in Xfactor and Christmas Plays and we hope they benefited from this experience.

6^thClass Trip:  On the 12^thDecember last our 6^thclasses attended the Military War Museum at Collon, Co. Louth which was an insight into Irish participants’ involvement in both World War One and World War Two, as well as other military conflicts in world history.  The children got to witness first hand what life was like for the military during that time.   They saw demonstrations of weaponry and even got a trip in a tank.  The children  really enjoyed the experience.

First Penance :   First Penance will take place on Wednesday 21st January 2015 at 8:00pm in St. Oliver’s Church. A reminder that First Holy Communion will be held on Saturday 9th May at 10am.  

Parents Council: The next Parents Council meeting will take place on Wednesday January 14th at 8pm.   The Parents Council were certainly very busy during the month of December - organising the Dry Food Appeal, distributing the individual Christmas gift boxes to each child in the school and helping with policy formation.   A big thank you to all involved for their willingness to help out in the school and their support for the staff and children.   Members of the committee will be helping over the coming months with school photographs and the book rental scheme.

School Policies:  I note from recent questionnaires that some parents who are not on the Parent’s Association have expressed an interest in being involved in school policy.  I have set up a sub group of parents to look at key policies and we would welcome additions.  Please give your name to Bridget if you are interested.  I am particularly interested in a form of active team partnership where staff, pupils, parents and teachers have input into school policy.

School Health:   Vision and Hearing testing will be held for Junior Infants on the 26^th, 27th and 28th January.   Parents will be notified after the testing if their child needs a further referral.   Junior Infant Classes will be vaccinated with the 4 in 1 booster to protect against diphtheria, polio, tetanus and whooping cough as well as the MMR vaccine against Measles Mumps and Rubella on Thursday 29th January.  

Health Promotion:   To coincide with Operation Transformation and our campaign for our second

                                                                                                                                                Contd.

Health promotion Flag in 2016, there is a focus on healthy eating and fitness during the early part of 2015.   A committee of teachers, pupils and parents has been formed and we are being supported by Meath Health Promotion officers in this venture

HSCL :   Zumba fitness class for parents on Monday 12 January from 9am – 10am and this will run until the end of February.

Active Schools:  A newsletter will be sent out describing the events that are planned for the coming term.  Well done to the committee for all their hard work in this area.

Green Schools:  2014 has come and gone on another successful year for the Green School Committee. We were awarded the Water Flag and we are proud to announce that we will be hosting a forum for other schools from the Meath area on Friday 27 of February to help them with their water applications. We recently completed a travel survey and the results will be on the Green Flag Notice Board until the first of February. We hope to organise a WOW (Walk On Wednesday) from February onwards.  Work is continuing on our litter monitoring so please remember to keep those lunch boxes as litter free as possible. We are keeping a good eye on our energy usage and we have plenty of Energy Sheriffs to make sure that the doors and windows are kept closed where necessary and the lights are turned off when appropriate. Please remember to send your email address to the office to reduce the amount of paper used. It would be a great help.

Anti-bullying – Friends First Programme: Ms Dunne, Ms Reilly and Ms Flood attended a course on the new Friends First Programme.  This is being delivered to senior infants this term while Zizzy’s friends which is a similar programme is being delivered to 1^stclass.  The school also hosted a very successful friendship week from 24^th– 28th November last.

Punctuality:   It is important that we develop, promote and maintain the habit of being punctual for school.   I would ask everyone to make a special effort not to be late for school in 2015.   We are required to keep punctuality records in relation to children who are frequently late.   We ask for your co-operation in this regard as once again it is unfair on the children if they are constantly late.

Music:   Our recorder teacher Blaithín Cahill Gregg is hosting a recorder recital in March where all classes get to demonstrate their talents.  More information to follow.

School Safety:  Please be mindful when dropping off children that school opening and closing times are very busy.  Please be careful of pedestrians and children in the vicinity of the school.  Please do not block entrances in nearby estates. 

Staff meeting:   There will be an early closure to school on Thursday 22 January for 1st – 6th classes as the staff are undergoing training in gymnastics as part of the programme for Active Schools.  All classes will be dismissed at 1.45pm.

Athletics:   Our Cross Country runners also entered the Championships in Bellewstown in December. They ran well in very tough conditions.   Thanks to Ms. Priest and Mr. Farrell for preparing this team.

Inclement Weather:    It is the policy of the school to open every day scheduled in the school calendar provided the requisite number of teaching staff is available for duty.   Parent/Guardians should assess road and weather conditions and decide for themselves if it is safe for their children to travel to school.   Please ensure that the school has up to date mobile numbers for you so that information in this regard can be communicated swiftly.

Enrolment: Please ensure that you have registered your child for enrolment as places have already been allocated for September 2015.  If enrolment is closed we will be unable to offer your child a place.

Midterm Break: The school will be closed from Monday February 13th to Friday 19th inclusive.

Emails:  80% of parents have submitted their email addresses and February Newsletter will be the first to be sent by email only to all Parents.  Should anyone request a paper copy they will be available in the office.   The newsletter will also be available on the website.

 

 

Yours sincerely,

 

 

 

______________________

Fergal Kelly

Príomhoide

  

 

 A Chairde,                                                                                           5^th December 2014.

 

Listed below are some items and events that concern us over the coming month.

Christmas Holidays: The school will close for Christmas Holidays on Friday December 19th at 12:00 noon.  We will re-open on Monday January the 5th 2015 at 8:50am.  The school will be open on Tuesday 6th January the Feast of the Epiphany.

Active Schools: The notice board for achievements in our Active Schools programme is situated on the main corridor of the school and all news and events relating to Active Schools will be posted on this notice board.  Well done to Jack Donohoe 4th class who came 3rd in Leinster in orienteering recently and Luissa Guinane who won gold medals in a recent swimming Gala.   Please don’t forget our competition for a logo or slogan to represent our Active Schools Programme.   Great prizes on offer.  The closing date is December 15^th.   There is also a suggestion box outside office for any ideas you may have that may help to improve our sporting programmes.  

Inclement Weather:   It is the policy of the school to open on every day scheduled in the school calendar provided the requisite number of teaching staff is available for duty.   Parents/Guardians should assess road and weather conditions and decide for themselves if it is safe for their children to travel to school.   Please ensure that the school has up to date mobile numbers for you so that information in this regard can be communicated swiftly.

 

Enrolment:  We have completed our enrolment period for Sept. 2015.  All families have been contacted and all places have been allocated.   If you have not accepted a place in St. Oliver’s your child’s place will  now be allocated to a children on our waiting list.

History Tour:    Pupils from 6th class will visit the Military War Museum in Collon on Friday   December 12^th.     This is being subsidised by the school disadvantage grant  and as a result we were able to reduce the fees involved.   We hope the children enjoy the museum and exhibitions.   We feel it is especially fitting to commemorate the First World War on the centenary of the beginning of this conflict.

School Choir: Well done to our school choir who performed in the Newgrange on Sunday evening  November 30^th  with the Navan Silver Band.    This was a lovely occasion which really got everyone in the mood for Christmas.   Our recorder players were Katie McGuigan, Louissa Guinane , Iwona Gluchowska , Ciara Brady and Aaron Chinchilla.   Nigel Ryan and Geraldine Lynch prepared and choreographed the choir superbly.   Well done to everyone involved.  

Sporting Events:   Our fourth class soccer squad participated in the F.A.I. Futsal competition blitz in Gormanstown with Mr. O’Duláine and Ms. Dunne.   Our athletics group participated in the cross country competition on Bellewstown racecourse with Mr. Farrell & Ms. Priest.    The children really enjoyed these events.  Well done to Josh Carolan who came first of the pupils in our school in this event.

Community Garden:  Congratulations to our parents and helpers who achieved 3^rd place in the Meath Pride of Place awards in the development of their community garden recently.  Well done to all concerned.   

Green Schools– We are continuing to work towards our 4^th Green Flag.   WE have analysed surveys that have shown that 80% of children would like to cycle or walk to school and we have found that 75% of pupils have bikes but only 30% wear helmets and safety apparel.  We will examine these further over the coming weeks and we hope to achieve certain targets as a school before the end of the year.   We are also honoured to host a Green School demonstration for other schools on water conservation in the new year.  

Animal Crib Colouring Competition:  Well done to the winners of the Live Animal Crib Colouring completion, Junior Infants – Michaela Rennicks, Senior Infants – Olivia Dobek, First Class – Gabija Kulvinskaite, Second Class – Aodhán Kinahan, Third Class – Cara Cahill, Fourth Class – Olga Swisteck, Fifth Class – Katie Walpole and Sixth Class – Matt Magdadaro.   These pictures will be on display in the Live Animal Crib on Kennedy Plaza from 12^th to 24^th December 2014.

Home School Community Liaison:  

Thanks to Gavin Clarke who helped to organise our science week and also all the parents who helped to make it a big success.

•          Christmas Craft Class for parents will take place on Monday 15^th December from   9am to 11am.

•          Zumba classes with Paula will begin on Monday January 12^th at 9am.

• Christmas cookery classes on Tuesday 9^th December from 9am to 11am.
• English classes with John Wallace will continue after Christmas on Wednesdays 9am to 11am in the parents room.

•          If you are interested in any of the above classes please give your contact details to           Margaret (HSCL) at 087 9329545 or call to room 28.

 

Christmas plays –Performance times

Time:

9:15                 Tuesday 16^th                Mrs. Carley      Junior Infants

9:45                 Tuesday 16^th                Ms. Quinn       Junior Infants

11:30               Tuesday 16^th                Mr. Kearns       5^th Class

 

9:15                 Wednesday 17^th          Ms. McAteer   Senior Infants

                                                            Ms. Tunney    Senior Infants

                                                            Ms. Fox            Senior Infants

11:30               Wednesday 17^th          Ms. Forry         Second Class

01:15 – 2:00    Wednesday 17^th          Mr. Farrell       Sixth Class

 

9:15                 Thursday 18^th              Ms. Murphy     Junior Infants

11:30               Thursday 18^th              Mr. O’Duláine 4^th Class

 

9:30                 Friday 19^th                   X’Factor          

 

                                               

X Factor:   Auditions take place on Friday 5th at 1:15pm for classes from 2nd to 6th.   The XFactor final will take place on Friday 19th December at 9:30am.   Thanks to Audrey  and  Jimmy Fox for their kind sponsorship of prizes for this special event.

Power Hour:   Power Hour continues in Senior Infants and First Class up to the Christmas Period.   It is a great opportunity for the children to have this intensive emphasis on reading and other strands of the English curriculum.  The fact that our infant classes are smaller this year also creates great possibilities for the children.    The school continues to invest in reading resources so that eventually all children will be able to access individual reading schemes.

School Building:   Remedial Works are due to take place in January once the contractor is appointed.   We hope to have as little disruption as possible to the school during this period.

St. Vincent De Paul Food Appeal:   Thanks to the Parents Association who are organising the Dry Food Appeal on Tuesday and Thursday of next week.   It is incumbent on us all to think of those who are less fortunate especially at this time of year.     Many are struggling and the pressure of Christmas can be huge added financial burden on families.   Thank you to all who continue to support  this appeal.   Donations of money or other suitable materials may be made directly to the Vincent De Paul Shop, Brews Hill in the town.

Parents Association:  The next Parents Association meeting is on Wednesday 10th December at 8pm.

Parish Ceremonies: St. Mary’s Parish Advent ceremony of penance and reconciliation:  Tuesday 23rd December at 8pm in St. Mary’s Church.   Annual Carol Service, Sunday 21st December  St. Mary’s Church at 8:00pm.

Health Promotion:    We are working towards better mental health in our health promotion programme and we have many classes involved in such programmes as Friends First and Zippy’s Friends which are hugely beneficial for the well-being and self esteem of the children.    We are working towards a health promotion flag in 2016.

School Completion Homework Club– Homework Club is finished on Wednesday 17^th December 2014 for the Christmas period.    It will resume again in January 2015.   The children are looking forward to a Cinema trip on Thursday 11th December.   We hope that they enjoy this annual excursion.   We would like to welcome Emma Dillon our new School Completion Key Worker who started this week.   She replaces Yvonne Forde who has given great service to the school over the past six years and is greatly missed by pupils and staff.   Yvonne is starting a new position with Genesis Programmes in Drogheda in December. 

Irish Dancing /Speech & Dramawill resume again in January 2015.   Speech & Drama has already finished for this year while Irish Dancing will finish this week.

As you can see  December is one of the busiest but enjoyable months in the school calendar.   We hope that the children enjoy all the festivities at home and at school over the Christmas period.   I would like to thank the parents and children, teachers, Special Needs Assistants, Caretaker, cleaner and secretary who give their time generously in support of the activities arranged within and outside the school as we prepare for Christmas.   I hope that you all enjoy a happy and holy and peaceful Christmas and a healthy 2015.

School Self Evaluation:  I would like to continue to inform parents thatfollowing an evaluation of our educational programmes and procedures we are working on improving our standards of oral language in the English curriculum and problem solving in the Maths curriculum.   All teachers have a defined set of strategies that are operating in every class throughout the school in order to improve these areas.  

Website: There is also a useful website for parents of children aged 0 to 12 years.   You may check it out at www.helpmykidlearn.ie .  It contains lots of educational and fun activities for children.

 

Beannachtaí na Nollag oraibh go leír.

 

Yours sincerely,

 

 

 

___________________

Fergal Kelly

Príomhoide 

 

 

 

 

 

Dear Parents,                                                                                                                        6th November 2014.

 

I hope everyone enjoyed a safe and pleasant Halloween and mid term break.   Well done to all the children and staff who participated in our Halloween costume day on Oct the 24th last.   It was lovely to see the children dressing up and enjoying themselves.    Thanks in particular to the children who sported costumes made from recycled materials.  There were some creative and exciting costumes on display.

Listed below are items of interest for the coming weeks:

Mass for deceased staff & Pupils:   The annual mass for deceased staff, pupils and for the St. Oliver Plunkett’s list of the dead takes place on Saturday 8th Nov.   at 7pm in St. Oliver’s Church.    During this week we explain to our pupils why we remember our dead at this time of year and why we pray for them.   We also remember at this time the Kieran family, the Coyne family and the Gluchowski family who have suffered recent bereavements in our prayers.

School Closure:   The school will be closed on Monday the 8^th December for the feast of the Immaculate Conception.

Enrolment:   Our enrolment period is now upon us from 4th November to 18th November 2014.   Please make sure you have registered with the school during this period so that we can finalise our enrolment for September 2015.   If you have already applied and filled an enrolment form there is no need to re-apply.   Please let any interested parents know that they must contact the school during this time if they are to secure a place for Sept. 2015 for their child.

Christmas Activities:  

• Our school Choir will be taking part in The Navan Silver Band Christmas Concert on Sunday 30^th November in the Newgrange Hotel at  7:30pm.  Tickets for the show are available directly from the school office at €10.00 each.   An  enjoyable evening’s entertainment is promised.
• Our Folens Christmas Annuals are on sale in the school at €4.00 each and they are a nice seasonal read for the children at this time of year.
• Our Christmas Card orders are now being taken.  Prices are €8.00 for one set, €14.00 for 2 pks of cards and €20.00 for 3 pks of cards,   These prices are also applicable for families of 2/3 children who have produced 3 different types of cards.  Please send your remittance with proofs in one envelope with your eldest child.

Child Protection Policy:   The Board of Management of St. Oliver Plunkett N.S. has a comprehensive child protection policy in place.   The Principal Fergal Kelly is the designated Liaison person and the Deputy Principal Mairead Traynor in the Deputy Liaison person.   Any queries relating to child protection should be directed  to Fergal Kelly or Mairead Traynor.

Parents Council:   The next meeting of the Parents Council will take place on Wednesday Nov. 12th in St. Oliver Plunkett’s at 8pm.   Thanks to all who attended the AGM.  It was great to get help for the coming year.    We would like in particular to welcome the new families who are willing to participate on the Parents Association this year.   Peter Brady (Chairperson) Karen Ryan (Secretary) Susan Foley (Treasurer) are the officers for the coming year and we wish them well in their new roles.

Clothes collection: Final clothes collection for recycling takes place on Friday 7th November.

Parent Teacher meeting:     Parent Teacher meetings will be held on the evening of Thursday 27th November.   The school will close at 1:45pm to facilitate these meetings.   You will be given an appointment time in the next couple of weeks.   We will do our best to co-ordinate times for brothers and sisters with other teachers.    Alternative dates or arrangements can be made if these times are not suitable to you.

School safety:   It is important that all visitors report to the school office before proceeding to classrooms during the school day.   Also please note that the school grounds is designated as a no smoking area.  

In order to avoid unnecessary congestion and for child protection purposes parents should not enter the school building in the mornings.   Children should enter the school in their lines or on wet mornings be left at the appropriate school door.   At this stage the children should have the independence to go straight to their own classroom.  On wet mornings parents/guardians of children in junior infants may bring the child to their classroom after 8:45am but can leave once the teacher or SNA is present.

School Maintenance Improvementscontinue to be made to the school over the holiday period. A new window and glass block was installed in Ms. Traynor’s classroom which will brighten this area of the school considerably.   Some colour plastering and insulations works are continuing on the new building.  

Friendship Week:   Friendship week takes place as part of our anti-bullying initiative from the 17^th November to 21^st November 2014.  Ms. Murphy & Mr. Roche will be coordinating this project.    The activities that will be organised for this week form part of our anti bullying initiatives.

First Holy Communion & Confirmation:    First Holy Communion will take place in St. Oliver’s Church on Saturday  9th May 2015 at 10am and Confirmation will take place in St. Mary’s Church on Saturday 23rd May 2015 at 11:00am.  

Inclement Weather:   It is the policy of this school to open every day on the school calendar.   In the event of  inclement weather the school will open provided the requisite number of teaching staff are available for duty.   Parents should assess road and weather conditions and decide for themselves whether it is safe for their child to travel to school.

Swimming:   I would like to thank the teachers and SNA’s who assisted with supervision of children at the swimming classes this year.                                                                                                                       

Mathematics:   Well done to the children in classes who worked on their numeracy and mathematical skills during Maths week in October.   Well done to the classes who participated in the maths trails around the school and to Ms. McKeown and Ms.  Murphy who co-ordinated the events.

Literacy Hour:   Well done to the teachers and pupils from First Classes  who participated in Literacy Hour over the past seven weeks  - Thank you to Ms. Keane Faulkner and the class resource teachers for promoting this activity.    Research has shown that participation in such initiatives is very beneficial to children and often renews an interest in reading among parents.     For this term senior infants will be engaging in Power Hour and any parent who wishes to find out more should contact the principal.

RSE:     This talk will take place for children on 11^th & 12^th November for 6^th classes.    Children have already have been given forms for Parental Consent.

Recorder:    Recorder classes continue under the direction of Blaithín Cahill Gregg.   Please encourage your child to practice every day for 5-10 minutes.   This  will make a big difference in their ability to make a mastery of the instrument.

Green Schools:     Our green schools committee continue to work towards a 4th green flag and our green schools committee are working hard to ensure that  green issues are at the forefront of our daily routines.   Well done to our Bin Masters who are particularly diligent in keeping the school clean and tidy.

Assembly:   Our Assemblies continue every alternative Friday and classes are asked to do a little performance.   We also give out Pupil of the Week trophies and celebrate certain achievements of pupils and classes.    These gatherings also give a chance for Principal and Staff to relay messages and information to the pupils in the senior classes.    Parents are welcome to attend these assemblies should they so wish.    We also have our Golden Trophy Assembly for Senior Infants on Tuesdays.

HSE  

The Dental Clinic will attend the school for Dental Screening of Junior Infants only.   Please make sure you send your consent form back into the school with your child.  

Active Schools:   The Staff have formed an active schools committee this year and have applied for the active schools flag.   In order to win this award there will be plenty of sporting activities arranged over the coming months.   Meath Athletics are currently taking classes in the school hall while tag rugby has been organised for 5^th classes.   Training continues for gaelic footballers from 1^st to 5^th class while we will soon be arranging a team for the cross country running finals in Bellewstown at the end of the month.    

Visiting Teachers:  We welcome visiting teachers to the school this week as they prepare for their examinations.   We would like to take this opportunity to wish them well in their careers.

HSCL: Some children from Homework Club attended Shrek the Musical on Wednesday the 6^th November.    We hope they enjoyed the experience.

English Class for parents will continue until Christmas

A few  lucky parents and pupils had a visit to the Solstice Theatre recently, to hear  the very  entertaining  Childrens’ Author Jeremy Strong, give tips on writing stories.

Some of our parents along with other members of Navan Community Gospel Choir spent a most enjoyable and memorable night performing at a Concert in The Helix  on Sun.19th Oct.

We welcome parent volunteers who would like to help out on our Science Day  next week  on Fri.14th Nov. If you have any queries  please phone Margaret McKeown at 087-9329545

Thanks very much to all the parents  who helped us with Maths Trails during Maths Week.

 

 

Yours sincerely,

 

__________________

Fergal Kelly

Príomhoide 

 

 0ctober 2014

 

Dear Parents

 

Here are some items that should be of interest to you this month.

Halloween Break:  The school will be closed for mid-term break from Friday October 24th at 2.45pm and will returning on Monday November 3rd.  I hope everyone enjoys the break.  I have been asked by the Gardai to remind parents and children of the danger of Fireworks and similar materials over this holiday period.

Enrolment 2015/2016:  Enrolment for September 2015 will take place between November 4^th-8th.  Please ensure that you have registered with the school in this timeframe as places in the school cannot be guaranteed. The school is restricted to enrolling 60 pupils.  The relevant enrolment forms will be distributed to all families in the school.  Please let friends or family who are considering sending their children to St Oliver’s that we are enrolling.  Even if families have filled in forms before they must still register during this fortnight.  All Catholic Schools in the parish are enrolling during this set period.

Parents Association:  The Parents Association AGM will take place in the school at 8pm Wednesday 15^th October 2014.  A great way to get involved in the school is through the parent association who help out with all the various activities of the school and I would encourage you to attend.

Seminars for parents are taking place in many venues around the country this month as part of the anti-bullying nationwide strategy.  More information is available from committee members.

Community Events:  The organisation CRY (Cardiac Risk in the Young) are having a coffee morning on Saturday October 18^th in memory of our past pupil Ruth Maguire in Simonstown GAA Centre from 10am – 1pm.

We would like to congratulate Lisa Carroll on her swim of the English Channel which raised funds for the Irish Deaf Women’s Group (IDWG).  Well done to Lisa and her partner swimmers on this extraordinary achievement.

St Mary’s Church:  As part of the 175th anniversary of the opening of St. Mary’s Church the children from 2nd – 6th classes in the parish are invited to the church to participate in the children’s rosary.  The classes have all received packs to prepare for this event.  There will be petitions and prayers for the sick and a procession.  Each child will be presented with a rosary beads on the occasion and we hope this will be a memorable experience for the children.

Reading Programmes/Maths:  We are delighted to have our literacy lift off reading programmes again in place this year.  A considerable amount of money has been spent on the graded reading programmes which are being followed in senior infants and first class.  Junior and senior infants are being immersed in the ready steady go maths programme which is an activity based learning programme designed to develop children’s number sense in a fun and stimulatory environment.  As in literacy lift off four teachers take each class in different situations and practice different skills in each station.  The children learn lots through fun and games and we are delighted with their progress.  The teachers have received training on the online maths programme of cracking maths recently and the children’s lessons are expertly supplemented by these interactive online games and tasks.  We are concentrating on problem solving this year as part of our school improvement plan and we are very hopeful that the new initiatives and programmes will improve the children’s skills in this area.

Mass of enrolment for children preparing for the sacraments:   Children preparing for the Sacrament of Holy Communion were enrolled at Masses on the weekend of 4^th/5^th October.  Children preparing for the Sacrament of Confirmation were enrolled at masses on the weekend of 11^th/12th October. 

Mass for Schools:  The Mass for the list of the dead will take place on the weekend of 8^th/9^th November and the schedule is the same as that for enrolment Masses above.  It is hoped that all classes will prepare a list of the Dead and that the mass will be a coming together of the school community to remember and pray for its dead.   In this month of October the School would like to send our condolences to the O’Hare family, Gorman family Fagan family, Sosin & Barry Families on their recent bereavements.

Contact numbers:  It is essential that class teachers and the office are provided with updated mobile/landline numbers and addresses.  These numbers should also be written into homework journals.   Also, please inform Bridget if you are not receiving text messages sent out from the school.

School Uniforms:  I would like to remind children that outside of P.E. activities or swimming days that they should wear full uniform each day.  Please ensure that uniforms and tracksuit tops have their children’s names written on them so on the event of loss they can be returned to their owners.

School Safety:

• We are delighted to see more bikes being cycled to school.   However, it is essential that cyclists wear a safety helmet and a high visibility vest.  Please ensure that your child is familiar with the rules of the road.  Cycling is not permitted on school grounds.
• The school opens at 8.45am and the yards are not supervised before this time.  On wet mornings the school will be opened (provided there are 2 members of staff available to supervise) to allow children to come directly into the school.  No child should be on school grounds before 8.45am each morning.
• It is important that parents are vigilant in supervising how their children use their mobile phones.  Inappropriate messages and pictures may be distributed on phones and these can be disturbing to the recipients.  Children should not take mobile phones to school.
• If you collect your child early from school any day please call to the office and sign to release your child.  (Bridget will then call your child for you).
• The council have organised new safety barriers near the traffic lights this week to help the safe passage of children at this junction. Thank you to Colm brady for his representations on our behalf.
• Head Lice:  Please be vigilant about head lice during the year and report any concerns to the school or the class teacher.

H.S.C.L.

• English classes for parents with Teacher John Wallace started on Wednesday 8th October (9am to 11am) and will run for 6 weeks.
• It was great to see so many parents attend our recent Maths Information Morning for new Junior Infant Parents. We will be looking for parents of 2nd class pupils to help with Maths Trails during Maths Week which runs from October 11th – 18^th
• The Community Garden which is on a small plot of ground between Blackcastle and Clusker Park Estates has got off to a good start during the Summer Holidays, with many of our pupils and their families helping out.  It has been a very rewarding and enjoyable project for all, with a good harvest of blackcurrants, peas, runner beans, tomatoes, beetroot, carrots, pumpkins etc. and lots of beautiful flowers.  On Saturday 4th October many of our pupils helped out a fundraiser “Coffee and Treats” event where a large number of locals got together to plant bulbs.  We hope that they continue the good work!
• Navan Community Gospel Choir will now be practising on Monday nights here in St Oliver Plunkett’s National School.  The practices start at 8am.  New members welcome! The choir which has a core group of our parents among it’s members, will be performing along with other choirs in the “Lifted Voices” Concert in the Helix on Sunday 18th October at 7.30pm.  If you wish to enquire about tickets or about joining the choir please contact Margaret (087-93295454) or Jonathon (085-2779700
• Please label all uniform items especially track suit tops and jumpers/cardigans as these can easily get mixed up.

Christmas Cards:  This year we will be participating in a school Christmas Card scheme.  Children have been designing their own personal cards and these will be professionally printed and packaged in packets of 10.  More details will follow.

Homework Policy:  I hope the children are settling into the routine of homework each night.  Homework is not assigned at weekends unless in exceptional circumstances.  If it is taking excessively long for your children to complete assignments, please bring the matter to the attention of the class teacher.

School Personal Accident Insurance– closing date Thursday 17^th October

Cumann na mBunscol activities and other sport:  Our Boys and girls have completed Cumann na mBunscol leagues.  Thanks to Mr Farrell, Mr Kearns, Mrs Carley and Ms Lynch for all their work in this area.  I would also like to send Ms lynch best wishes and a speedy recovery after a recent injury.

Website:  Please check our website – www.stoliverplunkettsnavan.iefor news, photos as activities happen.

Assemblies:  Assemblies are always the high point of our Fridays and it is great to see the children performing and doing well in their classes.  Awards for pupils of the week and mentions of special achievements are an integral part of these occasions.

Concert in Beaufort College:  The children from 6^th class will attend a musical in Beaufort College on Wednesday 22 October.  We hope they enjoy this occasion.

Schoolbags:  I would like to remind children that they should only bring to and from school items that are necessary each day in order to minimise the weights of their schoolbags.

Communion & Confirmation:  First Communion will take place on Saturday May 9^th 2015 in St. Oliver’s Church at 10am and Confirmation will take place on Saturday May 23rd 2015 in St Mary’s Church at 11am.

Financial Considerations:

I would like to thanks parents and guardians for cooperating with the arrangements to collect monies this September.  Collecting these funds at this time of year assists the school greatly to administer and manage finances during the rest of the year.  Please contact the school office if you are having financial difficulties relating to school bills this year.

Swimming:   We are coming to the end of our successful swimming programme in 3^rd and 4^th class and the children are making good progress.  The fact that each class has been taken individually in the allocated time means great room for the children in the sessions. 

 

Yours sincerely,

 

 

 

 

_____________________

Fergal Kelly

Príomhoide

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 Dear Parents,                                                                                     29^th August 2014.                               

 

Cead Mile Failte ar ais ar scoil don Bhliain Nua.   I hope you all enjoyed the summer holidays and are ready for the new school year.   I would like to welcome you all back to the school and extend a special word of welcome to all the children and their families who are new to the school and indeed to Navan.

I would also like to introduce Ms. Forry and Ms McCarthy who are new to our staff and are teaching 2^nd class and 4^th class respectively.

A huge thanks to Peter, Marian, Joe and Gavin who got the school ready for classes this year and of course Bridget and Áine, Francis, Rosaleen and Colette who ensured our books and other information was ready for the new school year.

Junior Infants: A tremendous welcome to our new Junior Infants who to all appearances have settled in extremely well already.   We wish them well during their eight years in the school and we hope that you their parents can take an active part in the school during their time here.   Junior Infants will commence their full day on Wednesday 10^th September  (1:45 pm collection).   ID cards for safe collection of the children will be issued soon.

School Calendar: The school calendar is available and a copy is being sent out to all families in the coming weeks.   Important dates for the moment to note are Halloween mid-term break- school closed Monday 27^th- Friday 31^st inclusive.   Closed Monday 8^th December.    Christmas- School Closed Monday 22^nd December to Friday 2^nd January inclusive.

School Building- Unfortunately the new extension is not yet ready for all classes as some work on existing blockwork needs to take place over the coming weeks.   As of yet I have no exact date when all the rooms will be occupied.   While this is disappointing we are still three classrooms better off than we were at this time last year and we are still very upbeat about the project particularly with the amounts of improvements made to the school over the summer.  

A new library has been created as well as a new high support emotional and behavioural room plus renovations have taken place in our prefabricated units.   New light tunnels have been constructed in Rooms 13 and 14 while our computer room has also received a facelift.   Some special education  rooms were painted and a new special education tutorial room has been constructed from what was a previous store room.  

A dividing wall has also been erected in a prefab to create two storage areas for our art and craft and drama equipment.   A new Principals office is now situated in the old library next to the computer room.   As you can see it has been a very busy summer!

Nut allergy:     We have some children with nut allergies in classes throughout the school.   We would ask parents even from other classes to avoid giving their children lunches or foods with nut products in them.   Even touching another child who has ingested nut products and who has traces on their hands or skin could cause a reaction.   I ask parents to be vigilant on this for the coming year.      I attach an explanatory letter for the classes of children involved.   I would also ask parents of children in Senior  Infants to be mindful that we have a child enrolled who has a pineapple allergy.  Please do not send pineapple into the school as a result.

Book rental scheme: Some books remain to be collected for our book rental scheme.   Please send in €10 to your child’s teacher as soon as possible so that your child can make the best start to the school year that he/she can

School Uniform:   It is great to see the children presenting wearing the full school uniform including the tie.   It is important to get into the habit of wearing the uniform to school each day.   Only when the children have P.E. should they wear the school tracksuit.   Please make sure that your child’s/children’s jumpers are labelled so that they can be identified if lost.   Hair must be worn neat and tidy and no streaks or severe haircuts allowed.   Students are not allowed to cut/shave designs into their hair or eyebrows.   We would seek all parent co-operations on this.   Many shops are now selling black runners/shoes and these are more acceptable as part of the uniform than brightly coloured shoes/runners.

Mobile Phones:   No mobile phones are permitted in school.   Should your child wish to make a call then this can be facilitated in the office .

Punctuality:   The bell goes each morning at 8.55am and 9.am.   It is extremely important that the children are ready to line up at this time each day.   The school gates will be open from 8.45am to receive pupils but we would discourage the practice of children being in the school at a very early time as there is no supervision available.   On wet days if there are staff members available we will ensure that doors are open to receive the children into the classroom by 8.50am. 

Please make sure your child has the independence they need by letting them off at the gate.   Children in the middle to senior classes are now at an age that they can independently go to their classroom line. Classes from fourth to sixth are dismissed at 2.45pm while the first , and second classes leave at 2.40pm.

Swimming:   Swimming will resume for third and fourth classes  - on Wednesday 11th Sept for 4th classes and Friday 13th Sept., for 3rd classes.   I would like to remind parents of these classes that aquatics is a strand of the P.E. Curriculum and children should participate unless there is a genuine reason for not doing so.

Music:  Ms Cahill Gregg will be returning to teach recorder this year.    Please encourage your child to practice 5/10 minutes each day with this instrument and it is surprising the progress that can be made.  Third Class will be starting this instrument so we will be ordering recorders for them this week.

Parents Association:   The first meeting will take place on Wednesday 10^th Sept., at 8:00pm.  I would encourage parents to get involved and help out the committee where possible.  

Friends First.  Ms Dunne and Ms McKeown have been trained in Friends first - a new programme by NEPS. They hope to operate this programme with fifth classes this year. The programme explores the importance of positive relationships and  aims to teach a whole class or smaller groups of children the skills to manage their thoughts, emotions and body responses.

Healthy Eating:   As you know our healthy lunch policy encourages children to eat/drink foods that are beneficial to a healthy lifestyle.   Many of the foods available in our supermarkets are very high in sugar and fat.   Please try and help educate your child in this area and please read the accompanying letter.

School Football:   Mr. Farrell and Mr. Kearns and Mrs. Carley are eagerly assessing the boys and girls panels for the football leagues that lie ahead.   Best of luck to everyone involved.

NEWB returns:   The school is obliged to report all absences of 20 days or more the National Education Welfare Board.   It is therefore of vital  importance that all absences are accounted for in the spaces provided for in the back of the homework journal.   You will be informed if and when your child is absent for 15 days that he/she is nearing reporting point.    Teachers advise the Principal should continuous absences give cause for concern.   I am particularly concerned that a large cohort of children miss  more that 20 days and therefore have to be reported to the National Welfare Board.   I will be meeting with parents over the next few weeks and months to try and alleviate this problem as the same children are being affected year after year and they are missing a vital part of their education.   New regulations from the Dept of Education mean that a child who has missed 20 consecutive days will be taken off the roll.

Visitation:   We would appreciate it if all visitors report to the secretary’s office on entering the school grounds.   Please make an appointment with Bridget if you want to speak with a teacher and time can be made available.

Pupils Personal Accident Insurance Scheme:

€6.00 School Activities only / €9.00 24 Hour Cover -

School Personal Accident Insurance letter/application form will be given to all pupils -  please complete and return with payment in a sealed envelope  clearly marked  - INSURANCE.   If your child is taking part in school sporting activities please take out this policy.

Car Park –Please impress on your children the need to be extremely vigilant and careful in the car park area.   It can be very crowded at school starting and finishing times.   Please drive slowly and carefully in this area.

Stay Safe– Our Stay Safe programme as part of our SPHE syllabus is going to commence at the start of the school year.   We feel that this important area should be taught at this time of the year. 

Phone Numbers:   It has come to our attention that some phone numbers on school records are no longer in use.   Please make sure the school has updated phone numbers and addresses.   Should you need to be contacted urgently it is essential that these updated details are provided.

Homework:   Soon the children will be getting used to the good habits of homework and learning.   The learning aspects of homework are equally as important as the written tasks.   Please check this regularly and communicate with the teacher using the homework journal.

Second Hand School Tracksuits–  track suit tops and/or bottoms would be much appreciated and any other uniform clothing.   Please take to Ms. McKeown in Room 28.

After School Activities:

Speech & Drama:   Speech and Drama will commence again this year  on Wednesday/Friday next week.   Forms  have already gone home with children and parents should register on line. 

Elfrieda Managhan Vaughan Mobile – 086 8373582

Irish Dancing:   Irish Dancing will commence again this year on Tuesday next 9^th Sept.   Details have been sent home and if you are interested please contact the Irish Dancing Teacher – Alyson Redmond Mobile 086 8430492

Keyboard Lessons:  Starting on Friday 19th Sept.

Karate:   Karate lessons take place each Monday and Wednesday after school – contact Rhonda Balfe Hoban Mobile 0868958878

Photographs for Junior Infants– Meath Chronicle have taken photographs of our new Junior Infants classes.   No names will be inserted with these pictures.

HSCL:   Ms. Margaret McKeown is well known to most of our parents and she is available to provide help and support to everyone.   Should you have any issues or concerns about your child or school.

Margaret can be contacted at 087 9329545 or through the secretary’s office.

Parenting Programme:   Springboard are hosting a parenting programme called ‘swings and slides’ in the family centre at 81, Blackcastle Lodge, Flowerhill, Navan on Tuesday 21^st October from 10:00am to  12:00 noon.  If you wish to attend or require more information please contact Helena or Alacoque on 046/9078221 or 085 8681597.   This course if free of charge but places are limited.

 

A letter is prepared each month.   If you wish to have any information included please contact the office.   It takes a few weeks to get used to our new classes, the routine of school and homework.   But in a short while it will become second nature to us all.   I look forward to working with you during the school year. 

 

Yours sincerely,

 

 

 

__________________

Fergal Kelly

Príomhoide

 

 Dear Parents,                                                                                       20^th June 2014.

 

This newsletter specifies some items of interests for you over the final week of school in June.

Retirement of Marian Sheehan:   Congratulations to Ms. Sheehan who is retiring after teaching for more than 30 years in St. Oliver’s.   Marian has made a huge contribution to the school during her time here.  She has been a wonderful colleague to all the staff in St. Oliver’s and we have all benefitted from her lovely energy and professionalism.  During her time here she taught all classes from Junior Infants to 6th and her hard work has been really appreciated by the children and their parents.   She will be missed greatly by all in St. Oliver’s.   We wish her every happiness in the future.

Eunice Murtagh:   Eunice has been an SNA in the school for the past 13 years.   Unfortunately the Special Needs Assistant Post to which she was assigned has recently been suppressed.   During her time here she has worked with a wide variety of children in all classes.   She is greatly appreciated by all the school community for her work in the school.   Her organisational abilities and her gentle care of the children will be hugely missed.  

School Show“Pirates of the Currybean”:   Congratulations to Mr. Farrell, Ms Rennicks and Mr Ryan and the children in 6th classes for their production of Pirates of the Currybean which took place over two evenings in the Community Centre last week . This was a great opportunity for the children in 6th class to showcase their talents to a huge audience.  The show indeed was pure entertainment from start to finish . It was a great confidence builder for the children as they move on to secondary school. Great credit is due to all the teachers and staff and special needs assistants who worked so hard in the previous weeks and months to ensure that it would be a success. Well done to all involved.

Book swap:   Book swap will take place next week on Monday 23rd and Tuesday 24^th of June.  Parents will get the opportunity to exchange,  buy,  or trade up their childrens’ school books at a reasonable price for next year.   School books in good condition can also be donated.    If we get a good response we hope to be in a position to help out families that would formerly have availed of the Book Scheme.

School holidays:   The summer holidays start on Friday, June 27^th at 12 o'clock.   At this juncture I would like to thank all the parents for the great support you have shown the school over the past year. The school will reopen on Thursday Aug 28th at 09.00 am.

The details of classes and new teachers are as follows 2014/2015:

Junior Infants       Ms. Quinn,Ms. Carley,Ms. Murphy

Senior Infants      Ms. Fox ,Ms. Tunney , Ms. McAteer.

Next week we are dividing these classes from two classes to three.   This represents a great learning opportunity for the classes.

1st Class                               Ms. Flood takes Ms. Tunney’s class

                                Ms. Connolly takes Ms. Murphy’s class

2nd Class              Ms. Lynch takes Ms. Sheehan’s class

                                New Appointment takes Ms. Foxes class

3rd Class               Ms. Traynor takes Ms. Lynch’s class

                                Ms. McKeon takes Ms. Connolly’s class

4th Class               Ms. Maginn takes Ms. Traynor’s class

                                Mr. O’Duláine takes Ms. McAteer’s class

5th Class               Mr. Delany takes Ms. Maginn’s class

                                Mr. Kearn’s takes Mr. O’Duláine’s class

6th Class               Mr. Farrell takes Mr. Delany’s class

                                Mr. Ryan takes Mr. Kearn’s class

Reports:   Reports and book lists are sent out today. Please check your child’s bag.

Sport:  Congratulations to our Rounders Teams both boys and girls who won the Meath Championships this year.   This is a great honour for the school.   The boys and girls will be honoured at our Green Flag Ceremony on Friday.   Thanks to Mr. Ryan, Ms. Lynch, Ms. Tunney and Ms. Carley for preparing the teams.

Congratulations to our basketball teams who reached both semi finals.   Thanks to Ms. Lynch for all her work in this area.

Mini Leagues:   Please make sure your child brings his/her gum shield with them next week for the mini league finals.   Please ensure your child has sunblock applied on these sunny days as there are some outdoor activities planned.

Congratulations to Sean Kane who have been selected to play in Croke Park on Leinster Semi Final Day.   This is an honour for Sean and his family.

Book Rental Scheme:   An accompanying letter sets out the terms of our book rental scheme.    This represents substantial savings for parents and it undoubtedly will grow year upon year.  We hope that all parents will support the scheme.

National Bike Week:   This week is national bike week.   Keep an eye on your local cycing activities and well done to those pupils who cycle to school.

Green Flag Celebrations:   We are pleased to announce that we have been awarded our third Green Flag.   The Green Flag committee would like to thank all the parents, teachers and students from St. Oliver’s Primary School who helped us achieve our Green Flag status.  

We are also delighted that the President of the GAA Liam O’Neill visited the school at 10:30am on Friday 20th June.   The President raised the flag with our esteemed colleague Marian Sheehan who is retiring after 31 years service in St. Oliver’s.  

6^th Class Graduation:   Graduation  Ceremony takes place on Wednesday at 9:15am Mass in St. Oliver’s Church.   After Mass we will go to a ceremony in the school where the children’s work and achievements will be celebrated.   All parents are welcome.   The farewell graduation will be over by 11:00am.   Parents may bring their child/children home with them if they wish at the end of the celebrations.

5^th Classes:   The Garda Horse Unit will visit our 5^th classes on Tuesday 24^th June.    We hope the children enjoy the  celebration.

Building Extension:   One of our 6^th classes have happily moved into the new extension this year.   4^th, 5^th and 6^th classes will be placed in the extension next year.   There will be no class in St. Oliver’s in a prefab next year.   This is a great achievement for the school community.   Thanks to David Cullivan (Architect) and Crossdoney Construction for their commitment to the project.   Work continues on the school right throughout the summer.

Uniforms:   Please send in any second hand uniforms which are in good condition to Margaret McKeown next week.   She will collect them on Monday / Tuesday & Wednesday of next week.  

 

I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a very good summer. We are disappointed to lose our families who are in 6th class or who are moving schools or emigrating but we welcome our new families in Junior infants and in other classes to the school.

It has been a busy year but I would like to thank the Board of Management, parents, Parents association,  staff and Pupils for their unstinting support to the school over the past year.  We look forward to next year and we wish you all a great summer.

 

Yours sincerely,

 

 

 

 

 

 

________________

Fergal Kelly

Príomhoide

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

June 2014 Newsletter

 

Dear Parents/Guardians,                                                                              5^thJune 2014.

 

I would like to bring the following matters to your attention this month.

School holidays:   The school will close on Friday June 27^that 12 noon for the summer holidays.

Classes for next year:   In order to accommodate new pupils and balance numbers in various classes it may be necessary to re-arrange some classes at the end of every school year.   It is important that children and parents are aware of this.   Please inform the school at an early stage in June so that places can be allocated to children on our waiting list or moving into the area.

Staffing:   We are delighted to welcome back Yvonne Forde who is our School Completion key worker after her career break and we would like to wish Ms. Sinead Kearney the best of luck in her future career.   She was a marvellous support to the teachers and pupils this year.

Summer Weather:    On warm sunny days it is advisable that children wear sun block coming into school.   It is also permissible for children to wear shorts (preferably blue or grey) to school on these days.

First Holy Communion:   Congratulations to the children from Ms. Connolly’s and Ms. Lynch’s class who received the sacrament of First Holy Communion last month.   It was a wonderful occasion for the children, their families and our school.   I would like to thank Mr. Ryan and Ms. Lynch and the choir for the lovely singing which enhanced the ceremony.   Thank you to Fr. Hurley who officiated at the Mass.   The reception at the school afterwards was very enjoyable and a welcome opportunity for the families to mix and meet after the ceremony and show the school to our guests.   Sincere thanks to Eunice Murtagh, members of the Parents Council and other parents who organised this reception.

Confirmation:  Congratulations to all the children in Mr. Ryan’s, Mr. Farrell’s and Ms. Rennick’s classes who received the sacrament of Confirmation on May 24^th.   This was once again a wonderful occasion for all children and families involved.   The children attended a reconciliation ceremony with their families on May 22^ndand this was very well received by the participating families.  Thank you to the teachers who prepared the children so well for this Sacrament.

School Tours:   I hope the children enjoy their school tours. 

School Tour schedule for June:  Junior Infants  6th June, 2nd Class 10th June, 5th Class 9th June

6th Class 12th June, Green Schools Tour 11th June.

Elastic Band Bracelets:   As a result of a number of incidents and misunderstandings these are not permitted in the school.   While as an Art & Craft activity the usage of these coloured bands is creative unfortunately these bands have become a nuisance in other ways!

School Musical:   The sixth class musical ‘Pirates of the Currybean’ will take place on the 18^thand 19^thof June in St. Mary’s Community Centre, Navan.  The classes are busy rehearsing and are looking forward to the big performance.   Tickets are now on sale at €5.00 and are going fast.   Please send in the money in an envelope to the class teacher and they will be given tickets.

6^thClass Farewell:  Our 6^thclass farewell will take place on Wednesday June 25^that 10:15am.   This will be preceded by Mass in St. Oliver’s Church at 9:15am.

Active School Week:  St. Oliver Plunkett N.S. held a very successful Active Schools Week recently.  The children enjoyed a wide variety of sporting activities and active pursuits during this week.  There was coaches from Simonstown GAA, local Karate Clubs, Navan Cricket Club, Hockey Clubs, Irish Dancing School, Meath Local Sports Partnership athletics, Zumba and much more besides.  All 500 children took part in the “Walk a Mile with a smile” activity and it was certainly an arresting sight to see all the pupils resplendent in their hi-vis gear marching in the environs around the school. Another highlight of the week was our Dance competition and a large crowd attended what was an excellent show.   Congratulations to all the children who took part and to our winners  from 4^thclass Amy Harrington, Katie Walpole, Caoimhe Stanley, Leah Browne, Moya Knox, and Ellen Farrell.   The weather stayed kind for most of our activities and we are grateful to all the helpers, contributors, coaches  and parents   for their support during what was a very busy week.  We are also grateful to Meath County Council for helping to provide a safe trail for the children and for providing the hi-vis equipment.  The children’s Sports Days were the highlight of the week and we welcomed parents and visitors to witness all the events and activities.   The week was such a success that we hope to run more of these activity weeks in the future.  Our school continues to put a large emphasis on healthy eating and fitness programmes throughout the year and with levels of obesity in Ireland of grave concern we hope to bring the highlight the benefits of a healthy lifestyle to children and their parents.  

Parents Council Meeting:  Our next parents’ Council meeting will take place on Wednesday 11^thJune 2014 at 8pm in the school.  I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Parents Association for all their help and support during the past school year.

Junior Infant Induction:    This meeting took place in the school on Thursday May 15th.   The children were shown to their new classes and Parents were given a tour of the school.   They visited classrooms and play areas and were given a rousing cameo performance by the 6th class who were preparing for their end of year performance.   The choir also performed for the parents.  This was greatly appreciated by everyone.   We hope that the children will have eight happy years with us.

Attendance:  Over the years we have seen attendances drop in June for various reasons.   Please keep your child in school right up to the end of the year.   Children who miss a lot of school unfortunately find themselves in a situation where it is easier to miss days rather than come to school.   Should your child miss 20 days or over we will be obliged to report this to the National Education Welfare Board.   There is no need to worry if your child has been absent due to legitimate reasons such as illness or other.   We also can report patterns that emerge of missed days such as absences on Mondays and Fridays etc.   Please send your child into school.   Should you be struggling in this regard help is available.   Please contact Margaret McKeown our Home School Liaison Teacher if there are any difficulties in this area.

Nut Allergy:  Please note that we have students with nut allergies in the school.   Please ensure that nut products are not brought into school.   Thank you to parents who have been very vigilant on this up to now.   Information with regard to specific classes will be sent out in September.

Homework Club:  Homework Club will end on today Thursday June 5^th.

School Hall:  Please note that no wearing of stiletto shoes is permitted in the school hall.

Medical Information:  It is vitally important that the school is made aware of the particular medical needs of children in the school  ie. asthma, diabetics, nut allergies etc.   Please being these matters to the attention of staff and school secretary.

School  Athletics:  Best of luck to our school athletics team who are in the finals in Claremont  Stadium on Wednesday next 11th June.   We are hoping for some medals but the main thing is that the children enjoy representing the school and competing in their respective events.

School Sports    - Mini Leagues are ongoing at the moment and our finals will take place towards the end of June. 

First Tee Golf:   First Tee Golf is an innovation aimed at primary school children who may like to take up the sport in later years.  It is a basic introduction to the skills of the game and we are grateful to School Completion for organising these classes for us on Thursday 5^thJune.

Soccer competition:   In memory of Past Pupil Ruth Maguire the teaching staff have entered a team to play in the Ruth Maguire Perpetual Memorial in Scoil Naomh Eoin.   It will take place this evening Thursday 5^thJune in aid of CRY – (Cardiac Risk in the Young).

Green Schools:   The Green School Committee recently received the Green award for Water Conservation at an award ceremony in Dublin.   To congratulate the hard work done by the committee we will be having a tour to the Botanic Gardens in Dublin.   This tour will highlight the importance of water for drinking and food production and hopefully be a thoroughly enjoyable day.

Garda Horse Unit:   The garda horse unit will visit the school on Monday 23^rdof June.

National Parents Conference– The National Parents Conference takes place on Saturday 14^thJune 2014 in the National College of Ireland, Mayor Street, Dublin 1. The conference is open to all parents and starts at 11am.   To register go to www.npc.ie.

Cyberbullying:  Last Thursday 29^thMay pupils and parents attended a very interesting presentation from E-Safety on Cyberbullying.   Paul who presented the seminar was effective in educating us on the issues pertaining to usage of social media and internet access. We hope to continue to raise awareness of cyberbullying in the future.

Junior Cycle Reform:   The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment presents a series of meetings organised with the National Parents Primary on Junior Cycle reform.   The meetings are aimed at children starting secondary school in Sept.   They will provide information on the changes to the secondary school in Sept.   The meeting for this area will be held in The Stillorgan Park Hotel on Tuesday 17^thJune or the Crowne Plaza in Blanchardstown on Wednesday 18^thJune at 7:30pm.

Karate Club:   Well done to Eoin Clynch who took gold in the Irish Open International in Tallaght Leisure Centre recently.

 

Yours sincerely

 

 

 

 

 

________________

Fergal Kelly

Príomhoide

 

 

 

  

 

Dear Parents,                                                                                     8^th April 2014.

 

Here are some items that are of interest to you for the month of April.

School Recorder Recital:

There will be a recorder recital in the school hall on Wednesday April 9^th at 9:15am for 3^rd and 4^th class and 10:15am for 5^th & 6^th classes.   This is the culmination of many weeks work and it is lovely to see the various pupils and classes playing so well.   Please try to find time to come in and hear the recitals.

Confirmation & Communion:

First Holy Communion takes place on Saturday 10^th May at 10am while Confirmation takes place on Saturday 24^th May at 3:00pm.   The children are busy preparing for these sacramental celebrations.

Easter Holidays:   The school will close for Easter Holidays on Friday April 11^th next at 12:00 Noon.   It will re-open on Monday April 28^th at 9:15am.

Anti Bullying Policy:    On May 29^th Esafety will speak to senior classes on how to be safe on the internet.   There will also be a meeting with parents on the same evening at 8pm in the school hall.   Paul from Esafety gives excellent information on what parents need to be aware of with regard to Facebook and Snapchat etc.   We would hope that parents can attend this important meeting.

Active Schools Week:   Our school is hosting an active schools week on 19^th to 22^nd May.   We will be having sporting activities this week plus the school sports days.   (This is a change to our calendar).   We will have dance competitions, active home work, walk a mile activities, orienteering and many more events.   We will send out a more detailed notice in the weeks ahead.

Ready Steady Go Maths:   Ready Steady Go Maths is a new skills based learning approach to maths which we are piloting in the infant classrooms this term.   We are investing considerably in the new equipment.   The programme is activity based and is designed to develop children’s number sense in a fun and stimulating environment.   We will be contacting parents with a view to getting extra help in the classrooms.

Parents Council:   The next meeting of the Parents council will take place on Wednesday April 9^th at 8:00pm.   Thank you to the parents council for organising the most informative talk by John Lonergan on the 26^th March last.   The attendees really enjoyed the meeting.

National Parents CouncilPrimary Provides New Online Support for Parents

 “Parenting: Supporting your child to build healthy friendships and relationships” available at www.npc.ie

This is an interactive online session which enables parents to support and further develop their relationship with their child and their child’s relationship with others.    Some of the topics covered in the session are:

•           Active listening skills

•           Children sharing their views on talking to parents

•           Parents sharing listening experiences

•           Relationships and Sexuality education at Primary school

•           Relationships and Sexuality education - how it is taught to children with special  educational needs

Sports Events:   Well done to our girls footballers who reached the final of the Mini 7’s recently.   Well done to the soccer squads who performed well in the MDL while our boys footballers have completed their games in the new spring league.    Well done to Ali Shealy and Sean Kane who represented the school in athletics in Athlone recently.

The Voice:   The children were entertained last week by Sarah who was a candidate on the voice of Ireland last week.   Unfortunately Sarah was not voted back for next weeks show.

Catechist:   We were visited by the Catechist in school last week.   Ms. Cosgrove and Ms. Malone were very impressed with the children’s knowledge of the Alive O Programme.

Food Dudes:  Food dudes has been a great success.   Many of the children have tried fruit and vegetables that they may not have tasted before.   Well done to all involved and particularly to Ms. Dunne, Mr. Farrell and Ms. Carley who drive the project.

Smart Moves Course:

The school is a venue for the smart moves course on Thursday 10^th April.   This course is for parents and teachers of children with dyspraxia.   (The course has to be pre-booked).   We look forward to welcoming everybody on the day.

 

Daffodil Day – Our school had Daffodil Day on Tuesday 25^th March.   The schoolraised €671.67 for cancer.   Thank you to children, parents and staff.

 

Dissolving Boundaries:   Ms. Maginns 4^th Class and Ms. Lynch’s 2^nd class visited Armagh on April 3^rd & 4^th to meet with the children and staff from school across border. 

School Photographer:   Photographs have been here in St. Oliver’s on Friday 4^th April to take photographs of the children in various classes.   Proofs and prices will be sent to parents for their perusal in the coming weeks.   

           

School Tour Dates & Times:

 

	Date	Venue
Junior Infants	06/06/2014	Red Mountain
Sen Infants	13/05/2013	Causey Experience
1st Class	19/05/2014	Cavan Crystal Maze
2nd Class	10/06/2014	Viking Splash & Croke Park
3rd Class	14/05/2014	Croke Park & GAA Museum & Dalgan Park
4th Class	29/05/2014 30/05/2014	Newgrange& Bettystown
5th Class	09/06/2014	Blanchardstown Bowling and Qzar
6th Class	12/06/2014	Tanagh Ed Centre

 

 

 

 

Yours sincerely,

 

 

 

 

 

_______________________

Fergal Kelly

Príomhoide  

 

 

 

March 2014 Newsletter                                                           13^th March 2014.

 

Dear Parents,

Here are some items for your attention:

St. Patrick’s Day:   The school will be closed on Monday 17^th March St. Patrick’s Day.

Chisom  Nebechi  remembered:  Last week was the 2nd anniversary of the death of Chisom who was in 4th class at the time of her passing.   Our prayers and thoughts are with the Nebechi  Family at this time.   Mr. Farrell’s class marked the anniversary with a quiet ceremony with a lovely prayer service on Thursday last while Chisom was also remembered at  Assembly on Friday last.

Seachtain na Gaeilge:  This year Seachtain na Gaeilge takes place from Monday 10th March to Friday 14th March.   The week includes events such as traditional Irish dancing, the poc fada, quizzes, music and sports tournaments.   Lá Glas - a day when pupils and staff dress up in our national colours which takes place on Friday 14th.   A parade for Junior and Senior Infants takes place on Lá glas, which is always the highlight!   Seachtain na Gaeilge is an annual event in our  school which promotes the irish language through enjoyable activities:   Ta suil agam go ndearfaidh gach duine iarracht cupla focal gaeilge a usáid.  Thanks to Ms. Rennicks who co-ordinated the weeks activities.

Catherine Fulvio Evening:   Thank you to all our parents and friends of St. Oliver’s who contributed to our very successful Catherine Fulvio evening last month.   This was a great success with over 400 people attending and many local businesses and industries participating.   Thanks in particular to Ruth Dunne who co-ordinated the project.

Parents Council meeting:  The latest meeting of the parent council took place on Wednesday 12th march at 8pm.   During this meeting we discussed the new bullying policy.     A reminder that  John Lonergan will be meeting with the parents of St. Oliver’s on Thursday 27th March at 8:00pm.   John’s talks are always informative and interesting and we hope that a good crowd attend on the night to hear his messages and experiences of parenting.   

GAA – Sport:  Our 5th class football team are engaged in a local school league at the moment and we would like to wish them well in their matches.   Our mini 7’s teams participated in the completions last week.   Our boys team narrowly missed out on a place in the Meath Final while our girls team reached the final on Monday 31st March. 

The Fais Soccer competition takes place on the 27th and 28th March.   Best of luck to all the teams involved.

Handball league for 3rd & 4th class is ongoing and final will be before Easter Holidays.

Thank you to all the teachers who refereed matches in our local handball league.

The children really enjoyed this activity. 

Athletics:   Well done to our athletics team who participated in Track and Field Indoor athletics final run by Meath Sports Partnership last week.   Our girls came overall 2nd and the boys overall 3rd in the competition.   Sean Kane & Ali Shealy from our 6th class have been picked to represent Meath in the All Ireland Final in Athlone on Wednesday 26th March.  Well done to everyone who participated in the project.   Some photos of the children in action on the day will be on the website soon.   

HSCL:   English Class for Parents, with Teacher John Wallace, has started on Wednesdays from 9am to 11am.  This class is for parents with no English and also for parents with some English who would like to learn more.   Anyone wishing to join this class will be very welcome.

Paired Mathsis going very well in Ms. Fox’s First Class and will be starting in Ms. Sheehan’s soon.

As this week is Seachtain na Gaeilge, we are inviting parents into school to help with Games (Cluichí) in Ms. McAteer’s (Rang 3) and Mr. O’Duláine’s (Rang 4) on Thursday 13^th March (Déardaoin) from 11:15am to 12:30pm.

Parents are also invited to attend a Workshop about Chinese Culture (Cultúr an tSín) in Mr. O’Duláine’s (Seamra 11)  at 1:15pm and in Ms. Rennicks (Seamra 25) at 2:00pm on Friday afternoon (trathnona Dé hAoine).

Sewing and Personal Effectiveness Coursetakes place on Mondays in Room 28 from 9:00am to 11:00am.

Thanks to all the parents who attended the Make Up and Beauty course with Sharon.  The course was very enjoyable.

Spelling Bee:   Well done to Alejandro who represented the school in the Meath Spelling Bee in Ratoath last week. 

Speech & Drama:   Speech & Drama exam takes place next Wednesday 19^th March 2014 starting at 1:30pm.

Easter Holidays:   Easter Holidays will take place on Friday 11^th April 2014.  There will be a half day on this date.   School will close at 12 noon and will reopen on Monday April 28^th at 9am.

School extension:   Our school extension is well on the way to completion and the building will be roofed and watertight by the end of next week.   Our windows and doors are also arriving and the process of painting, flooring, and installation of  fixtures and fittings will start in earnest.   We hope that some of our school children will be able to move into their new classrooms after the Easter Holidays.  

Website:   www.stoliverplunkettnsnavan.ie  Our website always keeps everybody up to date with news, happenings, and photos of events.   Details of our new updated bullying policy have been uploaded onto the downloads page as well as the result of recent parent surveys.  

Uniform survey:  Thank you to all the parents who responded to the uniform survey recently.   We will not be making any major changes to the uniform as the moment.  

6^th Classes:   6^th classes are attending Loreto Secondary schools, presentation of “Alice in Wonderland” this week.   Mr. Ryan and Ms. Rennicks class will attend on Thursday morning at 11am while Mr. Farrell’s class will attend the Solstice for their show on Friday at 2pm.  This show will finish at 3.30pm and the children can be collected from the school at approx. 3.40pm.  We hope that the children enjoy this surprise outing.  

Tickets cost €5.00 but the school is subsidising this charge for all children.

Student teachers:   I would like to take this opportunity to welcome our visiting teachers who are with us until the Easter holidays.   We wish teachers Eimear Finnerty,  Caoimhe Ní Shluáin , Niamh Cooney and Kerri Finnegan many happy years in the teaching profession.

Special Class:   Well done to Mr. Roche and Ms. Flood for the many initiatives and innovations with regard to the special class.  Thanks also to Ms. O’Shea who is our onsite play therapist.   Many behavioural issues  are due to a lack of ability in communication and/or an ability to process a traumatic event and make sense of it all.   Thanks to our work in this area, children can integrate successfully in mainstream classes and improve the skills needed for participating in school and life beyond school.   

Ash Wednesday and Lent:   Children from the school attended Mass last Wednesday in St. Oliver Plunkett Church.   Many children and their parents are making a sacrifice during this important religious season of lent.  I would like to wish them well in these endeavours.    

Anti Bullying:  We are holding workshops for children with particular emphasis on cyber bullying on Thursday 29^th May.   We are particularly concerned at some of the material and messages that our children are receiving.   Unfortunately we have had to deal with many incidences of unhappiness due to messaging on Facebook and Viber etc., which in most cases is happening outside school hours but are impacting on the children’s relationships,  work and concentration in the school.   Please be very vigilant with regard to your child’s mobile phone and computer use.   On the evening of May 29^th we are holding a seminar for parents in order to educate them on internet and phone safety.   We feel that it is essential for parents to be present at this informative talk.

Calcutta Project:   Two of our past pupils Conor Nash and Brian Conlon will be travelling to Calcutta as part of the  St. Pat’s Navan transition year team project.   We would like to wish them well on their journey and we hope that they have a very valuable life experience. 

Food Dudes:  Food dudes has been a great success and many of the children have been tasting fruit and foods that they may not have had previous experience of.   Thank you to Ms. Dunne, Ms. Carley and Mr. Farrell for co-ordinating this project.  

Parent InductionDay for our Junior Infants:   Our parent induction day will be taking place on Thursday May 16^th and we will be sending out further communicationon this.

 

Yours sincerely,

 

 

 

 

__________________

Fergal Kelly

Príomhoide  

 

 

 

Dear Parents/Guardians,                                                                   11^th February 2014.

 

I would like to bring the following matters to your attention this month.

Catherine FulvioThursday 13^th Feb.:   The last few tickets are waiting to be snapped up for our Catherine Fulvio evening.   Thanks to our main sponsors Crossdoney Construction and the Newgrange Hotel for all their support.   Thanks also to Ms. Ruth Dunne and Ms. Colette O’Reilly who organised and co-ordinated the evening.   The recipes are available on our website in our downloads section.

Choir in Solstice:    Well done to our choir who supported the Three Tenors in the Solstice last Saturday night.   The children were a credit to their teachers and to their parents.   Well done to Mr. Ryan and Ms. Lynch for preparing the children for this lovely event.

Ms. O’Malley:   Regretfully Ms. O’Malley who teaches first class is leaving us after the mid-term break in order to move nearer home in Limerick.   Ms. O’Malley has been a great asset to the school and will be greatly missed by her pupils, staff and parents.   We would like to wish her all the best in her future career.

The Green Schools Committeeare delighted to announce a “Love Water Day” for Friday 14th February.   This is to highlight our ongoing environmental campaign for the Green Schools.   So far we have achieved two flags – one for Litter & Waste and one for Energy.   Hopefully we will achieve the Water flag also.   We are aiming to reduce our water usage throughout the school and in the wider community.   We will have a guest speaker Peter Brady from Meath Co. Co. talking to us at assembly on the day and we will also be running a science competition in the hall.   Children from our Green Schools Committee will be wearing Blue colours on the day to highlight ‘Love Water Day’.

Credit Union Quiz:   Well done to our Quiz teams who performed in the Credit Union Quiz on Tuesday 11th February.   The children who participated were as follows:   Darren Brady,  Alanagh Lyons, Edward Nash, Gary Martin, Evan Byrne, Tobi Agaba, Sean Kane and Evelyn Ayelabola.

Nut Allergy:   Life-threatening peanut/nut allergies.   Three students in our school have a food allergy to peanuts/nuts.   It is important that there is strict avoidance to this food in order to prevent a life-threatening allergic reaction.   We are asking your help to provide the student with a safe school environment.   Any exposure to peanuts/nuts may cause a life-threatening allergic reaction that requires emergency medical treatment.   To reduce the chance of this occurring, we are asking that you do not send any peanut or nut containing products to school with your child that will be eaten in the classroom. If your child has eaten peanuts/nuts before coming to school, please be sure your child’s hands and face have been thoroughly washed before entering the school.   We appreciate your support of these procedures.      Please contact me if you have any questions.

Email communication:  We are hoping to email parents of junior infants and senior infants our newsletters and other communiques from now on in order to make a considerable saving on paper and of course benefit the environment as part of our green school policy. For parents in these classes please email the school at stoliverns2@eircom.netor ring in your email address to Bridget at 046 9023347.   As a pilot the March newsletter will be sent by email only to parents in these classes but a hard copy will be available on request.

Mid-term break:   The school will be closed for mid-term break from Monday 17^th to Friday 21^st Feb. inclusive.   School will re-open on Monday 25^th February.

Catholic Schools week:   All classes attended mass Catholic Schools week and participated in many class based activities during this week.   Highlight of the activities was Grandparents day which coincided with a special assembly.   It was lovely to meet all the grandparents and they really enjoyed visiting the various classes and meeting their grandchild’s teachers.   I think the relationship between grandparent and child is a very special one and it was very rewarding to welcome them to our school.

St. Brigid’s Day:   Catholic schools week also involved some activities to celebrate the life and works of our patron saint and thanks to the parents who helped out with the St.  Brigid’s crosses etc.   I would like to thank Margaret McKeown who co-ordinated all the above events. 

Uniform Survey:   I enclose the uniform survey which has been sent to schools by the Department of Education.   While it is not too long ago since we ourselves surveyed the parents on this matter perhaps it will inform our decision making going forward.   Please send back to school at the end of this week and we will collate the information.   The results will be available on our website in March.

Parents Association Activities:   The Parents Association will hold their February meeting on Wednesday Feb. 12^th at 8:00pm.   Two major events for your diary are as follows:

John Lonergan will give a talk to parents on March 27^th at 8:00pm while eSafety are holding a talk on cyber bullying on Thursday May 22^nd at 8:00pm.

Self Evaluation and School Improvement plan for literacy:   Thank you for your response to our various types of surveys during the past year.   They have informed our plans for literacy and general administration of school activities.   Our school improvement plan is available on the website on our downloads page.   We hope that this is informative and an insight into our literacy activities in the school.

Report from Board of Management to general parent body:   A reminder that a report on the activities of the Board of Management is available on our website.   This is important as it gives information on the general workings of the Board of Management during a specific period.

Food Dudes:   We are starting up the Food Dudes programme after the mid-term break.   This is a programme designed by the Food and Activity Research Unit at Bangor University, Wales, to encourage children to eat more fruit and vegetables both in school and at home.   It is based on positive role models (the food dudes characters), repeat tasting of foods that children may not have tried before, and rewards.    In large scale studies in schools in England, Wales and Ireland the programme has been shown to be effective.

School Safety:   Thank you for not parking in our disabled bays.   They are of vital importance to ensure that our disabled children get into school.   Due to roadworks on the Slane Road and the extremely wet weather we are having recently and its effect on traffic, we are noticing pupils coming in later than usual.   Please try to leave a little earlier so that your child gets in on time.

Sport:  The children from  3^rd & 4^th classes were involved in a hurling blitz  in Simonstown  on Monday last and we hope that they enjoyed this activity.   A Cumann na nBunscol competition will be organised this term for the boys football team weather permitting.    Our internal handball competition is ongoing at lunch time daily.   Ms. Carley and Mr. Farrell are currently working on some activities for an active schools programme that will also take place next term.

Home School Liaison Activities:

Well done to all the parents who braved the early Monday mornings for our Zumba  classes which were under the watchful eye of Paula Bermingham.   These were a great success and we hope that we can organise further activities like this in the future.     Ms. McKeown will send notification to the parents about further activities next half term.

Mobile phones:   Children should not bring mobile phones to school.  If necessary children are permitted to call parents /guardians on the school phone through the school secretary.    If a child is found in possession of a mobile phone in school it will be confiscated and may be collected from the office that evening.

4^th Class:   Buddy reading is starting in Ms. Maginn’s class after the mid-term while a Viking Project is currently in full swing.  

Dissolving Boundaries:  The dissolving Boundaries project is currently ongoing in 2^nd and 4^th classes.

 

Yours sincerely,

 

 

_____________________

Fergal Kelly

 

Príomhoide 

 

Dear Parents,                                                                         13th January 2014.

 

Curim Fáilte mór raibh gach duine ar ais ar scoil tar eis saoire na Nollag.   I hope you all enjoyed the Christmas break and wish you all well for the coming year.

Catherine Fulvio Cookery Demonstration: Tickets are now on sale for the Catherine Fulvio cookery demonstration which will be held in the Newgrange hotel on February 13th.  This promises to be a lovely evening for the whole school. It has been a while since the whole school community in St Oliver’s have had a chance to get together and celebrate our school and this is a great opportunity. Tickets are on sale in the school and envelopes have been sent to all families giving details of how you can support the event. 

Philippines appeal: Having raised €1,500 we were delighted to receive a special booklet from the Magdadaro family which weaved a special pictorial account about how this fundraising was used to help their people in the Phillipines after the destruction of many of their villages and towns due to super typhoon Haiyan.      The widespread devastation was made clear by the pictures of wrecked homes and of children and adults queuing for food. We are delighted that we could help in some small way to alleviate suffering and we are very grateful to the Magdadaro family for the administration of funds.

School Choir: Having had a great performance in the Solstice in early September our school choir are making another foray into the local showbiz scene when they support the Three Tenors in the Solstice on February 8th. This promises to be once again a great opportunity for the children to perform in a professional setting and we are looking forward to it immensely.

HSCL:   Zumba Fitness Class for parents starts Mon 13th January from  9am to 10am and will  run for four more weeks.

Paired Maths will be starting in Ms. O’ Malley’s  First Class soon.   A letter  explaining  all about this  will be sent home this week.  Ms. Sheehan’s  Class will  be starting Paired Maths at the end of February.

We will be looking for parents to help with Story Reading  in Ms. Murphy’s  and Ms.Tunney’s  Senior Infant Classes  shortly.

On Fri. Jan. 31st Grandparents will be invited  into the school to help out  with various activities in classrooms  eg.  Making St. Brigid’s Crosses,  Camera Project,  Local History activities,  Crafts, Story Telling,  Playground Games etc. Further details will be sent out soon for  interested Grandparents  who  would like to visit their grandchild’s class on that day.  

Christmas activities:   Thanks to the staff, parents and children who worked hard during the month of December to support the wide range of activities going on in the school and the wider community.   The varied Christmas Plays and concerts were greatly appreciated by the attentive audiences.   The mix of music and song and dramatic content were indeed a great success.  

The Christmas Plays and activities were rounded off by Xfactor on December 20th and the children turned in memorable performances.   Congratulations to the winner Amy McGuirk on her fantastic version of “All I want” by Kodaline.   The show once again attracted a huge crowd and we were delighted in true community spirit to welcome back past pupils and friends.   Thanks to Mr. Ryan and Ms. Maginn who organised the programme while Elvis was resurrected again to add diversity to the show.   Thank you to our Xfactor Judges  Kylie Crystal, Nicole Scherzinger, Scrooge, who entertained us with their witty comments.   Thanks also to Peter Maguire who erected the stage and Jimmy & Audrey Fox who sponsored the prizes.   Children from various classes throughout the school got a chance to appear on stage at this time of year in Xfactor and Christmas Plays and we hope they benefited from this experience.

Parents Choir:    Following on from a successful appearance in the Sligo Choral Festival the Parents Choir gave a special performance at our Xfactor show on Friday 20th.   They  almost brought the house down with the beautiful renditions of well  known  songs.   Thanks to Jonathan for all his work in this area.

Parents Council: The next Parents Council meeting will take place on Wednesday January 15th at 8pm.   The Parents Council were certainly very busy during the month of December - organising the Dry Food Appeal, distributing the individual Christmas gift boxes to each child in the school and helping with policy formation.   A big thank you to all involved for their willingness to help out in the school and their support for the staff and children.   The Parents Association also hope to organise a parents evening in March with a guest speaker.   Members of the committee will be helping over the coming month with school photographs and a book rental scheme.

Moving Crib Art Competition: Well done to, Ali Shealy, Nayana Melton, Maja Cesarczyk, Darcy Herbert,  Roisín Carroll,   Molly Egan, Harry Wallace, Gracie Palmer who won prizes in the art competition at Christmas. The children were treated to a reception and visit to the Crib and received a selection box and chocolate santa. Congrats to all involved.

RSE Programme for 6th class: This takes place on the 14th, 15th, 16th January as part of our SPHE programme. Should you wish for your child to be excluded from any of these sessions please contact your child’s teacher.

School Health: Eye screening takes place for Junior infants on Tuesday 14th January in the school library.  Junior Infant Classes were vaccinated before Christmas  with the 4 in 1 booster to protect against diphtheria, polio, tetanus and whooping cough as well as the MMR vaccine against Measles Mumps and Rubella.   The remainder of the school will be offered this vaccine in school and we will advise parents when we get further details from the H.S.E.

Green Schools:   In the last term the Green Schools Committee helped to -

·         raise money for the Philippines

·         reduce heat loss by closing doors and windows

·         reduce photocopying

·         reduce water with a ‘Turn off the taps’ campaign

·         created a water video on ‘how to flush a toilet properly’.

Punctuality:   It is important that we develop promote and maintain the habit of being punctual for school.   I would ask everyone to make a special effort not to be late for school in 2014.   We are required to keep punctuality records in relation to children who are frequently late.   We ask for your co-operation in this regard as once again it is unfair on the children if they are constantly late.    Junior children who miss the first 10 minutes miss valuable assembly time with other children while middle to senior classes can often have mental maths tuition.   It can mean that if a child is late for the first 10 minutes each day, they are missing a whole mental maths programme.   We ask for your co-operation with us in this regard.   We are happy that punctuality and attendance has improved in the school this year but it is very frustrating when a teacher teaches a new topic and a child is missing for no real solid reason.

Croke Park Hours:    All Staff meetings will take place out of school hours this year so as not to compromise teaching time.

First Penance:   First Penance will take place on Wednesday 22nd January 2014 at 8:00pm in St. Oliver’s Church. A reminder that First Holy Communion will be held on Saturday 10^th May at 10am.  

Athletics:   Our Cross Country runners also entered the Championships in Bellewstown in December. They ran well in very tough conditions.   Thanks to Ms. Rennicks and Mr. Farrell for preparing this team.

Inclement Weather:    It is the policy of the school to open every day scheduled in the school calendar provided the requisite number of teaching staff is available for duty.   Parent/Guardians should assess road and weather conditions and decide for themselves if it is safe for their children to travel to school.   Please ensure that the school has up to date mobile numbers for you so that information in this regard can be communicated swiftly.

Report from B.O.M to the general Parent body: While a report from the B.O.M is routinely given to the Parents association at their monthly meetings the Board felt that it was important that a report be given to the general body of parents about the general workings of the school and the operation of St Oliver’s from June 2012 to the present day. It is important to communicate the role and activities of the board to the parents and we hope that you find it informative. The report can be found on our website in the downloads section (stoliverplunkettnsnavan.ie) or there are copies available in the office.

Enrolment: Please ensure that you have registered your child for enrolment as places have already been allocated for September 2014. If enrolment is closed we will be unable to offer your child a place.

Midterm Break: The school will be closed from Monday February 17^th to Friday 21^st inclusive.

School Safety:  I would like to thank the children, staff and parents for their co-operation with regard to the disabled parking bays. I would remind you that we have children in the school who need access to these bays and it would be most unfair to deprive them of this facility. While it is tempting to drive in at peak times into one of these bays please resist this urge as it is not acceptable for the parents of our disabled children to have to drive around the block until one is available or park elsewhere.

Thank you also for not blocking entrances or holding up traffic unnecessarily while dropping off your children.

School Sports: We hope to have an indoor competition for the Olympic handball over the coming weeks as the Olympic handball association have not organised an inter schools competition so for this year.

A Cumann na mBunscoil local league will be set up for boys football from 4^th and 5^th classes while there will also be internal football leagues in the new year,  so lots to look forward to on the sporting front.

Vincent de Paul:   Thank you to everyone who contributed to our Dry Food Appeal.   A full van load of food was donated for local distribution.   Thanks to the Parents Association for organising this collection.

Anti-litter: Well done to Victoria Lovkel who won a prize in the anti-litter poster competition before the holidays. Victoria received her prize at a special reception in The Solstice in December.

Write a Book:  Well done to 4^th classes who participated in “Write a Book” projects recently.   Great efforts made by those participating.   Well done to Cormac Maguire in Mr. O’Duláine’s class and Brian Nolan in Ms. Maginn’s for their excellent creations.  

Dissolving Boundaries:  Ms. Maginn’s 4^th class and Ms. Lynch’s 2^nd class were busy with video conferencing their partner schools in the dissolving boundaries project recently.   The children were delighted to talk their counterparts in Tanderagee and Newtownabbey and they informed each other about the various different activities going on in the schools.

Science:  Well done to our resident Entomologist Gavin who has informed the classes about insects and their lifestyle and habitats.   The children really enjoy these lessons.

Music:  Our recorder teacher Blaithín Cahill Gregg is hosting a recorder recital in April where all classes get to demonstrate their talents.  More information to follow.

School building:  Thanks to the relatively kind weather the building of our new extension is moving along nicely.   We are all looking forward to the new facilities when complete.

Church History:   Thanks to Fr. Hurley who showed the children from Ms. Traynor’s class the various stones and artefacts from previous churches that are saved and mounted in St. Oliver’s Church.   The children really enjoyed this demonstration.

 

 

Yours sincerely,

 

 

 

 

 

______________________

Fergal Kelly

Príomhoide

 

 

A Chairde,                                                                                                                             9^th December 2013.

 

Listed below are some items and events that concern us over the coming month.

 

Vaccination Programme for Junior Infants:  Tomorrow Tuesday the HSE school vaccination team will offer vaccination to all children in Junior Infants starting with Ms. Quinn’s class at 10am and moving to Mrs. Carley at 11:30am approx.   Parents are welcome to attend.  The vaccines that will be offered to your child are The 4 in 1 booster to protect against diphtheria, polio, tetanus and whooping cough.   Also the MMR vaccine against measles, mumps and rebella.   Please make sure your child has eaten breakfast, children are to wear school tracksuit and bring immunisation record card/immunisation passport (if available).    There is no dental screening for first and fourth classes before Christmas.

Health Promotion:   St. Oliver’s  school will present  an evening with Catherine Fulvio the well known chef in the Newgrange Hotel on Thursday February 13^th at 8:00pm as part of our health promotion week.   Tickets are on sale from school office or from the hotel reception.

School Building: The last few weeks have certainly been busy for the boys and girls and staff of St. Oliver’s Primary School, Navan.   Our extension is now up and running and the mild November weather has meant that we are well on schedule to finish the build in the Springtime.   The pupils are really looking forward to moving into their new classrooms and leaving the prefabs behind.   We have made many improvements to the school over the past few years with the development and renovation of our school hall, classrooms, staffroom , office and Foyer area.     We hope to continue to improve the school to the highest standards over the months and years ahead.

Inclement Weather:   It is the policy of the school to open on every day scheduled  in the school calendar provided the requisite number of teaching staff is available for duty.   Parents/Guardians should assess road and weather conditions and decide for themselves if it is safe for their children to travel to school.   Please ensure that the school has up to date mobile numbers for you so that information in this regard can be communicated swiftly.

Christmas Holidays:   The school will close for Christmas Holidays on Friday Dec. 20th at 12 noon.   It will re-open on Tuesday January 7^th 2013 at 8:50am.  

Gaiety Theatre:    Pupils from 6^th class will visit the Gaiety Theatreon Wednesday  December 11^th to see a performance of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.     This is being subsidised by the school disadvantage grant  and as a result we were able to reduce the fees involved.   We hope the children enjoy the show and we feel it is very valuable to be exposed to professional arts performances as this seasonal time of the year.  

Phillipines Appeal:   Our Phillipines appeal raised €1,500.00.   This was an outstanding effort by everybody involved.   Thank  you to Ms. Teresa Murphy for co-ordinating this event.   

Lyons ClubArt Competition:   Well done to Emily Keegan 1^st,  Sarah Fagan 2^nd and  Katie McGuigan3^rd   who won prizes in the recent Lyons Club Poster competition.

Meath County Council Anti Litter Art competition:   Congratulations to Victoria Lovkel from Ms. Connolly’s 2^nd class who was presented with her prize in the Solstice Theatre on the 9^th December.

School Choir: Well done to our school choir who performed in the Solstice on Monday December 2^nd This was a lovely occasion which really got everyone in the mood for Christmas.   Our soloists were Ciara Stanley and Amy McGuirk while Nigel Ryan and Geraldine Lynch prepared and choreographed the choir superbly.   Well done to everyone involved.  

Sporting Events:   Our fourth class soccer squad participated in the F.A.I. Futsal competition blitz in Gormanstown with Mr. O’Duláine.   Our athletics group participated in the cross country competition on Bellewstown racecourse with Mr. Farrell & Ms. Rennicks.    The children really enjoyed these events.  

Home School Community Liaison:  

• Christmas Craft Class for parents will take place on Thursday 19^th December from 9am to 11am.

• Zumba classes with Paula will begin on Monday January 13^th at 9am.

• Science 4fun and Maths 4fun will run once the next two terms.

• There is a useful new website for parents of children aged 0-12 years.   You may check it out at www.helpmykindlearn.ie.   It contains lots of educational and fun activities for children.

• If you are interested in any of the above classes please give your contact details to Margaret (HSCL) at 087 9329545 or call to room 28.

Class Concerts & School Plays:   The following are the times and dates for all the classes that are performing this year. 

Time	Friday 13th	Monday 16th	Tuesday 17th	Wednesday 18th	Thursday 19th	Friday 20th
09:15 – 10:00
10:00 – 10:45	Junior Infants 10:00		Mr. Kearns 10:00	Ms. Sheehan 10:00	Senior Infants 9:30
11:10 – 11:50				Ms. O’Malley 11:15
11:50 – 12:30					Mr. Farrell 11:15
01:10 – 01:55			Mr. Delany 1:15	Mr. O’Duláine 1:15

X Factor:   Auditions take place on Friday 13th at 1:15pm for classes from 2nd to 6th.   The XFactor Final will take place on Friday 20th December at 9:30am.   Thanks to Audrey  & Jimmy Fox for their kind sponsorship of prizes for this special event. Write a Book:   Ms. Maginn’s 4th class have entered the ‘write a book’ competition.   We wish them the best of luck in their endeavours. Power Hour:   Power Hour continues in Senior Infants up to the Christmas Period.   We hope to be back in First Classes in  January to continue their reading , writing and phonic development. St. Vincent De PaulFood Appeal:   Thanks to the Parents Association who are organising the Dry Food Appeal on Monday and Wednesday of this week.   It is incumbent on us all to think of those who are less fortunate especially at this time of year.     Many are struggling and the pressure of Christmas can be huge added financial burden on families.   Thank you to all who continue to support  this appeal.   Donations of money or other suitable materials may be made directly to the Vincent De Paul Shop, Brews Hill in the town. Parish Ceremonies: St. Mary’s parish ADVENT CEREMONY OF PENANCE AND RECONCILIATION:  Tuesday 17th Dec, 8pm, St. Mary’s.   ANNUAL CAROL SERVICE, Sunday 22nd December, St. Mary’s Church at 7:30pm. CentraBlackcastle : Tomorrow is the last day for McGuirks Centra, Blackcaste schools sponsorship programme.   We would like to thank Centra for their continued sponsorship of the school and thanks to all the members of the programme who entered the receipts so that the school would benefit from 5% of purchases.   The school is very appreciative of the help and support. Parents Association:  The next Parents Association meeting is on Wednesday 11th December at 8pm. School Completion Homework Club– Homework Club is finished on Thursday 12th December 2013 for the Christmas period.    It will resume again in January 2014.   The children are looking forward to a Cinema trip on Tuesday 17th December.   We hope that they enjoy this annual excursion.   Irish Dancing /Speech & Dramawill resume again in January 2014.   Speech & Drama has already finished for this year while Irish Dancing will finish this week. As you can see  December is one of the busiest but enjoyable months in the school calendar.   We hope that the children enjoy all the festivities at home and at school over the Christmas period.   I would like to thank the parents and children, teachers, Special Needs Assistants, Caretaker, cleaner and secretary who give their time generously in support of the activities arranged within and outside the school as we prepare for Christmas.   I hope that you all enjoy a happy and holy and peaceful Christmas and a healthy 2014.   Beannachtaí na Nollag oraith go leír.   Yours sincerely,       ___________________ Fergal Kelly Príomhoide     Dear Parents,                                                                                                                        6th November 2013.   I hope everyone enjoyed a safe and pleasant Halloween and mid term break.   Well done to all the children and staff who participated in our Halloween costume day on Oct the 25th last.   It was lovely to see the children dressing up and enjoying themselves.    Thanks also to the parents who participated in the Halloween storey telling which was a great success. Listed below are of interest for the coming weeks: Mass for deceased staff & Pupils:   The annual mass for deceased staff, pupils and for the St. Oliver Plunkett’s list of the dead takes place on Saturday 9th Nov.   During this week we explained to our pupils why we remember our dead at this time of year and why we pray for them.   Enrolment:   Our enrolment period will be held from 5th November to 19th November 2013.   Please make sure you have registered with the school during this period so that we can finalise our enrolment for September 2014.   Football:   The girls football team have reached the Cumann na mBunscol final.   They will play Dunboyne in what is sure to be a keenly contested affair on Saturday 16th of November at 9:30am.   I would like to thank  Mrs. Carley, Ms. Lynch,  Mr. D. Kearns and Mr. P. Farrell for all the training and preparation of our school teams this year.    Please come and support our team on Saturday.  Christmas Concert:   Our school Choir will be taking part in The Navan Silver Band Christmas Concert on Monday 2nd December at 7:30pm.  Tickets for the show are available directly from the Solstice Theatre.   They promise a very enjoyable evenings entertainment so please come along and support for our school. Health Promotion:   We are hoping to have an evening with Catherine Fulvio the well known chef sometime in the new year as part of our health promotion week.   We hope to announce details of this soon. Child Protection Policy:   The Board of Management of St. Oliver Plunkett N.S. has a comprehensive child protection policy in place.   The Principal Fergal Kelly is the designated Liaison person and the Deputy Principal Mairead Traynor in the Deputy Liaison person.   Any queries relating to child protection should be directed  to Fergal Kelly or Mairead Traynor. Parent Teacher meeting:     Parent Teacher meetings will be held on the evening of Thursday 28th November.   The school will close at 1:45pm to facilitate these meetings.   You will be given an appointment time in the next couple of days.   We will do our best to co-ordinate times for brothers and sisters with other teachers.   Please note that individual meetings should not last any longer than eight minutes as teachers have in some cases up to 32 children.   Alternative dates or arrangements can be made if these times are not suitable to you. School safety:   It is important that all visitors report to the school office before proceeding to classrooms during the school day.   Also please note that the school grounds is designated as a no smoking area.   It has also come to our attention that the disabled parking spaces are being constantly obstructed or used by Parents or visitors parking.   We have a number of disabled children in the school who need to unload wheelchairs or other specialist equipment.   It is most unfair if they are unable to do this.   Please keep these spaces free at all times. Friendship Week:   Friendship week takes place this week as part of our anti-bullying initiative Meath VEC– Meath VEC have contacted me to ensure that all parents are aware that Colaiste Na Mí a new secondary school  has opened in September 2013 and they are currently taking enrolments for 2014.   Please go to the Meath VEC website for details.   Enrolments for St. Pats, Beaufort College, St. Michael’s and St. Joseph’s are currently taking place or are imminent.    First Holy Communion & Confirmation:    First Holy Communion will take place in St. Oliver’s Church on Saturday  10th May 2014 at 10am and Confirmation will take place in St. Mary’s Church on Saturday 24th May 2014 at 3:00pm.   Parents Council:   The next meeting of the Parents Council will take place on Wednesday Nov. 13th in St. Oliver Plunkett’s at 8pm.   Thanks to all who attended the AGM.  It was great to get help for the coming year.    We would like in particular to welcome the new families who are willing to participate on the Parents Association this year.   Election of some positions will take place at this meeting and some positions are available.   If any member wishes to put themselves forward for election please ensure that you are there on the night.   Thank you to Caitriona Brady and Gillian Staunton who have served the offices of Chairperson and Secretary with distinction but are now stepping down from these positions.    We know that they will continue to be a support to the school. Inclement Weather:   It is the policy of this school to open every day on the school calendar.   In the event of  inclement weather the school will open provided the requisite number of teaching staff are available for duty.   Parents should assess road and weather conditions and decide for themselves whether it is safe for their child to travel to school. Swimming:   I would like to thank the teachers and SNA’s who assisted with supervision of children at the swimming classes this year.                                                                                                                        School Holiday Schedule:   This was sent home earlier this year – please contact the office if you do not have a copy or you can download from the school website.                                   Mathematics:   Well done to the children in classes who worked on their numeracy and mathematical skills during the week of October 14th to 18th.   Well done to the classes who participated in the maths trails around the school and to Ms. McKeown and Ms.  Murphy who co-ordinated the events. Literacy Hour:   Well done to the teachers and pupils from First Classes  who participated in Literacy Hour over the past seven weeks  - Thank you to Ms. Keane Faulkner and the class resource teachers for promoting this activity.    Research has shown that participation in such indicatives is very beneficial to children and often renews an interest in reading among parents.     For this term senior infants will be engaging in Power Hour and any parent who wishes to find out more should contact the principal. RSE:     This talk will take place for children from 6th class in mid January 2014.    Children will already have been given forms for Parental Consent. Recorder:    Recorder classes continue under the direction of Blaithín Cahill Gregg.   Please encourage your child to practice every day for 5-10 minutes.   This  will make a big difference in their ability to make a mastery of the instrument. Green Schools:     Our green schools committee continue to work towards a 3rd green flag and our monitors are very busy ensuring that our lights are turned off and that we are keeping green issues at the forefront of our daily routines.   XFactor:   Preparation for XFactor has started and details will follow: Assembly:   Our Assemblies continue every alternative Friday and classes are asked to do a little performance.   We also give out Pupil of the Week trophies and celebrate certain achievements of pupils and classes.    These gatherings also give a chance for Principal and Staff to relay messages and information to the pupils in the senior classes.    Parents are welcome to attend these assemblies should they so wish.    Parents School Choir– Best of luck to members of our Parents Choir who are participating in a choir competition in Sligo Cathedral at the weekend.   All the competing choirs are singing together at Mass on Sunday in the Cathedral so it promises to be a great weekend. School Completion:  School Completion arrange Golden Certs for our Senior Infant classes and we congratulate all the prize winners so far.    Ms. Kearney  has also arranged Cookery classes for some of our pupils over the coming weeks.   Ms. Kearney has taken over from Yvonne Forde who is on career break and she is a welcome new addition to the school. HSE Issues:   The Dental Clinicwill attend the school for 1st & 4th classes on Thursday December 12th.   Please make sure you send your consent form back into the school with your child.   School Vaccination programme– all children aged 4-5 years of age should receive a booster dose of diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), polio and tetanus (the 4 in 1) vaccine and a second dose of measles, mumps and rubella ( MMR) vaccine.   To date these vaccines have been given by HSE vaccination teams in primary schools in most parts of the country and in the remainder by general practitioners in their surgeries. As a review of data from Ireland and from other countries strongly suggests that provision of vaccines through school based programmes results in significantly greater vaccine uptake, most areas will provide a school based service for these routine vaccines in 2013/2014. MMR (Measles, mumps, rubella) Vaccination Catch up Campaign– as part of Ireland’s commitment to the World Health Organisation’s European measles elimination strategy the HSE has decided to offer a dose of MMR vaccine to all pupils in primary schools in 2013/2014.   This is a one off campaign in response to large outbreaks of measles in Ireland and Europe.   These outbreaks have occurred because some young people have not received the recommended two doses of MMR vaccine.   This catch up campaign will be delivered from September 2013 alongside the routine immunisation programme and may require additional time depending on the demand. Information packs for these vaccination programmes are currently being prepared and will be distributed to schools in the coming weeks. Mobile Phone Appeal: We are in the process of collecting old mobile phones so that a child in our school with special needs can qualify to receive an Ipad from Down Syndrome Ireland.   This child would benefit greatly from a visual learning tool like the Ipad.   If anyone has a mobile phone that is no longer required then I would greatly appreciate if you could send them into school where they will be collected. Forgotten Books/Clothes:   There is an increasing number of children returning to school after hours to collect books/clothes  or lunches that they have left behind.   Please accompany your child if they need to return to the school as it is not best practice to have children in the school on their own after school hours. Speech & Drama:   Reminder to all parents that Speech and Drama will not be taking place next Wednesday 13th  or Friday 15th November.     Yours sincerely,             __________________ Fergal Kelly Príomhoide      Dear Parents,                                                                                    15thOct. 2013.   Meeting to elect parent nominee to Board of Management: There is a meeting to elect the male parent nominee to the Board of Management on October 16th at 7:30pm.   Nominations for the role will be taken on the night and an election will be held if more than one person is nominated.   The meeting is open to all parents.   Any father who is interested in this role should be present at the meeting.   Parents Association: The Parent Association AGM will take place in the school at 8:00pm on Wednesday 16th October straight after the Board of Management parent nominee meeting.   A great way to get involved in the school is through the parent association who help out with all the various activities of the school and I would encourage you to attend.   I wish to thank all parents involved in the recent Clothes Collection.   Mobile Phone Appeal: We are in the process of collecting old mobile phones so that a child in our school with special needs can qualify to receive an Ipad from Down Syndrome Ireland.   This child would benefit greatly from a visual learning tool like the Ipad.   If anyone has a mobile phone that is no longer required then I would greatly appreciate if you could send them into school where they will be collected.   Enrolment:   Our enrolment period will be held from 5thNovember to 19thNovember 2013.   Please make sure you have registered with the school during this period so that we can finalise our enrolment for September 2014.     Friendship Week:   Our Friendship week will take place from the 4th– 8thNovember.   This forms part of our anti-bullying strategy as well as involving the children in many activities based on the theme of Friendship.    We will have poetry, Kindness Certificates, and Art Competitions all based on a similar theme of getting on well with others and we will also be teaching many skills that the children can have in situations which will benefit them in their interaction with their peers.     Forgotten books/Lunches  An increasing number of children are returning to school after hours looking for books or lunches that they have left behind.   Please accompany your child if they need to return to the school as it is not best practice to have children in the school on their own.   Yours sincerely,       ______________________ Fergal Kelly Príomhoide                    Dear Parents,                                                             2nd  October 2013.   Here are some items that should be of interest to you this month. School will be closed this  Friday 4th October for referendum. Enrolment 2014/2015: Enrolment for September 2014 will take place between November 5th – 19th.   Please ensure that you have registered with the school in this timeframe as places in the school can not be guaranteed.   The school is restricted to enrolling 60 pupils.   The relevant enrolment forms will be distributed to all families in the school.   Please let friends or family who are considering sending their children to St. Oliver’s know that we are enrolling.   Even if families have filled in forms before they must still register during this fortnight.   All Catholic schools in the parish are enrolling during this set period. Clothes collection: Parents Association are holding another long awaited clothes collection.   They will distribute bags again for your convenience.   The collection will take place on Wednesday 9th October and Friday 11th Octoberat the front car park.   Items such as clothes, bed linen, shoes, bags etc., accepted. Meeting to elect parent nominee to Board of Management: There is a meeting to elect the male parent nominee to the Board of Management on October 16th at 7:30pm.   Nominations for the role will be taken on the night and an election will be held if more than one person is nominated.   The meeting is open to all parents.   Any father who is interested in this role should be present at the meeting. Parents Association: The Parent Association AGM will take place in the school at 8:00pm on Wednesday 16th October straight after the Board of Management parent nominee meeting.   A great way to get involved in the school is through the parent association who help out with all the various activities of the school and I would encourage you to attend. Community Events:   The organisation CRY (Cardiac Risk in the Young) are having a coffee morning on Saturday October October 19th in memory of our past pupil Ruth Maguire in Simonstown GAA Centre from 10:00am to 1:00pm. There will be a benefit night for Robbie O’Hare (Parent & Past Pupil) in Knightsbrook hosted by The Three Tenors and various  artists on this  Sunday 6th October at 8pm.   Tickets are on sale at €10.00 each. Mass of enrolmentfor children preparing for the sacraments.: Children preparing for the sacrament of  First Holy Communion will be enrolled at Masses on the weekend of 12th and 13th October and the attendance is mandatory for families.   Children preparing for the sacrament of Confirmation will be  enrolled at masses on the weekend of the 19th and 20th  October.   The times for St. Oliver’s School is  7pm on Saturday evening in St. Oliver’s church. Mass for schools-  list of the dead:   The weekend of the 9th and 10th  November is set aside for  Masses for  school Lists of the Dead and the schedule is the same as that for the enrolment Masses above.   It is hoped that all classes will prepare a list of the Dead and that the mass will be a coming together of the school community to remember and pray for its dead.   Contact numbers: It is essential that class teachers and the office are provided with updated mobile/landline numbers and addresses.   These numbers should also be written into the homework journals.   I spoke with the senior classes recently and was surprised with the amount of children who did not  know their parent/guardian numbers.   I think it would be beneficial for the children to know at least one of these numbers .   Also, please inform Bridget if you are not receiving text messages sent out from the school. Secondary School Open nights: St. Michael’s Secondary School         8th October 2013 St. Joseph’s Secondary School           10th October 2013 St. Patricks Classical School             14th October 2013. Beaufort College                                 23rd September 2013 Home School Community Liaison: Well done to Ms. Margaret McKeown on her Clusker Park Art initiative over the summer.   This was a  true community spirit event where parents and children got together to paint and brighten up an area under the direction of a local artist.   Well done to all concerned. School Uniforms: I would like to remind children that outside of P.E. activities or swimming days that they should wear full uniform each day.   Please ensure that uniforms and tracksuit tops have their children’s name written on them so that in the event of loss they can be returned to their owners. School Safety: We are delighted to see more bikes being cycled to school.   However, it is essential that the cyclists  wear a safety helmet and a high visibility vest. Please ensure that your child is familiar with the rules of the road.   Cycling is not permitted on school grounds.   It is important to make an appointment if you wish to speak to a teacher about any issues. Children in junior classes should always walk to and from school accompanied by a responsible adult.      Early collection for appointment:   If you collect your child early from school any day please call to the office and sign to release child.  (Bridget will then call your child for you). Computer Programmes & Games: It has come to our attention that some children are accessing computer games and programmes that are not suitable for this age group.   Games such as Grand Theft Auto are adult only and contain themes that are not suitable for our children.   Please be very vigilant on this as access to inappropriate material such as this will have a huge detrimental effect on the children. Head Lice:   Please be vigilant about head lice during the year and report any concerns to the school or class teacher. Dissolving Boundaries: Mr. Lynch’s Class and Ms. Maginn’sclass are involved in this North/south schools based project that brings pupils together using technology.It aims to develop principles of good citizenship through collaborative project work which means that our school will have a partner in Northern Ireland – Tandragee Primary School, Co. Armagh. Pupils in the two schools will correspond with each other and work in collaboration on a topic on the curriculum. Halloween Break:   The school will be closed for mid-term break from Friday Oct. 25th at 2.45pm and returning on Monday November 4th.   I hope everyone enjoys this break.   I have been asked by the Gardai to remind parents and children of the danger of Fireworks and similar materials over this holiday period. Homework Policy:   I hope the children and settling into the routine of homework each night.  Homework is not assigned at weekends unless in exceptional circumstances.    If it is taking excessively long for your children to complete assignments please bring the matter to the attention of the class teacher.   School Personal Accident Insurance– Closing date Thursday 17th October 2013. Cumann na mBunscol activities and other sport: Our girls and boys are still active in the Cumann na  mBunscol leagues.   Thanks to Mr. Farrell, Mr. Kearns, Mrs. Carley and Ms. Lynch for all their work in this area.   Some past pupils studying in St. Pat’s are also helping to coach our 3rd and 4th classes while 6th have also undertaken some rugby coaching hosted by Navan Rugby Club over these next few weeks.   I hope all the boys and girls enjoy these activities.  Children in 5th and 6th classes are enjoying Athletic coaching organised by Meath Sports Partnership over the next few weeks.   Children are getting a great grasp of the basic athletic skills and we also hope to discover some emerging talent. Website: Please check our website - stoliverplunkettnsnavan.ie  for news, photos as activities happen.   Yours sincerely,     _______________ Fergal Kelly Príomhoide      Dear Parents,                                                                                                    2013-09-02.   Cead Mile Failte ar ais ar scoil don Bhliain Nua.   I hope you all enjoyed the summer holidays and are ready for the new school year.   I would like to welcome you all back to the school and extend a special word of welcome to all the children and their families who are new to the school and indeed to Navan.   I would also like to welcome Ms Collier who is new to our staff and is teaching third class until the return of Ms Mc Ateer from maternity leave. Thanks also to Peter and Marian who have the school ready for all classes this Sept and of course Bridget who ensured all books and other information was ready for the new school year.   Junior Infants:   A tremendous welcome to our new Junior Infants who to all appearances have settled in extremely well already.   We wish them well during their eight years here in the school and we hope that you their parents can take a very active part in the school during their time here. Junior infant children will commence their full school day on Thurs 12th. 1.45pm collection.   School Calendar:    We will send a copy of the school calendar out to all families in the coming weeks but important dates to note for the moment are - October 4thSchool will be closed due to the Referendum on Seanad Halloween Mid Term Break – Christmas Holidays-   School Expenses:   Please contact the office if you require assistance with relation to educational expenses during the year.   School resources- The Board of Management has invested heavily in the reading Programmes for Our Junior classes and this summer is no exception. Up to 20,000 euro has now been spent on the individual reading programmes for the children over the past three years. We are extending this programme all year round for 1stclass and 4thclass this year and we know that the children will benefit accordingly. 5 new visualisers have also been purchased and they are a huge aid toward teaching in the classroom.   School Extension . A contractor has been appointed and we should see the first signs of building next week.  We are all looking forward to moving into our new classrooms in the New Year. We hope that we are able to also get some much needed remedial works done to the school during this period.    School Uniform:   It is great to see the children presenting wearing the full school uniform including the tie.   It is important to get into the habit of wearing the uniform to school each day.   Only when the children have P.E. should they wear the school tracksuit.   Please make sure that your child’s/children’s jumpers are labelled so that they can be identified if lost.   Hair must be worn neat and tidy and no streaks or severe haircuts allowed.   Students are not allowed to cut/shave designs into their hair or eyebrows.   We would seek all parent co-operations on this.   Many shops are now selling black runners/shoes and these are more acceptable as part of the uniform than brightly coloured shoes/runners.   Mobile Phones:   No mobile phones are permitted in school.   Should your child wish to make a call then this can be facilitated in the office .   Punctuality:   The bell goes each morning at 8.55am and 9.am.   It is extremely important that the children are ready to line up at this time each day.   The school gates will be open from 8.45am to receive pupils but we would discourage the practice of children being in the school at a very early time as there is no supervision available.   On wet days if there are staff members available we will ensure that doors are open to receive the children into the classroom by 8.50am.   Swimming:   Swimming will resume for third and fourth classes  - on ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------I would like to remind parents of these classes that aquatics is a strand of the P.E. Curriculum and children should participate unless there is a genuine reason for not doing so.   Music:  Ms Cahill Gregg will be returning to teach recorder this year.    Please encourage your child to practice 5/10 minutes each day with this instrument and it is surprising the progress that can be made.  Third Class will be starting this instrument so we will be ordering recorders for them this week.   French Classes.French classes will start this week for pupils in fifth and sixth classes interested in this Language. Please contact the school for details.   Parents Council:   Parents Council first meeting will be on Wednesday .   All outgoing officers should attend this meeting.   The AGM of the Parents Council will take place later in the term and each family is asked to send a representative to this meeting.   I would encourage parents to get involved to help out on the committee where possible. Great work is always done by the Parents association  from year to year to help and support the school.   Friends First. Ms Dunne and Ms Mc Keown have been trained in Friends first - a new programme by NEPS. They hope to operate this programme with fifth classes this year. The programme explores the importance of positive relationships aims to teach a whole class or smaller groups of children the skills to manage their thoughts, emotions and body responses.   Healthy Eating:   As you know our healthy lunch policy encourages children to eat/drink foods that are beneficial to a healthy lifestyle.   Many of the foods available in our supermarkets are very high in sugar and fat.   Please try and help educate your child in this area and please read the accompanying letter.   School Football:   Mr. Farrell and Mr. Kearns and Mrs. Carley are eagerly assessing the boys and girls panels for the football leagues that lie ahead.   Best of luck to everyone involved.       NEWB returns:   The school is obliged to report all absences of 20 days or more the National Education Welfare Board.   It is therefore of vital  importance that all absences are accounted for in the spaces provided for in the back of the homework journal.   You will be informed if and when your child in absent for 15 days that he/she is nearing reporting point.    Teachers advise the principal should continuous absences give cause for concern.   I am particularly concerned that a large cohort of children miss  more that 20 days and therefore have to be reported to the National Welfare Board.   I will be meeting with parents over the next few weeks and months to try and alleviate this problem as the same children are being affected year after year and they are missing a vital part of their education. Also new regulations from the Dept of Ed mean that a child who has missed 20 consecutive days will be taken off the roll.     Visitation:   We would appreciate it if all visitors report to the secretary’s office on entering the school grounds.   Please make an appointment with Bridget if you want to speak with a teacher and time can be made available.   Parents Association:   The Parents Association will send notification of their first meeting in due course.   I would encourage parents to get involved and help out the committee where possible.     Pupils Personal Accident Insurance Scheme: €5.00 School Activities only / €8.00 24 Hour Cover - School Personal Accident Insurance letter/application form will be given to all pupils -  please complete and return with payment in a sealed envelope  clearly marked  - INSURANCE    Car Park– Please impress on your children the need to be extremely vigilant and careful in the car park area.   It can be very crowded at school starting and finishing times.   Please drive slowly and carefully in this area.   Stay Safe– Our Stay Safe programme as part of our SPHE syllabus is going to commence at the start of the school year.   We feel that this important area should be taught at this time of the year.    Phone Numbers:   It has come to our attention that some phone numbers on school records are no longer in use.   Please make sure the school has updated phone numbers and addresses.   Should you need to be contacted urgently it is essential that these updated details are provided.   Nut allergy:     A child with a Nut Allergy has started in September.   We would ask parents even from other classes to avoid giving their children lunches or foods with nut products in them.   Even touching another child who has ingested nut products and who has traces on their hands or skin could cause a reaction.   I ask parents to be vigilant on this for the coming year.      I attach an explanatory letter for your careful attention   Homework:   Soon the children will be getting used to the good habits of homework and learning.   The learning aspects of homework are equally as important as the written tasks.   Please check this regularly and communicate with the teacher using the homework journal.   Please make sure your child has the independence they need by letting them off at the gate.   Children in the middle to senior classes are now at an age that they can independently go to their classroom line. Classes from fourth to sixth are dismissed at 2.45pm while the first and second classes leave at 2.40pm Second Hand School Tracksuits –  track suit tops and/or bottoms would be much appreciated and any other uniform clothing.   Please take to Ms. McKeown in Room 28.   After school Activities: Speech & Drama:   Speech and Drama will commence again this year  on Wednesday/Friday next week.   Forms  have already gone home with children and should be returned to class teacher by Friday 6th Sept.,  when they will be collected for Speech and Drama Teacher - Elfrieda ManaghanVaughan Mobile– 086 8373582 Irish Dancing:   Irish Dancing will commence again this year on Tuesday next.   Details have been sent home and if you are interested please contact the Irish Dancing Teacher – Alyson RedmondMobile 086 8430492 Karate:   Karate lessonstake place each Monday and Wednesday after school – contact RhondaBalfe Hoban Mobile 0868958878   Photographs for Junior Infants – Meath Chronicle will be taking photographs of our new Junior Infants classes at the end of next week.   If you do not want your child photographed please let the class teacher know.   No names will be inserted with these pictures.   A letter is prepared each month.   If you wish to have any information included please contact the office.   It takes a few weeks to get used to our new classes, the routine of school and homework.   But in a short while it will become second nature to us all.   I look forward to working with you during the school year.       Yours sincerely,     _______________ Fergal Kelly Príomhoide                                      Dear Parents/Guardians,                                                                                   10th June 2013.   I would like to bring the following matters to your attention this month.     School building project:   We hope to commence work on our classroom extension over the summer holidays.   Contracts for building will be issued on E-tenders over the coming days. Staffing:   We were delighted to learn on Friday that our SNA staffing will remain at current levels for the coming year.   Unfortunately however, we will lose one of our teaching colleagues at the end of June.    Siobhán McDonagh has accepted a position in South County Dublin and we wish her well in her future career.   Siobhán will be a huge loss to the school and will be missed greatly by the school community. School holidays:   The school will close on Friday June 28th for the summer holidays.   Details of classes,  booklists and class teachers for next year will be sent home towards the end of the month.   In order to accommodate new pupils and balance numbers in various classes, it will be necessary to re-arrange some classes at the end of this year.   The school will re-open on Thursday August 29th for the new school term. School numbers:   Please inform the school if you are leaving Navan so that we can allocate places on our waiting list to people moving to the area.   On occasion we have refused places in June to return in September to vacancies in particular classes.    If you know of other families who wish to move to the school encourage them to call into the school this month so that we can plan ahead for September.    Summer Weather:   On warm sunny days it is advisable that children have sun-block on them before coming to school.   It is also permissible that the children wear shorts to school on these days. School Concert:   The 6th class musical “Cinderella & Rockafella” will take place on the 19th & 20th June in St. Mary’s Community Centre, Navan.   The classes are busy rehearsing at the moment and are looking forward to the big performance.   Tickets are on sale now at €5.00 each.  Please send in money in envelope with your child to class teacher and they will be given tickets. 6th class farewell:   Our 6th class farewell ceremony will take place on Thursday June 27th @1:15pm.   This will be followed by mass in St. Oliver’s Church at 2:15pm. First Holy Communion:   Congratulations to the children in Ms. Lynch’s & Mr. Kearns  classes who made their First Holy Communion on May 18th this year.   It was a wonderful occasion for the children, their families and the school.   I would like to thank Mr. Ryan and Ms. Lynch and the choir for the lovely singing which enhanced the ceremony.   Thanks also to Fr. Declan Hurley who officiated at the mass.   The reception at the school afterwards was very enjoyable and a welcome opportunity for the children and their families to meet and mix after the ceremony and to show our school to the guests.   Sincere thanks to Eunice and the members of the parents council,  and all other helpers and parents who organised this reception.   Thanks also to Claire O’Donnell, Sylvia Sweeney and Sharon Fogarty for their artwork and decorating the school and the noticeboards for the occasion.    Thanks also to Ms. Fogarty for the design and printing of the mass booklets.    I would also like to acknowledge the work of Peter and Marian who insured that the school grounds were presented so well on this important occasion in our school calendar.   Last by no means least is Joe Crawford who answered an SOS call to lay down protective carpet on the evening of the reception.   The help and community spirit show by all is indeed a credit to the school populace as a whole. Confirmation:  Congratulations to all the children in Mr. Ryan’s and Mr. Farrell’s class who made their Confirmation on May 25th.   This was once again a wonderful occasion for the children and families involved.   The children attended a reconciliation ceremony with their families on Wednesday May 22nd and this was very well received by the participating families.   There will be a retreat for 6th classes on Monday and Tuesday the 24th & 25th June.   This is a day of prayer and reflection for the children.   Non-catholic children may participate if they would like to do so. Sport:   Our football leagues are nearing the final stages – good luck to all who are participating. Our school basketball and rounders teams were in action this week.   Our basketball teams  reached the semi-finals of the competition narrowly defeated by Dunshaughlin while our rounders team are still defending their title valiantly after beating  Whitecross in the semi-final.  The final takes place today Monday June 10th in O’Mahony’s at 3:15pm. Parents Council meeting-   The final parents council meeting of the year takes place on Wednesday June 12th at 8pm. Buy a Brick campaign:   Your support is welcome and this campaign is on-going.  Buy a Brick €2.00 Buy a Family Block €10.00 - Buy a Corner Stone €25.00 -Buy a Window Sill €50.00. Junior Infant Induction:    This meeting took place in the school on Friday May 24th.   The children were shown to their new classes and Parents were given a tour of the school.   They visited classrooms and play areas and were given a rousing cameo performance by the 6th class who were preparing for their end of year performance.   This was greatly appreciated by all parents.   We hope that the children will have eight happy years with us. Keyboard Group:   Our keyboard group who practice on Friday evenings are having a school concert in the school on Friday June 14th at 2pm.   Some classes will attend.   Parents are very welcome. Attendance:   Over the years we have seen attendances drop in June for various reasons.   Please keep your child in school right up to the end of the year.   Children who miss a lot of school unfortunately find themselves in a situation where it is easier to miss days rather than come to school.   Should your child miss 20 days or over we will be obliged to report this to the National Education Welfare Board.   There is no need to worry if your child has been absent due to legitimate reasons such as illness or other.   We also can report patterns that emerge of missed days such as absences on Mondays and Fridays etc.   Please send your child into school.   Should you be struggling in this regard help is available.   Please contact Margaret McKeown our Home School Liaison Teacher if there are any difficulties in this area. Navan Silver Band:   The Navan Silver Band has approached the school with a view to supporting them at a Christmas concert.   We are delighted to take up this invitation – more details to follow in the autumn term. Write a Poem competition:   Congratulations to our ‘Write a Poem’ winners who received their certificates at a ceremony in the Ardboyne Hotel recently.   Well done to all concerned. Feile Leínn na n-Og.   Congratulations to Ms. McDonagh’s  5th class who displayed their projects on pneumatics and Hydraulics on Saturday May 18th.   Thanks also to the parents who helped out on the day.   The projects were innovative and well designed and showed the scientific and creative side of the pupils. Nut Allergy:   Please note that we have students with nut allergies in the school.   Please ensure that nut products are not brought into school.   Thank you to parents who have been very vigilant on this up to now.   Information with regard to specific classes will be sent out in September. Homework Club:   Homework Club will end on Thursday 13th June. School Hall:   Please note that no wearing of stiletto shoes is permitted in the school hall. Medical Information:   It is vitally important that the school is made aware of the particular medical needs of children in the school  ie. asthma, diabetics, nut allergies etc.   Please being these matters to the attention of staff and school secretary. Sports Days:   Thanks to all the staff and parents who helped out on our recent sports days.   They were a great success and were enjoyed by all.   School Athletics:   Best of luck to our school athletics team who are in the finals in Claremont  Stadium on Wednesday next 12th June.   We are hoping for some medals but the main thing is that the children enjoy representing the school and competing in their respective events. Mr. Fishy Project:   Ms. McDonahg’s 5th class have been involved in the Mr. Fishy project recently.   This involves members of the Irish Fisheries Board telling us lots about our local rivers and waterways, analysing what in our water and educating us about what we can do to help protect rivers and the  species that live there.    School Tour Schedule for June: Date                       Class                      Venue 06/06/2013             5th Class                Rathbeggan Lakes 06/06/2013             6th Class                Tanagh Adventure Park 12/06/2013             1st Class                Cavan Crystal Maze 12/06/2013             2nd Class               Lullymore 13/06/2013             Junior Infants       Red Mountain 13/06/2013             Senior Infants      Causey Experience                                 French Classes:   There will be an opportunity for your child to learn French after school in St. Oliver’s in September.   A qualified French teacher plans to run an 8 week introductory course for 5th & 6th class students.   Each lesson will be €5.00 per child.   Permission slips will be are available in the office for interested parents. Other Achievements:   Well done to the Simonstown Under 12 Gaelic Team who won the Noel Oaks Memorial tournament on Saturday in Kingscourt, winning four out of four matches on a very hot day! Well done to our school Irish Dancers who participated in the Alyson Redmond Schools Feis in Walterstown on Sunday June 9th winning trophies, medals and prizes in all categories . Congratulations to our swimmers Amelia Guinane, Orla Conlon and Clodagh Cunniffe who represented Meath in the community games recently. Well done to Mapalo Mwenya and Leon Hoban who represented Ireland in Karate in Liverpool recently.   As you can see from our newsletter  school is an extremely busy place.   Thanks to all who contribute positively to all the activities inside and outside of school time.   Yours sincerely,       _________________ Fergal Kelly Príomhoide     Dear Parents/Guardians,                                                                                  16th May 2013.   Here are some items that may be of interest to you over the coming weeks.  Write a poem competition– Well done to Luissa Guinane 4th , James Walpole 5th,  Katie Maguire 2nd,  Leanne Harris 6th,  Allanah Lyons  5th,  Aaron McGuirk Senior Infants,  Luke Reid 1st and  Nadine Coleman 3rd  for winning prizes in the ’Write a Poem’ competition hosted by Navan Education Centre.    The winners will be presented with their certificates on June 4th at 3pm in the Ardboyne Hotel. New Junior Infants:   Parents and children in our new Junior Infant Classes are invited into the school on May 24th at 1:30pm to see the school and meet their teachers.   We hope to give the Parents a tour of the school to give you a sense of a typical school day in St. Oliver’s.   Our current Junior infant classes will finish at 12 noon on Friday May 24th to facilitate this important gathering. School Concert:   The 6th class musical “Cinderella & Rockafella” will take place on the 19th & 20th June in St. Mary’s Community Centre, Navan.   The classes are busy rehearsing at the moment and are looking forward to the big performance.   Tickets go on sale next week at €5.00 each. First Holy Communion– We are all looking forward to First Holy Communion Day on Saturday next.   As you know, the ceremony will take place at 10am in St. Oliver’s Church.   We ask that all children be seated no later than 9:45am.   Children have been assigned specific places in main body of church, and will be accompanied by immediate family members.   Children will receive Holy Communion first, before rest of congregation, and will receive on their tongue.   As  Fr. Hurley explained at the meeting for parents, photography/recording is not allowed during the Ceremony because of Child Protection Policy.   Photography will be allowed in the Church once the Mass is over. Children, parents, families and friends are invited back to the school hall for refreshments after the Ceremony.    If anyone would like to donate cakes or buns for this occasion please drop these in to the school on Friday.   Thanks to Declan Kearns and Geraldine Lynch for their preparation of the children for this sacrament.   Thanks also to Eunice Murtagh and Sharon Fogarty our SNA’s in 2nd classes for all their help in preparing the artwork etc.   The school photographer will be in the school on Monday 20th May.   The children may wear their Communion clothes on the day.   Parents may collect their child at 1:45pm if they wish or if they are collecting younger children.   Otherwise it is a full school day. School Mini Leaguescontinue to take place in the school.   The children are enjoying these games and activities. Rounders:   Mr. Ryan, Ms. McDonagh and Ms. Rennicks are  busy training rounders teams at the moment and this competition starts next week.   We are holders of the boys title at the moment so we expect plenty of effort so that we can retain the trophy. Cricket:  The children enjoyed their cricket day with Mervyn Whaley recently.   We hope to invite Mervyn back for further days in the school. Mr. Fishy Project–Ms. McDonagh's fifth class are participating in the Something Fishy Project. The aim of Something Fishy is to inform and educate students on water quality, fish, the environment and angling. The children will visit the river Boyne with the Inland Fisheries Board at the site of the Battle of the Boyne. Féile Léinn na n-Og – The children’s learning festival – Ms. McDonagh’s 5th class are participating in the Féile Léinn na nOg project in Navan Education Centre on May 18th from 10am to 5pm.   Please call in and see the project ‘Hydraulics & Pneumatics’  display (adm. free).    It will be a public exhibition where schools can showcase fantastic and very inspiring  work that they have achieved during the school year.   Its not a competition but a celebratory event where the students proudly display their work. Confirmation:  The Sacrament of Confirmation takes place on Saturday 25th May at 11am in St. Mary’s Church.   There are rehearsals for the ceremony arranged for Monday 20th May at 11:30am and Wednesday 22nd May at 11:30am in St. Mary’s Church.   It is important that the children are present for these rehearsals.   A penitential service will also be held for children and their families who are participating in the Sacrament of Confirmation on Thursday 23rd May at 8:00pm in St. Mary’s Church.   Sponsors are welcome if they wish to attend.    A photographer for Confirmation class is coming to the school on Tuesday May 28th.  Children can wear their dress outfits on this day. Board of Management:   The Board of Management meets regularly and is made up of eight people-two parents representatives, two community representatives, Principal , one member of the teaching staff and two patron’s nominees.   Each Board of Management runs for a four year term.   The present Board’s term began in January 2012.   The Board presently exists as follows:   Parents Representatives – Cathal Delany, Pamela Carroll, Community Representatives, Colette O’Reilly & Brigid Smith, Patrons Representatives Anne Barden and Joan Walshe, Teaching Representatives, Padraig Farrell & Principal – Fergal Kelly.   Officers on the Board– Chairperson Anne Barden, Secretary - Fergal Kelly, Data Control Officer – Pamela Carroll -Treasurer and Maintenance Officer  -  Cathal Delaney, Safety Officer – Colette O’Reilly, Policy Development and Special Needs Advisors - Brigid Smith and Joan Walshe.   Capital Projects & P.R.O.  – Padraig Farrell.   . Parents Association:            “Buy a Brick” Well done to members of the Parents Association and volunteers who collected donations in the Shopping Centre on Saturday May 4th.   This is part of a whole series of fundraising initiatives aimed to support and extend our budget for improving the school.   Thank you for all the contributions so far and a letter and envelope will be distributed shortly to the general parent body .   We also hope to have further clothes collection in Autumn. Sports Days:  Senior Sports day takes place on Thursday May 23rd.   Junior Sports day takes place on Thursday May 30th.   We are hoping for better weather for these important days in the school calendar.    Literacy Survey:   There is a literacy /Maths survey on the downloads section of our website.   Please click in and complete this survey as it forms an important part of our self evaluation of literacy and maths for the coming year.    Our targets are based on teacher’s, parent’s and children’s survey results as well as the pupil assessments that take place in May. HSCL •              Maths for Fun has started in both Ms. Murphy’s  and Ms O’ Malley’s  Senior Infant classes.          Thanks very much to all the parents who help   with this on Wednesday mornings at 11am. •              Supporting your child in Secondary School                 This course for parents  of  6th class pupils will start here in school  on Tues. next 21st May at    9am.It will give parents  some useful  tips and information  about making the transition to   Secondary School   a positive and rewarding experience for all.•                Swings and Slides Parenting Programme will begin at Springboard Family Centre on Tues. 21st    May        (10.30am-12.30pm) and will run for 6 weeks finishing on Tues. 25th June.  If you  are interested or   have any questions please contact Siobhan at 9078221/0 •              Cook It  Programme-Information Morning  for parents, will take place in school on Wed. next       22nd May at 9am.This programme  is all about  cooking ,healthy eating , food additives          growing your        own vegetables etc. •              Many thanks to all the Community Choir members who sang their hearts out at the recent             Dawn Chorus Event on  The Hill of Tara on May 7th     Yours sincerely,   _________________ Fergal Kelly Príomhoide      Dear Parents,                                                                                                    2ndMay 2013.   Half Term:  A reminder that next week is half term and the school is closed from Monday 6thto Friday 10thMay inclusive.   The school will re-open on Monday 13thMay.   Normal closing time on Friday. First Holy Communion: First Holy Communion takes place on Saturday 18thMay at 10am in St. Oliver’s Church.   We ask that the participating children be seated at 9:40am if possible.   Parents are reminded that the Parish does not allow filming or photographs during the ceremony.   Friends and families of St. Oliver’s are invited over to the school for some light refreshments after the ceremony at 11:00am approx. Gifts and cards: If you have cards or presents for children who are making First Communion please do not distribute these in the school grounds or give to your child to be handed out during class time.   In the same way birthday invitations should not be delivered in school as this can cause disruption to teaching time and great upset between some children. Confirmation: The sacrament of confirmation takes place on Saturday 25thMay at 11am in St. Mary’s Church.   There are rehearsals for the ceremony arranged for Monday 20thMay at 11:30am and Wednesday 22ndMay at 11:30am in St. Mary’s Church.   It is important that the children are present for these rehearsals.   A penitential service will also be held for parents and sponsors of children who are participating in the sacrament of Confirmation on Thursday 23rdMay at 8:00pm in St. Mary’s Church. Fundraising Activities:  Thanks to the Parents Association for organising the recent clothes collection.   This was a great success.   Thanks especially to Peter and the committee who filled the van in record time.   In fact, so speedily was the van being filled that we lost a parent for a few minutes in the van amongst the bags but he thankfully made his way out before he was brought to the clothes bank!    Our ‘Buy a Brick’ campaign is launched in full force on Saturday in Navan Shopping Centre.   St. Oliver’s Parents will be manning two exits in the centre on Saturday from 9:00am.   Please support the school whatever way you can in this venture.   Yours sincerely,   __________________ Fergal Kelly Príomhoide   Dear Parents/Guardians,                                                                                  17th April 2013.   Listed below are items of interest for the coming month. New Extension:   The plans for our new extension are now with Meath Co. Council and we would hope to commence building during the summer months.   The plans are on display in the staffroom and Foyer and we welcome your comments and suggestions. Health Promotion Festival 2013:   We held our Health Promotion Festival on Tuesday 16th April.   The children took part in a lot of activities such as soccer skills, athletics, cricket, Zumba Dancing, etc.   There was a cookery demonstration by Lorraine Connolly where the children got a chance to taste different kinds of foods and experience the preparation and cooking of healthy meals.   Lorraine stressed the importance of planning ahead for mealtimes and making them a pleasant experience for all the family.   A Kettlebells fitness class for parents was held by Colm Brady and this was very well attended.  I would like to thank Ruth Dunne for her excellent organisation of this event. Mini 7’s football:  Well done to the Mini 7’s girls football squad who won the county title last Thursday in Dunganny.   Team was as follows:   Capt. Tara Berrigan, Tara Gallager,  Sinead Mooney, Amelia Guinane, Evelyn Ayebola, Leanne Harris, Aoife Farrell, Alanna Lyons, Clodagh Cunniffe and Leah Jones.   The children beat teams from Stackallen, Wilkinstown, Navan Educate Together in the first round before beating White Cross, Lismullen, Carlanstown  and Skryne in the finals.   The girls scored 24 goals and 26 points in all their matches while conceding very little.   This was a very proud day for the school.   Well done to all the girls and especially Ms. Lynch and Mr. Kearns who prepared the children. Spelling Bee: Best wishes to David Adeyanju who is representing the school in the spelling Bee County Final in Ballivor N.S. on Wednesday 1st May. New Garden:  Some extensive work was completed in  our Courtyard Garden over the Easter holidays.   The garden was re-paved and tidied and a new Connemara stone central flower bed was constructed.   We hope that our classes will be able to enjoy some outdoor lessons in this courtyard when the weather improves. Buy a Brick campaign: Our ‘buy a brick’ campaign is underway and parents can contribute in the following ways – Option 1.               A dozen bricks                                                      €50.00 Option 2.               A corner stone                                                      €75.00 Option 3.               A window sill                                                       €100.00 Option 4.               A tonne of sand                                                    €125.00 Option 5.               A tonne of stone                                                   €150.00 The Parents Association are having a collection in the Shopping Centre on May the 4th.   Please support the school in all our fund raising activities which will be taking place over the next few weeks and months.    Our parents Association is looking for volunteers to help with these events.   Names can be given to any committee member or Bridget the school secretary.   There will also be a clothes collection next week in the school.   Please bring in the clothes to the school in the bags provided.   We hope that we can get a great response so that we can provide the best possible resources for our pupils in the years ahead. School Survey: The results of the parent’s survey are available on our website in the Downloads section.   In the Policies section double click on survey of parents results.   This will open a window which says restart file download.   Double click on this and the file should open on most computers.   Should any parent have difficulty a printout is available in the office. Girls & Boys Basketball:  Ms. Lynch and Ms. Fox take the basketball teams for training this term and they start their championships with matches against Dunshaughlin on Friday.   We wish them the best of luck in their endeavours. Rounders:Mr. Ryan is holding trials for the rounders team at the moment and this competition starts in May.   We are holders of the boys title at the moment so we expect plenty of effort so that we can retain the trophy. French Class:   Thanks to Noreen White who is conducting introductory French classes with fifth classes at the moment.   With the abolishment of the Modern Languages Programme in 2012 we are delighted to give the children some access to language teaching so this instruction and voluntary work in appreciated. H.S.C.L. Maths for Fun will be  starting on Wednesdays  in Ms Murphy’s and Ms OMalley’s  Senior Infants Classes shortly.  There will be an initial meeting to explain  to parents  what’s involved on Wed.24th April at 11 am in the Parents Room.   (Thanks to all the parents who attended the recent  Maths Information  Morning for 1st and 2nd classes.) •              We will also be looking for parent volunteers for Parent Story Reading  which will take place on Thursday mornings in Mr Kearns’ and Ms Lynch’s Second Classes.    A letter with details will  be sent out shortly. •              A visit to the library  has been organised for parents of all  infant and first class pupils on Tues next 23rd April  at 10. 30 am. •              A presentation /talk for parents about the “Cook it Programme” which is all about  cooking, healthy eating  and growing your own vegetables will take place  on Wed. 1st May. Congratulations to all our parents who got their certificates  recently after completing the 6 week course. •              Dawn Chorus Event /Music Intergeneration Project (Bealtaine Festival).   On the morning of Tues.  7th May at 8.30am on the Hill of Tara, there will be a “Dawn Chorus “, consisting of one large choir, singing uplifting songs to welcome the new day. This is a music intergeneration project organised through Meath Co. Council Arts Office .   Anyone, over 18 who wishes to   join in the singing is asked to attend a practice session  in the Parent’s Room next Wed.24th April at 9am. Enquiries to  Cathy Martin , Arts Officer (046 9097414) . •              Any parents who are interested in joining a walking group please contact 087-9329545. Suggested time for walks is Monday mornings at 9am Karate:Congratulations to Thom Maguire, Cormac Maguire, Leon Hoban and Mapalo Mwenya who have recently made the Irish Shokolin Karate squad which will be travelling to Bermingham for the Great Britian Nationals on the 3rd May.   Well done to all concerned. New Junior Infants: Our new Junior Infants will be welcomed with their parents on Friday 24th of May in the school.   There is no meeting in April as previously advised.   School Completion: We would like to wish our key worker Ms. Yvonne Forde the very best of luck as she takes a career break in early May.   Yvonne has done sterling work in all the classes and will be a huge loss to the school in so many respects.   We hope that she can return to us at some date in the future.   Ms. Forde is co-ordinating the SALT programme in 4th class and the programme for transition to secondary school for 6th classes at the moment. Rathkenny Revels:   Well done to the pupils who took part in the Rathkenny Revels musical recently especially Cian 4th class  and Caoimhe Stanley 3rd class.   Caoimhe took the title role of Annie in the well known musical. School Tours:  A reminder that school tour season is upon us very soon so details have already been sent out in the various classes.   We are mindful to keep costs down as much as we can and while other schools have cancelled school tours due to the economic situation we feel that these days give the children great memories and should be retained.   More details in the next months newsletter regarding times and dates. Dissolving Boundaries: Well done to Mr. Kearns and Ms. Maginn’s class who are involved with schools in the North of Ireland.   Mr. Kearns will video conference with their partner school St. MacNissis this week. Staffing changes: At the end of April Ms. Carley will return from Maternity leave and Ms. McAteer will be going on maternity leave in early May.   We send our best wishes and we hope all goes well in the future.    Ms. Carley will be taking Ms. McAteer’s third class and Ms. Fox will continue to teach first class until the end of the year. 3rd classeswill welcome the Fire Safety officers in school over the coming weeks.   This programme promotes Fire Safety in the home and is very educational for the children. 5th class–  Ms. McDonagh’s class are particularly busy at the moment with the Mr. Fishy project and the Feile  Linnn na n-og project.   The class are displaying a project on hydraulics and pneumatics on Saturday 18th May in Navan Education Centre.   We wish them well in their efforts.   Yours sincerely,   _________________ Fergal Kelly Príomhoide       Dear Parent(s)/Guardian(s),                                                       7th March 2013.   Here are some items of note for the month of March and beyond: Chisom Nebechi Remembered– This week signals the First Anniversary of the death of Chisom who was in 4th class at the time of her passing.   Our prayers and thoughts are with the Nebechi family at this time.   We intend to mark the anniversary with a quiet ceremony after assembly on Friday morning. St. Patrick’s Day- The school will also be closed for St. Patrick’s day on Monday 18th March 2013. Easter Holidays– Easter Holidays take place on Friday 22nd of March.   There will be a half day on this date.   School will close at 12 noon.   The school will re-open on Monday 8th April at 9am. Seachtain na Gaeilge– we will be  holding events for Seachtain na Gaeilge on the week leading up to St. Patrick’s Day.   We hope to have workshops on Irish Dance, Irish Music and Irish Culture during this week particularly on the 13th, 14th and 15th March.   We hope the children enjoy the activities.   Tá súil agam go ndéanfaidh gach duine iarracht cúpla focal gaeilge a usáid. Health Promotion Day– The school will be holding events focusing on healthy eating from 8th to 19th April next.  To this end, we will have the Lorraine Connolly Cookery School in St. Oliver’s all day on Tuesday, 16th April.  All parents are welcome to attend the cookery demonstrations in the hall which will run from 9.00 am to 2.30 pm.  Children will be brought down in year groupings – starting with the infants in the morning through to senior classes in the afternoon.  Eamonn Brady will hold a fitness class (Kettle Bells) for parents in the school hall on Tuesday 16th April.   There will also be a selection of sports (athletics, cricket, GAA and Zumba dancing) for the children to take part in (weather permitting).  The children are required to wear their tracksuits on 16th April.   To help fund this event, we are asking each child to bring in one Euro (€1.00) on Friday, 15th March when we will be having a celebration of St. Patrick’s Day where all children will be asked to dress in green. School Extension– The Architect has supplied preliminary drawings to the school and we  have submitted a report to the Dept., on the improvements that are also needed to the existing school building.   We have applied for further financial aid to bring the mainstream school standards up to the level of the new extension.    This application may or may not be successful but we feel that the time is right to seek  further funding at a time when there are already works in train.   The Board of Management is now making decisions as to the location and specification of the new building and we will continue to keep parents informed as developments happen.   Website– Our website always keeps everyone up to date with news and happenings and photos of events such as Christmas Plays, Xfactor etc.  www.stoliverplunkettnsnavan.ieAlso please see results of Parent surveys on downloads page. Infant classes– Our infant classes would like parents to send in jigsaws (complete) or board games such as snakes and ladders or junior scrabble etc., to their class teacher.   Many families have games that are surplus to requirements at home so we would appreciate any donations please. Active Coaching Nursery Programme– Our senior classes are working with the junior infants on a programme that helps the pupils in both ends of the school to foster responsibility and leadership skills through play and physical education.  This will be of great benefit to the pupils and I would like to thank the teachers in these classes for participating and supporting this initiative. 6th classes– Our 6th classes visited the relics of St. John Bosco this week.   This was also an important part of our preparation for Confirmation.   Further information on the life of St John Bosco is available on the website www.donboscorelics.ie.   The Ceremony of Light for 6th classes is on the 17th April.   This is where our pupils for Confirmation re-affirm their commitment to the Holy Spirit and renew their promises made at Baptism by their parents on their behalf.   It is a very important stage in the preparation for the ceremony on the 25th May. Art & Craft– Please give any outstanding Art and Craft money to your child’s teacher .   Our Art & Craft supplies need to be replenished regularly and we need your help to continue to provide these resources. FAI Soccer Competition– These competitions take place on Thursday 7th March for the girls and Friday 9th March for the boys.   Thanks to Mr. O’Duláine and Ms. Lynch and Evan Murtagh for helping to prepare the teams for this blitz.   Thanks also to Mick, David and Nicky for taking our middle classes for soccer training weekly.   P.T.O.     Student teachers– I would like to take this opportunity to welcome our visiting teachers who are with us until Easter.   We wish teachers Mr. Gaffney,  Ms. Forte, Ms. Queally and Ms. Peyton many happy years in the teaching profession. School Play– Our 6th classes have started auditions for the school play which will be held on June 19th & 20th in St. Mary’s Parish Hall.   We will need some help towards organising tickets etc., so I will be approaching parents with a view to helping out. GAA– Our mini 7’s teams are in action next Tuesday in Simonstown.   Best of luck to all involved.   Seamus Kenny has arranged some coaching for 3rd & 4th classes next Wednesday 13th March in Simonstown.   This may be held on a weekly basis.   Training is on-going with Mr. Farrell and Mr. Kearns with the boys team for next year so hopefully after Easter we will have some games for the pupils involved. Video Conference- Fourth class joined with other classes from various schools to video conference with Marita Conlon McKenna – author of well know children’s novel “Under the  Hawthorn Tree” recently.   There are images of this session on the website. Write a Poem competition– Many of our classes are completing in the ‘write a poem’ competition hosted by Navan Education Centre.   This competition is called Our school days happy days.   We look forward to the many creative and varied entries. S.A.L.T. Programme– As part of our Anti-Bullying initiative Ms. Maginn’s class are participating in the S.A.L.T. programme.   This programme focuses on teaching children how to deal with conflict and how to build each child’s skills in dealing with difficult situations. Fundraising– Our Board of Management and Parent Association are going to run a fundraiser this year for the new extension.   This ‘buy a brick’ project will ensure that the very best of facilities will be available in the new extension.   Further details to follow but we will be looking for volunteers to help over the coming weeks. Important message– It has come to our attention that some parents/relatives take it upon themselves to check the behaviour of other children in lines or in the school yard in the morning.   While meaning well, this can lead to all sorts of problems.   Please do not take on the role of a parent or teacher in this instance.   Parents should not supervise or take control of any other child but their own.   Parents/relatives should stand back from the lines at infant level and let the children interact.   If you are not happy with where your child is in the line or have issue with the lines then please talk to the class teacher and any problems of this nature can be quickly sorted. Special class– Well done to Ms. Flood and Ms. Reilly and Ms. O’Reilly for the initiatives and innovations with regard to the special class.   Thanks also to Ms. O’Shea who is our on-site play therapist.   Many behavioural issues are due to a lack of ability in communication and/or an inability to process a traumatic event and make sense of it all.   Thanks to our work in this area children can integrate successfully in mainstream classes and improve the skills needed for participating in school and life beyond school. H.S.C.L. As next week is Seachtain na Gaeilge we are organising a fun Quiz (Tráth na gCeist) between parents (Tuismitheoirí) and children (Páistí) in 5th & 6th class on Thursday (De Déardaoin) 14th March at 9am.   Therefore, we are looking for brave parent volunteers to complete against the pupils!!. There will be a Talk for parents of First and Second Classes on how to help your child with subtraction next Tuesday 11th March here in the school at 9am.   Many parents find it difficult to help their children when they are introduced to subtraction for the first time in First Class.   This is because they themselves learned the old way and they are not familiar with the way we do it in school nowadays.   During the session a DVD about how our pupils do subtraction or “take away” sums will be shown and parents will also be given tips sheets.   The talk is expected to last about 30 minutes. Junior Infant Induction Evening for Parents: Provisional Date Thursday 25th April at 8pm. Entrance Exams– 1st Year entrance exams take place this Saturday March 9th in the various secondary schools and we wish all our students  good luck in their endeavours.     Yours sincerely,     __________________ Fergal Kelly Príomhoide     Dear   Parent,                                                                                    Here are some items that may be of interest to you during the month of February: Mid-Term– School Closed for mid-term on Thursday 14th& Friday 15thFeb. 2013. School  Extension– As you already know work is now underway on the planning and design of our new extension.   At the moment our Architect is working on evaluating our current school building with a view to applying for additional funding to upgrade the existing building fabric.   The process from here to completion will take approximately 45-50 weeks but we would expect building to start during the summer holidays.   It promises to be a very exciting year as we watch the developments unfold. School Surveys– Thank you for your replies to our school survey that we sent out after Christmas.   It was very  informative and re-assuring.   Thank you also for all the individual comments and suggestions made.   They were very constructive and helpful.   While drawing up our next 3 year plan for the school we will use the surveys to help us formulate our targets for the future. St. John Bosco– 4thclasses will be visiting the relics of St. John Bosco in early March.   There will be an exhibition on the life of the Saint providing an opportunity for the children to learn more about the founder of the Salesian order. Catholic Schools Week– Catholic schools week took place from Sunday 27thJanuary to Sunday 3rdFeb.   The theme this year was Catholic Schools in the community of Faith – sharing the good news.   All classes were given a special pack of worksheets and lessons and Mrs. Traynor’s class hosted a lovely assembly and Prayer Service in honour of St. Brigid. Lent -  Today is Ash Wednesday and it signifies the start of Lent.   We would encourage the children to make some small sacrifice over the coming weeks leading up to Easter Sunday.   This may be in the form of giving up treats of some sort or helping those around us more.  Traditionally, the three practices to be taken up with renewed vigour during Lent are prayer , fasting and almsgiving. Spelling Bee– Congratulations to David Adeyanja who is our school spelling bee for 2013.   David will go onto the regional final which will take place in Ballivor next month. Salt Programme– Anti Bullying – 5thclasses were visited by Charlie McNulty our community garda who gave a workshop on cyber bullying recently.   He will be visiting other classes over the next few weeks.   Ms. Forde will be introducing the Salt programme to fourth classes over the next few weeks.   This programme focuses on teaching children how to deal with conflict and is aligned with our social, personal and health educational programme.   The programme focuses on building each child’s capacity to develop and access their own skills set when dealing with difficult and emotional situations.   I will also be attending a national bullying conference on March 1st. Credit Union Quiz– Well done to Claudia Lonergan, Modupe Adenuga, Faith Olorummiwo, Mia Brady, Keith Nutufo, Emelia Guinane, Panja Matreja and Charlie McCabe who represented the school in the Credit Union quiz recently. Parents Association– The next meeting of the Parents Association takes place in the school on Wed. Feb. 13that 8:00pm. Health Promotion– The school will be holding events focusing on healthy eating in April.   This will follow a similar theme to other years with an emphasis on good diet and activity based workshops for the children.   More details to follow in our March newsletter. Insect workshop-  Thanks to Gavin Clarke who held a workshop on insects for Ms. Maginn’s 4thclass recently.   The children really enjoyed this and we hope to extend this programme to other classes. Olympic Handball/GAA– Our Olympic handball teams are busy participating in the county competitions while the boys GAA team are getting in some pre-season training in preparation for next years competitions. First Confessions– First Confession took place on  Wednesday 23rdJanuary 2013.   This was a lovely ceremony and the boys and girls were very well prepared. Zumba  Fitness Classfor parents with Teacher Paula Bermingham takes place on Mondays from 9am to 10 am in the P.E.Hall. Family learning and courses for parents: There are still some places left on the Family Learning Maths course which takes place in  the Parents’ Room(28) on Tuesdays from 9.15am to 11.00am A five week course called “Cook It” which is all about cookery healthy eating and budgeting, has started  on Wednesdays in the Windtown Unity Centre from 9.15 am to 11.00 am Basic English Classes for parents of Primary School children will be starting in Scoil Mhuire N.S. on Tues. 19th Feb. from 9.30am to 11.00am.   It’s not too late to join any of the above courses. Also,if any parents are interested in getting involved in any of the following please contact M.Mc Keown (HSCL-087/9329545)   •GAA Basic Skills Training Course •Ciorcal Comhra (Group to meet weekly to practise any few words of Gaeilge they may   have,  and have fun and a cupan tae ) •A Parenting Course for Fathers of Sons   St. Oliver’s Adult Community Choir– The Adult Community Choir is looking for new members to join.  They meet on Fri. mornings  9am-10.00am in Room 28. All welcome!   A sincere thank you to all the Parents who helped make the St. Brigid’s Crosses with 4th and 5th class pupils on Feb. 1st St. Brigid’s Day.   School Tour Dates: 29thMay -            3rdClasses & 4thClass 30thMay -            4thClass 6thJune    -           5th& 6thClasses 12thJune –           1st& 2ndClasses 13thJune -           Junior & Senior Infants     Wishing pupils and parents a happy and relaxed mid-term break.   Yours sincerely,   __________________ Fergal Kelly Príomhoide     Dear Parents,                                                                                                                    14thJanuary 2013.   Curim Fáilte mór go raibh gach duine ar ais ar scoil tar eis saoire na Nollag.   Hope you all enjoyed the Christmas break and wish you all well for the coming year.   Department of Education Grant:   We are delighted to announce that the school has received major capital funding for a new 6 classroom extension which will replace some if not all of our old pre-fabs.   Many of these prefabricated units are past their sell by date and we are really looking forward to this new development.   We will build an up to date modern extension which will cater for the needs of all our students.   In a period where many grants to schools have been stopped or reduced we feel very satisfied to have procured this funding. Self Evaluation:    Please find attached a questionnaire for parents.   We are undertaking a review of our policies, procedures and customs and would like to get your input on this so that we continue to improve as a school.   Please submit this form to your child’s class teacher before Friday January 18th. Christmas activities:   Thanks to the staff, parents and children who worked hard during the month of December to support the wide range of activities going on in the school and the wider community.   The varied Christmas Plays and concerts were greatly appreciated by the attentive audiences.   The mix of music and song and dramatic content were indeed a great success.   The Christmas Plays and activities were rounded off by Xfactor on December 21stand the children turned in memorable performances.   Congratulations to the winners RM Remix(Romano Magdadoro and Madupe Adenuga) on their fantastic version of Jason Mraz’s “I’m Yours”.   The show once again attracted a huge crowd and we were delighted in true community spirit to welcome back past pupils and friends.   Thanks to Mr. Ryan and Ms. Maginn who organised the programme while Elvis was resurrected again to add diversity to the show.   Thank you to our Xfactor Judges  Cilla Black, and Scrooge who entertained us with their witty comments.   Thanks also to Peter Maguire who erected the stage and Jimmy & Audrey Fox who sponsored the prizes.   Children from various classes throughout the school got a chance to appear on stage at this time of year and we hope they benefited from this experience.   Puppet Show and other events:   Our 1stclasses enjoyed a puppet show before Christmas.   Thanks to Sarah Brady for organising this for the school.   The show was based on the Nativity and was a seasonal offering of song and music.   Our 2ndclasses met Santa on a trip to the Solstice Theatre.   They really enjoyed the visit and Santa collected all their batteries for recycling. Thanks to Peter Brady for organising this visit.  New Signage & Garden Works:     We have updated our sign near the infant classrooms so as to ensure the school has a real physical identity for visitors and people in the community.   Many people seem to be very happy with the style and design of the new sign.   We also hope to update our internal garden area at the end of January.   We secured LD41 funding from Meath County Council and this has been used to secure a contract to upgrade this area and make it more attractive to the pupils, staff and visitors. Parents Council:    The next meeting of the Parents Council will take place on the 16thJanuary at 8:00pm.   I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Parents Council for their allocation of money in buying up to 50 chairs for the hall leading up to Christmas.   The new chairs added to the comfort and success of the festive events.   Thanks also is due for their donation of selection boxes as prizes to each class. Vincent de Paul:   Thank you to everyone who contributed to our Dry Food Appeal.   A full van load of food was donated for local distribution.   Thanks to the Parents Association for organising this collection. Punctuality :   It is important that we develop promote and maintain the habit of being punctual for school.   I would ask everyone to make a special effort not to be late for school in 2013.   We are required to keep punctuality records in relation to children who are frequently late for school.   We ask for your co-operation in this regard as once again it is unfair on the children if they are constantly late.    For Junior children missing  the first 10 minutes means  valuable assembly  time with other children is lost while middle to senior classes can often have mental maths tuition.   It can mean that if a child is late for the first 10 minutes each day,  that they are missing a whole mental maths programme.   We ask for your co-operation with us in this regard.   We are happy that attendance has improved in the school this year but it is very frustrating when a teacher teaches a new topic and a child is missing for no real solid reason. Croke Park Hours:    All Staff meetings will take place out of school hours this year so as not to compromise teaching time. Parents Choir:    The Parents Choir gave a special performance at our Xfactor show on Friday 21st.   They  almost brought the house down with the beautiful renditions of well  known  songs.   We hope to extend this programme for another six weeks. First Penance:   First Penance will take place on Wednesday 23rdJanuary 2013 at 8:00pm in St. Oliver’s Church. Please note that this date is different to the one on  the school calendar.   A reminder that First Holy Communion will be held on May  18that 10:00am in St. Olivers.   Credit Union Quiz:   The school will enter the Credit Union quiz on  February 5th2013  in the Ardboyne Hotel.    Best of luck to the pupils involved. Athletics:   Our Cross Country runners also entered the Championships in Bellewstown in December. They ran well in very tough conditions.   Thanks to M. McDonagh, Ms. Rennicks and Mr. Farrell for preparing this team. GAA :    A reminder that all pupils participating in GAA matches must now wear gum shields from January 1st2013.   This rule is mandatory for all grades up to and including minor for this year. Olympic Handball – We are now entering the season for Olympic Handball and the U11 teams and U13 teams will have games over the coming weeks .   First fixture  is as follows: Thursday 24thJanuary – Boys VS Yellow Furze                                                 Girls VS St. Pauls Inclement Weather:    It is the policy of the school to open every day scheduled in the school calendar provided the requisite number of teaching staff is available for duty.   Parent/Guardians should assess road and weather conditions and decide for themselves if it is safe for their children to travel to school.   Please ensure that the school has up to date mobile numbers for you so that information in this regard can be communicated swiftly.   Yours sincerely,     ______________________ Fergal Kelly Príomhoide   A Chairde,                                                                           5thDecember 2012.   Listed below are some items and events that concern us over the coming month. Inclement Weather:   It is the policy of the school to open on every day scheduled  in the school calendar provided the requisite number of teaching staff is available for duty.   Parents/Guardians should assess road and weather conditions and decide for themselves if it is safe for their children to travel to school.   Please ensure that the school has up to date mobile numbers for you so that information in this regard can be communicated swiftly. Christmas Holidays:   The school will close for Christmas Holidays on Friday Dec. 21stat 12 noon.   It will re-open on Monday January 7th2013 at 8:50am. LyonsClubArt Competition:   Well done to Ali Shealy, Robert Staunton and Hannah Donnelly  who won prizes in the recent Lyons Club Poster competition. Solstice Santa:   2ndclasses will attend Santa in the Solstice.   This is part of an environmental project where each child brings batteries to Santa and Santa will help to recycle them .   This event is organised by Meath County Council.   Our first classes will attend a Puppet Show in St. Olivers on Monday 10thDecember which is also based on the theme of recycling. Class Concerts & School Plays:   The following are the times and dates for all the classes that are performing this year.Dates for Christmas Playsas follows: Tuesday December 18th Wednesday December 19th Thursday December 20th 10.15am Mr Kearns 9.30 am Ms Quinn 9.30am Ms Murphy 12.00am Ms Lynch 10.30 Ms Tunney 10.30 Ms O Malley 1.00pm Ms Fox 11.30am Ms Connolly 11.30 Mr Farrell 2.00pm Mr O Dubhshláine 1.00pm Ms Mc Ateer 1.00pm Ms McDonagh   2.00 pm Ms Sheehan 2.00pm Mr Delaney M.S. Readathon:   Well done to Ms. Sheehan’s third class who have earned €418.45 in the past month.   This is a great donation to a worthy cause and they have also earned money for their own class to spend on books for their library in the process.   Well done to all concerned. Visual Arts:   Thanks to everyone who has brought in Visual Arts money over the past few weeks.   Any outstanding money can be sent into class teacher. XFactor:   Auditions take place on Monday 10that 1:15pm for classes from 2ndto 6th.   The XFactor Final will take place on Friday 21stDecember at 9:30am.   Thanks to Audrey  & Jimmy Fox for their kind sponsorship of prizes for this special event. Write a Book:   Ms.Maginn’s 4thclass have entered the ‘write a book’ competition.   We wish them the best of luck in their endeavours. Power Hour:   Power Hour continues in Senior Infants up to the Christmas Period.   We hope to be back in First Classes in  January to continue their reading , writing and phonic development. Internships:   I would like to welcome Ms. Sylvia Sweeney, Ms.KirstyBellew and Mr. Eddie Wren to new internships in the school.   Ms. Sweeney and Ms.Bellew are working as classroom assistants and Mr. Wren will be working with Ms. Maginn in our IT department.   Ms. Sweeney will be familiar to some parents as she has already worked previously as an SNA in the school.                                                                                                                                     P.T.O. Christmas Cards:  Christmas Cards have now been sent to the Printers so we await the finished packs in the post.   Thanks to the Parents Association and particularly Frances Browne for organising this venture.   The cards will be a great souvenir for Christmas. St. Vincent De PaulFood Appeal:   Thanks to the Parents Association for organising the Dry Food Appeal on Monday and Wednesday.   It is incumbent on us all to think of those who are less fortunate especially at this time of year.    Many are struggling and the pressure of Christmas can be huge added financial burden on families.   Thank you to all who gave to this appeal.   Donations of Monday or other suitable materials may be made directly to the Vincent De Paul Shop, Brews Hill in the town. Childline:   Thanks to Bernie Martin who organised a coffee morning recently and raised in the region of  €150.00 for Childline.   Thanks to the parents who supported this venture. Thanks to Centra, Blackcastle for donating some specialist IT equipment to our Special Needs area.   This kind of support is very much appreciated. Childrens Christmas Masses:   Sunday 16thDec. at 12 Noon & Christmas Eve at 6pm in St. Oliver’s Church. Parents Association:  The Parents Association are sponsoring some selection boxes for classes which will be distributed to the teachers next week.    The next parents Council meeting will take place on Wednesday December 12th2012 at 8pm.   Thank you to all for their help and support during 2012. Christmas Annuals:    Sonas 5th& 6thclass,  Siamsa 3rd& 4thclass,  Spraoi 1st& 2ndClass, Sugradh Junior & Senior Infants are on Sale at the moment for €4.00 each.   They are nice for Christmas and the children love them.   There is a free Spring magazine and for all children and a free pencil for junior classes.   The will be sold until Tuesday 11thDecember.   Please contact Bridget for details. Athletics:  Well done to all our Athletic Cross Country athletes who participated in the CumannnamBunscol competition in Bellewstown on Wednesday 5thDecember. Gaelic &Soccer training for 4thclass:   Thanks to Mick Davies for all his work in the school.   This is greatly appreciated. School Completion Homework Club– Homework Club is finished on Thursday 13thDecember 2012 for the Christmas period.    It will resume again in January 2013.   The children are looking forward to a Cinema trip on Monday 17thDecember.   We hope that they enjoy this annual excursion.   First tee Golf will start up in the new year and Ms. Forde is looking for prospective Rory McIlroys or Annika Sorenstams .Details to follow in New Year. Irish Dancing /Speech & Dramawill resume again in January 2013.   As you can see December is one of the busiest but enjoyable months in the school calendar.   We hope that the children enjoy all the festivities at home and at school over the Christmas period.   I would like to thank the parents and children, teachers, Special Needs Assistants, Caretaker, cleaner and secretary who give their time generously in support of the activities arranged within and outside the school as we prepare for Christmas.   I hope that you all enjoy a happy and holy and peaceful Christmas and a healthy 2013.   Beannachtaí na Nollaig oraibh go leír.   Yours sincerely,         ___________________ Fergal Kelly Príomhoide   Dear Parent,                                                                                                                         14th Nov. 2012.   I hope everyone enjoyed a safe and pleasant Halloween and mid term break.   Well done to all the children and staff who participated in our Halloween costume day on Oct the 26th last.   It was lovely to see the children dressing up and enjoying themselves.   Listed below are of interest for the coming weeks: Football:   Girls Football team have reached the CumannnamBunscol final.   They will play Dunshaughlin in what is sure to be a keenly contested affair on Saturday 17th of November at 11:30am.   I would like to thank Ms. G. Lynch, Mr. D. Kearns and Mr. P. Farrell for all the training and preparation of our school teams this year. Please come and support our team on Saturday. Child Protection Policy:   The Board of Management of St. Oliver Plunkett N.S. has a comprehensive child protection policy in place.   The Principal Fergal Kelly is the designated Liaison person and the Deputy Principal MaireadTraynor in the Deputy Liaison person.   Any queries relating to child protection should be directed  to Fergal Kelly. Parent Teacher meeting:     Parent Teacher meetings will be held on the evening of Thursday 29th November.   The school will close at 1:45pm to facilitate these meetings.   You will be given an appointment time in the next couple of days.   We will do our best to co-ordinate times for brothers and sisters with other teachers.Please note that individual meetings should not last any longer than eight minutes as teachers have in some cases up to 31 children .   Alternative dates or arrangements can be made if these times are not suitable to you. School safety:   It is important that all visitors report to the school office before proceeding to classrooms during the school day.   Also please note that the school grounds is designated as a no smoking area. Friendship Week:   Friendship week took place last week as part of our anti-bullying initiative Mass for deceased staff & Pupils:   The annual mass for deceased staff, pupils and for the St. Oliver Plunkett’s list of the dead took place last Saturday 10th.   During this week we explained to our pupils why we remember of dead at this time of year and why we pray for them.   Meath VEC– Meath VEC have contacted me to ensure that all parents are aware that Colaiste Na Mí a new secondary school is opening in September 2013 and they are currently taking enrolments.   Please go to the Meath VEC website for details.   First Holy Communion & Confirmation:    First Holy communion will take place in St. Oliver’s Church on Saturday  18thMay 2013 and Confirmation will take place in St. Mary’s Church on Saturday 25thMay 2013.   As part of the preparation the 2nd& 6th classes are attending St. Oliver’s Church every week in adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.   These sessions are given by Peadar and Annette Moynahan and are approved by the Parish. Parents Council:   The next meeting of the Parents Council will take place on Wednesday Nov. 14th in St. Oliver Plunkett’s at 8pm.   Thanks to all who attended the AGM.  It was great to get help for the coming year.    We would like in particular to welcome the new families who are willing to participate on the on the Parents Association this year.   Election of officers will take place at this meeting and all positions are available.   If any member wishes to put themselves forward for election please ensure that you are there on the night. Christmas Cards:   The children are busy designing their Christmas Cards at present and the final date for receipt of the finished cards is Friday 16th November.   The pictures will be sent  to the printers next week and the cards will be returned to the school in plenty of time for Christmas.   Pricing and details will be available in the December newsletter. Inclement Weather:   It is the policy of this school to open every day on the school calendar.   In the event of  inclement weather the school will open provided the requisite number of teaching staff are available for duty.   Parents should access road and weather conditions and decide for themselves whether it is safe for their child to travel to school. Swimming:I would like to thank the teachers and SNA’s who assisted with supervision of children at the swimming classes this year.                                                                                                                School Holiday Schedule:   This was sent home earlier this year – please contact the office if you do not have a copy or you can download from the school website.                                                                                   P.T.O. Mathematics:   Well done to the children in classes who worked on their numeracy and mathematical skills during the week of October 19th.   Well done to the classes who participated in the maths trails around the school and to Ms.McKeown who co-ordinated this event. Power Hour:Well done to the teachers and pupils from First Classes  who participated in Power Hour over the past seven weeks  - Thank you to Ms. Keane Faulkner and the class resource teachers for promoting this activity.    Research has shown that participation in such indicatives is very beneficial to children and often renews an interest in reading among parents.     For this term senior infants will be engaging in Power Hour and any parent who wishes to find out more should contact the principal. Peer Tutoring:   Miss Maginn in 4th class is also starting a peer tutoring initiative in 4th classes and we wish the pupils all the best in this project. RSE Talk.This talk will take place for children from 6th class on 21st& 22nd November.    Children will already have been given forms for Parental Consent. Recorder:    Recorder classes continue under the direction of Blaithín Cahill Gregg.   Please encourage your child to practice every day for 5-10 minutes.   This  will make a big difference in their ability to make a mastery of the instrument. Green Schools:     Our green schools committee continue to work towards a 3rd green flag and our monitors are very busy ensuring that our lights are turned off and that we are keeping green issues at the forefront of our daily routines.   On December 13th 2nd classes will attend the Solstice in Navan as part of an environmental project for the recycling of batteries.   They will bring batteries  and give them to Santa of all people!! We hope they enjoy this event. Notable achievements:   Well done to MapeloMwenya who passed First Dan Black Belt recently.   Hall Rental:   Our School Hall is available for renting at various times during the week – please call Bridget for details. XFactor:   Preparation for XFactor has started and details will follow: HSCL: Computer Course for parents takes places on Wednesdays at 9:15am.   There are two sessions left and all are welcome.    English classes for Parents takes place on Wednesday 9am to 11am.   Supporting your child in Primary Schools Seminars for Parents takes place from 9am to 11am on Tuesdays.    A new innovation this year is the Community Choir for Parents at 9am to 10am on Fridays.    Anybody who feels they are a good singer and feel that they have  a little Xfactor in them please come on Fridays between 9am and 10am and you will enjoy the music and song.   A cup of tea and a chat is on offer at all these courses and we love to have as much participation as possible from the parents. Assemblies:   Our Assemblies continue every alternative Friday and classes are asked to do a little performance.  We also give out Pupil of the Week trophies and celebrate certain achievements of pupils and classes.    These gatherings also give a chance for Principal and Staff to relay messages and information to the pupils in the senior classes.    Parents are welcome to attend these assemblies should they so wish.    School Completion also arrangeGolden Certs for our Senior Infant classes and we congratulate all the prize winners so far.    Miss Forde has also arranged Cookery classes for some of our pupils over the coming weeks.      Yours sincerely,         __________________ Fergal Kelly Archived Newsletters Príomhoide  October Newsletter:                                                                                            9th October 2012. Dear Parents, Listed below are a number of items I would like to bring to your attention this month: Contact numbers:   It is essential that class teachers and the office are provided with up to date landline numbers, mobile numbers and addresses .   These numbers should also be written into the homework  journals.   Please inform the office if you do not receive text messages sent out from the school. School Uniforms:   It is great to see the children dressed in the full uniform each day.    I would remind parents to ensure that all jumpers and tracksuit tops have their children’s names written on them so that in the event of loss they can be retu