Newsletter November 2013

Mí na Samhna

Dear Parents/Guardians,

I hope everyone enjoyed the week off … Hallowe’en is always an exciting time of year. We had a very enjoyable and successful SPOOKY WALK which raised more than €5000 for the school. Thank you to Ms MCabe and all the staff, the children and their parents, the Parents’ Association and local businesses—Crona Browne (Browne’s Garage), Shona Bourke (Rye River Café), Deirdre Callagy (Callagy’s Pharmacy), Cleary’s of Kilcock, Colm Doolan (Centra, Courtown Rd), Una Gannon (Books and Gifts), John Ryan (Butcher), L’Horizon, TK Alarms, and  Parkside.

WELCOME TO SCOIL CHOCA NAOFA: Narcisa (3rd Class)  from Romania and Francesca (5th Class) from Maynooth.

Help My Kids to Learn

An interesting website packed full of ideas to help your child … just enter your child’s age and find lots of fun reading, writing and maths activities they can do at home.  helpmykidlearn.ie

We are looking for donations of WOOL for Art and Craft activities.

Any knitters out there  that might have left over yarn from their own knitting projects— We would be delighted if you could send it to school with your daughter

You might also like to start thinking about donations  of books, toys, bric-a-brac for sale of Work , Dec 13 (donations accepted from Mon 9th December)

Parents—you might not be aware that we have some children in our school with food allergies. They could become very ill if they eat certain foods. For this reason could I ask  you NOT to send in cakes or goodies to school  for distribution among the class. It’s very difficult for teacher to leave a child out!  I would also ask you to be sensitive when distributing birthday party invitations in the yard… I know you cannot ask EVERYBODY but just imagine if it was your child who was not included.

PARENT TEACHER MEETINGS

Meetings for parents of Senior Infants to 6th Class will take place on Tues 12th and Wed 13th Nov. Suggested times will be circulated to you this week and every effort will be made to accommodate times that suit you, including if you have to see a number of teachers.  These meetings are an important part of home school relationships: you will hear how your child is doing academically and socially at school; you will find out ways that you can support your child’s learning and development; we will be interested to hear your questions and comments.

Looking forward to seeing you.

BOOTS AND SHOES

Many parents welcomed my suggestion about sensible shoes in last newsletter. As we enter the winter months, many children will wear boots. Could I ask you to give the same consideration when purchasing winter footwear—STURDY and WEATHER PROOF?

RUNNERS ONLY on PE days—can be brought in bag when weather inclement.

The Quare Land

This comedy,  with well known actor, Seamus O’Rourke will be presented in the GAA on Sunday 10th November at 8 o’clock.All proceed will be shared by our school and GAA—you can pay at the door on the night.

SAFETY NOTE

Please supervise your children as they exit the school. Many parents are letting their children run ahead through the church ground on their own. There are a number of dangers for our small children including delivery  and visiting traffic to convent ….exiting the grounds and running across a very busy the street …..

Once again I ask that you do not park or walk through Staff Car Park  – exceptions are made for children/parents with temporary or permanent disabilities

Supporter of the Year Award

I was very proud to accept an award on behalf of Scoil Choca from FFI (F.A.I.T.H. Family Initiative) supported by Kildare County Council at World Food and International Day Seminar , held in GAA on 19th October. The inclusivity and support of Scoil Choca community was highly praised. It was a lovely afternoon with inspirational speakers, lovely music and fine food.

GREEN SCHOOL COMMITTEE looking for USED STAMPS, PLEASE

Some parents have asked about school closures for rest of the year: The Standardised School year is set out by the Department of Education in Circular Letter 34/2011

TERM 1 (from Mid Term)

• School reopens Monday 4^th Nov
• Drama “The Quare Land” in GAA—proceeds to school—SUN 10th Nov
• Parent Teacher meeting for Senior Infants – 6^th Classes  – NOV 12^th and 13^th 3.00 pm – 5.30
• Parish Music Festival Sa t 23 Nov (featuring our 4th and 5th class Choir)
• SALE OF WORK : DEC 15^th
• Christmas Pageant in St Coca’s Church – DEC 21^st @ 11.00am FRIDAY
• CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS School closes at 12.00am FRIDAY DEC 21^st

TERM 2

• School Reopens JAN 7^th TUESDAY
• MIDTERM BREAK FEB 20^th and 21^st Thursday and Friday
• ST PATRICKS DAY MON 17^th March
• SCHOOL CLOSED TUES 18^th MARCH
• School closes at 12am Friday 11^th April for EASTER HOLIDAYS. If there are unforeseen closures (eg due to inclement weather) the EASTER HOLIDAYS will begin on Wednesday 16^th April

TERM 3

• School reopens Monday 28^th April
• BANK HOLIDAY Monday 5^th May
• Bank Holiday Monday 2^nd June
• Sports Day 21^st June (to be confirmed)
• School closes for Summer Holidays @12.00am Friday 27^th June