Dear Parents/Guardians,

We hope you are well this week as we start a new month. Our news this week is as follows

• Well done to our Boys’ and Girls’ basketball teams who took part in the first round of the Marian Keane Memorial Basketball Tournament in the Leisure Centre on Tuesday last. Our Boys’ team won their matches and are through to the next round of the competition. Despite playing really well the Girls’ team did not qualify for the next round. Thank you to Ms. Fitzsimon, Ms Brown and Ms. O’ Neill for coaching the teams over the past few weeks.

• As part of Engineer’s week 6th class were invited to visit the Air Venture centre here in Shannon yesterday where they got the opportunity to try some flight simulation as well as learn about the role of engineers in aviation. They also had a talk from the CEO of Shannon Airport Neil Pakey where the pupils got an opportunity to ask lots of questions about the airport.
• 2nd class visited Shannon Library yesterday for a talk by the author Etain Cooey. They took part in a workshop based on her book and learnt some facts about animals. The illustrator of the book was also in attendance and showed the pupils how she designs her drawings.
• As part of the commemoration of 1916 we will hold a celebration to mark the centenary of this event on Tuesday 15th March at 11a.m. here in the school. Each class will do a short performance and we will have projects and artwork on display also. 6th class have written a new proclamation for the 21st Century and this will be unveiled and shared with all in the school community. If you or other family members ( e.g grandparents ) were or are members of the defence forces we would especially like to invite you to attend. Could you please contact the school office if you were or are a member of the defence forces to say you are attending as we hope to involve you also. The celebration will culminate in raising the National Flag which all schools are expected to do on this date. We hope to see lots of you on that date.
• The Parents’ Association are holding an Easter raffle. There will be a prize of a large Easter egg per class. Tickets cost €2 per strip and will be on sale from Monday next, 7^th March, with the draw taking place on Wed 16th March.
• For the past few years the school has held an Easter Bonnet parade on the day we break up for the Easter holidays. If pupils wish they can design and make their own Easter bonnet/hat or an Easter tie. It must be made from recycled or found materials at home. Over the past few years we have had some amazing creations made from egg cartons, tin foil, cardboard etc. all found at home. If pupils do not wish to take part that is fine also. The Easter bonnet parade will be held at 11a.m. on 16th March.
• You may like to note in your diary that the school will close for the Easter holidays at 12p.m. on Wed 16th March and re-open at 9a.m. on Mon 4th April.

Kind regards, Mary Dunlea Fitzgerald, Principal