Dear Parents/Guardians,

We hope you are well this week as we approach the end of our first month back at school. Our news this week is as follows

• Congratulations to all the pupils who represented the school at the East Clare Cross Country competition in Lee’s Rd. on Tuesday last. There were huge numbers taking part from schools all over East Clare. The boys and girls from St. Tolas ran very well and ably represented their school. Congratulations to Eve Bowen in 2^nd class who came second overall in her age group. Eve will now progress to the Clare final to be held later in the term.  Thank you to Ms. O’ Neill, Ms. Cleary, Mr. Tyrrell and Ms. Fitzsimons who assisted & accompanied the pupils to the competition.

• Well done to the boys and girls in 2^nd class who are making their First Communion next May. They attended the enrolment Mass in Mary Immaculate Church last Sunday and represented their families and school very well. It will be a busy year for them.
• The Parents’ Association have organised a Colours Day this Friday. Pupils may wear their favourite/tshirt/jersey with their school uniform if they wish to take part. We are asking for a donation of €2 per pupil for school fundraising.
• The AGM of the Parents’ Association will take place on Tuesday next 2^nd October at 7.15p.m. here in the school. All parents are welcome to attend. Why not come along and find out more about the work of the Parents’ Association.
• We have been informed that the school will be used as a polling station for the upcoming Presidential Election which will take place on Friday 26^th October. The school will be closed to pupils on that day.  Also we will not be in a position to hold the Halloween table quiz this year.
• Can you please ensure that all school jumpers and coats are labelled with your child’s name. We have had a number of items go missing this year and it is much easier to return lost items if they are labelled.
• Clothes Recycling – As we head into autumn you might like to tidy out the wardrobes and presses. Recycle items accepted are: clean clothing, household textiles, i.e. curtains, towels, paired shoes, handbags, belts.  The following items cannot be accepted for recycling – mobile phones, laptops, dirty or wet clothing, mats, carpets, duvets/pillows, books.  You can drop bags of recycling items into the school from Friday 5^th October up to 9.30am on Tues 9^th October (as the bags will be collected by 9.45am on the Tuesday 9^th October). We are unable to accept any recycling after Tuesday morning 9th October.  Thank you for your support.

Kind regards,

Mary Dunlea Fitzgerald, Principal