Dear Parents/Guardians,

We hope you are well this week and had an enjoyable break from school routines over the mid-term. Our news this week is as follows;

• Thank you to all the families who donated shoeboxes so far. The final date for dropping them off is tomorrow morning Friday 9^th November. It is lovely that so many families shared a little with boys and girls in other countries who may not be so fortunate. It will be greatly appreciated.

• GAA training started yesterday for Junior Infants, Senior Infants and 5^th and 6^th classes with Mark O’ Donnell,  Development Officer with Wolfe Tones. The focus on this is skills development that are age appropriate and transfer across a range of sports. The emphasis is on fun and everyone taking part.  Well done to Juniors and Seniors in particular who did a great job.
• The times for parent/teacher meetings were sent out on Tuesday to all families. These meetings will take place on Wednesday and Thursday next week. The school will close to pupils on Wednesday next at 2.25p.m. to allow teachers to get ready for the meetings. School will close at the usual time on Thursday. We look forward to meeting you next week.
• 3^rd-6^th classes are putting on a Variety Show on the evening of the 12^th and 13^th December this year. Each class will put on a short show and the choir will also perform.  Auditions will begin on Friday for individual pupils/small groups in these classes who wish to perform also. We are delighted that so many pupils have signed up to audition and we wish them all well.
• The dental Hygienist, Elaine Cannon from Shannon Health Centre came in to talk to pupils in Junior infants and 4^th class today about the importance of brushing their teeth and looking after them. She demonstrated good brushing routines to the pupils. Thank you to Elaine for this visit.
• The Christmas Annual order forms have gone home with all pupils today for those who wish to order the Christmas Annual.  Orders and money to be returned by next Thursday 15^th November.
• As the weather has got noticeably colder this month it is important that all pupils have a warm coat with them at school. If it is dry we will be going out at break times. It is also a good idea to label all coats as they can be returned to their rightful owner if they get misplaced.

Kind regards,

Mary Dunlea Fitzgerald, Principal