Dear Parents/Guardians,

We hope you are keeping well this week. Our news is as follows

• On behalf of everyone in our school community I would like to offer sincere condolences to Alex in 2^nd class, his Mum Josie and his little sister Emilia on the sudden and unexpected passing of his dad Damien Birchall on Sunday last. Our thoughts and prayers are with Alex and his family at this sad time.  Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dilís.
• 2^nd class pupils will make their First Confession on Monday next 12^th February in Mary Immaculate church at 7p.m. We wish all our pupils well on this occasion.
• Congratulations to our boys’ and girls’ basketball teams who both won all their matches in the Marian Keane memorial basketball tournament in Shannon Leisure centre yesterday. The pupils played really well and were also a credit to the school. Both teams now progress to the next rounds of the tournament as winners of their respective groups. Well done to all involved.
• Our Bingo fundraiser will take place next Wednesday 14^th February in Newmarket-on-Fergus Community hall starting at 7.30p.m. For this occasion children are allowed attend as long as they are accompanied by an adult. Bingo books cost €12 for a single and €15 for a double. Children’s bingo books cost €4. There will also be a fabulous raffle on the night with the top prize a 50” HD TV . Why not come along and make a family night of it. It promises to be lots of fun and you might even win a prize or two.
• 6^th class will have some visits over the next few weeks from David Donoghue who is a songwriter and published author as part of the artist in schools scheme. . He will be working with the pupils in the areas of music and literacy. We are looking forward to seeing what the pupils produce.
• Please see flyer in schoolbags sent home today in relation to school photos. These are entirely voluntary and you do not need to have a photo taken if you do not wish.
• St Tolas is closed to all pupils and staff next Thursday and Friday 15^th and 16^th February for mid-term break. The school will re-open on Monday 19^th February at 9a.m. We hope you have an enjoyable and restful mid-term break.

Kind regards,

Mary Dunlea Fitzgerald, School Principal