Dear Parents/Guardians,

Welcome to Term 3 of the current school year. We hope you had an enjoyable and relaxing break as we head into the final term of the current school year. Our news this week is as follows

• On behalf of everyone in our school community we extend our sincere sympathies to the family, friends  colleagues and parishoners of Canon Brendan O’ Donohue who died on the 4^th April last having lived and served as parish priest and retired priest here in Shannon since 1988. Canon Brendan was well known to us here in St Tolas having officiated at many school ceremonies including our most recent First Confessions. His wisdom, empathy, good nature and fantastic sense of humour will be greatly missed. I thank the pupils in 5^th and 6^th classes who stood outside the school on Monday last to honour Canon Brendan as the funeral cortege passed the school. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílís.
• We are looking forward to the start of free hot lunches for every pupil in St Tolas starting soon. The LunchBag will be our provider of hot meals and over the Easter break a lot of work was completed to get the food preparation area ready. There are still a few jobs to complete but we expect the launch of this new service to take place very shortly. As soon as everything is ready we will update you. This will be a fantastic addition to the school and we are looking forward to the service being rolled out.
• As mentioned before Easter we are taking part in a project with Clare Education Centre called Agree to Agree. We are gathering information on internet enabled device usage in relation to our pupils. So far we have surveyed pupils and staff. Now is your chance as parents/guardians to participate also. Please note the link to the survey will be sent out today via text message to parents/guardians. The survey is completely anonymous and we would be very grateful if you could complete it at your earliest convenience.
• Swimming lessons are starting next week for pupils in 4^th, 3^rd and 2^nd classes in Shannon Leisure Centre.  4^th class are scheduled on Mondays at 1.30p.m., 3^rd class have their lessons on Tuesdays at 1.30p.m. and 2^nd class have their lessons on Wednesdays at 1.30p.m.  The lessons will continue for 6 weeks. Lessons cost €4.50 per day and can be paid via Aladdin or in cash.  Swimming lessons are part of the Physical Education curriculum and apart from medical reasons all pupils are expected to take part in the aquatic strand of P.E.
• Please see flyer attached from Shannon Library in relation to a free weekly storytime and colouring session for 3 to 6 year olds.
• Our school photos will take place on Thurs 2^nd May. if you have already sent in an order form there is no need to do anything else. If you would like to get photos of your child/children on that day please contact the office.

Kind regards,

Mary Dunlea Fitzgerald, School Principal