Dear Parents/Guardians,

We hope you are keeping well and enjoying the fine weather for however long it lasts. Our news this week is as follows

• Our pupils in Solas and Aoibhneas Special classes are travelling to Cusack park in Ennis today to take part in the first Réaltaí na Clár (Clare Stars) day. We wish them well and hope they have a very enjoyable day.
• Congratulations to the boys and girls who made their First Communion on Saturday last. We were so proud of you all.  Thank you also to the choir and band who provided the music.  Thank you to the Parents’ association and 3^rd class parents who provided the lovely treats and party for the Communion children here in the school after the ceremony. Mile buiochas to Muinteoir Siobhan, Muinteoir Kate and Muintoeir Fiona for all their hard work and to Muinteor Alanna for leading the choir.
• Well done to all the pupils who took part in the first Shannon Schools Athletics competition in St. Senans Rugby club and on the athletics track yesterday. The pupils were fantastic and did themselves proud. Thank you to Muinteoir Lorna, Muinteoir Diana and Sinead who accompanied the pupils.
• Well done to our boys hurling team who took part in the Cumann na mBunscoil hurling competition on Tuesday last in Caherlohan. Although the games did not go their way the boys gave a good account of themselves and had an enjoyable day out. Thank you to Muinteoir Maria and Muinteoir Noreen who accompanied the team.
• Tomorrow pupils from 4^th, 5^th and 6^th classes take part in the Paddy Carrig memorial football competition in Wolfe Tones GAA. We have a number of teams taking part and we wish them well. Thank you to Muinteoir Maria for co-ordinating this event on our behalf.
• We are starting our annual Quizbrain of St Tolas today also. All pupils from 3^rd, 4^th, 5^th and 6^th classes take part in the first four rounds with 30 questions asked. The top 20 then go through to two semi-finals with 30 questions per round with the top 5 qualifying for the grand final at the end of June. I wish everyone the best of luck in this year’s competition.
• Our school band have been invited to Cusack park in Ennis next Tuesday to join with school bands from all over Clare to perform a number of tunes. I know our band have worked so hard all year and we hope they enjoy this experience too.
• Next week our school tours also start. Class teachers will let you know the specific details for your child’s tour this year. 2^nd Class are off to the Aquarium in Galway on Wednesday. Juniors and Seniors are very excited about visiting Turoe pet Farm on Thursday and 3^rd and 4^th classes are going to Adventure World in the University of Limerick on Friday next week.

As you can see it is a very busy time of the year in St Tolas!

Kind regards, Mary Dunlea Fitzgerald, School Principal