As we approach the summer holidays, we reflect on a very busy year and hope that summer will bring all a deserved rest and help renew their energy for the coming year. We mark the end of the year by acknowledging the contribution of the children, the teachers and the staff to the success of the school during the year.
2010/2011
This has been a year of many new milestones in the history of the school. Scoil an Chroí Ró Naofa Íosa fielded its first hurling team, supported by the local club and by the dedication of Mr. Herity and Ms Donovan. The school participated in its first Basketball competition this year thanks to Ms Kirby and was very successful in a recent tournament.
Bugsy Malone, the musical, was another huge success in a list of many musicals the school has staged over a number of years. Mr Sullivan and Ms Donohoe, supported by all the staff deserve great credit for their work in this area.
Nearly 300 children took part in the National Children's Choir this year in the National Basketball Arena and a large number of children represented the school at the National Concert Hall in late May. Ms Murray and the teachers from 5th and 6th classes worked very hard to prepare the choir. The children sang beautifully and behaved impeccably. As principal I received many compliments about the way your children conducted themselves... well done all.
There were tables quizzes (Ms Connell), Masses and preparation for the sacraments of Communion and Confirmation (Ms Donovan and the sixth and second class teaches), Athletics (Ms Farrell), Soccer (Mr. Sullivan, Mr. Kestell), GAA football (Mr Lyons, Mr. Stapleton).
Croke Park Agreement
Much has been said and written about the Croke Park Agreement since it was accepted earlier this year. In addition to all the extra curricular work outlined above, the teachers at Scoil an Chroí Ró Naofa Íosa have been working an extra hour per week planning school work, engaging in professional development, having staff meetings and meeting parents. As a result children have benefited from more time in school as all meetings etc. are now held after school hours. The board of management will continue to identify, in consultation with the teachers, the school priorities in the coming year as part of the Croke Park Agreement.
End of Era
This summer marks the end of an era for the school with the retirement of Ms. Anne O’Neill, who has been in Scoil an Chroí Ró Naofa Íosa for 23 years. Anne’s contribution to the school has been enormous. Her gentleness and her care for the children will be missed. Anne has been a wonderful colleague and we thank her for her contribution to the school community and wish her a very happy retirement. We also wish Mr. Conor Lyons the best as he takes time out to travel next year. Mr. Lyons has contributed much to the development of games in the school and we thank him for his work. Ms. Kirby is taking time out to do further studies which will be of great benefit to the school on her return.
We extend good wishes to Ms. O’Driscoll who goes on maternity leave in September.
Special Class for Children with Autism
The board of management has accepted a request from the Department of Education and Skills to provide for a special class for children with autism from the beginning of Septemeber 2011. This is a huge challenge for the school. New facilities will have to be put in place for the new school year. Six children will be enrolled in the class and a teacher and two SNAs will support them. The new facility will be in the old general purpose room and preliminary work with architects and builders for the refurbishment of this area are under way. Teachers are also undergoing training and registration for enrolment is underway. The school has a strong tradition in the provision of support for children with special needs and this development will provide much needed help for children with autism in the area. My experience in this area in the past has been very positive despite the challenges.
Laneway
A meeting between the school, the community centre and Fingal county Council was facilitated by Cllr Patrick Nulty to try to resolve the fencing and laneway beside the school. The matter is still unresolved but it is hoped that some developments will take place in coming days.
Sympathies
I would like to extend the heartfelt sympathy of all at Scoil an Chroí Ró Naofa Íosa to the Lenihan family on the death of Brian Lenihan T.D. Mr. Lenihan was a good friend to the school and the community over many years and was in no small way instrumental in ensuring that the people of this area had a schools' infrastructure second to none. On a personal level he was a man of great charm, with and was caring and deeply interested in the welfare of the you people in this are. Ar Dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.
It is with regret also that we record the death of our caretaker Michael's dad. We extend our sympathy to Michael and his family.
Parents' Association
The Parents' Association have contributed enormously to te school over many years and this year is no exception. The newsletter outlines many of the activities it is involved in on behalf of the parents. The Association is constantly thinking of novel ways of raising funds to provide extra resources for the children. On your behalf and on behalf of the school community, thank you.
IT
Nearly all classrooms have now been fitted with white board projectors from grants provided by the Department of Education and Skills and thanks to Mr Kieran Lyons for the trojan work he has done to ensure that the work was completed on budget.
Tracksuit
The new tracksuit is now available at Happy Events in the Centre and thanks to the Parents' association for its work in bringing that project to fruition.
No comments:
Post a Comment