October Newsletter 2021
It was evident from our September Monthly Assembly via Zoom, that school life has been particularly busy since we have returned in September. The assembly was a fantastic opportunity for pupils to showcase their Art, Science, Music, Gaeilge and Maths work which has been going on in classrooms since we returned. Our 2nd class boys have settled well into our school life and are working very hard with their class teacher Mrs Kelly. Many extra-curricular activities, such as Gaelic Football and Trumpet have returned and are a great source of enjoyment for our pupils. We would like to extend a warm welcome to Ms Corbett, our 4th/5th Class Teacher and to Ms Adamson our SNA who is working with our Junior Classes.
Gaelic Football
Congratulations to the Under 13 and Under 17 boys who won the County Final for Moate All Whites. It was wonderful to see so many of our pupils and past pupils involved in football with their local club, Moate All Whites. In the lead up to the final, our school participated in the Moate All Whites Art Competition. The windows and corridors of our school were filled with lots of lovely drawings and the overall winner of the competition was Ali Atishan.
GAA Coaching
Coaching recommenced in September with Alan Fitzpatrick for all class levels. We would like to the thank Moate Community School for allowing us to use the astro turf pitches. The boys really enjoyed the coaching sessions and were delighted to be back participating in school football again. Unfortunately, we were sad to see Alan leave us at the beginning of October to take up a new position. We would like to wish him well in his new role. We hope to continue in school football coaching after the midterm break.
After school football for our Senior Boys recommenced last week. Huge thanks to Mr Keena for supporting the development of football in our school. This will continue on Tuesday evenings and we are always on the look out for new players.
Active Flag
We are currently renewing our Active Flag. Over the course of the year, all classes will engage in a wide variety of initiatives that promotes and encourages physical activity. There will be lots of exciting challenges to ensure we are all active.
Zumba
Once again, Zumba was a huge success. All boys participated in the strand of Dance and worked very well with our Zumba teacher Dorinda.
RSA Talk
On Monday, 27th of September, Nicola from the RSA gave a very informative talk to all classes about safety on our roads particularly when walking to school, on the bus and cycling to school.
Book Fare
Our Scholastic Book Fare has been a huge success. The boys really enjoyed it. All rewards earned from purchases made will be used to purchase new library books for our class libraries
Library
Huge thanks to our local librarian who came to visit the school. Mr Keena’s class opened their own library accounts and had the opportunity to take out books to develop their reading for pleasure skills.
Junior Mayor
Mr Keena’s class have begun the Junior Mayor initiative. This year the project will explore the theme of Climate Change, establishing projects to support biodiversity. Boys were given the opportunity to present speeches to apply for the position of Junior Mayor for our School. After a lot of deliberation, Justin Lynch was chosen to be the deserving candidate. Mr Keena’s class, under the guidance of our new Mayor will now tackle a range of issue in relation to climate change in our locality. They will liaise with Frankie Keena and Westmeath County Council on an action plan.
Trumpet
Our trumpet teacher, Gerry Lacey returned to our school, with 22 boys learning to play the trumpet again.
Sacraments
Congratulations to all our 3rd Class boys who received the Sacrament of Communion and to our past pupils now in 1st Year who received the Sacrament of Confirmation. We would like to extend our Thanks to Monsignor Noonan and Fr Farrell who prepared the boys for both Sacraments.
Each class attended mass this week, to mark the beginning of our school year.
Communication with your child’s class teacher – Parent Teacher Meetings
Parent Teacher meetings will be held in school this year. The will take place the week commencing the 8th of November. All class teachers will be contact nearer the time to arrange times.
Pupil Assembly
Unfortunately due to Covid guidelines, our whole school pupil assembly on a Monday morning has been postponed. We will continue to hold Monthly Assemblies via Zoom.
Student Teacher
Huge thanks to Bronagh Bradley and Laura Woods, our student teachers who have been working diligently alongside Ms Corbett and Mrs Kelly.
Christmas Shoe Box Appeal
Shoeboxes can be returned to school the week following the midterm break. Labels for the boxes are available from Ms Maher.
Trick r Treat for Temple Street
Trick r Treat for Temple Street was a huge success raising €185.30. Thank you to everyone for their support and generosity to this fundraiser.
Parents Association
AGM will be held after midterm break. All new members welcome.
Reminder
We have a healthy lunch policy in the school, sweets, crisps and fizzy drinks are not permitted and full school uniform must be worn at all times.
Full uniform to be worn at all times.
School reopens on Monday 1st of November.
Have a safe and relaxing midterm break.
The Staff