Slán go fóill. Feicfimid arís sibh sa bhliain 2012.
How wonderful to have an average December. Rain, wind, more rain and the odd day with a frosty start. Compared to this time last year temperatures are positively balmy.
We have had a lovely term. The buzz during the preparation for the Winter Celebration was incredible. Props and costume making, singing and dance routines in every class. It was magical and the laughs were superb. The children love performing and they shone on the night. We have a superb team of teachers who undertook the whole event with vigour and enthusiasm. Thanks to all who supported behind the scenes. Isabelle, Marlene, Emer, Midie and Chris with the face painting, all the parents who carried props to the hall, Matthew and Nick who did traffic management, Anne who helped with candles, Glenn who accompanied the Infants on guitar, Mary Lou, Simona and Christina who helped with make-up, Fr. Nohilly who put out the chairs and turned on the heating for us, all parents who stacked the chairs after the show, Philip and Cathal who got the sound system working. Apologies for the poor quality of sound on the night, it worked well during rehearsals so we were disappointed with it on the night. All told it was a huge success.
Other events this term were the Welcome Day for new parents, additional Afterschool Classes starting up, the Childline Big Breakfast, Dress Up Day, Parent Teacher meetings, Mr.Bug, Baboró, the Educate Together Ethos Conference, Parents’ Association AGM, New Board of Management elected and many exciting happenings in each class. All this and covering the Curriculum. Well done everyone. Niamh has been a wonderful support this year in her role as Acting DP. With two teachers on Maternity Leave we have done well to maintain the high standards we like so much. Tributes to both substitute teachers who have excellent classroom management skills.
Thanks to all parents for your support with homework and punctuality and events which we couldn’t run without you. You have been so generous in a year when Ireland has had to face a recession of enormous proportions. Unfortunately there is a threat over two of our posts as we face into 2012. Small schools are being hit. We may lose our English as an Additional Language Support Teacher and our Learning Suppoet teacher’s hours will be cut back to part time hours. These posts have allowed us to work with all children requiring support. It is unfair and very short sighted of our government to cut back in these areas. Please let your voice be heard in helping to maintain the system we have and indeed improve it. Our new school is part of this and the Board have it as their number one priority this year.
It is a privilege to have such a dedicated Board of Management to support and guide us through all the obstacles and good times ahead. Thank you for your time and interest. Frank is our new Chairperson and I cannot thank him enough for all those extra miles he goes.
Thanks too to our Parent Association. In the process of hand over at the moment. Thanks to all members for their time and commitment. Susan will be missed as Chairperson but I believe will stay on in a supportive role. Thank you Susan.
Safe driving to all over the holiday and enjoy the break in whatever way you celebrate at this festive time. Looking forward to working with you all again in 2012.
Terri
