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JUNE 2011
St. Oliver Plunkett N.S. Tel 042 9321598 Email blackrockschool@gmail.com Roll No. 15285D www.blackrockns.ie
As we approach the end of another school year we thank all who contributed in many different ways to the smooth running of the school in 2010-2011. A special thank you is due to all the teachers support staff and ancillary staff, for all the hard work and support. A special thank you also to the teachers who accepted student teachers into their classrooms.
Our Parents’ Council were very active during the year providing help on many occasions – catering for visitors from the Birches Day Care Centre, producing and distributing of Christmas Cards, arranging the Book Fair and the Easter Egg raffle, organising t-shirts for our 6 classes at the end of the year and also other presentations. A special mention is due in relation to the superb reception which was organised after First Communion.
We thank our Board of Management for their dedicated leadership and input and we thank the many parents and others who supported us in any way.
The concert performances by all classes were highly entertaining and great credit is due to all who contributed in any way.
Special congratulations are due to our two 6 classes in their final year. We recognise their special contribution during the last eight years and we wish them well in the years ahead. Their presentation of Camelot was superb with a fantastic combination of music, dance and dialogue. Thank you Mrs. Stanley, Mr. Morahan and Ms. Reynolds.
We extend a warm welcome to our new pupils and assure them of our support and encouragement in our school.
Our Green Schools committee was very active during the year in areas of litter control, waste management, walk/cycle-to-school, spring clean, energy saving and monitoring and water conservation. Thank you all who helped with the colourful displays at the front of the school and also with the new mural at the back.
Book Lists: Please note that the book lists for each class can be accessed on the school website. www.blackrockns.ie
Calendar 2011-2012
Summer closing Thurs. 30 June 12.00 Re-opening Wed. 31 Aug. Closed 31 Oct. to Mon.1 Nov. Incl.
Closed Thurs. 8 & Fri. 9 Dec.
Christmas closing 22 Dec. (12.00)
Re-opening Mon. 9 Jan. 2012
Closed 13-17 Feb. 2012 (5 days),
Easter closing Fri. 2 Apr. (12.00) Re-opening Mon. 13 Apr.
Closed Mon. 7 May (Bank H.) Closed Mon. 4 June (Bank H.) Summer closing Fri. 29 June (12.00)
School Uniform: Pre owned sweatshirts and t shirts – many in perfect condition – will be on sale at a nominal charge in The Cross Cause charity shop from 01 July. If you wish to donate unwanted uniforms in good condition please leave them in the shop
Should you wish to contact the school during the holidays please do so on blackrockschool@gmail.com
After school classes School year 2011 -2012
Spanish classes with Anna Egan Tel. 087 9801581
French with Brigitte – Tel. 9322981
Brigitte will also take French with 5 & 6 classes on Wednesdays during school hours
Violin classes with Edel Duffy - Tel. 086 8557161
Irish Dance classes with Carol Leavy Joyce
We thank all the sports coaches in Gaelic F. Soccer F. Rugby, Tennis, Basketball and Hurling.
Congratulations to our 6 class girls group who won their section of the schools’ basketball competition. Our girls u. 13 Gaelic team are also Louth Co. Champions. Well done Katie, Killian and Pádraig who will represent the school in Croke Park at football semi-final, football final and hurling final respectively. We wish you an enjoyable experience.
Our boys’ u 13 soccer team Louth and North Leinster Champions. – large schools category
One way Traffic System: Our Parents’ Council continue to encourage you to operate the one way traffic system in the mornings and at the end of the school day in the coming school year.
Radon Measurements In the late 1990s radon levels were measured in all classrooms and other locations in the school. Readings ranged from 17 to 29 becquerels per cubic metre. Danger levels occur at a reading of 200 bq. Per cub. m.
Finally on behalf of my wife Joan and on my own behalf I wish to take this opportunity to thank all who made my leaving so special and so memorable. I am deeply appreciative of the many good wishes in have received from people of all generations. It has been a great privilege for me to work in such a happy environment. I’m sure the whole school community wishes Mrs. McAdam every blessing and success in her new role as principal. – Joe McKenna
The school staff wish you a safe and a restful holiday.
NOVEMBER 2010
St. Oliver Plunkett N.S Newsletter Nov. 2010 Tel 042 9321598 website: www.blackrockns.ie Email: blackrockschool@gmail.com ROLL NO. 15285D
Board of Management: Rev. P. Keenan PP (Chairman), Caeva O’Callaghan and John McGahon (Parents’ Reps.), Brenda Cafferty (Treasurer), Jane Stanley (Teacher Rep.), Rosario O’Donoghue, Vincent McGrory, Joe McKenna (Secretary).
We are very grateful to Noel Sweeney who recently resigned from the B.O.M. Noel was our treasurer for 12 years and we thank him for all his help and support.
Parents’ Council 2010-2011
Caeva Connolly, Therese Dunne, Shirley Durkin Deirdre, Farrell, Dorothy Farrelly (Secretary) Maria Greene, Sharon Hjalmers, Cheryl Halpenny (Treasurer), Carol Kenny, Colette Kinney Ellie Kirwan, Caroline Logan, Fiona Lynch (Chairperson), Dyan Mullen, Catriona Mc Carthy, Grace Anne Mc Crave (Vice-Chairperson), Carol Mc Elvinney, Lavina Mc Gahon, Susan Mc Geough, Maura Mc Manus, Sarah Nic Ruairí, Estella O’Brien, Helen O’Brien, Jacqui O’Connor, Rosarie O’Donoghue, Fiona O’Hora, Olivia Purton (P.R.O.), Lorraine Quinn, Sharon Rafferty, Maeve Reilly, Joanne Rogers, Gráinne Wolfe, Sonya Rowbotham.
Congratulations and thanks to our P.C. for organising the production and distribution of the Christmas cards and thanks to all the teachers and support staff for facilitating the work.
A number of classes participated in the events of Positive Ageing Week in September. Children enjoyed a wide range of activities – Zumba Dancing, Tai Chi, Art and Craft work, Wii activities and a magic show. Well done everybody. – photos on website
Once again our Hallowe’en dress-up was as imaginative and as colourful as ever and the children really enjoyed the parade and class presentations. Thank you parents for your cooperation. – Photos on website
Congratulations to 4, 5 and 6 classes who collected €1750.00 for Crosscause Ghana. Conor Hughes was delighted with the effort and on accepting the cheque explained to the children how the money will be spent.
Our new Greenschools Committee continue their activities. The theme for the next Green Flag is water conservation and they are promoting an awareness campaign. Litter control and energy management are also part of the ongoing agenda. Our Committee recently encouraged children from 2 to 6 classes to take part in the very successful Trashion/Fashion WEEE recycling event which was held jointly on Sun 28 Nov. by Louth Co. Council. and Blackrock Tidy Towns. Children made outfits from a wide range of recyclable materials. Well done designers, makers and models. WEEE stands for Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment. (Photos on website) Our two third classes also made Christmas decorations from recyclable materials. Six of these were entered in the schools’ competition which was organised by Louth Co. Council. Congratulations to the prizewinners.
Our U-13 Girls’ Gaelic team had a comprehensive victory over Presentation, Drogheda in the recent county final. Well done girls. Blackrock first won that competition in 2004. – photos on website
Congratulations to our Student Council who held their first meeting on Mon. 6 Dec. Between now and Christmas they will be organising our Concern/St. Vincent De Paul Toy Appeal Fast, our Jumble Sale and our Christmas Raffle.
Our 6 class choir are busy preparing for their performance in the Helix with the Cross Border Orchestra on Sat. 5 Feb. 2011. Our church choir have started practising and they will be singing from now on at the 10.00 Mass every Sunday.
During this term classes enjoyed coaching sessions in Tennis, Gaelic Football, Rugby and Hurling. Swimming classes have finished for the term and will continue after Christmas. After school classes were held in Spanish, French and Violin. Our two 5. classes attended French lessons during school hours. Two students from DKIT took one 4. class for a series of lessons in Health, Nutrition and Physical Activities. One of our third classes spent a morning in DKIT and enjoyed a series of Athletics Activities. These lessons were delivered by students who were being assessed by reps. from Athletics Ireland as part of their course.
In September three student teachers spent 3 weeks on teaching practice in the school. Thanks are due to the teachers who took them into their classes.
We welcome Fr. P. Keenan P.P. and Fr. B. White C.C. and wish them well in the parish.
We extend our sympathy to Mrs. Thornton on the death of her father, Michael Hamilton.
Nollaig shona agus Athbhliain faoi mhaise daoibh go léir ó fhoireann na scoile.
Christmas closing Thurs. 23 Dec at 12.00.
Re-opening Mon. 10 Jan.
SEPTEMBER 2010
Staff Meeting: Friday 17 September – School finishes at 1.40p.m.
P.C. A.G.M: Wednesday 29th Sept. at 8.00p.m in the school
Mid – Term: 25 October–1 November (6 days)Re-opening Tue. 2 Nov.
Parent/Teacher Day:Friday 3rd December – school closes at 12.30p.m.
Church Holiday: Wednesday 8 December (School Closed)
Christmas Holidays: 23rd December (12.00)
Re-opening: Monday 10 January 2010
Mid – Term: Monday 21 – Friday 25 Feb. (5 days)
Closed: Thursday 17 March – (St. Patrick’s Day)
Closed : Friday 18 March
Easter Holidays: Friday 15 April (12.00) – Re-opening Tuesday 3rd May
Bank Holiday: Monday 6 June
Summer Closing: Thursday 30 June (12.00)
Junior Infant 2011: Please note that the final date for submitting names of sisters/brothers for Jun. Inf. 2011/12 will be Friday 1 October 2010.
After School Activities
Mondays :Spanish classes beginning Monday 13 Sept. (2.45 – 3.45) – contact Anna 087-9801581.- also Tuesdays
Irish Dancing Classes for beginners with Carol Leavy Joyce in the Community Centre 3.30 – 4.30
Tuesdays: French with B. Nelson 1 & 2 classes 2.40 – 3.40, Beginners and Intermediate will begin on Tuesday 14 Sept. Phone 9322981 or 087-9856137
Wednesdays:French with B. Nelson 3 & 4 classes 2.40 – 3.40, Beginners and Intermediate will begin on Wednesday 15 Sept. Phone 9322981 or 087- 9856137.
Thursdays: Violin classes beginning Thursday 16 September (2.45 – 3.30) contact Edel 086-8557161
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School Milk is available from Monday 20 Sept. until Easter. €30 per child. If your child wishes to take milk please send €30 in an envelope labelled “School Milk” and enclose form below (cheques payable to school).
All empty cartons must be taken home. Forms must be returned by Wednesday 15 Sept.
School Milk Form:
Child’s name: _____________________Class_______________________
Reminder: Book Rental €10 or €15
German Club: If enough people are interested Renata Malone will take German classes for (6 -12) year olds. If interested contact the school office.
Reminder: Please stand clear of the entrances in the mornings and keep the footpath clear.
Traffic & Safety: If your child crosses the road please encourage him/her to use the official crossings. All children need constant reminders about road safety and safe places to cross. Do not park on the footpath, double yellow/zig zag lines or in the bus bay (drop off only).
Please do not block the footpath or gates when waiting in the mornings.
Welcome to all our new children and we wish all those who left us in June every success.
Appointments: If you wish to speak to a teacher please make an appointment. All callers must report to the office. Messages for children should be left at the office.
Repairs: During the summer the flat roof was insulated externally and re-felted. Suspended ceilings and insulation were fitted in six classrooms.
Insurance: The school insurance form has been given to your child. The Parents’ Council will collect them on Tuesday 21 and Wednesday 22 September from 9.00 – 10.00 in the school lobby. Please put cash or cheques in an envelope with SCHOOL INSURANCE WRITTEN ON IT.
Cheques to be made payable to Blackrock Parents’ Council.
Well Done to our green schools committee who harvested potatoes, lettuce, radishes, onions, carrots, parsnips, beetroot and courgettes in the school garden.
Head Lice: There have been head lice in a number of classes already this year. Reminder: keep hair tied up. Inform your children not to share hairbrushes, hats etc.., Check regularly, Inform other parents in contact with your child if you detect head lice as to prevent further outbreaks.
Swimming Classes: (6 sessions) for the two 5 classes begins on Thursday 7 October.
Sponsored Walk in conjunction with Blackrock Tidy Towns, on Sunday 26 September for a new defibrillator for the Community Centre- Sponsorship cards available in the school.
Coffee Morning/Cake Sale in aid of the Irish Cancer Society/Relay for Life Dundalk will be held in the Community Centre on Thursday 9 September from 12.30 – 3.00p.m. – All welcome.
Opening Times: The Board of Management only accepts responsibility for children between the official opening (9.00) and closing times (2.40). Official after school activities are also covered. Children should not return to the school after dismissal except for official after school activities.
Healthy Eating List: To be avoided: Chocolate, sweets, winders, fizzy drinks, crisps peanuts and biscuits.
NEWSLETTER JUNE 2010
St. Oliver Plunkett N.S. Tel 042 9321598 Email blackrockschool@gmail.com Roll No. 15285D www.blackrockns.ie
As we approach the end of another school year we thank all who contributed in many different ways to the smooth running of the school in 2009-2010. A special thank you is due to all the teachers support staff and ancillary staff, for all the hard work and support. A special thank you to the teachers who accepted student teachers into their classrooms.
Our Parents’ Council were very active during the year providing help on many occasions – catering for visitors from the Birches Day Care Centre, production and distribution of Christmas Cards, helping at swine flu vaccination time, arranging the cake sale for Haiti, arranging the Book Fair and the Easter egg raffle, catering at the launch of our 2 Green Flag organising t-shirts for our 6 classes at the end of the year. A special mention is due in relation to the superb reception which was organised after First Communion.
We thank our Board of Management for their dedicated leadership and input and we thank the many parents and others who supported us in any way.
Special congratulations are due to our two 6 classes in their final year. We recognise their special contribution during the last eight years and we wish them well in the years ahead. Their presentation of Cinderella Rockerfella was truly stunning and no doubt many of them will tread the boards in the future. Thank you Mrs. Stanley, Mr. Morahan and Ms. Reynolds. We used the occasion to raise funds for Temple St. Children’s Hospital Fund. Thank you for €755.
We extend a warm welcome to our new pupils and assure them of our, support and encouragement in our school.
Our Green Schools committee was very active during the year in areas of litter control, waste management, walk/cycle-to-school and especially energy saving and monitoring. Their application for a second Green Flag was successful and the new flag is now flying .
We thank all the sports coaches in Gaelic F. Soccer F. Rugby, Tennis, Olympic Handball, Basketball and Hurling. A special treat was when Paudie Butler, the National Hurling co-ordinator, took senior pupils for a coaching session.
Calendar 2010-2011 Summer closing Wed. 30 June 12.00
Re-opening Mon. 30 Aug. Staff Meeting Fri 17 Sept. School finishes for all at 1.40 Closed 25 Oct. to Mon.1 Nov. Incl. .........................also 8 Dec.
Christmas closing Thurs. 23 Dec. (12.00) Re-opening Mon. 10 Jan.
Closed 21-25 Feb. 2011 (5 days), ............................also 17 & 18 Mar. Easter closing Fri. 15 Apr. (12.00) Re-opening Tue. 3 May. Closed 5 June (Bank H.) Summer closing Thurs. 30 June (12.00)
Currently data projectors are being installed in all classrooms. Interactive boards will also be fitted in a number of these classrooms. A contract has also been signed to fit suspended ceilings in 6 classrooms.
Tenders are currently being sought to repair and insulate the flat roof on the two storey section. This work will be done during the summer holidays.
Congratulations to Mrs. O’Sullivan and her husband on the birth of their son Michael.
We wish Ms. McNally well on her forthcoming career break.
Should you wish to contact the school during the holidays please do so on blackrockschool@gmail.com
School year 2010 -2011
Mondays: Spanish classes with Anna Egan Tel. 087 9801581
Tuesdays: French with Brigitte – classes 1 & 2 2.40 – 3.40 Tel. 9322981
Wednesdays: French with Brigitte – classes 3 & 4 2.40 – 3.40 Tel. 9322981
Brigitte will also take French with 5 & 6 classes on Wednesdays during school hours
Thursdays: Violin classes with Edel Duffy - classes 2– 6 2.40 – 3.30 Tel. 0868557161
Summer reading campaign for 6 – 12 year olds in Dundalk library during July and August - Tel 042 9353190
Congratulations to our 6 class girls group who won their section of the schools’ basketball competition.
Congratulations to our u. 11 boys’ Gaelic squad who are the 2010 Louth Champions
The Board of management and staff wish you a safe and enjoyable holiday.
MARCH 2010
Tel. 042 9321598 Roll No. 15285D
Email office@blackrockns.com
www.blackrockns.ie
Well done and congratulations to:
Parents’ Council 2009-2010
Helen O’Brien Carol McAviney Rosarie O’Donoghue Colette Kinney Cheryl Halpenny Maria Greene Maeve Reilly Sheila Sweeney Brenda Cafferty Estella O’Brien Fiona Lynch Caeva O'callaghan Sharon Hjalmers Paula Flanagan Graceanne McCrave Cathrina McCarthy Mary Byrne Maire O’Rourke Dorothy Farrelly Fiona O'Hora Grainne Woulfe Joanne Rogers Kirsty Wogan Lavinia McGahon Olivia Purton Sarah MacRuairi Therese Dunne Ann McEntegart Fiona Smith Deirdre Farrell Siobhan Lundy Shirley Durkin Michelle Kerley Stephanie Goggins
Since the beginning of the school year our P.C. have helped when we had visitors from The Birches Daycare Centre. They also provided great support when the swine flu vaccinations were administered. This was very much appreciated by the HSE personnel. The cake sale and no uniform day for the victims in Haiti was a tremendous success and the dedicated work of our P.C. was very much in evidence on the day. We made in excess of €4,000.00. During Book Week our P.C. organised a very successful Book Fair. Proceeds from the fair enabled us to stock up on our store of library books
Reminder
Tue 16 Mar.–staff planning day –school closed
Wed. 17 Mar. Closed
Sun 21 Mar. Confirmation at 3.00 p.m.
Week beginning 22 Mar. Walk to School week
Tue. 23 Mar. First Penance at 7.30 p.m.
Fri. 26 Mar. Easter closing (12.00)
Mon. 12 April re-opening
First Communion Sat. 17 May at 11.00
Safety.
Please remind your child to use an official crossing on the road and drop children off on the school side of the road only. Children who exit the main door should use the turnstiles.
Coaching
Since the beginning of the school year various classes have had sports coaching with outside coaches in Tennis, Soccer, G. Football, Olympic Handball, Hurling and Rugby.
Book Week
As usual the annual Book Week proved very popular and successful. Activities included:
Children dressing up as their favourite book characters – thank you parents
Parents reading to various classes
Table Quizzes for classes III – VI
Art competitions and displays
Individual silent reading
Book reviews
Our Greenschools Committee are currently preparing to apply for their second green flag. The theme they are focusing on is energy.
Greenschools encourages positive behaviour towards the environment and this is very evident during lunch-breaks in the school. A team of very enthusiastic children check classrooms, office and corridors to ensure that no energy is being wasted!
We have an active litter patrol manned by both 4 classes which makes sure that the playgrounds front and back are litter-free. This litter rota runs very smoothly and is completely organised by the children themselves.
“Walk/Cycle to school” week has been planned for the week beginning 22 March. We are all hoping for some fine weather!
We have links with Blackrock Tidy Towns and the children are being encouraged to enter their Environmental Competition.
The task is to compose a poem based on the recycling theme. Illustrations can be included. There entries must be in before Friday 26 March.
Our committee will join forces with Tidy Towns to clean up the local beaches. This will take place on Saturday 17 April as part of the National Spring Clean event. Everybody is welcome to come along.
The school garden is waking up and coming to life. Children can visit to view the flowers during lunchtimes. Potato planting will be done during the month of March.
Well done to everyone for all their hard work and enthusiastic efforts. Remember to keep our area litter-free, conserve water and energy and always think about the environment when making a purchase.
NEWSLETTER JAN. 2008
The following will serve on our new BOM for the next 4 years.
Rev. O. Brennan P.P. Rosarie O’Donoghue, John McGahon, Noel Sweeney, Jane Stanley, Brenda Cafferty, Caeva O'Callaghan, and Joe McKenna
We are grateful to all who give generously of their time for the benefit of the school community.
Congratulations and well done to:The prizewinners in the BHK poster competition,The Amnesty essay, the Christmas Art, recycled decorations competition. Feis Dhun Dealgan, Cumann na mBunscol Quiz
After a lot of training and preparation our u-13 team put in a superb performance in a classic encounter with The Friary in the county final to take the McArdle Cup for the second time since we entered that competition in 2000. We appreciated all the support on the day. Great credit is due to all involved
.Our two 2nd. classes gave an excellent presentation of their Nativity play ably supported by a superb choir and musicians.
Our guests from The Birches really enjoyed it. Our choir also entertained senior citizens in the golf club and residents in Abbey Nursing Home.
Well done our two Sen. Inf. classes for their Nativity plays,Classes IV-VI who raised €1.871.00 in the Concern Fast and to all who worked so imaginatively and so hard to raise € 856.00 in the Bring & Buy Sale
BOOK FAIR: Commission on the Book Fair raised €1,200.00 for school funds.Our Building Fundraising is going very well. Thank you for your generous contributions.
Reminder: School closedMon 04 Feb. 14 & 15 Feb. 17-28 Mar. 5-9 May, 2 June, Summer closing Fri 27 June, re-opening Fri. 29 Aug 2008 School year
2008/’09: (On Website)Closed: 27-31 Oct, 8 Dec,24 Dec – 6 Jan. (incl.), 16-20 Feb, (incl) 16 & 17 Mar, 6-17 April (incl.), 4 May, 01 June, closing 30 June
.Our 4th class have completed a very interesting project about the school on our website. You can also see photos of childrens’ art work, the final, the Nativity Plays etc. on our website.
Greenschools:
Our very active committee submitted our application for the green flag in the first term and we were assessed in early January. We will know very soon!We are collecting old mobile phones and empty ink cartridges for the Jack &Jill Foundation.
If you can contribute please do so.
Commercialism in schools: If as a business person you are approached to sponsor a set of safety / life skills books for the school please check with the school first to assess the value and possible use to the school of these books.
Head Lice continues to be an ongoing problem in some classes. It is essential that all parents check on a regular basis and if necessary follow the procedure. Long hair should be tied back. If your child becomes infected the school should be informed.Bus: We still receive complaints about parents blocking the bus bay in the mornings. Please consider the safety of others.Please notify us about changes of address and/or phone nos.
Parents’ Council: Our P.C. are a vital and vibrant unit of or school and they contribute very much to the dynamic of the school.Cathrina McCarthy,Ann Murphy, Anna Capplis, Ciara O’Shea, Brenda Cafferty, Maeve Reilly, Rosarie O’Donoghue, Sarah Mac Ruairi, Lisa Hanna, Maria Greene, Grace Ann McCrave, Helen O’Brien, Brona Catibusic, Olivia Purton, Mary Byrne, Carol McAviney, Fiona Lynch, Brianan Faulkner, Moira Curran, Karen Coan, Lavinia McGahon, Sharon Hjalmers, Dorothy Farrelly,Sheila Sweeney, Estella O’Brien,Fiona O’Hora, Kirsty Wogan
Art Project: Currently 5. & 6. classes are busy working on a very exciting Art Project under the direction of Martina Galvin. The project is sponsored by L.C.C. and celebrates phase II of Gort Na Glaise. The work deals with the landscape, peat bogs, colour, texture, light and paint and the finished project will be on permanent display in the school before the end of the school year.
Confirmation: Sun. 06 April 3.00p.m. in Blackrock
Newsletter Nov 2008
Tel 042 9321598
E.mail office@blackrockns.com
ROLL NO 15285D
B.O.M. Rev. O Brennan PP, N. Sweeney, J. Stanley, R. O’Donoghue,
B. Cafferty, C. O’Callaghan, J. McGahon, J. McKenna.
Reminder
Tue. 02 Fri. 05 Dec. Book Fair
Thurs. 04 Dec. Concern Fast
Fri. 05 Dec. P/T Day 1.00 – 5.00
(Appointments will be given)
Mon. 08 Closed (Church Hol.)
Tue. 16 Dec. Bring & Buy Sale
Tue 23 Dec. Holidays – Closing 12.00
Re-Opening Wed. 07 Jan.
Effects of Budget: From the 1. of Jan the B.O.M. will be unable to employ sub teachers to cover for teachers off on uncertified sick leave. In such cases classes will have to be divided up and sent to other teachers. Teachers are not obliged to present a Med. Cert for up to three days sick leave in one consecutive period. The INTO is hoping for a large turn out of teachers and parents at the protest rally in Dublin on sat. 06 Dec. and parents are asked to lobby politicians.
Congratulations and well done to our Girls’ u-13 Gaelic Team who are the new Cumann na mBunscol Louth Champions. Having contested the final on 3 previous occasions there was great jubilation on such a comprehensive victory. They overcame a gallant Callystown team, who were formidable opponents in the past. Our boys u-13 team (last year’s champions) gave their best against a stronger C.B.S. squad and were narrowly beaten. We are very proud of both teams and great credit is due to the teachers who trained and encouraged the children. – match reports and photos on the website
In the Cumann na mBunscol Quiz Blackrock took 2. place after a very tense sudden death play off.
For the first time in more than 20 years we entered a team in the 3./4. class Hurling Blitz and were delighted to emerge runners up having qualified for the final.
Well done to the whole school community on achieving green Flag status. Our next application in two years will be in the area of Energy reduction.
Safety: Children should be encouraged to use the safe exits and the official crossings. Children who cycle should wear safety helmets.
P.C. 2008/’09
Helen O’Brien, Carol McAviney, Rosarie O’Donoghue, Colette Kinney,
Cheryl Halpenny, Maria Greene, Maeve Reilly, Sheila Sweeney, Brenda Cafferty, Estella O’Brien, Grainne O’Brien, Fiona Lynch, Sharon Hjalmers, Paula Flanagan, Mary Byrne, Graceanne McCrave, Maire O’Rourke, Dorothy Farrelly, Cathrina McCarthy, Caeva O’Callaghan, Margaret Gamble, Brianan Faulkner.
We thank you for your continued support and welcome all newcomers.
Building Fund : The B.O.M. recognises and wishes to say a sincere thank you for your very generous contributions which amounted to €30,270.00.
EXTRACT FROM OUR HOMEWORK POLICY
Homework Content
Usually, homework contains a balance between reading tasks, learning tasks and written tasks. This balance is not always possible and can vary considerably from day to day. However, ft should be noted that homework time devoted to reading and learning is as important as written work and this will be conveyed to parents. Homework will regularly contain reading, spellings, tables, written work, pieces to be 'learned by heart', drawing/colouring, collecting information/items and finishing work started in class. Children often feel that reading and 'learning by heart" is not real homework. Parents can play an important role in listening to reading and items to be learned, ensuring this work is done well.
Duration of Homework
The following are guidelines for time spent at homework. Different children will complete the same homework in different lengths of time. Time spent will vary from day to day and also from the beginning to the end of the school year. It is important to remember that it is the quality and not the quantity of homework that matters. The following are general guidelines:
Infants 0-20 minutes
Rang 1 and 2 20 to 30 minutes
Rang 3 and 4 30 to 40 minutes
Rang 5 and 6 40 to 50 minutes
Pupils/Guardians should:
enter homework accurately in homework diary.they take home relevant books and copies.homework assignments to the best of their ability.written work neatly.
Parents/Guardians should:
Encourage a positive attitude towards homework in all subjects from an early age.children to work independently as far as possible. Resist over-helping.
Encourage children to organise themselves for homework. Have all books and materials tohand. The pupil should have the Homework Journal open to tick off work as it is completed.
Agree a suitable time for doing homework, taking into account of age, the need for playtime.
St. Oliver Plunkett N.S.
Newsletter May 2009
Tel 042 9321598
office@blackrockns.com
ww.blackrockns.ie
Rol No. 15285D
Reminder
Mon 01 June – Bank Holiday
Fri. 05 June – Elections, school closed
Sun.07 June – Graduation Mass for Rang VI (10.00) – Raft Race
Tue. 09 & Wed. 10 June – Concerts
Wed. 10 June – Open Day for new children
Tue. 30 June – Summer closing - 12.00
Re-opening – Mon. 31 Aug.
Concerts Timetable
Tue Afternoon 09 June:
Jun. Inf. Mrs Shine 1.00 p.m.
Jun. Inf. Ms.McNally 1.10 p.m
Sen. Inf. Mrs Breen 1.18 p.m.
Sen. Inf. Mrs.Watters 1.26 p.m.
1.st Class Ms.Stanley 1.36 p.m.
1 st.Class Mrs.Murphy/ Farrell 1.45.p.m.
Tuesday Night. 9. June
2nd. Class Ms. Hallissey 7.30 p.m.
2nd. Class Mrs. O’Sullivan 7.36 p.m.
3rd. Class Mrs. Thornton 7.42 p.m.
3rd. Class Mrs. McAdam 8.10 p.m.
4th. Class Mrs. O’Brien 8.25 p.m.
4th. Class Mrs. Dennedy 8.45 p.m.
6th. Class Mrs. Stanley/
Mr. Morahan 9.05 p.m.
Wednesday Night 10. June
5th. Class Mr Mannion 7.30.p.m.
5th. Class Mr. Fitzhenry 8.05.p.m.
6th. Class Mrs. Stanley/
Mr. Morahan 8.35 p.m.
See our website for details about the plays
Repairs and Improvements
During the Christmas break hand driers were installed in all toilet areas
At Easter the main gates were re-located to facilitate parents and pedestrians. This was done for safety reasons. Request from the BOM – DO NOT park at the main gate at any time!
Also at Easter the cavity
walls in the older two-storey part of the school were insulated. This was fully grant aided and done with support from S.E.I under the Dundalk 2020 Schools Insulation Upgrade Pilot Programme.
Congratulations and well done to:
Our 3.& 4. class hurlers who were runners up in their sevens competition
Our girls’ u 13 Gaelic team who are Louth Co. champions for the first time in the history of the school.
The girls are also the new Basketball champions after a very close and exciting final against Kilsaran. Well done children and teachers.
The children who made €1,254 in the Jumble sale and also all who
collected €1,805.00 for Concern
All who took part in the Spring Clean
All who added to the success of Book Week – teachers, children, parents
Greenschools
Our new committee continues to be very active.
They have maintained the same standard of litter monitoring and control
An awareness of energy and water use has been created
Monitoring of electricity use
has been set up.
Walk to school weeks havebeen organised
A competition for a school
Motto on energy was held in classes
2. – 4. 5. & 6. classes submitted entries for a school logo on energy – see the logo and motto on the website.
In conjunction with Blackrock Tidy Towns Committee. 4. and 5. classes enjoyed a very interesting talk and slide show about bats. There are 5 species of bat located in Blackrock. Bat boxes were also distributed.
Our committee continually updates the greenschools notice board.
Spring planting by committee members in our garden included strawberries, potatoes, onions, lettuce, carrots, parsnips and radishes.
Book Rental
The book rental scheme will be operated in all classes from Sept 2009 on.
Congratulations to the children who made their Confirmation and First Holy Communion. A special thank you to the children, teachers, parents, Parents’ Council, priests, sisters and “Do This in Memory” team.
CALENDAR 2009 - 2010
Re-opening MON 31 Aug.
MID-TERM 26 -30 Oct.
Closed Mon. 7 & Tue. 8 Dec.
Closing Dec. 22 (12.00)
Re-opening 07 Jan.
MID-TERM Feb 15 – 19 (5 days)
Closed Tue. 16 Mar. Planning day
Closed Wed. 17 Mar.
Easter closing Fri 26 Mar (12.00)
Re-opening Mon. 12 Apr.
Closing Wed 30 June (12.00)