December 2016 Newsletter

Dear Parent/Guardian,
I want to bring the following items to your attention in this December Newsletter:

Christmas in school
The month of December and the Christmas period is always a very exciting time here for the children in Scoil
Chrost R. Our teachers and staff do great work to involve the children in many Christmas events and
celebrations. Please note the Dates for your diary at the end of this newsletter for the times and dates of important
Christmas events in Scoil Chrost R.

School Secretary - Imelda

After a long number of years, school secretary Imelda Barrett will be finishing working here on this Friday
December 16th. We wish Imelda well on a very well earned retirement and thank her for the work she has done for
our school over the years.

Split the Pot Fundraiser

Our Parents Association will be running this very popular draw each week starting in January 2017. A lot of
schools run this exciting draw and for 2 a week everyone has a chance to win half the pot taken in each week if
your name is pulled out of the hat. If 400 is taken in, then the winner receives 200 and 200 goes towards our
new school fund. Please see flyer attached. More details in January.

Clothes Collection Fundraiser

We will be holding our annual clothes collection fundraiser again in January 2017. If you are throwing out old
clothes or know of anybody throwing out old clothes after Christmas, we will accept them here at school this week
and during January 2017.

Newly Elected Parents Association

At a very well attended meeting recently the following are the officers elected: Chairperson - Jackie Maxwell,
Secretary - Brd Mulqueen, Joint Treasurers - Sinad Franks & Leanne Fawl, Committee - Rosemary Wilkes,
Anthony Fitzpatrick, Hannah Slattery, Natalia Gilligan, Ciara Meehan, Sinad Fawl, Leo Herbert, Chantelle
Keane, Kelly OMahoney, Shauna Toomey, Meliza Kenny & Maria Acela. At the meeting a special tribute was
paid to outgoing Chairperson Fiona OBrien for the great work she did over the years. Best wishes to our new
committee and thank you to Ms. OConnor who works very closely with our Parents Association.

Attendance
So far for the month of December we have had a very good average attendance of 93%.
Please make every effort to have your child at school each day and all absences must be explained with a note or
medical cert to the class teacher or to Ms. Sheehan our Pupil Support worker. We will have prizes at our next
Assembly in January for those children that have missed no day this term, August 31st to Dec 22nd.

School News and Achievements

The school had great success at the Intel Mini Scientist regional finals. The children involved were one of
the 5 winners with their experiment on the xylophone musical instrument. Theresa, Simon, Chrystal and
Courtney all from 6th class were the children involved and they along with Mr. Garry now look forward to
the Grand Final in the Helix Theatre, Dublin February 2017.

 Science week took place in the school recently. The children and their teachers took part in many science
activities that focused on science technology, engineering and mathematics in a fun environment. Well
done to all involved.
There was great excitement in the school recently at our Flag Raising Ceremony for our Green, active and
Digital Flag. Well done to all involved and we thank our special guests on the day, Colm Collins (Clare
Football Manager), Councillor Mary Howard and Roisin Garvey (Green Schools Programme).
Sport: 2nd Class were thrilled to be invited to take part in a Gymnastics workshop with Irish Gymnastics
Coach Elaine Ryan in Newmarket on Fergus National School.

HSCL News
Since September the Parents Room has been a hive of activity and it is great to see so many parents partaking in
classes and calling in to use the room.
During this past term Noelle has been cooking with parents helping them get ready for Christmas! Pies,
muffins & Christmas dinner ideas have all been on the menu and the feedback has been excellent.
English language classes for speakers of other languages have been ongoing since September and great
progress has been made. Well done to all!
Maths for fun is about parents helping children improve their mathematical skills through fun games and
puzzles! During November/December 3rd class parents came in and enjoyed playing maths games with the
children! Thank you to all the parents who volunteered!
We also ran woodwork classes in November/December. This was a practical course that shows
Dads/Grandads/Uncles how to make bird boxes. The children were very excited about getting involved in
painting & decorating the boxes after they were made!
Once again thank you all for partaking in classes and becoming more involved with your children in school.
I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a Happy Christmas & Peaceful New Year.
Ms OConnor

School Website
You can keep up to date with school news on our excellent website criostri.weebly.com
You can follow us on our Twitter page twitter.com/criostri or @criostri
Also you can see our new Facebook page for parents, Scoil Chrost R HSCL Activities

Important Dates for your Diary

Thursday December 15th: Bag packing fundraiser in Dunnes Stores from 10.00am to 10.00pm. If
available to do a slot please let Ms. OConnor know as soon as possible.
Friday December 16th: School Band & Choir playing and singing in Tesco Hallway from 11.00am to
1.00pm. Please come and support.
Tuesday December 20th: Christmas plays in the hall beginning at 11.00am for Junior Infants, Senior
Infants, 1st & 2nd Class.
Thursday December 22nd: School closes at 12.00 for Christmas holidays.
Monday January 9th: School reopens after the Christmas holidays.

Thank you all for your continued support and I want to wish you all a very happy Christmas.
Yours sincerely
Gearid Roughan
Principal