October 2018 Newsletter

Dear Parent/Guardian,
I want to bring the following items to your attention in this October Newsletter:
Dropping off and collecting children in our school
For everyone’s safety please note:
 In the mornings it is strictly drop off only. You can drive in and drop off your child and then your car must
move on immediately.
 In the evenings for collection you can park in the drop off area on first come first served basis. If there is
no places left you must park along by the wall of the school outside on the road where there is available
parking marked.
 Please be extremely careful entering and leaving the school grounds as there are children crossing in front
of the school gate. Our caretaker Billy Cusack will be on duty at the school gate each morning & evening
for 15 minutes to help with safety.
Thank you for cooperation on these very important safety matters in our new school.

Welcome to Fr. Ger

We welcome Fr. Ger Fitzgerald as our new School Chaplain. Fr. Ger celebrated our back to school liturgy on
September 28th and we look forward to working with Fr. Ger as he helps to prepare our children for the sacraments
and religious events.

Annual 5K Run/Walk
Thanks to the families and children who supported our recent Run and Walk 5k fundraiser. It was a fantastic
success with 175 people taking part and it was a most enjoyable evening in our school. Congratulations to the
prize winners. Thanks to everyone who helped out in making it such a success.

Attendance and arriving at school on time

Pupil attendance is monitored on a daily basis on our school computer system. Since we returned to school on the
30th of August, we have had an excellent average attendance of 95%. The Educational Welfare Officer has to be
contacted if any child misses more than 20 days. We will be presenting prizes before the Christmas holidays to
children who haven’t missed a day at school this term.
Children must be in school on time for the 9.00 a.m. bell. It is very important that children are on time every
morning for school. If your child is late they are missing out on school time and interrupting the class.

Parents’ Association AGM

The AGM will be taking place on Tuesday November 6th @7.30 p.m. in our parents room. Some parents need to
be replaced on the committee as their children finished in Scoil Chríost in June. You will be notified soon of the
date for the AGM and it would be great to get some new parents on the committee for 2018/19. Well done to our
Parents Association for all the great work they do for our school.

Parent Teacher Meetings

The Parent Teacher Meetings will take place in November. You will receive a letter with your day and time.

Green Schools News

This year we are seeking to gain our 6th Green Flag on the theme of Global Citizenship – Litter and Waste. The
committee of children along with Ms. de Barra and Ms. McDermott are really busy already working towards this
flag.
School News and Achievements
 First Communion and Confirmation Enrolment: Well done to the boys and girls in 2nd class and 6th
class who had their First Communion and Confirmation enrolment ceremony recently and we wish them
and their teachers well with their ongoing preparations throughout the year.
 Swimming: Mr. Garry organises a very important programme of swimming lessons for our pupils. 2nd
class and 4th class had a great 6 weeks swimming in Ennis pool. 3rd and 5th class are now taking part in
swimming for the next 6 weeks.
 Gaelic Football: Our boys and girls Gaelic Footballers took part in their competitions recently. We have
had very good numbers at training with Mr.Garry, Mr. Healy, Mr, Crehan, Mr. Griffin, Mr. Stack & Ms.
McDermott. The skill level of the children improved and they enjoyed taking part in Gaelic Football this
term.
 Walk a mile for the Blind 2018: A group of children from the school along with Ms. Vaughan and Mr.
Garry took part in this walk and played music for this most worthwhile charity event. We were delighted to
be able to help support this local worthwhile charity.
 Junior Achievement Programme: 4th class are taking part in this excellent 6 week programme with
Nicola Killeen from Clare County Council. The programme helps the pupils focus on the vast array of
opportunities there are for them to use their talents, imagination and creativity when they grow up. Most
importantly it helps them reach their best potential.
HSCL News
We have had a wonderful first term here in Scoil Chríost Rí with lots of parents joining us in our fabulous new
school for various different activities.
 We have ‘Fun Science’ in 3rd class and we would like to say a huge Thank You to all the lovely parents
who are taking the time to come in and do some simple and fun science experiments with us. We have 2
weeks left, Wednesday Nov 7th and Wednesday Nov 14th @ 12.45pm so why not come along and join the
fun!
 Gymboree in Junior Infants is sadly coming to an end & parents have had great fun coming in and enjoying
some songs, rhymes & dance with the children. Thank you to all those parents who joined us for the
classes! Our last class is on Wednesday Nov 7th and all are welcome!
 ‘My Baby and Me’ course is taking place in our school Library. It is being run by a highly qualified play
therapist and is an amazing opportunity for you and your baby. Lots of free baby resources are given every
week. It is on every Wednesday from 9-11am and is a great way to meet other parents too! All children
under 3 and parents are very welcome.
 The Parents’ Room has been a hive of activity this term 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 making
muffins, scones, family dinners to name but a few and the feedback has been excellent. Well done to all!
 English Speaking classes are on in our Parents room every Monday from 9.15-11.15am. It is a very relaxed
atmosphere and fun too. Everyone is welcome!
Keep a close eye on ‘Scoil Chríost Rí HSCL Activities’ Facebook page this term & please feel free to like & share
the page. It will keep you up to date with all the activities being run by the school and remember members of the
community can also join in on our courses! If you would like to get involved in any of our courses or need
advice/support on any school related issues please do not hesitate to call me (Ms. Carroll) on 087-6461836.
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 @criostri
Also you can see our Facebook page for parents, Scoil Chríost Rí HSCL Activities
Important Dates for your Diary
 Thursday October 25th: Halloween Dress Up day.
 Friday October 26th: School closed for Presidential election and closed for Halloween mid-term break.
 Monday November 5th: School reopens after Halloween mid-term break.
 Tuesday November 6th: Parents Association AGM @ 7.30 p.m. in our parents room.
 November (dates to be confirmed): Parent Teacher Meetings.
Thanks for your continued support and I wish you and all the children a happy and spooky Halloween!!

Yours sincerely
Gearóid Roughan Principal