Newsletter June 2013

Another school year draws to a close, and it’s been a busy one! We had our Christmas concert in St. Michael’s Hall for the first time; tennis and tag Rugby were also a first in the school; there were school tours and science visits, and several children were winners in the Write-a-Book competition organised by the Monaghan Education Centre. More information below, and lovely pictures to view on the reverse.

Sport’s Activities

Last September a tennis coach called Gus came to give lessons to everyone in the school at a small fee (€1). So popular were the lessons that Gus returned to us again in April/May. Now a tennis tournament has been organised against the two primary schools in Ballybay for June 25th. We hope they have an enjoyable time, and good luck on the day!

After Christmas Dean came to do tag rugby with the boys and girls from 2nd to 6th. This too was a lot of fun and finished with a tag rugby game against the Darley N.S. whose greater experience beat us on the day. There have been mixed football leagues in school, a soccer league in Clara Lane, Girls’ gaelic matches and boys’ hurling matches. Thanks to Kevin, Ms. Lee and Ms. Anderson for training and organising the above.

Write-a-Book Competition

This competition is organised by the Monaghan Education Centre and involved almost all the pupils in the school. The  children had to write a book and the winning entrants were invited to the Hillgrove Hotel in Monaghan for a special Award ceremony. Everyone taking part received a certificate and those in Second place got a medal also. Their photograph was taken and placed in the Northern Standard, and an enjoyable night was had by all. Perhaps we have the next Ceciela Aherne in our midst

We celebrated First Holy Communion and Confirmation, and both were beautiful ceremonies. Well done to Ms. Busby, Ms Argue and Mrs. O’Neill for all their hard work.

Literacy Initiatives

In September we welcomed our large group of Infants to St. Michael’s, and in June we welcomed their parents in a Reading initiative organised by Mrs. O Reilly. Reading with their children has made a big improvement to the literacy of every child. Thanks to Mrs. O Reilly, Ms Sherlock and Ms. Quinn, and  to those parents who attended. Thanks also to Mr. McArdle who organised Litercay Lift Off with Ms. Sherlock’s class. This intensive literacy programme takes place every day over a four week period and makes a big difference to the reading and writing of the children.

Abbott’s Visits

Each year an Abbott’s worker comes into the school to teach a science programme to a couple of classes. This year 1st class and 6th class were the lucky classes. 1st  did a programme based on science in their community, while 6th looked at water filtration and purification. This programme tied in well with our current application for our third Green Flag, Water. At the end of the visit 6th were invited to take part in a nationwide competition, the prize of which is a trip to the Science museum in London. David McElroy in 6th class won the prize, and will be jetting off to London in July. Well done David!

So now we are ready for our Summer holidays! Thanks to all the parents who have helped out in any way over the past school year. Thanks most especially for your financial support in these difficult times. We want to wish Rang a Sé all the best in their new secondary schools. Please come back for a visit. I hope the sun shines and everyone has a good holiday. School reopens on September 2nd.