June 2002

Review of Developments during School Year

As we come to the end of another school year, it is opportune to review the developments which have occurred during the year. At a staffing level, an extra resource teacher, a language support teacher and an extra classroom assistant were appointed. Major developments continued to occur with regard to Information Technology. Every classroom in the school was equipped with a PC and networked. In the IT Room, 11 extra PC’s, a scanner, a new printer and lots of software were acquired. The main emphasis in sports was on participation, and we fielded teams in Gaelic Football and soccer. Each pupil from 1st to 4th (inclusive) received coaching, and we thank Fingallians GFC for sponsoring this initiative. We entered teams in athletics, and the boys won a number of trophies. A local history book was published just before Christmas 2001, and this work was also placed on the school website – www.colmcilles.net

Cars in School Grounds

Our insurers have asked that parents / guardians be reminded that it is prohibited to drive cars into the school grounds during official opening hours. Your co-operation in this regard is vital because of the risks to the children especially at opening and closing times.

Thanks

To Mrs. Harris, Mrs. Rowsome and Mrs. Corr for books
To Mrs. Lawler for computer software
To Mr. & Mrs. Bishop for a computer
To the many parents who contributed uniforms during the course of the year
To the parents who provided transport to cross- country, gaelic football and soccer matches

Code of Behaviour

Thanks very much to the pupils, parents and teachers for their co-operation with the implementation of the revised Code of Behaviour. There has been a considerable improvement in some areas, and there are others such as the manner in which the pupils leave the school at the end of the day where there is plenty of scope for further improvement.

Welcome Back

Everybody in the school community welcomes back Ms Ciara Brangan and Ms Teresa Cleary. They both have had a very difficult year and it is tremendous to have them back in the school.

Response to Fund Raising Appeal

Thanks very much to the 34 families who contributed the sum of €760 to the fund raising appeal to defray the cost of the extra computers. In view of the fact that no direct appeal has been made for contributions since 1999, this was a very disappointing response. It is intended to issue a copy of the school accounts at the start of the new school year and to make a fresh appeal for funds. The need for contributions from parents has become more urgent due to initiatives such as the Code of Behaviour which cost €850 to launch, €20,000 was spent on IT equipment, booklets for Sacraments and liturgies, computer software, stationery and sporting equipment.

School Tours

As tours have become more and more costly, present policies with regard to them have been under review at Board of Management and staff levels. It is intended that next year’s tours will revert to the original intention for these outings, and if they are to be undertaken at all, they will become educational tours once again.

Sixth Class Pupils

We congratulate the pupils in 6th Class who are transferring to new post-primary schools in September 2002. We thank them for the contribution which they have made to so many aspects of school life during the past eight years, and we wish them well in their new schools.

Staff News

Ms. Martina Murray, Ms. Brenda Wall, Ms. Margaret McBride, Ms. Jennifer Gray and Mr. Mannix Ryan will not be returning to our school in September 2002. We thank each of these teachers for their service in our school, and wish them well in their future careers. We also send our good wishes and thanks to Ms. Bernie Keating and to Ms. Carmel Heron. We welcome back Mr. Jimmy Byrne who has completed his career break, and we welcome Ms. Eimear Conroy, Ms. Caitriona McHale and Ms. Caroline Cottell who will commence teaching in our school on 2 September 2002

Focal Scoir

We take this opportunity to thank the pupils, parents, ancillary staff, Board of Management and Parents’ Association for their support and co-operation during the course of the year. We hope that you have a happy, peaceful holiday. Rath Dé oraibh go léir.

End of Year Arrangements

The school will close at 12.00 on Friday, 28 June 2002
The school will re-open at 8.50 a.m. on Monday, 2 September 2002

Email

If you wish to have future copies of the newsletter emailed to you, please send an email to colmcilles@eircom.net