Monthly Archives: October 2022

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October 2022 Newsletter

Download PDF: October 2022 Newsletter

Upcoming School Closings:

Closed: Monday, 31st Oct. 2022 to Friday, 4th Nov. 2022 – Mid-Term Break
Closed: Thursday, 8th Dec. 2022 – Holy Day
A full list of closures for the coming school year was distributed prior to the school holidays. Holiday list available to download from our website.

School Mass:

School Mass will take place in Holy Cross Church on Monday, 24th Oct at 11:30am.

Halloween Dress up Day:

As is traditional to celebrate Halloween, the children are being given the option of dressing up in their Halloween costume on Friday, October 28th. Prizes will be given in each class grouping for the best costume, with preference being given to costumes which are home-made. This year we are asking the children to bring in €2 for Brú Columbanus, which provides “home from home” accommodation for the relatives of seriously ill patients in Cork Hospitals and Hospice, especially of sick children.

Minister for Education:

On September 16th, Minister for Education Norma Foley visited our school. She was welcomed with a rendition of ‘The Rose of Tralee’ by our musicians and singers. Minister Foley met with our student council and they talked about our flag and the town of Kenmare. She visited our playground and outdoor learning space, where 4th Class sang and played ‘Whiskey in the Jar’. The singers and musicians sang ‘As I leave behind Neidín’ for Minister Foley when she was leaving. It was a great honour and pleasure to have the Minister for Education in our school.

Team Hope Shoebox Appeal:

Leaflets are being distributed to pupils from 1st to 6th class encouraging them to send a Christmas Shoebox to a child struggling in poverty or with the effects of conflict in Eastern Europe, Africa and the Middle East. In the coming days pupils will also be shown a DVD giving information on what items can be put in the boxes. The deadline for return of the shoeboxes is Wednesday, October 26th. https://www.teamhope.ie/

Green Schools 2022-2024:

We have commenced our work on our 9th flag. We will be working on the themes of Transport and Global Citizenship for the next two academic years. We got off to a great start with our W.O.W. initiative: Walk on Wednesday. We hope to extend this to every Wednesday with a ‘walking bus’ accompanying students to school. More details to follow soon. Thanks to all our school community for their support.

Amber Flag Initiative:

The Pieta House Amber Flag Initiative recognises the individual efforts made by schools to support mental well-being. The whole school community worked together to create a positive, safe and healthy environment surrounding our mental health and well-being. We received our first Amber Flag in June 2022, and the Amber Flag committee are going to continue with these initiatives to maintain the flag. Last year, the children were introduced to ‘Wellbeing Wednesday’, on the first Wednesday of every month. We engaged in fun activities to promote positive mental health. ‘Wellbeing Wednesday’ will continue this year. Mental Health week took place from the 10th – 14th of October, the children enjoyed a wide range of activities. A non-uniform day was held on Friday, October 14th and the school raised €610 for Pieta House.

Healthy Lunches:

We are asking you to take the time to read our healthy lunch policy on school website. We recommend pupils bring a sandwich, a non-fizzy drink and a piece of fruit. Crisps are of course strictly forbidden.
In line with our Green School principles of reduce, reuse and recycle, we are asking pupils to bring reusable drink and lunch containers. Wrappings and papers should be put in lunch boxes and brought home.

STEM:

The school has been awarded a STEM School Label- European Schoolnet, as a result of the STEM activities completed by pupils in 5th & 6th class. We are delighted that all our hard work and effort in STEM was recognised and we are looking forward to continuing our journey to achieve the next badge.
Homework Club:
Homework Club takes place in St. John’s N.S. Monday to Thursday from 3-4p.m. for pupils from 2nd to 6th Class. This is a calm, peaceful and supportive environment that allows children to complete their homework on a daily basis. Forms are available in the school office. Alternatively, contact Mr. Hussey for more information.

Gymnastics:

We are delighted that Danny has recommenced Gymnastics classes. Juniors to 2nd have been enjoying Gymnastics every Friday. 3rd – 6th will start Gymnastics after the mid-term break.

Student Council:

Congratulations to Mia, Marcel, Leah, Eoin, Rebecca, Fionn and Freya who were elected to St. John’s Student Council. Mr. Morley the student council facilitator, is looking forward to hearing their ideas. The students were voted in by their fellow classmates. There was great excitement across 4th, 5th and 6th class, when the campaigns and elections took place.

Spanish Students:

In September, we welcomed four students from Bilbao in Spain. Ageda, Alize, Jon and Ignacio came here to improve their English. They joined 6th Class and taught the class about Spanish customs and foods, their home city of Bilbao, along with many Spanish words and phrases. They even taught a traditional Spanish song and dance. We really enjoyed their time with us.

Cumann na mBunscoil:

Well done to our fantastic Cumann na mBunscoil team, who won the Urban 2 final in Austin Stack Park on Tuesday, Oct. 18th against a gallant Balloonagh N.S., Tralee. The boys and girls were brilliant on the night. There was great excitement among the panel after the final whistle and captain Noel O’Neill accepted the shield on behalf of his team. Many thanks to our fantastic coaches, Mr. Hussey and Mr. Morley. The boys and girls are a great credit to themselves and their families and wonderful representatives for our school.

Congratulations:


Copyright Getty Images 2022

Congratulations to Mr. Tadhg Morley and the Kerry Team on winning the All Ireland Football Final on Sunday, July 24th 2022. The Sam Maguire, Kerry Manager Jack O’Connor, along with Kerry players Tadhg Morley, Stephen O’Brien, Seán O’Shea, Gavin Crowley and Donal O’Sullivan visited the school on September 29th. All the students and staff were delighted to wear the Kerry colours and have the Sam Maguire in St. John’s N.S.

WE WOULD LIKE TO WISH ALL OUR PUPILS AND PARENTS
A VERY HAPPY AND SAFE HALLOWEEN

Mise le meas,
Barry O’Leary
Principal.