Fundraising Table Quiz and Quiz Sheets

A total of €1252 was raised as a result of the Table Quiz and the Quiz Sheets.  We extend our sincere thanks to Nan Leslie and the ladies of Hilltown L.O.L. for the work they put into the organisation.  Our government funding has been drastically cut again this year so this money is very welcome and much appreciated.

Teaching Practice

We thank Miss Walker and Miss Browne for their hard work over the past three weeks.  The children enjoyed listening to new voices and taking part in all the fun classroom activities that were planned so meticulously for them We very much enjoyed their presence with us and we wish both students every success as they continue their studies in the Church of Ireland College of Education.

Sadly, the Church of Ireland College is destined to be the latest casualty of the Government's relentless austerity measures and is likely to be closed in the next couple of years.  The Principals of the local Church of Ireland schools hope to meet in the next few weeks, and with the support of the Clergy, will voice our opposition to the closure.  

Performance

The children in 3rd - 6th Class will need black tops and black trousers/leggings for our World War 1 performance.  The performance will take place in school at 4 p.m. on Friday 7th December. 


Talk on Internet Use/Cyberbullying


Thank you for your replies. This was discussed at the P.T.A. meeting on Wednesday night and it was felt that a date after Christmas would be more suitable than trying to arrange a meeting in the next few weeks.  Once arranged, I will send further details.
 

Shoebox Update

Thank you everyone for the very generous response to the Shoebox Appeal this year.  In school, we managed to fill 48 shoeboxes.  We thank Mrs Russell for collecting the shoeboxes and for coming into school to launch the Appeal. 

Mrs Gourley

We are pleased that Mrs Gourley is now home from hospital and on the road to recovery.  We look forward to having her back in school.  We thank Miss Timoney for teaching the Infants this week.  As always, if there are any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact me.

Parent Teacher Meetings

Thank you for making time to come and see us this week.  We hope the meetings were useful and gave you an insight into how the children are progressing at school.   Please remember that it is not necessary to wait for Parent Teacher Meetings if you are worried or have a question.  We are always happy to meet with you.

Some dates for your diary...

• Friday 7th December. (Time to be arranged) The children in 3rd - 6th will be performing in a short drama based on World War 1
  
• Monday 17th December - School Trip to Letterkenny
• Thursday 20th December - Carol Service at 7 p.m.
• Friday 21st December - Last day of term

Other dates...

I have been asked if some of the children would be interested in taking part in the following events:

Strictly Come Dancing in Harvey's Point on Saturday December 1st (Frances O'Connell (an ex-pupil) is dancing and has asked if some of the children would like to participate).


P.T.A.

A meeting of the P.T.A. will be held in school on Wednesday 21st November at 7 p.m.  Your support would be greatly appreciated as always.

B.O.M. 

A meeting of the Board of Management will be held in school on Tuesday 20th November at 5 p.m.

School Photographer

The school photographer will be visiting school at 10 a.m. on Friday 23rd November.  

Anti-Bullying Week

Next week (November 19th - 23rd November) is Anti-Bullying Week.  Our Anti-Bullying Policy can be found here.  This is a telling school so please encourage the children to tell somebody if they feel someone's behaviour is making them unhappy or if they see somebody making another child unhappy.   

I am also considering having a speaker visit school to talk to parents about Social Media Websites and Cyber-Bullying but this would only be viable if a sufficient number of parents were interested.  If you feel this is something you would like, please let me know by filling in the following form.  You can also access free information leaflets here.

More Get Well wishes...

We send Mrs Gourley our best wishes and hope that her stay in hospital is also a short one.  Hopefully she will be well again soon and we look forward to welcoming her back.

We are pleased that Muriel is home from hospital and now wish her a speedy recovery.

Local History Walk

We thank Keith Corcoran for coming to school last week and bringing the children in the Senior room on a walk around Ballintra.  It was fascinating to hear about what a busy and bustling town it used to be.  Hopefully the children will have plenty of work to show online when they are finished their project.

Parent Teacher Meetings

As Mrs Gourley is unwell, Parent Teacher Meetings with her this week have been cancelled.  Mrs Somerville and Miss Bustard will see parents as planned but can rearrange meetings with parents who have children in Mrs Gourley's room.  Please let us know on Monday if you would like to rearrange your meeting.

Shoeboxes for Team Hope Appeal

Pictured here are some of the shoeboxes brought in for the Team Hope Appeal this year.

Thank you to everyone who filled a shoebox.

Get well wishes

We are very sorry to hear that Muriel is unwell.  We send our best wishes and hope that her stay in hospital will be a short one.

Shoeboxes

Thank you to everyone who has kindly filled shoeboxes this year.  If you still have one to return, please make sure it is received by Thursday 8th November at the latest.

Teaching Practice

We wish Miss Browne and Miss Walker well as they begin their teaching practices.  Mrs Somerville and Miss Bustard will continue to deal with any questions or queries.

Headlice

We have had a second report of headlice.  Please make sure that you continue to check your children's hair and treat if necessary.  One untreated head can continue to reinfect other children.

Ulster-Scots Project

Our Ulster-Scots project will begin next week.  At the end of the project, the children will be performing a short drama based on World War 1.  All children in 3rd - 6th Classes will be participating. 

Crafts

Thank you to Mrs Russell who is helping with craftwork in the Infant room on Tuesday afternoons.

Hallowe'en Fundraising

Just over €100 was raised on Friday 26th November.  Thank you. Have a look at the photographs in the Gallery.

Quiz Sheets/Fundraising Quiz

Thank you to those families who sold quiz sheets and returned quiz money.  The money has been passed on to Nan Leslie. On your behalf and your children's behalf,  I would like to thank Nan and those who organised last Saturday's quiz. I would also like to thank those parents and children who came along on Saturday night.  Thank you to the members of the wider community who gave their time to support the children and the school at the quiz, and to those who donated and bought auctioned items on the night.  

Well done to Sonia Dinsmore and Aisling Clarke who won the 2nd and 3rd prizes in the draw for the Quiz Sheets.