St. Vincent de Paul Giving Tree Appeal
Míle buíochas for your very generous support of the appeal. The girls in Ms. Brodie’s 6th class helped with the organising of this very worthwhile cause.
Fundraising
Bag Pack:
Buíochas mór to the girls who helped with the Bag Pack Fundraiser in Supervalu Killester on Sat. 30th & Sun. 31st January. Buíochas freisin to the parents who gave up their time to help supervise. €2,119 was raised!
Cake Sale & Pop Up Coffee Shop: Buíochas mór freisin to all the girls & parents who donated the gorgeous cakes for the Cake Sale on Friday 14th February. A special thanks to Supervalu Sutton for their donation of cup- cakes and bread to the Bake Sale. A great day of purchasing was had by all with parents able to enjoy a cuppa in the hall. Buíochas to the parents who helped out in the hall during the day and ensured all ran smoothly. €2690 was raised!
Ava Smith, Ms. Furness’ class, was the winner of the cake raffle while Kate Quigley and Lila Tracey, both Mrs. O’Dea’s class, won the “guess the amount of sweets” competition!
Thank you SUPERVALU! J
Board of Management 2015 – 2019
The term of office for new Boards of Management is from 1st December 2015 to 30th November 2019. The Board manages the school on behalf of the Patron and is accountable to the Patron and the Minister. The school is very appreciative of the commitment and time the volunteers on the board give to the school. The following is a list of the members of the new BOM.
| Patron’s Representatives | Mr. Owen Wilson (Chairperson)
Fr. Larry White |
| Teachers’ Representatives | Mrs. Anne McCarthy (Principal)
Mrs. Eva MacNamee |
| Parents’ Representatives | Mr. Mark Bryans
Ms. Claire Roddy |
| Community Representatives | Mrs. Bernadette Hollingsworth (Treasurer)
Mr. Donal Friel |
Céadaoin an Luaithrigh/Ash Wednesday
Lent began on Wednesday 10th February and it is a time for prayer –a time to prepare for Easter. The girls were encouraged to make a special Lenten promise during Lent. Buíochas to Fr. Larry and his helpers who distributed ashes to the girls in the school hall.
First Reconciliation
Comhghairdeas to all our 2nd class girls who received the Sacrament of First Reconciliation in their class groupings last week in St. John’s Church. Buíochas mór to all the priests who officiated at the ceremony to make it a special, memorable occasion. Thanks also to the teachers for all their hard work in preparing the children for this special time in their lives.
Sacrament of Confirmation
Our 6th classes are currently participating in the “You Shall be my Witness” Programme as part of their preparation for Confirmation. Many thanks to Deirdre McDermott our pastoral worker and the parents who are assisting in running the programme.
Trócaire
This year’s 2016 Trócaire Lenten campaign is focusing on “Climate Change, Climate Justice”. Your daughter received her Trócaire box. If you are returning your Trócaire box through the school, please do not send it in until after the Easter Holidays.
Fire Drill
The whole school participated in our termly Fire Drill Practice on Wednesday 13th January 2016
Credit Union
Belgrove Se
nior Girls’ School savings scheme with Clontarf Credit Union takes place every Thursday in the school and it’s not too late to join either! If your child has not taken up the offer and wishes to do so, application forms are available in the secretary’s office. It is a fantastic opportunity to teach the girls all about saving. Míle buíochas to all the parent volunteers who come in each week to help ensure the scheme runs smoothly.
This year we participated in the Credit Union Quiz. Following trials in the school, our under 11 & under 13 teams competed against Belgrove Senior Boys’ school on Monday 1st February.
- Maith sibh (& hard luck) to our u/11 team (Beth Collins. Sophie Faughnan, Livia Garg-Holohan & Cara Sharry) who competed in the Credit Union Quiz against Belgrove Boys’ School. Beaten by 1 point!
- Maith sibh (& hard luck) to our U/13 team (Aoife Caulfield, Sarah Reddin-Conroy, Lucy Smith & Grace Woulfe) who competed in the Credit Union Quiz against Belgrove Boys’ School.
Green School Committee News
Belgrove Senior Girls’ School is currently in the process of applying for our fourth green flag which is based on the travel theme. The whole school has been working really hard on this theme as we are taking part in the big travel challenge. The girls are making a fantastic effort to walk, scoot, cycle, park & stride! Our travel slogan is
- SCOOT, CYCLE, DO YOUR BEST.
- WALK, PARK, NEVER REST!
As part of this process we were required to partake in a cycling audit which involved some of the girls cycling around the locality with a member of An Taisce and a parent, Malene Brazel.
An Taisce donated prizes for our “Big Challenge Travel Raffle”. Míle buíochas dóibh!
The following girls were winners:
2nd: Cassidy Candelaria, Katie Wright & Catherine Rose O’Doherty-Campbell Guinan.
3rd: Julianne MacDermott, Julianne McKenna & Marina McMahon
4th: Beth Collins, Cara Groenewald & Áine Mulligan
5th: Aisling Courtney, Maeve Howard & Ellen Sheehan
6th: Anna Lawlor, Miriam Lillis & Eve Sinnott
The green school committee girls (3rd – 6th) attended the 1st ever Green Schools EXPO on Thursday 25th February in the RDS.
3rd: Sarah Courtney, Rachel Kelly & Julianne McKenna,
4th: Rachel Boyle, Orla Hickey & Áine Mulligan,
5th : Lucy Downes, Sarah McHugh & Emma Mooney,
6th : Isabelle Barr, Kate Glynn & Amy O’Toole.
The Expo showcased and celebrated the innovative, exciting and original work schools across the country are doing to improve and protect the environment through the Green-Schools Programme.
1st Green Flag: Litter, 2nd: Energy, 3rd: Water
Leinster Primary Schools Tennis League
Our school has entered the Tennis League again this year. Further details will follow.
Cycle Training Programme
Caoimhe Moore & Ruth Connolly delivered the cycle training programme to our 5th classes. The girls learnt an awareness of the rules of the road and gained more confidence on their bikes! Buíochas to the Parents’ Association who gave a donation towards costs.
Athletics
Athletics training has commenced again 8.25a.m. sharp on the Astro pitch.
- 3rd & 4th Wednesday mornings
- 5th & 6th Friday mornings
Camogie: Corn Nuri Competition
For the first time in the history of the school we have entered a Belgrove Camogie Team in the Cumann na mBunscol competition. We will play in the Corn Nuri competition. We are extremely excited and looking forward to the upcoming matches which will take place after the Easter break. We are delighted to have the support of Maura O’Brien from Clontarf GAA Club (a parent in the school) and our GPO (Games Promotion’s Officer) Stephen Behan. Thanks to Catherine Brodie & Kate McCarthy who will assist with the training (2.30p.m. Thursdays) and matches. Buíochas to all the girls who took part in our trials and comhghairdeas to the following 20 girls who make up the Belgrove Senior Girls Camogie team. Go n-éirí libh a chailíní!
| 1 | Aisling Courtney | Mrs. Daly | 12 | Leah Duffy | Ms. McCarthy |
| 2 | Gráinne McDaid | Mrs. Daly | 13 | Faye Crumlish | Ms. McCarthy |
| 3 | Sophie Kilmartin | Mrs. Joy | 14 | Cara Crowley | Ms. McCarthy |
| 4 | Caoimhe Creighton | Mrs. Joy | 15 | Leah Bredican | Ms. McCarthy |
| 5 | Sam Lynch | Mrs. Joy | 16 | Grace O’Keefe | Ms. Carroll |
| 6 | Anna O’Brien | Ms. O’Connell | 17 | Anna Lawlor | Ms. Carroll |
| 7 | Rachel Scott | Ms. O’ Connell | 18 | Amy O’Boyle | Mrs. Brodie |
| 8 | Sarah Mc Hugh | Ms. O‘ Connell | 19 | April Smith | Mrs. Brodie |
| 9 | Mairead O’Neill | Ms. O’ Connell | 20 | Tríona Smyth | Mrs. Brodie |
| 10 | Keelin Ryan | Ms. O’Connell |
Leabhar Power
Belgrove Book Clubs take place once a month in the library. 4th, 5th and 6th classes meet separately, where we have great fun discussing and commenting on the books we have been reading! Míle buíochas to the parents who have volunteered to help with the supervision rota.
- Please note 4th class book club – last one is Friday 10th
Leabharlann/Library
Buíochas to the parents who are coming in each morning to help and supervise 6th class girls in keeping the library neat and tidy for all classes to use.
Setanta Book Fair
Please note our Book Fair is currently taking place this week 29th February – 4th March. Buíochas to the parents who are helping us with the sale of the books. Buíochas freisin to Mrs. O’Dea who co-ordinates the book fair on behalf of the school.
Parents’ Night Tuesday 1st March 7.30p.m. – 9.15p.m.
I cannot emphasise enough how important it is to encourage your daughter to read. Read to her, read with her, encourage her to read on her own. Discuss the books and share opinions. This improves literacy significantly and will be of huge benefit to your daughter.
Bí ag léamh!
World Book Day
We will celebrate World Book Day on Friday 4th March. The girls are encouraged to dress up as a character from a book. Currently they are writing a book review based on their favourite book. We will have a presentation for the winners on Friday 4th in the school hall.
Tráth na gCeist – Parents’ Association Annual Fun Quiz – (School Hall)
Well done to the girls who participated in the Parents’ Association Quiz on Sunday, 28th February. Míle buíochas to the Parents’ Association for organising and running the quiz. The winners were as follows:
| 1st Place: 3rd & 4th classes | |
| Áine Mulligan | 4th |
| Lucy Owens | 4th |
| Aoife Quigley | 4th |
| Alice Walsh | 4th |
| 2nd place: 3rd & 4th classes | |
| Aoife Connaughton | 4th |
| Orla Hickey | 4th |
| Mia Hodson | 3rd |
| Lila Treacy | 3rd |
| 1st Place: 5th & 6th classes | |
| Caoimhe Creighton | 5th |
| Sadhbh Leahy | 5th |
| Sam Lynch | 5th |
| 2nd place: 5th & 6th classes | |
| Rachel Duggan | 6th |
| Mary O’Sullivan | 6th |
| Róisín Quigley | 6th |
| Keila Winters | 6th |
Garda/FAI Fair Play Tournament
Buíochas to Gardaí Sharon Kavanagh & Deirdre Matthews who spoke to our 5th classes re Fair Play and Anti-Racism. Buíochas freisin to the F.A.I. for the skills coaching session the classes participated in. Ms. O’Connell’s 5th class took part in the tournament on Thursday 11th February 2016. A great day was had by all!
“After the presentations, we got goody-bags and went back to school. We had the best day ever!” Mairéad O’Neill
“It had been a really fun day” Jennifer O’Byrne
Yoga
Buíochas to Ann Marie O’Connell, a parent, who has very generously being doing yoga sessions with our 5th classes this term. The girls are really enjoying the experience!
Seachtain na Gaeilge
Beidh Seachtain na Gaeilge á cheiliúradh againn sa scoil ón 9ú go dtí an 16ú de Mhárta. Má tá Gaeilge agat, labhair í! GAEILGE & FÁILTE. Bainigí súp as!
Standardised Testing
- Please read the very important notice regarding standardised testing
Reminders:
- Please ensure your daughter has a healthy lunch – keep treats to a minimum
- Please continue to check your daughter’s hair on a regular basis, and ensure she has her hair tied or clipped back when coming to school
- A chailíní – Ná déan dearmad No crisps, chewing gum or hard sweets
- Please ensure your daughter is on time for class in the mornings. The official opening time of the school is 8:40a.m. Supervision begins at this time. Classes commence at 9.00am and your daughter should be in the classroom by then. Classes end at 2.20p.m
- If your daughter is not feeling well please do not send her into school
- Tracksuit and suitable runners with laces correctly tied are to be worn for P.E.
- See webwise.ie for information on how to be safe while using the Internet
TUSLA (Educational Welfare Services Child and Family Agency)
Established 01/01/2014
It is a requirement for schools to report absences of 20 days or more to TUSLA which now incorporates the National Education Welfare Board (NEWB). Under this arrangement, we must also categorise the reason for each absence, hence the importance of sending in a written note to the Class Teacher explaining why your daughter has been absent, on every occasion. The absence note should be on a separate page, and not in your daughter’s homework journal, because the Class Teacher will have to retain it for reference. There are four reporting periods in the year with reports for period 2 (end-Dec.) and Period 4 (end of school year) being mandatory. Please note that reports are cumulative from the start of the school year. As a matter of courtesy you will be notified in writing if your daughter is recorded on the Student Absence Report Form. Please see www.tusla.ie for further details.
- Holidays during term are not encouraged. Neither is it the policy of the school to set ‘holiday work’ for pupils. Attendance at school is very important and the work of the school continues right up to the end of June each year. If family holidays during term time are unavoidable, please inform your child’s Class Teacher in writing, in advance of the proposed absence from school.
School Warden Notice
Please remember –
- No blocking neighbouring house entrances
- Slow down when approaching the school
- NO 3 point / U turns on yellow box
KEEP OUR GIRLS SAFE! –
- Please do not drive onto the school grounds to drop or collect girls at 3.30p.m. Monday – Thursday as after school classes are being dismissed.
Dátaí tábhachtacha
Parents‘ Association
- Céilí Mór: Thursday 3rd March 7-9p.m. Clontarf Rugby Club
1916 Exhibition
- School Hall: Monday 14th March 2016
- 11am & 6p.m. -8p.m. (Further details to follow)
Proclamation Day
- Tuesday March 15th 2016
6th Class Retreat
10 – 12 noon Manresa House.
- Monday, 18th April 2016 Ms. McCarthy
- Tuesday, 19th April 2016 Ms. Brodie
- Wednesday, 20th April 2016 Ms. Carroll
First Holy Communion
Saturday 23rd April 11.00a.m.
- Anthony’s Church: Ms Egan & Ms. Rowley
- John’s Church: Mrs. de Burca/ Ms. Foley
- Photographs Monday 25th April
Confirmation
Thursday 19th May 11.00a.m.
- Gabriel’s Church: Ms. McCarthy
- Anthony’s Church: Ms. Brodie & Ms. Carroll
- Photographs Friday 20th May
6th class Graduation
- Tuesday 28th June 11.30a.m.
EASTER HOLIDAYS
Wednesday 16th March 2016
- Please note school closes 12 noon
Thank you all for your continued support of the school.
Bíodh sos deas agaibh i rith na Cásca
Le gach dea-ghuí,
Anne McCarthy,
Príomhoide