Belgrove Senior Girls' School

St. Vincent de Paul  Giving Tree Appeal

Míle buíochas for your very generous support to the appeal. The girls in Ms. Brodie’s 5^th class were a great help packing and sorting the gifts before we delivered them to the Vincent de Paul offices!

Hallelujah Choir Festival

What a fantastic performance by our  4^th class girls who participated in the Hallelujah Choir Festival on Sunday 8th December in The Citywest Arena. MAITH  SIBH! 

Non-Uniform Day

We will have a non –uniform day on Friday 14^th February 2014 to raise funds for St. John’s Ward, Our Lady’s Hospital for Sick Children, Crumlin. Donations of €2 or more would be greatly appreciated. The girls may dress in pink/red colours.

Snámh/Swimming

Summer Tang 4^th  class, competed in the Leinster School’s Minor Swimming Competition on Sat. 11^th January 2014.  Maith thú, Summer.

Credit Union

Belgrove Senior Girls’ School savings scheme with Clontarf Credit Union, will commence next Thursday 13^th February 2014 when the girls will receive their savings card.  It’s not too late to join either!  If your child has not taken up the offer and wishes to do so, application forms will be  available in the secretary’s office on Thursday.

This is a fantastic opportunity to teach the girls all about saving but for the scheme to work effectively parent volunteers are needed !

• Once a fortnight
• Thursday morning 8.55a.m. (30-40 minutes)
• Contact Clarissa Bryans on 087 9174776.

Green School Committee News

As you are probably aware, Belgrove Senior Girls’ School is currently in the process of applying for our third green flag which is based on the water theme. The whole school have been working really hard on this theme. We have been concentrating on reducing our water consumption and on creating an awareness of how valuable water is to us.

Sinéad Hourihane from An Taisce came to visit us on the 21^st of January to conduct a water review. She was very pleased with our progress and was impressed by the hard work that we had done. She informed the committee that the school had reduced its water consumption by nearly one third compared to last year. This is great news. Well done girls!

Our Action Day for the water theme will take place on Wednesday 12^th of February. There will be lots of different water activities taking place around the school!

Ná déan dearmad– we have done such a good job of reducing our water consumption in school, why not see how much water you can save at home? Your daughter should be able to give you some good water saving tips!

The Green School Committee

Eason Spelling Bee

Our school has entered the “Eason Spelling Bee with Tubridy 2014” competition.  We are currently trying to find our spelling bee champion in the senior classes!

Cispheil/Basketball

Well done to our two  6^th class teams who  won their recent matches in the Senior North Dublin Primary Schools League!

Good luck to our 5^th class teams who will be participating in the Junior North Dublin Primary Schools League.            GO BELGROVE!!

Leinster Primary Schools Tennis League

Our school has entered the Tennis League again this year. Further details will follow.

Leabhar Power

Belgrove Book Club has been extended to the girls in 5^th class.  Both 6^th and 5^th classes meet separately, once a month to discuss books read.  Míle buiochas to the parents who have volunteered to help with the supervision rota.

Setanta Book Fair

Please note our Book Fair will take place the 24^th – 28^th March. Further details will follow.

Parent’s Association Annual Fun Quiz – (School Hall)

3rd & 4^th class : Sunday 16^th February 2p.m. – 3.30p.m.

5^th & 6^th class: Sunday 16^th February 4p.m. – 5.30p.m.

Reminders:

• Please ensure your daughter has a healthy lunch – keep treats to a minimum

• 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 8.40am. Supervision begins at this time. Classes commence at 9.00am and your daughter should be  in the classroom by then. Classes end at 2.20pm.

• 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.

• Please return the questionnaire re uniforms by Friday 14^th February 2014

NEWB (National Education Welfare Board)

• It is a requirement for schools to report absences of 20 days or more to the National Education Welfare Board (NEWB). Under this arrangement, we must also categorise the reason for each absence. I remind you therefore how important it is that you send 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. As a matter of courtesy you will be notified in writing if your daughter is recorded on the NEWB form. Please see www.newb.ie for further details.

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!

Important diary dates

An Garda Síochana in conjunction with Darren Dunwoody will give a presentation to parents on

• Internet Privacy Wed. 5^th March 2014 8p.m. School Hall

6^th Class Retreat

10 – 12 noon Manresa House.

• Tuesday, 29th April  2014
• Wednesday, 30th April 2014
• Thursday, 1st May 2014

Our midterm break is on Thursday 20th February and Friday 21^st  February inclusive.

Thank you all for your continued support of the school.

Bíodh sos deas agaibh J

Le gach dea-ghuí,

Anne McCarthy,

Príomhoide

4ú Mí na Nollag 2013

A thuismitheoirí /a chaomhnóirí,

Táimid an-ghnóthnach sa scoil anois ag ullmhú don Nollaig and in classrooms the sounds of carols and other seasonal songs can be heard!

Cumann Na mBunscol

Well done to our Gaelic Football Team who were winners  in the Cumann Na mBunscol Final  in Croke Park on Tuesday, November 5^th.  It was a fantastic achievement for the girls agus –  bhíomar an-bhrodúil astu –  we were SO proud of them.  Our supporters also looked very well in their Santa Hats as they cheered our team on!

Some great photos from the day can be accessed at:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/cnmb_ath_cliath/sets/72157637471217263/page2/

In recognition of the girls’ win in Croke Park, they have been invited to the Mansion House on Thursday 19th December at 10.30a.m.

Oisín Quinn, Lord Mayor of Dublin will be in attendance.

Míle buíochas to Frank Walsh, Brian O’Callaghan and Peter O’Hara for their support and help in training the GAA team.  Míle buíochas freisin to Stephan Behan (Clontarf GAA – Gaelic Promotions Officer) to Ms. Brodie and Ms. Rowley, for their help in organising the football and to the parents helping out with lifts and jersey washing!

Primary Athletics

The North Dublin Primary Schools Annual Cross Country Competition was held on Wednesday 6^th November 2013. 9 teams from our school participated in the event. Well done to all who turned up on such a damp day!

Belgrove under 13 ½ Team came 1st:  Katie Doyle, Emma Moriarty,  Lizzy O’Callaghan,  Aoife O’Mahony, Ellie Ryan and Maeve Walsh.  Maith sibh a chailíní!

Maeve Walsh, 6^th class  came 1^st in her race! Comhghairdeas Maeve J

Buíochas mór do Ms Nic Lughadha and Ms Curtis for all their help.

Fair Play Garda Soccer Tournament

Ms. Brodie’s 5^th class represented the school at the  Fair Play Tournament on Wednesday 23^rd October.  Despite the bad weather conditions an enjoyable day was had by all. Comhghairdeas to the girls on the Nigeria team who won the tournament!  Maith sibh a chailíní!  Well done to all the other girls who supported the team on the day.

Team Nigeria: Claire O’Gara, Fiona O’Quigley, Alison Pope, Molly Quinn, Maeve Ryan,  Jill Scarry, Sophia Sheehan, Emma Sythes and Eva Toomey.

Cycle Safety Training Course

Our 5^th class girls are also nearing the completion of the Cycle Safety Training Course.  They had a very enjoyable time and thank you to “The Cycling Safety and Skills School” for offering us this opportunity.  They should now be more aware of traffic signs/signalling/helmets etc. and can safely join the two wheel revolution sweeping the city!  The course is subsidised by Dublin City Council and also by our Parents’ Association. Buíochas mór dóibh.

Garden Tidy Up

Míle buíochas to the parents and girls who showed up on Sat. 30^th November. They tidied the leaves, pruned back the plants,  got the beds ready for the winter and replaced some of the sleepers on the vegetable beds. Your time and effort is very much appreciated.

Hallelujah Choir Festival

Good luck to our 4^th class girls who will be participating in the Hallelujah Choir Festival on Sunday 8th December in The Citywest Arena.

Fundraising Events

We are still fundraising to pay off the shortfall from the DES (Department of Education and Skills) grant re our heating system. Many thanks for your generous support and your patience. The shortfall was originally just under €60,000. To date our hard working fundraising committee, under the guidance of Claire Roddy,  has raised €23,732.13. This leaves us currently with €36,267.84 to raise.  The Christmas Social evening on Thurs. 29th November raised €350 and a fantastic evening was had by all who attended. Thank- you to Clontarf Florists and Superquinn who provided us with a great evening of entertainment J

As  of now, I do not have a total for the Cookbook fundraiser. What a selection of tasty, mouth-watering recipes arrived in to the school! Clontarf kitchens serve a lot of delicious, healthy food! The cookbook organisers found it hard to choose the recipes to be printed as the standard was so high! I hope you enjoy browsing through it and have a fun time trying out the béilí blasta!

Parents’ Association Sponsored Walk Friday 25^th October

€6,817.50 was raised.  Thank-you to all who came along and joined us (especially those in Hallowe’en outfits!)

St. Vincent de Paul  Giving Tree Appeal

Should you be interested in supporting this appeal, tags are available on the tree in the corridor or from your daughter’s class teacher. Further information is available on www.svp.ie/appeal-2013/home.aspx.

Parents may, of course, prefer to donate privately to a charity of their choice.  No parent should feel under any pressure to donate.

Minor Works Scheme

A once-off payment of over €28 million is being made to primary schools as part of the Minor Works Grant scheme. The grant will be paid automatically to schools before the end of November. The amount paid will be a basic grant of €5,500 plus €18.50 per mainstream pupil and €74 per special needs pupil. Pupil numbers will be calculated based on the number of pupils on the rolls on the 30th September of the year prior to the issue of the grant.  Thank you minister!

Carol Service

We are holding our annual school Carol Service in St Gabriel’s Church at 11.30am on Monday, 16^th December 2013.  Parents are invited to join us as we prepare for the coming of Jesus. We will use the two middle aisles to seat the children, leaving the side aisles free for parents. The children will be returning to school afterwards with their teachers.

Cinderella

CLG Na Fianna are presenting the pantomime Cinderella in Scoil Chaitríona Hall this week. Good luck to Stephan Behan, our GAA coach as he takes on the starring role of  Prince Charming!

NEWB (National Education Welfare Board)

• It is a requirement for schools to report absences of 20 days or more to the National Education Welfare Board (NEWB). Under this arrangement, we must also categorise the reason for each absence. I remind you therefore how important it is that you send 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. As a matter of courtesy you will be notified in writing if your daughter is recorded on the NEWB form. Please see www.newb.ie for further details.

JUNIOR INFANTS 2014

Reminder on behalf of St. John the Baptist Infant  (Belgrove) Girls’ School

The closing date for applications for September 2014 is Friday, 31^st January 2014.  The Enrolment Policy is available on www.belgrove.ie  Contact the Infant Girls’ School for application forms.

IMPORTANT   DIARY  DATES

An Garda Síochana in conjunction with Darren Dunwoody will give a presentation to parents on

• Internet Safety Wed. 15^th January 2014 8p.m. School Hall
• Internet Privacy Wed. 5^th March 2014 8p.m. School Hall

Sacrament of Reconciliation: St. John’s Church 1.30p.m.

Monday 10^th March 2014: Ms. Rowley
Tuesday 11^th March 2014: Ms. Peacock
Wednesday 12^th March 2014: Mrs de Burca/Ms. Foley

First Holy Communion:  Saturday 10^th May 2014  11.00a.m. 

St. Gabriel’s Church: Ms. Rowley & Ms. Peacock
St. John’s Church: Mrs. de Burca/Ms. Foley
Photographs on Monday, 12^th May 2014

Sacrament of Confirmation: Thursday 22^nd May 2014.

Photographs on Friday, 23^rd May 2014.

6th class Retreat:  Manresa House 29^th/30^th April/ 1^st May 2014

Further details for your daughter’s class will be given nearer the time.

6^th class graduation Wednesday 25^th June 11.30a.m. 2014

Reminders

• Has your daughter lost an item of clothing? Please check our lost property box – Éadaí Caillte.  Please label your daughter’s items of clothing.
• Converse runners are not suitable for P.E.
• Now the season of Advent is upon us, we are busy preparing for the coming of Jesus. Míle buíochas for supporting the 2FM Vincent de Paul Giving Tree Appeal on our behalf. 
• School closes for Christmas at 12 noon on Friday 20th December and reopens on Monday 6th January 2014.

On behalf of all of us here in Belgrove Senior Girls’ School, I would like to wish you and your family a very peaceful and happy Christmas.

NOLLAIG SHONA DAOIBH GO LÉIR!

Anne McCarthy,

Príomhoide

Tá Oíche Shamhna ag teacht!

Sponsored Walk  : Friday, 25^th  October 2013

(Bí gléasta suas – be dressed up!)

Míle buíochas to the committee of our Parents’ Association for once again organising our sponsored walk.  We hope lots of Moms and Dads will be able to join us.  We intend leaving the school at 11.00am and the walk takes about 40 minutes.

Even though your daughter will be dressed for Hallowe’en, please ensure she has suitable clothing and footwear for the walk, including a rain jacket.

Buíochas mór to all who sponsored the girls.  If you have not done so please return the sponsorship form and money to the Parents’ Association.  Unused forms may also be returned.

Cumann na mBunscol

We are extremely proud of all 25 girls who  make up the Belgrove Senior Girls’ Gaelic Football Team. We had comfortable wins in our first three group games and the quarter-final but a stronger opposition awaits us when we play St. Brigid’s School, Cabinteely, in  the semi-final of the Corn Austin Finn. We will be playing in Clanna Gael GAA Club, (Séan O’Moore Park), Ringsend, on Wednedsay 23^rd October.  Go n-éirí libh a chailíní!

Míle buíochas to Frank Walsh, Brian O’Callaghan and Peter O’Hara for their support and help in training the GAA team.  Míle buíochas freisin to Stephan Behan (Clontarf GAA – Gaelic Promotions Officer) to Ms. Brodie and Ms. Rowley, for their help in organising the football and to the parents helping out with lifts and jersey washing!

Primary Athletics

We are participating in the  North Dublin Primary Schools Annual Cross Country Competition, again this year.  Over 120 girls, from 4^th to 6^th class, took part in the training sessions. 9 teams were to participate in the event on Wednesday 16^th October.  However, due to very wet conditions the event was postponed and has been re-scheduled for Wednesday 6^th November 2013.

Buíochas mór do  Ms. Nic Lughadha and Ms. Curtis for their help.

Fair Play Soccer Tournament

The 5^th classes have received a talk on the theme of fair play and anti-racism from local gardaí Sharon Kavanagh and Deirdre O’Donnell.  They also participated in a soccer skills session with F.A.I. coaches on Friday 18^th October. Despite the bad weather conditions a good day was had by all.  Ms. Brodie’s class will represent the school at the  Fair Play Tournament on Wednesday 23^rd October.

Brat Glas/Green School Flag

 Comhghairdeas to Rachel Duggan, Mrs. MacNamee’s 4^th class, who was the winner of the Green School slogan competition. All students were asked to think of a slogan to help everyone in the school to remember to save water.

The winning entry was ‘Turn off the tappy and all will be happy!’

The Green School Committee girls voted for this slogan as they thought it was very catchy. It was a hard decision as there were so many brilliant entries. Maith sibh a chailíní!  Don’t forget to bí glas and conserve water at home as well as in school.

Mata sa gháirdín / Maths in the garden

Maths Week was 14^th – 18^th October. The 5^th and 6^th classes made the most of the lovely mild weather and took maths outdoors into the garden.  They enjoyed taking part in Maths Trails – finding symmetry, angles, area, the sale price of shovels, the average price of a fruit tree etc.  The reward was a bunch of juicy, organic grapes – delicious!

“The best kind of maths”              “Cool!”                 “Great Fun!”

Heritage in Schools Scheme

Brendan Nolan, writer and storyteller visited the 3^rd and 4^th classes on Thursday 17^th and Friday 18^th October, when he spoke to the girls about the art of story telling.  His spooky tales had us all shivering!

Club Leabhar / Book Club

Alan Early, author of the Arthur Quinn series, met our book club girls and the 6^th classes on Thursday 3^rd October.  It gave us a chance to discuss the third book in the series with him and for him to hear very enthusiastic feedback on his books from the girls!

Hallelujah Choir Festival

We are delighted to announce that the fourth class girls  will be participating in the Hallelujah Choir Festival on Sunday 8th December in The Citywest Arena.  The girls will be participating in a choir of over 3000 voices which is one of the largest in the world.  Some famous popstars (we don’t know who yet!) will join them in raising the roof,  performing to an audience of family and friends.  This will be an amazing and memorable experience for all the children and fourth class teachers.  The girls  are currently preparing the songs and dance moves for this event.

Cycling Safety Training Course

Our school is staging a course in cycling safety training for 5^th classes run by the Cycling Safety and Skills School.  This will take place over a number of weeks. The course is subsidised by Dublin City Council and míle buíochas to our Parents’ Association which is further subsidising the course.

Active Flag

We were granted  our Active School Flag in June 2013. You can see it hanging under our green flag.  The Active School Flag recognizes schools promoting physical activity and physical education. This year we have a new Active Committee- Teresa Sloan, Effie Clancy, Meabh Geary, Medb Hannigan, Lucy Downes, Cara McCaul, Robyn Kell, Eimear Mangan, Ruby Cooper, Abby Doyle, Caitríona Moloney, Sorcha Curran, Jessica O’Regan, Emma Moriarty and Lizzie O’Callaghan.  Ná dean dearmad- ensure your daughter takes part in some form of physical activity each day!

Art Dryers

The Parents’ Association has kindly given us the money to purchase two art dryers.  They will be used in rooms 2 and 12 – míle buíochas!

Parent Talk

Sadhbh Coyle NEPS, gave a very interesting and informative talk to the parents regarding “Supporting your Daughter’s Learning”. Ms. Nic Lughadha, one of our Learning Support Teachers also spoke about Learning Support in our school, so I hope those who attended the talk have a better understanding of services provided by the National Education Psychological Service and also of  how we support children in the school.   The sheets/handouts are available on the school website –

www.belgroveseniorgirls.ie

Click on Information for Parents

• Sten Score
• Supporting Your Child’s Learning (Here you will find Handouts from NEPS as mentioned by Sadhbh at the talk)
  • Supporting children with a Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia) Learning of Mathematics
  • Dyslexia – Tips for Parents – Primary Aged
  • Some Irish-related resources for working with students who are exceptionally able
  • Homework Plan for Senior Primary Pupils
  • Homework Tips for Parents of Primary School
  • Shared/Paired Reading at Home
  • Tips for parents – Developing Children’s Self Esteem
  • Developing Social Skills – Strategies for Teachers and Parents (Primary School)

www.education.ie/neps

Sam Maguire Cup

We had the privilege of the Sam Maguire Cup visiting the Belgrove Schools on Monday 21^st October.  The school was a sea of blue as the girls wore Dublin Jerseys or tops with  Dublin colours.  Jack McCaffrey, who wore the number 7 jersey for the final, brought the cup in to our school along with Stephan Behan our GAA coach.  For me it was a very special occasion as his grandmother, Mrs. Sal McCaffrey, a former teacher here in Belgrove taught me from 2nd -6th class. The girls gave him a fantastic  CÉAD  MÍLE  FÁILTE! and were thrilled when he said “No obair bhaile!” We all joined in singing a verse from the song “Molly Malone” with Jack and Stephen.  Thanks to Patsy Hetherton who took a photo of each of the classes with Jack and the Sam Maguire Cup.  Áth Cliath Abú!

An bhfuil a fhios agat? –

•           The cup is named in honour of Sam Maguire, a prominent member of London GAA.

•           Sam Maguire was born in Dunmanway, Co. Cork, in 1879.

•          The Sam Maguire Cup is modelled on the Ardagh Chalice and it was presented in 1928.

•           Kildare was the first county to win the Sam Maguire Cup.

•           The original cup was replaced with an exact replica in 1988.

Fundraising

• Jersey Day – Friday, 20th September 2013

€719 was raised and all funds will go towards reducing the deficit on the upgrade to the school heating system.  Buíochas mór  for your generous support.

• Cookbook

This year the fundraising committee, in conjunction with the school, is taking on a mammoth task as we are planning to produce our very own Cookbook. All funds raised will be used  to further reduce the deficit on the upgrade to the school heating system.  We hope your daughter has sent in a favourite recipe from your house! The cookbook will be sold through the school and would make an ideal Christmas gift for grandparents, godparents, aunts & uncles!  A special word of thanks to our hard working fundraising committee and those who helped on the day of the photographs.

Extra Costs

Sincere thanks to all parents who have paid the Booklist Extra Costs so promptly. Some Extra Costs payments are still outstanding and I urge anyone who has not paid these costs yet to try to do so as soon as possible. The total for Extra Costs is €100.00

If by chance your financial circumstances have changed to such an extent that you have a problem regarding this payment, please talk to your daughter’s Class Teacher or to myself.

Voluntary Contributions

On behalf of the Board of Management of the school, I sincerely thank those parents who have also given the Voluntary Contribution to school funds. You will receive an official receipt for this in due course. In the October Budget 2013  there was a further cut of 1% to the Capitation Grant,  so your contribution is vital to the running of the school.

The Voluntary Contribution requested is €75 (or €100 per family).

Book Rental Scheme

Your daughter is using text books rented  from the school and I would ask that she would mind them carefully  please. Ensure your daughter does not write on the books. We will collect them  at the end of the school year for use by the next group of girls.

Learning Support

Our Learning Support Team continues to be in a position to offer in – class maths support to every class in the school.  We also  have in-class support for English. Children will continue to be withdrawn if their needs require it. This is in line with the DES staged approach to Assessment, Identification and Programme Planning- Circular SP ED 02/05: Appendix 3.

NEWB (National Education Welfare Board)

• It  is a requirement for schools to report absences of 20 days or more to the National Education Welfare Board (NEWB). Under this arrangement, we must also categorise the reason for each absence. I remind you therefore how important it is that you send 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. 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 NEWB form. Please see www.newb.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.

Budget 2013

• Thankfully the increase in class size will not happen in 2014. Thank you to the parents who attended the meeting on 19^th September here in our school hall and to  those who attended the protest on Wednesday, 2^nd October outside the DES offices in Marlborough Street.  “Ní neart go cur le chéile!”
• The additional 1% decrease in Capitation Grants (Operational Costs), which originated in Budget 2012 will proceed.  The school will receive €173 per pupil this year under the Capitation Grant – last year we received €176 per pupil. The overall capitation grant for the year is paid based on a school’s enrolment figure on the 30th September.  This is less than a euro per pupil per school day as your daughter is at school for 183 days in the school year
• The failure to reintroduce the Minor Works Grant and Summer Works Grant Scheme have been noted with disappointment

Parking and Stopping

May we remind you to respect the ‘no stopping’ zone outside the school gates and also to keep our neighbours’ gateways clear at all times. For your daughter’s safety and your own, please always use the small pedestrian entrance gate to the school rather than the wider vehicle entrance.

Reminders for the girls

Be on time in the morning i.e. be in by  8.50am

Wear correct school uniform – white or navy socks, white polo top and tracksuit only on PE days, or if you are playing basketball, tennis or football after school.

Healthy lunch le do thoil– no crisps allowed

DÉAN DO DHÍCHEALL!        (DO YOUR BEST!)                           

Diary dates

Parent Teacher Meeting: Thursday 28^th November, 2013

Bain taitneamh as an  saoire and see you on Monday 4^th  November.

Le gach dea ghuí,                                      

Anne McCarthy,       Príomhoide

School website www.belgroveseniorgirls.ie

Follow us on Twitter @BelgroveSGNS

Meán Fómhair 2013

September  2013

A thuismitheoirí / a chaomhnóirí,

Fáilte ar ais. Tá súil agam gur bhain sibh taitneamh as na laethanta saoire.  A particular welcome to the new parents of ranganna a dó (second class), and to the parents of our new cailíní (girls), who have joined other classes.

Newly enrolled girls

• Enrolment Forms / Baptismal Certificates

(A special reminder for the Parents of Second Class girls)

Some parents have yet to send in completed Enrolment Forms. It is very important that the school has the information required on this form. If you have not filled in and returned your daughter’s Enrolment Form, please do so ASAP. Also, parents who have not yet supplied the school with a copy of your daughter’s Baptismal Certificate, please do so as soon as possible. This will be returned to you when the date of her Baptism has been checked and recorded.

• Birth Certificate

The school also now needs a copy of your daughter’s birth certificate  as that is the name that  must be recorded on  the official school Register (Clárleabhar), as per Circular 0028/2013 issued July 2013:

2.3 The following are the changes to the information to be recorded in the Register (Clárleabhar):

(a) the name recorded for a pupil in the Register (Clárleabhar) will be the name as recorded on the pupil’s birth certificate or other appropriate legal document. The name on a baptismal certificate (or other non-legal document) is no longer deemed acceptable for this purpose;

The circular can be accessed on the Department of Education and Skills website.

Extra Costs

Sincere thanks to all parents who have paid the Booklist Extra Costs so promptly. Some Extra Costs payments are still outstanding and I remind anyone who has not paid these costs yet to try to do so as soon as possible. The total for Extra Costs is €100.00  If possible please send in notes or cheque, as the bank will only accept full money bags and no loose coinage from the school.

If by chance your financial circumstances have changed to such an extent that you have a genuine problem regarding this payment, please talk to your daughter’s Class Teacher or to myself.

Please note this is a separate payment to the Voluntary Contribution.

**Please note: PERSONAL ACCIDENT INSURANCE – 24HR COVER:

In accordance with the policy of the Board of Management of the school, all pupils in the school are included in the Personal Accident Insurance Scheme with 24hr cover. The cost of this is €5.60 (an increase of 70 cent) and is included in Booklist Extra Costs.

Voluntary Contributions

On behalf of the Board of Management of the school, I sincerely thank those parents who have also given the Voluntary Contribution to school funds. You will receive an official receipt for this in due course.

The Voluntary Contribution requested is €75 (or €100 per family).

School Lunches

• We encourage your daughter to have healthy and nutritious lunches each day especially fresh fruit and/or veg. As well as being good for your child’s general well-being, healthy eating also adds to her ability to concentrate at school. Please try to avoid fizzy drinks, sweet treats or chocolate, and to also include other healthy options (e.g. sandwich, pitta bread, rice-cake, etc.). We do not allow crisps or chewing gum.

• All unfinished lunches should be brought home. In this way, you will know what your daughter is not eating at school.

Brat Glas

We now have two Green Flags, and we will be continuing to make sure that we ‘reduce, reuse, recycle’ this year also. We will be working towards our third green flag this year. The theme for this flag is water conservation.  As a school we are trying to reduce our consumption of water and help our students become more aware of how valuable water is in our lives, as not everyone has access to this precious resource. We would encourage you to reinforce this message at home by thinking of ways that you could reduce your own household water consumption.  Your daughter should be able to come up with some great suggestions!  

We still need a parent volunteer on our committee, so if you would be willing to help please contact the school for further details.

We are continuously working on our current Green School flags; litter and energy consumption. In order to reduce the amount of waste produced by the school, children are asked to bring all wrappers/ uneaten food/ tetra-packs (milk or juice cartons)  home. We have a skin bin in the yard for recyclable waste and our skin bin monitors have reported apples with one or two bites taken out of them, and uneaten sandwiches in the bin. Remind your daughter to eat all of her lunch and to bring home uneaten food.

We would appreciate if you would help cut the usage of hand towels by giving your daughter  a small hand towel for use, which she could take home at the end of the week for washing.

Our Green School Committee and our students are doing a great job maintaining our current Green School flags. We are confident that by working together we will get our third flag this year!

Active Flag

Our Active Flag Committee will be in operation again this year and we encourage you, with your daughter to keep active.     www.getirelandactive.ie  has some great tips!

Morning Supervision:

Please be aware that supervision by staff begins in the morning at 8.40am. The side gate to the yard usually opens at about 8.35am. Children arriving before this time risk being in the rain outside the side gate and should have appropriate rainwear.

School Uniforms

• Remember that the regular uniform is regular school wear – in other words, your daughter should not get into the habit of only wearing her tracksuit.  If wearing socks only white or navy should be worn with the school uniform please.
• Uniform tracksuits with white polo-shirts are required wear for PE.  Please note that suitable flat shoes are required for school wear and trainers (with laces tied properly) are required for PE.  When purchasing trainers for PE please ensure that they are suitable for sportswear and not just designer wear.

• Please ensure that jumpers, tracksuit tops and jackets etc. are clearly labelled with your daughter’s name.
  • Only minimum, safe jewellery should be worn at school.

Parking and Stopping:

May we remind you to respect the ‘no stopping’ zone outside the school gates and also to keep our neighbours’ gateways clear at all times. For your daughter’s safety and your own, please always use the small pedestrian entrance gate to the school rather than the wider vehicle entrance.

Please remind your daughter to walk across the road with her bicycle or scooter when crossing with the school warden.

NO PARKING ON THE YELLOW BOX OUTSIDE THE SCHOOL AT ANY TIME

LE  DO  THOIL

Ná déan dearmad

• Dog Owners/ Minders

Please clean up after your pet and on the grounds of health and safety, please do not bring your dog inside the school gates.

• Please do not allow your children to climb on the railings both outside and inside the school gate.
• Head-Lice

For the sake of all our children and of our parents, please remain vigilant at all times and check your daughter’s hair regularly.

• Rented Books  Please ensure your daughter treats the books she receives from the school with care over the year, as they will be used again by other children.

Obair Bhaile: Homework Policy:

Below are the approximate times children should spend on homework:

Rang 2:            20 – 30 mins

Rang 3:            30 – 40 mins

Rang 4:            40 – 50 mins

Rang 5&6:       50 – 60 mins

It is important that you inform your daughter’s class teacher if she is not managing to complete her homework in the recommended time.

Primary Athletics

Girls from 4^th, 5^th and 6^th classes have begun taking part in the training sessions this week as we hope to participate in the North Dublin Primary Schools Annual Cross Country Competition again this year.  Training will be at 8.30a.m. sharp on the astro pitch.

Cumann na mBunscol

Our GAA football team played their first match yesterday, Wednesday 11^th September  and won – maith sibh a chailíní!  Buíochas to the teachers who help with the team – Catherine Brodie and Michelle Rowley, to Stephan Behan GAA coach and also to the parents who have offered to help train the team– Brian O’Callaghan, Peter O’Hara and Frank Walsh.

School Garden

Míle buíochas to all the parents who showed up in the garden this morning Thursday 12^th September,  for the volunteer weeding session. The garden had become very overgrown over the summer and now through your hard work it is back to looking fantastic!

Sacramental Dates

Parent Meeting: First Holy Communion Programme Meeting

• Wednesday 10^th September 8.p.m. Senior Girls’ School Hall

Sacrament of First Penance: Dates to be decided

First Holy Communion: Saturday, 10^th May 2014.

Photographs on Monday, 12^th May 2014

Sacrament of Confirmation

6th class Retreat:  Manresa House 29^th/30^th April/ 1^st May 2014

Further details for your daughter’s class will be given nearer the time.

We are still waiting for approval from Archbishop’s House for our date for the Sacrament of Confirmation but the proposed date is Thursday 22^nd May 2014.

Photographer provisionally booked for Friday, 23^rd May 2014.

Parent Meeting: Confirmation Programme Meeting

• Tuesday 18^th  September 8.p.m. Senior Girls’ School Hall

School Holidays/Laethanta Saoire:

The list of school holidays has been given to your daughter.  Please keep it in a safe place.

It is also available on the school website www.belgroveseniorgirls.ie. You can keep up to date with newsletters on our school website and follow us on Twitter @BelgroveSGNS.

Fáilte: Parents are welcome!

Please remember that parents are welcome to call to the school. However, if you wish to discuss something with your daughter’s Class Teacher or with myself, it is important to make a prior appointment.

When calling to the school during the day, even just to drop off a lunch, please call to the main door only and ring the Senior School doorbell. The doorbell sounds in the Secretary’s, office. If she is not in the office at the time, please be patient and try again.

Information Booklet

On our website www.belgroveseniorgirls.ie you will find our “Information Booklet” for parents/guardians on the left hand side (under Information for Parents).  This may assist with some queries you have.

Internet Safety:  The positive aspects of the internet outweigh the negative.  The Internet is an excellent educational and recreational resource for children.  However, some children have access to social network sites which are not age appropriate.  Please be aware of what your daughter is posting. If  hurtful comments have been posted up about your daughter, keep the offending message, as this can be reported to the website owners and the Gardaí.

NEWB (National Education Welfare Board)

• It  is a requirement for schools to report absences of 20 days or more to the National Education Welfare Board (NEWB). Under this arrangement, we must also categorise the reason for each absence. I remind you therefore how important it is that you send 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. As a matter of courtesy you will be notified in writing if your daughter is recorded on the NEWB form. Please see www.newb.ie for further details.

Parent Talk

Supporting Your Daughter’s Learning – literacy, numeracy, understanding STen scores , self esteem.

Wednesday 25^th September 8p.m. Senior Girls’ School Hall

Hosted by Sadhbh Coyle NEPS (National Education  Psychological Service) in conjunction with Aoife Nic Lughadha, our Learning Support Teacher.

Parents’ Association AGM

Wednesday 25^th September 7.15p.m. (before the above mentioned parent talk)

INTO Public Meeting

The National Alliance for Primary Education is calling on schools, teachers, parents and communities to stand together to resist cuts and protect primary education for our children. Please support the meeting: Thursday 19^th September 2013 Belgrove Senior Girls’ School Hall 8p.m.

Parent Teacher Meetings

Thursday, 28^th November 2013

THANK YOU FOR TAKING THE TIME TO READ THIS NEWSLETTER. PLEASE RETAIN IT FOR REFERENCE.

Le gach dea-ghuí don scoil bhliain nua.

Is mise le meas,

Anne McCarthy

Príomhoide

A thuismitheoirí,

Tá sé do-chreidthe go bhfuil deireadh na bliana tagtha!  Míle buíochas daoibh as ucht an tacaíocht a thug sibh dom agus don fhoireann scoile. I cannot believe it is the end of another school year already – I would like to thank you all very much for all the support you have given us over the past year.  It is very much appreciated.

BOARD  OF  MANAGEMENT (BOM)

The voluntary work of the BOM on behalf of the school does not go unnoticed.  I would like to thank each and every one of them for their hard work and dedication to our school – Owen Wilson our Chairperson, Bernadette Hollingsworth our Treasurer, Fr. Larry White, Donal Friel, Claire Roddy, Mark Bryans and Noreen O’Dea. Their time, energy and expertise  is very much appreciated.

FUND RAISING UP-DATE

Céad, míle buíochas to all who contributed to our appeals.  We very much appreciate your time and donations as we pay off the up-grade to the school heating system.  A special thanks to Claire Roddy for her drive and energy in organising our fundraising committee.

BUÍOCHAS

Míle buíochas to the girls who sang in our First Holy Communion and our Confirmation Choirs. Thanks also to our four soloists, Ellen Gibson, Jill Fitzpatrick, Lucy Muldoon Finnerty, Cliodhna Ní Scanaill and Jessie Isufaj  who played at the confirmation ceremony.

SPORT

Comhghairdeas to

6^th class basketball team – winners of the Dublin Primary Schools’ Basketball League

5^th class basketball team – runners up of the Dublin Primary Schools’ Basketball League

6^th class Tennis Team- runners up in the Leinster Tennis Primary Schools’ League Division 2

Maith sibh a chailíní!

SPORTS  DAY / LÁ  SPÓIRT

The girls had a most enjoyable day on Friday 31^st May. It was great to see them in their different groupings and coloured tee shirts, as they moved from station to station. They participated in dance, GAA, cricket, skipping, basketball,  parachute activities, short tennis, Yoga … !

Buíochas to Ms. Aoife Nic Lughadha who organised the day and all the teachers for supervising and helping with the various activities.

ACTIVE  FLAG

We have just been granted our Active School Flag which you can now see hanging under our green flag.  Buíochas do Ms. McCarthy and Ms. O’Neill and the Active Flag Committee – Emma Campbell, Caoimhe Doody,  Róisín Giles, Niamh Murray, Rachael Smith and Hannah Vernon.

NON-UNIFORM  DAY

• €703.48 was raised for the charity “To Russia With Love”.  They are very grateful for your kind donation.

TRÓCAIRE

Trócaire have sent us a certificate for our generous donation of €1533.95 to their Lenten Campaign.

GARDEN

Míle buíochas to all the kind parents who, under the guidance of Martha Holmes and Claire Roddy, work hard at keeping the garden in good order.

They also helped with the 2^nd class pansy pots for First Holy Communion.  Some of the 5^th class girls have helped with weeding under the guidance of Mrs. McGrath and Ms. O’Grady.

PARENTAL HELP

Buíochas mór to the many parents who have given of their time over the school year to help with the garden, fund raising activities, various sports, outings etc.  It is very much appreciated. A particular míle buíochas to our hardworking  Parents’ Association, under the chairmanship of Denise O’Callaghan.

BOOKLIST / LÍOSTA  LEABHAR

Your daughter has received her booklist for next year. Please make sure that she has everything on the list on her return to school on Thursday, August 29^th 2013.  All books need to be covered and labelled le do thoil.

BOOK SALE / DÍOLACHÁN  LEABHAR

The Wise Owl Bookshop is  holding the Book Sale in the School Hall on Wednesday evening, 26th June from 5.00pm – 7.00pm.

Please note that the Book Sales will not open before 5.00pm.

We will rent text books again next year. Can you please make sure they are kept in good order and treated carefully by your daughter.

DONATION OF UNIFORM JUMPER

Money raised from donated uniform items will go to “St. John’s Ward”, Our Lady’s Hospital, Crumlin.

ÉADAÍ CAILLTE/LOST PROPERTY

We have a full basket of unclaimed lost property in the school corridor! Come and have a look if you know that your daughter is missing an article of clothing and hasn’t claimed it. Anything unclaimed will be given to a clothing charity.

EXTRA COSTS

Extra Costs on Booklists will be €100 and are not due until August/September.

VOLUNTARY CONTRIBUTIONS FOR 2013-2014

Parents’ Voluntary Contributions are again included on Booklists, separate from Extra Costs. The Voluntary Contribution requested from parents remains the same as last year at €75 per pupil or €100 for two or more girls in a family.

NÓTA TÁBHACHTACH / IMPORTANT NOTE

Our local bank has informed us that they will only accept full bags of coin from us in the future.  Therefore, we would be grateful if you could bear this in mind when you are sending money to your daughter’s teacher. We would appreciate if you could minimise the amount of coin you send to the school – notes/cheques and where necessary €2 and €1 coins le do thoil.

ÉIDE SCOILE/SCHOOL UNIFORMS

Please ensure that your daughter has her regular uniform, with white or navy socks and her tracksuit, with white polo-shirt, in good order – and clearly labelled for the next school year.  Please note that suitable flat shoes are required for school wear and trainers (with laces tied properly) are required for PE.  When purchasing trainers for PE please ensure that they are suitable for sportswear and not just designer wear.

• No jewellery of any kind should ever be worn at PE and only minimum “safe” jewellery should be worn at any other time. Bracelets and necklaces can get lost so preferably your daughter should only wear a watch as jewellery.

CROKE PARK AGREEMENT

• Staff have spent the additional hours in class and stream planning,
• in Learning Support,  Resource, EAL, SEN  and general school planning.
• PE, Visual Arts and PE Curriculum Plans updated
• on line school reports template has been agreed
• English Reading Schemes reviewed and we will use Book Rental Grant to update and purchase new Edco Scheme
• NEPS Psychologist spoke to staff
• School Inspector spoke to staff re School Self Evaluation
• Staff meetings have been held outside of school hours.

THE NATIONAL  LITERACY  AND  NUMERACY  STRATEGY

As per Department of Education and Skills (DES) circular 0056/2011

• Standardised testing in English reading and Mathematics during the period May/June has been implemented
• aggregated assessment data from 2^nd, 4^th  and  6^th class standardised tests will be sent to the Department of Education and is available to the BOM
• Reports were issued at the end of the school year
• When pupils move to another primary or transfer to a post-primary school, a copy of the report including information from standardised tests must be sent to the primary or second-level school to which a student transfers

BELGROVE SCHOOLS’ ORCHESTRA

The Belgrove Schools’ Orchestra has had a very successful first year. With almost 40 members from all four Belgrove Schools and playing instruments from all four sections of the orchestra, they had their debut performance at Easter with a short concert for parents. This term they worked on new pieces including the Theme from Star Wars, Skyfall and music from the Lion King and recently received Certificates of Achievement for their hard work. Fiona Hauer on behalf of Belgrove Schools’ Orchestra

MOVING SCHOOL

If you are aware that your daughter is not returning to school here in Belgrove Senior Girls’ School next year, please inform me of this in writing as soon as possible.

KEEP  IN  TOUCH

You can keep up to date with newsletters on our school website www.belgroveseniorgirls.ie and follow us on twitter@belgrovesgns. (Unfortunately, we currently have issues with twitter but I hope to have them resolved soon).

EARLY CLOSINGS

You will have seen on your School Calendar last September notice of early closings before the holidays. In order to facilitate the changing of classrooms before the holidays, the Board of Management has authorised that the children will go home at 1.00pm on Wednesday 26^th and Thursday 27^th June.

*On Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, all the girls may wear their own suitable summer clothes to school instead of uniform.  

STAFFING

Unfortunately, our allocation of Special Needs Assistants has changed and Catherine Bedford-Leech will not be returning to us next year.  Catherine has worked with us for many years. She has helped to bring out the best in the children she worked with.  Her pleasant, cheerful smiling face will be missed in class rooms and around the school. Go n-éirí leat sa todhchaí a Catherine.  Braithimid uainn thú! We’ll miss you.

SUMMER HOLIDAYS

• The school closes for the Summer Holidays on Friday 28th June at 12.00 noon.
• School re-opens on Thursday 29^th August for the normal full school day.

Tá súil agam go mbeidh samhradh maith agaibh. On behalf of all the staff of Belgrove Senior Girls’ School, may I wish you and your families a very enjoyable summer agus feicfidh mé sibh i Mí Lúnasa.

Rath Dé oraibh i gcónaí.

Anne McCarthy

Príomhoide

Belgrove Senior Girls’ School has been excelling in the area of sport over the past few years so we have decided to make everyone more aware of how active we really are!

This year we are hoping to apply for our Active Flag!!

The Department of Education and Skills wishes to recognise schools that strive to achieve a physically active school community by awarding them the Active School Flag (ASF). Once awarded the flag remains valid for a period of 3 years.  Buíochas to the Parents’ Association who provided the funding to buy our noticeboard.

We are having an Active Week from the 24^th – 31^st of May

• we are trying to promote active travel to school -walking, cycling or scooting!
• we have plenty of activities planned for school time
• Sponsored Walk on Friday, 24^th  May 11a.m. Please join us!
• Sports Day on Friday 31^stMay

The 6^th class Active Committee:

Emma Campbell,  Caoimhe Doody,  Róisín Giles,  Niamh Murray, Rachael Smith and

Hannah Vernon will fill out an active travel survey. At the end of the week a certificate will be awarded to the most ‘active travel class’.

Come and look at our Active Flag noticeboard and our Sports noticeboard on the corridor.  Further information : www.activeschoolflag.ie

Cumann na mBunscol Athletics

This year we have entered 4 teams in the competition which takes place on Tuesday, 28^th May in Santry. Buíochas mór do Ms. Aoife Nic Lughadha agus Ms. Mary Lowe for all their hard work.

Go n-éirí libh a chailíní!

Comhghairdeas

• 6th class basketball team, winners in the Dublin Primary Schools Basketball League

Maith sibh

• Belgrove Senior Girls’ School 5th class basketball team, runners up in the Dublin Primary Schools Basketball League

Friendship Focus

We will be reiterating the message

“Treat others as you like to be treated”

Children and adults alike are reminded to treat each other with kindness, respect, tolerance and inclusiveness.

Parents Night – All Welcome

Belgrove Junior Girls’ Parents Association are hosting a talk

Self Esteem in Young Girls

By Joanna Fortune BA MA POST GRAD and DIP

Belgrove Girls School hall

Wednesday 29^th May 2013

8p.m. Free Admission

Dátaí tabhachtacha

Anne McCarthy, Príomhoide

EASTER NEWSLETTER

A thuismitheoirí/ a chaomhnóirí,

Beannachtaí na Cásca oraibh go léir.

The time is flying by and already the Easter season is upon us! I would like you to take time out from your busy day with a cuppa and sit back, read and catch up on Belgrove Senior Girls’ News!

Book Fair/Aonach na Leabhar

We would like to offer our sincere thanks to the parents who helped us to run our recent Book Fair. Thanks also to all who supported the Book Fair. We raised €5,638 this year which gives us an entitlement of books or cash towards books for class libraries and the school library.

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! 

Helping families support literacy

Check out the new website www.helpmykidlearn.ie for parents and guardians.  It was developed as part of the Department of Education and Skills (DES) National Strategy “Literacy and Numeracy for Learning and Life”.

Leabharlann na Scoile/School library

We are still in the process of upgrading to a scanner library system.  Thanks to Jill Pitcher and Noreen O’Dea, who with the help of Brian Henry, are working very hard to achieve our state of the art system!

Tráth na gCeist / Quiz

Well done to the girls who participated in the Parents’ Association Quiz on Sunday, 24^th February. Comhghairdeas to our 5^th class girls, Kaycee Medina, Ava McMahon, Lauren Scott and Orla Vickers who will  represent us at the National Parents Council Quiz in April.

Míle buíochas to the  Parents’ Association for organising and running the quiz.

Cispheil/ Basketball

Comhghairdeas to our two 5^th class basketball teams and one 6^th class basketball team who have all reached the semi-final stage in their competition.  Go n- éirí libh a chailíní!

21^st INTO/EBS Handwriting Competition

Comhghairdeas to Holly Horgan, 5^th class- Mrs. Joy who came 1^st in Category E for 5^th and 6^th class children.  Her winning entry has now gone onto the  National Competition! Go n-éirí leat Holly!

Comhghairdeas also to Ava McMahon 5^th class – Ms. Curtis who came 2^nd in Category E.

Well done to all the girls who participated in the competition

Keep up the beautiful writing girls.

Eason Spelling Bee

Congratulatins to Amy Coughlan, Ms. O’Neill’s 6^th class who is our school Spelling Champion.  She will now represent us in the county Spelling Bee.

World Book Day

We celebrated World Book Day on Wednesday, 6^th March. The girls made a fantastic effort in dressing up as various characters and the school was a very colourful place!  The following girls won a €10 book token for their excellent book reviews.  These reviews are on display in the corridor if you would like to see them

Charity Donations

Despite the present recession, people were very supportive of our request for a donation to St. John’s Ward, Our Lady’s Hospital for Sick Children, Crumlin.  €566.10   was collected.

Seachtain na Gaeilge

The girls wore green on Friday 15^th March  for Lá Fhéile Pádraig and created wonderful hataí/hats to wear on our “Lá Glas”. Philip Treacy watch out! The classes were busy learning their rince gaelach for their ceilí sa halla and the  6^th classes took part  in a comórtas scéíl. The winners were:

Science

Ms. O’Neill’s 6^th class project “Where Have All The Daddy-Long-Legs Gone”  was entered in the ECO UNESCO Young Environmentalist Awards and it qualified for the next stage. Aoife Burke, Emma Campbell, Maeve Carolan, Kim Clarke, Caoimhe Doody and Aoife Farnham presented the project today, to a panel of judges in Greenhouse, St. Andrew’s Street. We will know after the Easter holidays how the girls got on!    GO  BELGROVE!!

Green School

The Green School Committee is in the process of trying to achieve a third green flag for the school. This flag is for water. The girls on the committee are working hard to make sure that water is not being wasted around the school and are reminding their classes about the importance of conserving water.

The committee is also currently reviewing our Litter and Waste flag. This involves making sure that everyone in the school is trying hard to recycle and reduce the amount of waste that the school produces. We all want to keep Belgrove green, so keep up the good work girls!!

Gáirdín na Scoile/School Garden

Buíochas mór to all our hard working parents who, under the guidance of Martha Holmes and Claire Roddy have the garden looking fantastic! The spring bulbs are a beautiful sight to see!  Is aoibhinn an radharc iad!  The garden is behind the portacabin in the yard should you wish to have a look.

Fundraising

Buíochas mór for the huge support received to date for all our fundraising. It is very much appreciated.

The fundraising efforts continue with a bag pack in Nolan’s Supermarket on Good Friday.  The Fundraising Committee would really appreciate if 6^th class girls could give one hour of their time on that day to help out. Parental help with supervision is also needed.  If you forgot to fill out the flier but feel you are able to help, please call or text Claire on 087 245 6404.  All help will be much appreciated.

Turais Scoile/School Tours

We wish to acknowledge our appreciation of a generous donation from the Parents’ Association towards the cost of buses for  school tours. Míle buíochas.

Sacraments

Comhghairdeas to our 2^nd class girls who received the Sacrament of Reconciliation  in their class groupings on Monday 25^th, Tuesday 26^th and Wednesday 27^th February. Many thanks to Fr. Pat McManus, Fr. Martin Hogan, Fr. Larry White and Fr. John Callanan who officiated at the ceremonies.  Thanks also to the teachers for all their hard work in preparing the children for this special time in their lives. It was a memorable, intimate occasion  held in St. John the Baptist Church.

First Holy Communion

The Sacrament of First Holy Communion will take place this year on Saturday 20^th April 2013 at 11a.m.

Confirmation

The Sacrament of Confirmation will take place this year on Thursday, 2^nd May 2013 at 11.00a.m.

Important dates/ Dátaítábhachta

School Caretaker

John Whelan retired on Friday 15^th March, after 17 years of dedicated service to Belgrove Senior Girls’ School.  It was a sad day for us as we celebrated his retirement because John has been with us for so long.  His wife Kathleen joined us in the school hall where the girls had artwork, poems, stories and songs to perform for John.  They also had a presentation for him and he was very touched by the children’s generosity to him on his retirement.

Céad míle fáilte! We would like to welcome Mr. Mark Swinburn to our staff as our new school caretaker. We look forward to working with Mark as he takes up his new position with the school.

National Education Welfare Board ( NEWB)

It is a requirement for schools to report absences of 20 days or more to the National Education Welfare Board (NEWB). Under this arrangement, we must also categorise the reason for each absence. I remind you therefore how important it is that you send 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.

We know that you are very aware of the importance for your daughter of not missing school. However, holidays during term time added to days missed unavoidably through illness can add up to quite a few absences over the course of the school year.

In respect of holidays during school time, we remind you that it is not the policy of the school to set ‘holiday work’ for pupils.

Trócaire Boxes

If you are returning your Trócaire Box through the school, please do not send it in until after the Easter Holidays. Please return it by Thursday, 11^th April as Trócaire will be collecting the boxes from us then. After that, you will need to return them to your local church.

Saoire na Cásca / Easter Holidays

Ná déan dearmad – beidh na páistí ag dul abhaile 12 noon ar an Aoine, 22ú Marta.

Is féidir leis na cailíní a n-éadaí féin a chaitheamh ar an Aoine.

We remind you that the school will close on Friday, 22nd March at 12.00 noon and will reopen on Monday 8th April 2013.

The girls may wear their suitable, non-uniform clothes to school this Friday.

We wish all our parents and children a very Happy Easter!

Beannachtaí na Cásca oraibh!

Le gach dea – ghuí,

Anne McCarthy,

Príomhoide

12ú Feabhra/ February 2013

Máirt na hInide/Shrove Tuesday

A thuismitheoirí/a chaomhnóirí,

Céadaoin an Luathrigh/Ash Wednesday

Fr. Larry and his team of helpers will distribute ashes to the girls for the First day of Lent on Wednesday 13^th February.  Lent starts on Ash Wednesday and lasts for forty days.  Lent is a time for prayer –a time to prepare for Easter.  Some people make a special Lenten promise to do something every day during Lent.  What will you do ……?

Trócaire

This year’s 2013 Trócaire Lenten campaign is entitled ‘Change, it’s in your hands.  You can help communities work their way out of poverty’.  Your daughter should have 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.

Cumann na mBunscol

Our school won a prize for “Best Supporters” at the Cumann na mBunscol football final in Croke Park November 2012. We were presented with a framed picture which is on display in the school corridor.

Snámh/Swimming

Emma Campbell 6^th class, competed in the Leinster School’s Minor Swimming Competition Sat. 19^th January 2013.  Maith thú, Emma.

Doodle for Google

Pupils from the school participated in Doodle for Google. Maeve Carolan and Róisín Finnegan, from Ms. O’Neill’s 6^th class are now gone through to the next stage.

Primary Science Fair

Ms. O’Neill’s 6^th class took part in the Primary Science Fair in the RDS on Friday 11^th January 2013.  The girls worked very hard on their project which was entitled “Where have all the Daddy-Long-Legs Gone”?  Míle buíochas to Jo Garry for her help with the project, and also to the parents who transported the girls to and from the RDS on the day. Some of the girls even made it onto the RTE 2 news! This project is on display in the corridor so come and have a look!

Eason Spelling Bee

Our school has entered the “Eason Spelling Bee with Tubridy 2013” competition.  We are currently trying to find our spelling bee champion in the senior classes!

Cispheil/Basketball

Well done to our 5^th class team who won their match last Friday, 8^th February.

Leinster Primary Schools Tennis League

Our school has entered the Tennis League again this year. Further details will follow.

Setanta Book Fair

Please note our Book Fair will take place the 4^th – 8^th March. Further details will follow.

Sacrament of First Reconciliation

Our second class girls will receive their First Confession this month and we will be thinking of them at this special time in their lives.

Sacrament of Confirmation

Our 6^th 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.

Safety Internet Day

Microsoft has joined forces with  NCTE to deliver an Internet Safety talk.  Our pupils in 3rd,  4^th, 5^th and 6^th will participate in a classroom presentation on Wednesday 20^th February.

School Self-Evaluation

Our cigire/inspector met with staff on Wednesday afternoon, 6^th February, where he delivered a presentation on SSE – School Self Evaluation in line with the Department of Education and Skills Circular 0039/2012 Implementation of School Self –Evaluation.

Standardised Test 2012/13

Micra-T (Reading) and Sigma-T (Maths) Standardised tests will take place this year end of May/beginning of June as per Department of Education and Skills Circular 0056/2011 Literacy and Numeracy Strategy and Circular 0018/2012 Supporting Assessment: Standardised Testing in Primary Schools.

Tuairiscí Scoile / School Reports

Our annual School Reports will not issue in March but in June of this year, in line with the Department of Education and Skills Circular 0056/2011 Literacy and Numeracy Strategy.

Ceolchoirm na Scoile/School Concert

After much thought it has been decided not to hold our bi-annual school concert for this year.

Retirement

John Whelan, our school caretaker will be retiring very soon. He has been with us for the last 17 years and has seen many changes to the school. We have been very fortunate to have had such a hardworking and dedicated man taking care of Belgrove Girls’ Schools.  He has been first in and last out each day for many, many years, ensuring that the school is in good order for both staff and pupils.  He has worked in varied weather conditions but I think the most memorable would have to be the winter of the SNOW!  He can be seen working around the school as he carries out the many duties assigned to him and is at our beck and call “John we need you …….!”

We all wish John the very best in his retirement. Ní bheidh a leithéid arís ann.  Saol fada agat, a John!

Reminders:

• Please ensure your daughter has a healthy lunch – keep treats to a minimum

• 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 8.40am. Supervision begins at this time. Classes commence at 9.00am and your daughter should be  in the classroom by then. Classes end at 2.20pm.

• Tracksuit and suitable runners with laces correctly tied are to be worn for P.E.

• It  is a requirement for schools to report absences of 20 days or more to the National Education Welfare Board (NEWB). Under this arrangement, we must also categorise the reason for each absence. I remind you therefore how important it is that you send 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.

• Our midterm break is on Thursday 14th February and Friday 15^th February inclusive.

Bíodh sos deas agaibh J

Le gach dea-ghuí,

Anne McCarthy,

Príomhoide

A thuismitheoirí / a chaomhnóirí,

Cumann Na mBunscol

Well done to our Gaelic Football Team who were runners up in the Cumann Na mBunscol Final in Croke Park on Tuesday, November 27^th.  It was a fantastic achievement for the girls agus –  bhíomar an-bhrodúil astu –  we were SO proud of them.  Our supporters also looked very well in their Santa Hats as they cheered our team on!

Some great photos from the day can be accessed on

http://www.flickr.com/photos/cnmb_ath_cliath/sets/72157632156810526/

Fair Play Garda Soccer Tournament

Our fifth class girls participated in the Fair Play Garda Soccer Tournament on 15^th November, 2012.  An enjoyable day was had by all. Comhghairdeas to the girls who were runners up in the tournament.  Maith sibh a chailíní! Well done to all the other girls who supported the team on the day.

Cycle Safety Training Course

Our 5^th class girls are also nearing the completion of the Cycle Safety Training Course.  They had a very enjoyable time and thank you to “The Cycling Safety and Skills School” for offering us this opportunity.  They should now be more aware of traffic signs/signalling/helmets etc. and can safely join the two wheel revolution sweeping the city!

Library

We are currently upgrading our library to a barcode scan system.  Míle buíochas to Jill Pitcher and the parents working with her to help us achieve this.   If you wish to help you can give your name and contact details to the school secretary.

Fundraising Events

Céad, míle buíochas to the many parents, especially Claire Roddy and Denise O’Callaghan who helped organise our two very successful fundraising events on behalf of the school.  Just over €8,000 was raised on our “Swishing the Rails” evening and €584 was raised at the Christmas Cake Decoration and  Flower Arrangement demonstration.  Two fantastic evenings were had by all who attended!

Carol Service

We are holding our Carol Service in St Gabriel’s Church at 11.30am on Monday, 17^th December 2012. Parents are invited to join us as we prepare for the coming of Jesus. We will use the two middle aisles to seat the children, leaving the side aisles free for parents. The children will be returning to school afterwards with their teachers.

Santa Hat Day

Our Parents’ Association are asking the girls to wear their Santa Hats on Monday, 17^th December and to make a donation of €2 in aid of St. John’s Ward, Our Lady’s Hospital, Crumlin.

RDS Primary Science Fair

Ms. O’Neill’s 6^th class will be taking part in the Primary Science Fair on Friday, 11^th January 2013 in the RDS.  They will be displaying their project “Where have all the Daddy-Long-Legs-Gone?”  Come and look!

Support the Senior Boys’ School at the fair on Saturday, 12^th January 2013 as they display their project on “What are the Key Conditions Necessary for Producing Compost?”

Reminder on behalf of St. John the Baptist Infant  (Belgrove) Girls’ School

The closing date for applications for September 2013 is Thursday, 31^st January 2013.  The Enrolment Policy is available on www.belgrove.ie

Keys/Eochracha

A bunch of keys found in the Kincora area has been handed in to Belgrove Senior Boys’ School.

Reminders

• Has your daughter lost an item of clothing? Please check our lost property box – Éadaí Caillte
• Converse runners are not suitable for P.E.
• Now the season of Advent is upon us, we are busy preparing for the coming of Jesus. Míle buíochas for supporting the 2FM Vincent de Paul Christmas Toy Appeal on our behalf.
• School closes for Christmas at 12 noon on Friday 21st December and reopens on Monday 7th January 2013.

On behalf of all of us here in Belgrove Senior Girls’ School, I would like to wish you and your family a very peaceful and happy Christmas.

NOLLAIG SHONA DAOIBH GO LÉIR!

Anne McCarthy,  Príomhoide

October 2012

Tá Oíche Shamhna ag teacht!

Sponsored Walk  : Friday, 26^th October 2012

(Bí gléasta suas – be dressed up!)

Míle buíochas to the committee of our Parents’ Association for once again organising our sponsored walk.  We hope everyone enjoyed themselves including our Moms and Dads!

Buíochas mór to all who sponsored the girls.  If you have not done so please return the sponsorship form and money to the Parents’ Association.  Unused forms may also be returned.

Swishing The Rails

Please support Belgrove Senior Girls ‘Swishing the Rails’ on Thurs 8th Nov.  Donate unwanted clothes, bags and jewellery to school reception.   For pick up ring 087 2456 404.

Enjoy a good night out and update your wardrobe at the same time! We will joined by Brendan Courtney of “Off the Rails”.    Tickets now on sale €10

All funds raised will go towards reducing the deficit on the upgrade to the school heating system.  Míle Buíochas to all involved especially Claire Roddy and Denise OCallaghan.

Cumann na mBunscol

Belgrove Senior Girls’ School has entered the Cumann na mBunscol Gaelic Football competition again this year. We are extremely proud of all 25 girls who  make up the Belgrove Senior Girls’ Gaelic Football Team We had comfortable wins in our first three games but a stronger opposition awaited us in Rush NS, our joint group leaders.  The girls however did themselves proud to win 6 points to 1 goal! This ensured our place in the semi-final for the Corn Austin Finn trophy. Go n-éirí libh!

Míle buíochas to Mr. Philip Browne for his support and help in training the GAA team.  Míle buíochas freisin to Stephan Behan (Clontarf GAA – Gaelic Promotions Officer) and to Ms. Brodie and Ms. Rowley, for their help in organising the football.

Primary Athletics

We  participated in the  North Dublin Primary Schools Annual Cross Country Competition, again this year.  Over 140 girls, from 4^th to 6^th class, took part in the training sessions. 9 teams participated in the event on Monday 15^th October.  Comhghairdeas to all those who completed the course on the day.

Belgrove Team A u/13 came 2^nd : Sarah Brown, Emma Campbell, Mia Finnegan, Laura Joyce, Maeve O’Carolan and Aimee Ryan

Mia Finnegan came 1^st and Laura Joyce  3rd.  Maith sibh a chailíní!

Buíochas mór do  Ms. Nic Lughadha, Ms. O’Connell, Ms. Curtis and Ms Foley for their help.

Extra Costs

Sincere thanks to all parents who have paid the Booklist Extra Costs so promptly. Some Extra Costs payments are still outstanding and I urge anyone who has not paid these costs yet to try to do so as soon as possible. The total for Extra Costs is €90.00

If by chance your financial circumstances have changed to such an extent that you have a problem regarding this payment, please talk to your daughter’s Class Teacher or to myself.

Voluntary Contributions

On behalf of the Board of Management of the school, I sincerely thank those parents who have also given the Voluntary Contribution to school funds. You will receive an official receipt for this in due course. Due to the recession some DES (Department of Education and Skills) funding has been withdrawn so your contribution is vital to the running of the school.

The Voluntary Contribution requested is €75 (or €100 per family).

Book Rental Scheme

Your daughter is using text books rented  from the school and I would ask that she would mind them carefully  please. We will collect them back at the end of the school year for use for the next group of girls.  A group of parents has been kind enough to lend a hand covering and “cleaning up “ some of the older books.  Extra help would be much appreciated.

Learning Support

We have been sanctioned an extra Learning Support Teacher  by the DES (Department of Education and Skills) this year, and we are in a position to offer in – class maths support to every class in the school.  We also  have extra in-class support for English  reducing the necessity to withdraw children from class.   This is in line with the DES staged approach to Assessment, Identification and Programme Planning- Circular SP ED 02/05: Appendix 3.

IT Week 15^th – 19^th October

Each class had great fun studying the curriculum in an interactive way.

The girls enjoyed using the following websites  – why don’t you try them at home too!

www.ictgames.com

www.amathsdictionaryforkids.com

www.wordle.net

Check out the corridor for our IT display after the midterm!

Diocesan Advisors

Four members of the Diocesan Advisors Team came to visit us on Monday 15^th October 2012.  Each class was visited by a member of the team who spent time talking to the children and the teachers about the Alive – O programme (which is in use in the school).  You can engage with your daughter’s religious education through discussion/ the Alive-O pupil book and by participating in the family mass in your parish.

Website: education.dublindiocese.ie – religious education – primary section

School Mass

Fr. Larry celebrated mass with our 5th and 6th classes on Wednesday 17th October in the school hall.  The girls listened to the parable of the Prodigal Son, Luke 15: 11 – 32 which was proclaimed to us by Sally, Ally, Katrina, Sadhbh and Ciara.

Each class wrote a prayer of the faithful and these were read by Alex, Rachel, Lauren, Anna and Jenna.

We  came together as followers of Jesus to worship and give thanks to Our Lord.

Gardaí visits

Buíochas mór to Garda Sharon Kavanagh and Garda Deirdre O’Donnell who visited our 5^th classes over the last few weeks to discuss Bullying, Personal Safety and Hallowe’en Safety with the girls.  This is part of the Community Garda Programme for which we are very grateful.

Mounted Police Visit

Buíochas mór to Sergeant Jim Clavin, Clontarf for organising the visit.  Also thanks to Garda Sharon Kavanagh and Garda Deirdre O Donnell who helped out.

Tháinig Finn agus  Cumhall ar chuairt chugainn. They are two of the mounted police horses which are stabled in the Phoenix Park beside Áras an Úachtarán and they visited us on Tuesday 2^nd October. The Unit provides support to Garda Districts in many counties on a regular basis.

Internet Safety Talk

Vincent Lattimore and Darren Dunwoody of Microsoft Ireland,  along with Garda Paul Daly of Clontarf, gave a very interesting and informative talk to the parents of boys and girls in 3^rd to 6^th class. Please be vigilant and protect your daughters from the potential dangers of the internet.

Accord 5^th and 6^th class Parent Talk

Anita Conlon of Accord gave a presentation to the parents of 5^th and 6^th classes on Wednesday 24^th October 2012.  The Parent Talk is an important part of the  School Programme which Accord deliver to our 6^th class girls. The talks for 6^th class girls will take place in November.

Cycling Safety Training Course

Our school is staging a course in cycling safety training for 5^th classes run by the Cycling Safety and Skills School.  This will take place over a number of weeks in Novemeber. The course is subsidised by Dublin City Council and míle buíochas to Our Parents’ Association who are further subsidising the course.

Active Flag

Belgrove has been excelling in the area of sport over the past few years. So, we’ve decided to make everyone more aware of how active we really are! This year we are hoping to apply for our Active Flag!! The Active School Flag recognizes schools promoting physical activity and physical education. Ms. McCarthy and Ms. O’Neill, along with 6^th class representatives Emma, Caoimhe, Rachael, Hannah, Niamh and Roisín, have formed an Active Committee. We are only getting started so any suggestions the girls might have about promoting sports or being active, can be placed in the Active Committee suggestion box beside the hall.

MATHS ROCKS!

Now that we have an extra Learning  Support teacher, we’ve been able to bring maths out of the classroom over the last few weeks.  The 5th and 6th classes enjoyed doing a maths trail out in our garden.  They got a chance to see that maths is everywhere, all around us and not just between the covers of a maths book! They enjoyed doing real-life problems – finding the area of the vegetable patches, the perimeter of the recessed area, the circumference of the water barrel, the diameter of the table ……

How many bats on this page? How many altogether?

Nuacht

Unfortunately  someone crashed/reversed into a pale blue Renault Megane MPV on Tuesday 16^th October between 9 and 10 a.m. and caused considerable damage to the car.  It was parked on the far side of the road from the school.  The owner of the car was a parent kindly giving up her time to help out in the school.   There were no witnesses and no one has claimed responsibility.  If you have any information the school or gardaí in Clontarf can be contacted.

Reminders for the girls

Be on time in the morning i.e. be in by  8.50am

Wear correct school uniform – white or navy socks, white polo top and tracksuit only on PE days, or if you are playing basketball, tennis or football after school.

Healthy lunch le do thoil– no crisps allowed

DÉAN DO DHÍCHEALL!        (DO YOUR BEST!)

Diary dates

Accord Relationship Programme for 6^th class girls will be held in November

Parent Talk: Language – The Key to Learning 8p.m. Wednesday 21^st November 2012

Parent Teacher Meeting: Thursday 29^th November, 2012

First Holy Communion: Saturday, 20^th April 2013

Confirmation: Thursday 2^nd May 2013

Bain taitneamh as an  saoire and see you on Monday 5^th November.

Le gach dea ghuí,

Anne McCarthy,

Príomhoide

School website www.belgroveseniorgirls.ie

Follow us on Twitter @BelgroveSGNS