St Mary's NS Knockbridge

Newsletter No 3
15th November 2011

Dear Parents,
Budget 2011 is only 3 weeks away and there have been suggestions that the pupil-teacher ratio may be increased. Teachers unions are currently running a campaign called "Give Children Their Chance" to highlight the enormous backward step this would be for all pupils. Irish classes are the second biggest in Europe. The benefits of smaller classes are well recognised.

• each pupil gets more attention from the teacher
• the level of noise in the classroom is reduced
• each pupil gets more use of educational resources such as computers
• fewer pupils distract each other and each pupil learns more
• teachers can teach differently to suit individual pupils
• there is more classroom space to work with
• teachers get to know their pupils better
• teachers can help each child as an individual to make more progress

Primary education must be safeguarded at this crucial time. Higher pupil-teacher ratios mean bigger classes and more split classes.

Education cuts don't heal!
Don't let your TDs vote for bigger classes.


Presentation to Mrs Rankin.

As you know Mrs Rankin who has taught in the school for over 38 years will be retiring on 31st December. It will be the end of an era for Mrs. Rankin who began her career in the school in 1973. There will be a special mass for her on Wednesday, 21st December in St Mary's Church at 11 am to honour her career in the school. This will be followed by a presentation in Halla Setanta with light refreshments. All current parents and past pupils of Mrs. Rankins are welcome. We are asking for a €2 donation from every family to show our appreciation for a career that has spanned 5 decades and a presentation from the pupils will take place after mass on December 21st. This money can be dropped into the office or given to class teacher.

Up-Coming Educational Events

There are a number of educational events planned for the coming school year. These will be part subsidised by the school. However, we would ask for a contribution of €5 per child or €9 per family to facilitate these. Please forward this to the school office or the class teacher.

Friday 18th Nov Astronomy Ireland-an exciting interactive presentation on Science.

Friday 2nd Feb M&M Productions present ‘Robin Hood’.

Friday 2nd March Ian Patterson shows ‘Birds of Prey’.

Friday 8th June M&M Productions present "Treasure Island"

Kobi LIquidation Sale

All uniforms for both Primary and Secondary schools in the greater Dundalk area will be for sale at one third of the marked price. Sale commences Thursday 17th November.

CTR Clothing Collection

Once again we had a great response to our clothing collection. We managed to raise €858 through the clothing this term. We would like to thank everyone who helped towards this collection. Another collection will take place in the new year.

Opening of New Facilities and Flag Raising Ceremony

Many thanks to all who contributed in any way to the success of our Opening Ceremony. The pupils were a great credit to the school and feedback from all in attendance was extremely positive. A special thank you to Bishop Clifford who conducted the Liturgical Blessing, Seamus Kirk T.D. for opening the hall and Mrs. Rankin for proudly raising the schools 3rd Green Flag.

Board of Management 2011-2015

The Parents and Friends Association of the school met recently to nominate two representatives to the Board of Management. At the meeting Mr. Philip McArdle (Rathbrist) was elected as the father's representative while Mrs. Eileen Fitzpatrick (Lisroland) was elected as the mother's representative. The new Board will begin its 4 year term on December 1st. We congratulate the new parent representatives and wish them well over their four year term.


Book Fair

The annual Book Fair will take place on the week commencing 28th November in the school. A number of events have been scheduled to run during the week including D.E.A.R. (Drop Everything And Read) time, Buddy Reading and Art Activities.

The Book Fair will take place on Wednesday, 30th November and Thursday, 1st December. Parents are invited to attend the book fair at the time allocated to their child’s class and/or during the 2 days the fair is being held. Further details will follow.

Knockbridge Vintage Rally

Many thanks to Knockbridge Vintage Rally who once again made a generous donation to the school from the proceeds made on 12th September. We would like to congratulate the Vintage Club on the fantastic work they do in the Knockbridge Community.

Openings/Closures 2011-2012

Thursday, 8th Dec. Holy Day
School Re-opens on Friday, 9th December

Thursday, 22nd Dec. Christmas Holidays
School closes at 12pm. The school will re-open on Monday 9th January 2012.

Thursday, 16th Feb– Friday, 17th Feb Mid-Term
School Re-opens on Monday, 20th February.

Monday 19th March. Bank Holiday
School Re-opens on Tuesday, 20th March.

Friday, 30th March @ 12pm Easter Holidays
School Re-opens on Monday, 16th April.

Monday, 7th May Bank Holiday
School Re-opens on Tuesday, 8th May.

Monday 4th June. Bank Holiday
School Re-opens on Tuesday 5th June.

Tuesday, 26th June @ 12pm Summer Holidays

Religious Ceremonies

Tuesday, 15th November, 2011 @ 7pm Ceremony of Light
Tuesday 7th February, 2012 @ 7pm First Confession
Saturday, 12th May, 2012 @ 11.00am First Holy Communion
Wednesday, 23rd May, 2012 @ 11am Confirmation