Students of the Week Friday January 31st

We had a very special assembly earlier as we celebrated the conclusion to Catholic School Week before focusing on a theme that rings true with us all. We can only do our best and as a result should always try to do our best. Nobody is perfect and we learned that many of our children are working hard to do their best everyday.I can’t is no longer on our minds but I can!

In recent week’s all our students have been making a huge effort in many areas from Gaeilge to handwriting. Teachers also told us of children who are trying so hard to improve in their classrooms and with their school work. We heard about children who take great responsibility and pride in their excellent behaviour. It’s a very mature attitude to see displayed in our school. As a result of this wonderful effort the teachers told us that it’s always a difficult decision to come to each week as so children are very achievers and in contention.

Another very pleasing aspect of today’s assembly was hearing of children who have made huge efforts in being a very good team member in their respective classrooms. Collaboration is so important and these students have worked so hard with others to produce excellent work with their peers.

Maith sibh go léir. Táimid fíor bhródúil asaibh.

Dates for your Diary for the coming week.

Thursday February 6th Cumann na mBunscol Sports Quiz in Carracastle Community Centre at 6pm.

Friday February 7th Enrolment Afternoon for our new Junior Infant Class 20/21 at 2pm.

Bainigí taitneamh as an deireadh seachtaine!

Students of the Week/ Gaeilgeoirí na Seachtaine Friday January 24th

At assembly on Friday afternoon we had a lovely discussion about Grandparents Day which is part of Catholic Schools Week. Teachers told us of children who are trying their best to improve in their classrooms and in their work. The efforts made by these children inspire not only their fellow students but their teachers also.

They talked about children who are so adaptable as they are always trying their best, or even trying to do better than they did last week. We heard of pupils who despite all that is going on around them in school, dramas, art work and projects are still working hard and applying themselves to any task set before them.

We all know and appreciate how busy and hectic school can be, so we are so proud of our children’s abilities to remain focused on their work and not be distracted by the other things going on. Our teachers spoke of children who do not always find change easy but who are now adapting to changes more readily. We also heard teachers talk about the manners shown to them, to visitors and to each other. It’s a lovely thing to hear being praised in our children.

As always our teachers spoke of the commitment to peers shown by students and their high levels of interaction with their own classmates and the other students. To hear consistently of these students make us very proud. Máith sibh go léir. Táimid fíor bhródúil asaibh.

Finally Comhghairdeas fresin le Gaeilgeoirí na Seachtaine a bhí ag déanamh an-iarracht ag labhairt as Gaeilge i rith na seachtaine!Maith sibh go léir.

Dates for your Diary

Catholic School’s Week begins today in our parish and school. An important part of this week as mentioned is Grandparents Day.

To mark this special day ‘Grandparents’ Day’ on Wednesday next at 10 am we will have a special mass in St. James’ Church. All our grandparents are invited to join us for refreshments in the school hall after mass and to then visit their grandchildren’s classrooms. We look forward to welcoming our Grandparents and acknowledging the very important role they play in our lives.

Students of the Week Friday January 17th

Táimid fíor bhródúil anseo ar scoil as ucht na scolairí atá againn. Bhí cuir síos den scoth déanta ag na múinteoirí faoi bhuanna agus obair na daltaí thuas.

Once again this week we are proud teachers of our wonderful pupils here in St. Attracta’s. At our weekly assembly the teachers gave a great description of the talents and attitudes towards hard work that our pupils of the week possess.

We learned of pupils who have made great improvements and are setting further challenges for themselves and we heard of pupils who are always happy even on challenging days and those who have faced new and exciting challenges with determination and good humour. As always we heard of students who could be given this coveted award each week.

We are so pleased with the engagement of all our pupils with our whole school theme of ‘Buildings’. Throughout this week we saw many examples of wonderful work in all our classes. It really promises to be a very exciting few weeks here in school.

To conclude as always well done to all of our Students of the Week and to all our students who continue to try their best in all that they do. Maith sibh go léir.

Cuairt Daidí na Nollag

Tháinig Daidí na Nollag ar cuairt chuig Scoil Naomh Athracht ar maidin. Bhí sceitimíní áthais ar na páistí!

Santa visited the very excited boys and girls of St.Attracta’s on this morning. He arrived in style in a Garda car due to Rudolph experiencing some flying difficulties which grounded him at Knock Airport!

Santa brought treats with him for all the children and imparted wise words for the build up to Christmas! It was a lovely way to finish the term.

Santa returned to Knock Airport where he was reunited with Rudolph who was by now back in action after some running repairs. We believe he then returned to Lapland for a good rest before his long journey on Monday night.

A special word of thanks to Garda Brian who saved the day and of course to Daidí na Nollag for taking time out at this extremely busy time to visit our school.

Students of the Week Friday November 29th

The excitement and anticipation of the toy show was palpable in school on Friday afternoon as our children have been busy getting their roles and participating in early rehearsals for Christmas plays.

Despite this excitement, as always, we were delighted with the lovely comments from teachers on the hard work and great attitude displayed by children in all classrooms. Our students of the week earned their accolades due to continued efforts in areas of difficulty, being super role models to younger students, compassionate toward others and constant enthusiasm in class. We heard of students who are consistently diligent and always well mannered and also of students who continuously go the extra mile. Maith sibh a phaistí.

Dates for your Diaries.

Christmas Carol Service.

The Parish Christmas Carol Service will take place on Tuesday evening December 10th at 7 p.m. in St. James’ Church. All are invited to attend.

Arrangements for our Christmas Concert.

Our annual Christmas Concert will take place on Wednesday December 18th at 7 p.m.in the CBD Complex. Further details will follow. As always, we look forward to one of the highlights of our school year.

Changes to School Calendar

We will have a school closure for Teacher Induction/CPD to assist with the implementation of the new Primary Language Curriculum on Wednesday January 15th 2020. All teaching staff must attend in-service on this date.

Bainigí taitneamh as an deireadh seachtaine!

Cyber Bullying and Internet Safety Talk for Parents

On Tuesday of next week November 26th we are very pleased to host Internet Safety workshops here in school:
1st – 6th Class pupils during the school day, our staff after school and a talk on Cyber Bullying and Internet Safety for Parents at 7.30pm.

Talk for Parents Overview

In today’s technology-rich environment most of us feel woefully inadequate when it comes to knowing what our children are really experiencing when they use the internet. This is normal and to be expected. However, as parents we have a fundamental duty of care for our children, and unfortunately that means getting a grasp of the things that our children are experiencing online.

Jeremy Pagden, the Managing Director of Schools Websites, will deliver the talk. Jeremy has been travelling all over the country delivering Internet Safety talks to both Parents and children alike. The topics covered during the session are as follows:

· Cyber bullying

· Social Media & The Law

· Gaming and Internet Addiction

· Fortnite & Gamification

· Social Media Privacy, Issues & Challenges

· The motivation behind large Social Media Companies

· Types of Internet Theft

· Browser History

· Safe use of apps

· Safe Searching on You Tube

· Safety settings on your home Wifi

· Useful Resources

We cannot stress the importance of this presentation and very much look forward to seeing you all on the night.

Road Safety Workshops

All classes enjoyed workshops on Tuesday from Ruth Kelly (Education Officer) of the Road Safety Authority.

The children were introduced to and informed of all aspects of road safety and the very important role we all play in remaining safe at home and at school.

We discussed the rules of the road, the importance of hi-vis vests, wearing a seatbelt and also a helmet when cycling. We listened to stories and even danced to the ‘Safe Cross Code’!

Our Senior Students this afternoon learned of the importance of being aware of blind spots, concentration and an awareness of all road users.
They heard of frightening statistics that should reman with them long after they leave our school prior to looking at the very important role we each play in emphasising and spreading the message of road safety.

We were delighted to welcome Ruth to our school and feel confident that the children gained much from her visit.

Students of the Week Friday September 27th

We had another exciting assembly earlier this afternoon reflecting on another very busy week at school!From Music to the Mayo Cross Country finals to exploring our whole school theme of a ‘Journey to Space’ we haven’t had time to draw breath.

As always, it was really difficult for the teachers to make their decision for Students of the Week with so many putting their names forward through their hard work and excellent behaviour.
This week’s students were recommended for a variety of very positive reasons. These ranged from continuously being in great form , working happily each day and having a great impact on classmates, to working very hard with their ‘Gaeilge’ and being kind to others and also to a great improvement in listening to their teacher. Others have settled into their new class with ease and continued where they left off last year while it was also lovely to hear of students who’ve settled so well into their new school. Recommendations also included students making a huge effort to improve handwriting/presentation and setting a great example to younger students by word and action.

Well done to all who were selected – we are very proud of you.

Storybox Creative Writing Competition 2019

Our annual Storybox competition winner was announced at our final assembly of the school year on Friday morning last. The Helena McDonagh Writing Competition is a firm favourite in our student’s calendar.

Mrs.McDonagh taught here in St. Attracta’s for many years before retiring in 2003. As a published author herself, Helena presented the school with a perpetual trophy to be used for creative writing. And so our storybox began. 

Ms. Connaghan who adjudicates the competition every year was very impressed with the number and calibre of this year’s entries. So many giving their all and making a huge effort while displaying their imaginative and creative sides.

This year’s story winner was Síofra McGuinness for her wonderful story entitled “The Two Explorers”. Well done also to Sophie Frizzell and Roisín Casey who were highly commended.

Comhghairdeachas Síofra and to all our wonderful pupils who entered this years competition. Maith sibh go léir