Scoil na hEaglaise

Eglish National School

“Work together, do our best, respect each other

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Life affords no greater responsibility, no greater privilege,
than the raising of the next generation.
-C. Everet Koop, M.D.

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NEWSLETTER

December 2012

Dear Parent / Guardian

It’s been a busy and very productive half-term here in Eglish NS.

Commenius DVD

In November, the students of the Middle and Senior Classes were involved in showcasing the best of our culture, learning and performing group Irish Dances, playing Irish tunes and singing Irish songs. We made a DVD of this to share with our European counterparts in Spain and Italy. Ms. Murphy taught the students many group Irish Dances including ‘Shoe the Donkey’ and ‘The Siege of Ennis’.

We skyped our friends in school in Spain twice over the last few weeks, sang carols to them, listened to their carols and wished them a ‘Happy Christmas’.

Lidl Fit Factor

Students in 2nd, 3rd and 4th Class have participated in the Lidl Fit Factor Competition under the leadership of Miss Rourke collaborating with Ms. Murphy. All students learned about the Food Pyramid and prepared and made healthy breakfasts and lunches (in Irish and in English).

Ár Seans CD

Under the leadership and direction of Ms. Rourke, students learned and recorded in Irish their own version of the song ‘Hall of Fame’ which they have entered into the ‘Ár Seans’ competition.

Active Flag Update

Work on the Active Flag is ongoing. The Active Flag Committee will be named early in the New Year. We have been collaborating with a Research team from Mary I College in Limerick in relation to the Active Flag.

Our ‘Active Evening’ (every Monday Evening from 3-4pm) is a big success. Students and Staff have been enjoying and benefiting from the Zumba classes led by Ms. Mulry.

Ms. Rourke and Ms. Devine will continue to lead this initiative in the New Year.

Congratulations to our artists.

Congratulations to Katie Martin, Cian Cosgrove, Laura Glynn, Adam Mulry, Geraldine Corcoran and Mary Mc Donnell who all won prizes in the Ballinasloe Library Art Competition in November. Congratulations also to Alana Mulry who won 1st place in the 8-10 category of the Credit Union Art Competition. Well Done!

Sporting and Acting Achievements

Congratulations to Eddie Corcoran who won a boxing match last week in the Galway League. Congratulations also to Ciara Cusack who gave an outstanding performance, singing, dancing and acting in the recent Ballinasloe panto: ‘Treasure Island’. Well Done!

Carol Singing

Students, teachers and parents from our school went Carol Singing outside Tesco on Monday evening last. It was a magical, marvellous, musical event. We raised €255.62 which will go towards Musical Instruments in the school. Thank you to all who participated.

Parents’ Association

Many thanks to the Parents’ Association for their ongoing support and their help with our Christmas events.

Christmas Concert

This year our students performed a beautiful Christmas Play entitled, “Children of the World”. Every student gave an outstanding performance. We were all so proud of them!! Many thanks to all the staff who gave so much of their own free time to design sets, make costumes and plan for the show. You may have seen cars outside the school late some evenings. This is testament to the creativity, commitment and care of the very dedicated staff I am very lucky to work with here in Eglish. Over the last half-term, they have given freely and willingly of their time over and over again, happy that it will ultimately benefit the children’s education and holistic development.

Please be reminded, your child’s happiness and all-round educational development is our priority here in Eglish School. If you have any concerns in relation to this, please do not hesitate to let us know. To ensure that these concerns can be dealt with efficiently and in a dignified manner, please follow the steps as outlined in the Complaints Procedure Policy, a copy of which was sent home in September. Research shows that children perform best where there is a close link between home and school.

Many thanks for your support and ongoing cooperation. ‘Beannachtaí na Nollag oraibh’

Le gach dea-ghuí’

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Siobhán Fitzgerald, M.Ed. (Principal)