Dear Parents/Guardians,
It was wonderful to see our lovely school covered in a blanket snow recently. Some staff captured some lovely photos.
Our Walk a Mile with a Christmas smile walk has been postponed until the New Year.
Enrolment for junior infants 2023/2024 is open. Please find an expression of interest form on our website www.stthomasjns.com
Admissions Policy A review of our admissions policy is taking place including details from Circular 0075/2022 which was recently issued by the Department of Education. As this text is mandatory and is now part of legislation, there is no consultative process. The text being ‘ (Insert name of school) will cooperate with the NCSE in the performance by the Council of its functions under the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act 2004 in relation to the provision of education to children with special educational needs, including in particular by the provision and operation of a special class or classes when requested to do so by the Council. (Insert name of schools) will comply with any direction served on the board or the patron under section 37A and 67(4)(b). The amended policy will be published on our website in the new year when it is ratified by our Board of Management and approved by the Patron.
Class calendars County Photos took a class photo in November and the PA used these photos to make a class calendar for every room. They are A3 in size and available at reception for €3.50 each or two for €6.
Christmas excitement Children in all classes participated in a recent Christmas Sing- along. It was very enjoyable for all children and staff alike. Many classes are participating in Christmas plays and songs presently and it lovely to feel all the excitement in the air and smiles all around. Thank you to Ms. McGowan and all teachers and SNAs involved in preparing the children for these festive activities.
Special visitor: Finally, the PA has organized a very special visitor to visit St. Thomas’ JNS, tomorrow, on Friday 16th of December. This special visitor will have lovely gifts for all children.
Christmas Holidays will begin on 21st December @11:50am for infants and 12pm for 1st/2nd classes. The children can wear their Christmas jumpers on the day of the Christmas holidays. The school will reopen on Thursday the 5th January 2023.
Thank you to Lucan Lions club who make a donation to the school each year in order to support needy families. Their support is very much appreciated.
Soccer skills Jim Keating from Liffeybank Football Club taught our second class pupils new soccer skills recently. Jim along with Abi and Zarah from the club’s U16 girls team spent 6 weeks training the boys and girls. When the weather improves, Jim hopes to return and hold a blitz with all second class pupils.
Liffeybank Football Club is based in St.Catherine’s Park where they run lots of camps/training days and blitz throughout the year. Liffeybank have girls and boys teams. The boys teams start at U8 (2015). They also run boys teams at U9, U10, U11 and U12 (2001). The girls start at U8 (2015). They also have teams at U9, U11, U14 and U16 (2007/08). All teams are looking for players to supplement their squads. If your child would like to join the club or even watch a training session, get in contact with Jim @ 086895432
On behalf of the school community of St. Thomas’ JNS, I wish you all a very happy Christmas and a wonderful New Year. Enjoy the festive season spending time with family and friends and we look forward to seeing you again on January 5th.
Nollaig Shona agus Athbhliain faoi Mhaise Duit,
Teresa Moynihan
Principal