Dear Parents and Guardians,
Welcome: It is with great pride and excitement that I write this newsletter to you as the newly appointed Principal of St. Thomas’ JNS. I am honoured to have the opportunity to lead a primary school with such a rich tradition of excellence in education and a school which is held in such high regard in the community of Lucan and further afield. I have been working in education, having taught across all levels in primary school and in special education. Before joining the school, I was working with the National Induction Programme for Teachers as Regional Development Officer. I am very excited to join St. Thomas’ JNS and look forward to working with you, and all members of the school community in continuing to ensure quality teaching and learning for all in our school.
I wish to pay tribute to Mr. Michael Maher who has left a great legacy over the past 21 years as Principal of St. Thomas’ JNS. I have been working closely with Mr. Michael Maher and Ms. Lorraine Murray over the past while to ensure a seamless transition. I wish Mr. Michael Maher a long and happy retirement and wish him and his family all the very best for the next bright new chapter ahead. Needless to say, Mr. Michael Maher will not be a stranger to our school and will be very welcome at every opportunity. I am looking forward to working with my colleagues on the staff to continue this legacy of success and high quality teaching and learning by building strong relationships with you and all members of the school community. Through living the school’s motto, Mol an Óige, we will continue to focus on an inclusive learning community for all, excellence in quality teaching and learning and ensure a fun, happy and safe learning environment for pupils.
This year, ahead of any other year, has been extremely challenging for you, Mr. Maher and the staff of the school. Thanks is due to the Board of Management and all involved in developing and implementing the school’s COVID Response Plan. I know that this is an anxious time for all of us and I want to reassure you that all measures are being taken and will continue to be taken to keep everyone safe and happy while at the same time, continuing first class teaching and learning. Thank you for your co-operation and support in this regard.
Over the coming months, I look forward to meeting you and getting to know all school staff, parents, pupils, members of the Board of Management and Parents Association, Fr. John Hassett and the parish team and all who are involved in the life of our school. My door is always open, and I welcome your thoughts and ideas. Please feel free to contact me at any point during the school year. I look forward to working with you to help each pupil at St. Thomas’ JNS experience a happy and successful school year!
First Communion Class ‘19/20 – St. Thomas JNS/ St. Patrick’s Church As a result of the continuation of Level 3 restrictions, religious services are online only. This means that unfortunately, we cannot go ahead with the First Communion ceremonies as planned on the 17th, 24th and 31st of October. When restrictions return to Level 2, we will arrange these ceremonies safely and will keep you informed.
Pupil Insurance: Information leaflets and application forms to join this excellent affordable scheme were recently distributed. Parents can pay online, and return the form to their child’s teacher. If you are new to the school, you will need to sign up for online payments first. You can do this by clicking on the Easy-Payments tab on the school website at https://StThomasJNS.com/ and click ACTIVATE. If you have difficulty doing this please email Ms. Ciara Foley at c.foley@stthomasjns.com. Please note that the Allianz pupil Insurance scheme will close tomorrow Friday 9th October. No insurance payments will be accepted after 3pm on this date.
Heating System. There is an issue with our heating system. We are doing everything in our power to fix it. Contractors will be onsite for emergency works as soon as possible in the coming days. Parents are asked to please ensure that pupils are wearing warm clothes to school, perhaps an extra layer and a warm coat.
County Photos: Junior Infant photo proofs will be sent home today/tomorrow. There is a dual ordering process this year. You can place orders online or send orders into the class teacher. The closing date is October 20th. Deliveries will be made to the school at no cost up to and including this date. However, if you order at a later date they can be delivered to your home address at your own expense.
In the interests of health and safety for all, please continue to wear facemasks on the school grounds. If you are unable to wear a mask for any particular reason perhaps a face visor would be an alternative.
Many thanks and best wishes.
Ar aghaidh linn!
Teresa Moynihan
Principal