Newsletter-7th October 2021
Colder weather: As the weather becomes colder we ask parents to ensure that their children are well wrapped up. With extra ventilation in the classrooms also, it is important that the children are wearing extra layers of clothing. Please ensure that pupil names are on all jumpers, coats, hats scarves etc.
Parents’ Association Committee: Congratulations to our new PA committee members and we thank them kindly for committing to support the school and our pupils this school year. We also thank our outgoing PA for all the work they have done over the last two years. A very special mention goes to the Chairperson Maria Casey who led the PA with enthusiasm and gusto. Thank you sincerely Maria.
The new and returning committee members for 2021/2022 are:
Chairperson: Elaine Moylan Vice Chairperson: David Mullins (returning) Secretary: Liz Whelan PRO: Gary O’ Brien Treasurer: Yvonne Nolan (returning) Teacher’s rep: Megan Lawlor.
The PA are always looking for hands on support throughout the year and volunteers are always extremely welcome so please put your name forward to help when you can.
Junior Infant Vaccinations: When we receive a date for the junior infant vaccinations from the HSE we will let parents know as soon as possible.
Spooky Dress up/Midterm Break:Hallowe’en midterm break begins on Friday the 22nd October. Collection and closing times as normal. The children can dress up in their spooky clothes and bring in €3 each for a designated charity (yet to be decided). School will reopen on the Monday 1st November.
School Grounds Clean up: We have planned a school grounds clean-up for the week of 18th October and we welcome all help. We hope to hold the clean up on Monday the 18th October at 2:50pm (weather permitting) with Wednesday 20th as a back up date. Parents and pupils from St. Thomas’ are welcome to help. Please bring your own tools and gardening gloves. Refreshments will be provided for all our helpers.
School Closure: St. Thomas’ will be closed for a full day to pupils on Friday 5th November to facilitate staff training in the Primary Language Curriculum. This is compulsory training for all primary schools and there will be several full and half day closures over the coming years to allow for this training.
Covid 19 contact tracing changes: As schools are no longer required to carry out contact tracing there have been some changes in notification to parents generally. However, if we do receive notification of a positive COVID 19 case in your child’s class we will make you aware via email once consent of the parent in question has been received. The child of course will remain anonymous and we ask parents to respect this right. Please also be aware that if there is a positive case of Covid 19 in your home, isolation is required as per the advice given to your family from the HSE. Your children cannot attend school.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Lorraine Murray
Acting Principal