Scoil Naomh Iosaf Adare Boys National School Newsletter

December

2012

Cumann na mBunscoil Football

The boys played several matches in this competition and were unlucky not to qualify for the final. They played very well in all of their games and did the school proud once again.

Sarsfield Cup By Bryan Flynn and Michael Keane

A few weeks ago we went back to Mick Neville Park in Rathkeale and were delighted to be picked for the Sarsfield Cup team. We played in UL and beat the City team who were last year’s winners. Six days later we played in the Gaelic Grounds and beat the South team by two points. Our Sarsfield Cup medals will be presented to us soon. It was a wonderful experience for us playing on the team.

Halloween Party

Our Parents Council once again organised a Halloween Party in the school hall for all of the boys. The hall was magnificently scary thanks to the hard work of Joan O’Halloran and her team of parents. With all of the boys and the Parents in Halloween costumes the atmosphere was spooky and everyone had a great time playing the fun games and of course eating treats.

On Thursday Mr. Lavin and the boys from third class to sixth class, all dressed up in their scary Halloween costumes, went down the village and performed “Thriller” to very appreciative audiences at Adare Pharmacy, the Heritage Centre and Our Lady’s Abbey. Michael Jackson would have been very impressed! Thanks to Mr. Lavin for teaching the boys the dance movements.

Croagh Patrick Climb

Well done to everyone who climbed Croagh Patrick on 30th September in aid of Irish Autism and TLC4CF. Staff members Stephen Lavin, Theresa Considine and Ann Conway and several of our Parents’ Council members and parents also climbed as did Cian Hanrahan, 4th Class.

Not content with climbing Croagh Patrick, Stephen Lavin also climbed Carrauntoohill with the Limerick Footballers on 24th November. Next challenge Everest!

St Vincent de Paul Shoebox collection

In spite of the recession and all the doom and gloom about the Irish economy, the boys and their parents were extremely generous again this year and donated 74 shoeboxes of goodies to be distributed to needy families in the Mid-west area. Thanks to everyone for their support.

Live Crib

The Live Crib took place on Sunday 16th December and once again our choir sang Christmas Carols and we also provided shepherds. Thanks to the boys for taking part in this annual event.

Science Week in UL by Aaron Leahy, Donagh Morrissey, Fionn O’Halloran, Thomas McCarthy

This year the pupils in 5th and 6th classes went to UL Science for Life Exhibition. It was very good and showed us science stuff that we could do with household items. We got to see a series of experiments and one funny one was when a carrot was launched as a toy dragon and we were shown how the Great Fire of London might have happened. It was a brilliant show and we all hope to go again next year. Thanks to Mr. Lavin and the parents for bringing us to the show.

Transition Year Students

Kevin McGrath a pupil of the Crescent Comprehensive and Cillian Collins from St. Clements, both past pupils of our school, were with us during the term for their transition work experience. It was great to have them back and we would like to wish them both well in their studies.

Santa Claus Visit

Santa called to the school on Wednesday 19th Dec to reassure the boys that everything is on schedule for Christmas Eve and to check if anyone had forgotten to write his letter or had changed their mind about what they asked for. He was escorted to the school by the local Garda squad car and he got a rousing reception from the pupils and also the teachers. Everyone assured him that they had been extra good this year so hopefully he will bring everything on our lists! Thanks Santa for visiting us and bring us lovely presents.

Tomathon for Charity

Well-known Limerickman and Dublin hotelier Tom Moran led a band of walkers on a 250km trek from his hometown of Athea to Moran’s Red Cow Inn on a walk for Pieta House in September. The boys from Fifth and Sixth Class were invited down to the

village to cheer on the walkers as they started out from Adare on that section of the walk. The boys also donated €100, the proceeds of a colours day to the Charity.

Valentia Search and Rescue Helicopter Visit

We had a visit from the Shannon-based Air Sea and Rescue Sikorsky helicopter and its crew during October. They were accompanied by Valentia lifeboat crew and the Killaloe Search and Rescue team. There was great excitement as the boys walked up to the Manor to await the arrival of the helicopter which landed in the helipad on the Manor grounds. While it was landing the boys were told to stand well back in order to avoid the downdraft. The crews had an information stand, a lifeboat stand and the undersea rescue stand set up. The boys got to try on the lifejackets and a chance to see the equipment used in rescue operations and to hear about the dangers these brave men face on a regular basis. Of course the helicopter was the main attraction and some of the boys were lucky enough to have a tour inside. All in all it was a most informative and enjoyable occasion and we would like to thank the crews for coming to Adare.

Street Handball

We had great success in the street handball competition run by the Limerick Sports Partnership. Two of our teams won out their leagues. Pictured below are the two teams being presented with their trophies.

Adare U12 Hurling by Frank Costelloe and Jamie Burke

During the Summer the Adare U12 hurling team went on a trip to Thurles. Nine pupils from the school were on the team. They are Frank Costelloe, Jamie Burke, Paddy Fitzgerald, Bryan Flynn, Donagh Morrissey, Tim Murphy, Eoghan Collins, Thomas McCarthy and Robert Moloney. We won 2 out of the 3 matches against the top teams in Munster including de la Salle from Waterford. After the matches we got a tour of Semple Stadium with Tipperary hurler Brendan Maher. Then we headed back to Limerick and on the way we got coke and Taytos thanks to Londis in Adare who were also our sponsors during the year. Then we went to Roller Jam where we found out that our hurling skills were much better than our skating skills! We also went to Super Macs and got to watch Katie Taylor on TV winning her gold medal. A big thanks to Mary and Michael Collins for funding the trip.

School Crib

This year we have erected a beautiful nativity scene in front of the old Monastery building facing onto the main road. The crib was unveiled on Tuesday 11th December with a ceremony and celebration in the school. Thanks to our Parents Council for organising the refreshments and to Joe McDonnell and Tom Houlihan for their great work in making and erecting the crib.

Confirmation 2013

Confirmation for 5th and 6th classes will take place on Thursday 21st February 2013 at 11.00am in the Holy Trinity Abbey Church, Adare.

Cycling Tournament by Emmet Moore and Martyn Konczak

This year 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th classes went to a cycling tournament in the GAA field. There was a long distance race and Frank Costelloe won it. We were shown how to cycle in a slalom and we also learned how to cycle slowly without our feet touching the ground. For the last race we had to cycle around a circuit. It was a very close race but Conor Lynch just beat Frank Costelloe into second place. We had a great day out.

Parents Association

The Parents Association AGM was held in the school on Monday 8th October 2012. The following are the officers for the coming year

Carmel Normoyle – Chairperson

Vicky Corbett – Vice Chairperson

Rose Morrissey – Secretary

Helen Moore – Treasurer

I would like to thank Mary Normoyle & Clodagh Morrissey for all their work over the last 3 years as Secretary & Treasurer respectively and would also like to take this opportunity to welcome Rose Morrissey & Helen Moore onboard.

Halloween Our annual fancy dress Halloween Party for the boys took place on Friday 26 October in the school Hall. Thanks to all the parents who helped out in preparing the Hall and partook in games on the day. The boys were treated to a funpacked day with all sorts of spooky games, pumpkin races, face painting and trick or treat goodie bags. They and the many mothers who volunteered had a fantastic day. Many thanks to parents Michael & Mary Collins, Pat Collins Bar for their sponsorship contribution to the day.

Ho… Ho….. Ho……… The man in the big red suit made his annual visit to Scoil Naomh Iosaf on Wednesday 19 th

December. Santa promised the boys to try his best to bring all the toys on their list but only if they promised to go to bed early and be really good for their Moms & Dads!

Upcoming Dates for Your Calendar

February Our annual Fun Pub Quiz will take place on Friday 1 Feb 2013 in Pat Collins Bar. This is the main fundraiser for the boys annual musical show held at Easter. A good night is guaranteed, so please book the babysitters early and put it in your diary!

March Annual School Musical.

April Another really popular fun night for all the boys and their siblings is our Annual Beetle Drive held in the School Hall. Next year we hope to hold it on Friday 19 April.

May First Holy Communion day for the Second Class boys will take place on Saturday 18 May 2013. It is tradition for our school to host the Communion Breakfast and Scoil Naomh Iosaf parents always come up trumps in volunteering to help prepare for this day.

We have a very busy, fun year ahead of us as parents. There’s a great social aspect to being involved in our Parents Association – it’s a great way for parents to get to know fellow parents – lots of lasting & rewarding friendships have stemmed from our meetings and subsequent coffee mornings. We would strongly encourage parents to come to our meetings or if you can’t make these, contact any member of the committee if you would like to get involved in any other way – we are always looking for assistance when running events.

A big thanks to all our wonderful parents who helped in any way with recent events - the boys and their teachers REALLY appreciate it.

May I take this opportunity to wish you all a very happy and peaceful Christmas and all the best for 2013.

Carmel Normoyle

Chairperson

Santa Letters Juniors and Seniors

Dear Santa,

We have all been very, very good this year. Please bring us these toys and games:

Peter wants a bike

Harry wants a Lego Police Station, a BMX bike and a ball

William wants a gun and torch

Jack would like Skylander

Leon really wants a D.S with Mario Brothers

Gavan would love a Lego Police Station

Jack wants a D.S., Monsudo Monsters and a Transformer

Conor says could you please bring him a Skylander Giant

Alfie would like boxing gloves, clothes and a baseball set

Alan would love a Transformer prime Weaponiser

Nathan says could you bring a Lego Bat Cave, fighter pods and a mini van

Matthew would love a Skylander game.

We have all written and posted our Santa letters so you know what the other boys in the class would like.

Thanks Santa and have a great Christmas

From all the boys in Juniors and Seniors

Helicopter Visit by Matthew Lowry

In October, the whole school was invited to the Manor for an inside look at the Search and Rescue teams from Killaloe, Shannon and Valentia. They showed us one of the helicopters and other equipment that they use. It was very interesting seeing the Coast Guard team and listening to them telling us how hard it is for them at times. A few lucky pupils were allowed on board the helicopter to have a look. What made the day fantastic was the Coast Guards telling the teachers that we should get no homework!

Pupils Achievements

John Jordan won medals for soccer, handball and running. He brought them to school and he was rightly very proud of his achievements and he loved showing the medals to the other boys in the class. What a great honour for John.

Music in the School

All boys in the school start to learn to play the tin-whistle in 1 st Class. They enjoy it greatly even if the first few lessons are a little hairy! The boys continue to learn the tin whistle throughout the school and even begin to read music. The boys in 5th and 6th class have been playing tunes such as “The Shepherd’s Song”, “Bag Waltz”, “Fitz Waltz” and many more. Their tin-whistle playing can be heard in the corridors of the school accompanied by backing music. Keep whistling boys!

Display Screen in Reception

Thanks to sponsorship received from Analog Devices in Raheen we have been able to install a Display Screen in the Reception area. The screen shows pictures of the boys during various school activities and is a wonderful addition to the area. You are welcome to drop in any time to have a look. Many thanks to parent Mike Keane for securing the sponsorship.

Staff News

We would like to send our best wishes to Deirdre O’Riordan who is due her baby early in the new year. We would also like to welcome Leanne Butler to the school as she is covering Deirdre’s maternity leave.

Congratulations to Áine Toomey on her recent engagement. No date set yet for the nuptials.

Barry O’Riordan will feature on Nuacht on TV4 on Sunday night at 7pm talking about how Christmas is celebrated in Adare “as gaeilge.”

Niall O’Shaughnessy Circuit

The launch of this circuit took place on Thursday 13th December and Harry O’Donnell, Conor Lynch and Finn Morrissey were among the first runners to complete the circuit together with former Olympic runner Rosemary Ryan. Niall is also a former Olympic runner and a past pupil of our school.

Christmas Holidays

The School closes on Friday 21st December at 12.30pm for the Christmas Holidays. It will re-open on Monday 7th January 2013 at 9.20a.m.

We really appreciate your support throughout the year and of course the pupils are the main beneficiaries of your generosity. The staff in the school welcome your input and if you have any constructive ideas they would be delighted to take them on board.

Thanks to our Board of Management for their work on behalf of Scoil Naomh Iosaf . Their advice and input is greatly valued by everyone at the school.

A big thank you to the Parents Council under the leadership of their Chairperson, Carmel Normoyle. The Parents Council give of their time to organise various events and projects throughout the year for the good of the school and its pupils. We are very appreciative of all their hard work and efforts throughout the year.

A Very Happy Christmas and a Prosperous NewYear From All

of the Staff atScoil Naomh Iosaf