Athy Model School

February 2014 Newsletter                                                                              Athy Model School

We are now well into the spring term, one which promises to be even busier than usual! 

1^st, 2^nd, 3^rd and 4^th classes have started tin whistle lessons with Melanie Butler. These take place every Tuesday until Easter. The children are really enjoying the lessons, and are already learning simple tunes.

All classes from 1^st to 6^th have started Tag Rugby with Joey Carbury which will continue until Easter. Joey is a great coach and everyone is having loads of fun.  Everyone’s fitness should be much improved in time for the Children’s Festival and Sports Day, which we’ll be hosting on 6^th June!

All classes in the school are at present participating in SALT, a conflict resolution programme which we hope will be of great benefit to the pupils when class and playground disputes occur.

The school is also taking part in the Food Dudes Healthy Eating programme this term, which means we are all getting to try out different fruit and vegetables at the moment. There are lovely prizes to be won for tasting and bringing in healthy fruit and veg.

Chess with Ben is back every Wednesday from 2.20 to 3.10 pm in Mrs Griffin’s classroom.

Our school, along with all other schools in the town, will be taking part in Cyber Awareness Week, starting on Monday 27^th January. Pupils in 3^rd to 6^th class will be taking part in an art competition.  1^st and 2^nd class will be visiting Athy Library on Thurs 30^th Jan for a story telling session with Sarah Tully based on friendship and feelings.

The following local meetings for parents on Cyber Awareness will be held: Tues 28^th Jan @ 7 pm in Athy Library with Rosario Power, Weds 29^th Jan @7.30 pm in Athy College with Garda Carmel Henry and Thursday 30^th Jan @ 10 am in Scoil Phádraig Naofa with Rosario Power (10 yrs +). These talks will cover cyber awareness and internet security, with tips on how to protect your child.

Please note that our 3^rd to 6^th class pupils will be taking part in cyber awareness workshops, run by safety.ie, in school on Monday 7^th April. Athy Model School will also be hosting an information night about Internet Safety on that night, also run by esafety.ie. All parents are most welcome on the night and the facilitator comes highly recommended by other schools.

School photos will be taken on Fri 28^th February.

 The school will be closed from Mon 17^th to Fri 21^st Feb for midterm break.

Sale for Crumlin

Helen Sheppard has asked me to pass on her sincere thanks to parents and pupils for supporting her fundraiser for Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Crumlin in December. Helen held a sale of Christmas hats and tree decorations, all hand knitted by her.  She raised a total of €450, €232 of which came from our parents and pupils. All proceeds went to St. John’s Ward (Oncology), Crumlin. Well done, Helen!