Athy Model School

The author and historian, James Durney, visited our school on 29^th April and gave a fascinating presentation on the role of Kildare people in the Easter Rising. He brought along some old weaponry and uniforms which many of the children got to handle and try on.

Darkness into Light 13 of our pupils, along with their parents, took part in the Darkness into Light Walk on Sat 7^th May. Well done to you all!

We had a visit from the dental nurse on 13^th May. She gave the children lots of important advice to do with brushing teeth and good oral hygiene, as well as foods to avoid.

 3^rd and 4^th class enjoyed their visit to Athy Library on Monday 25^th April to learn all about beekeeping.

Five members of the Board of Management attended training in Dublin on Mon 23^rd May. A big thank you to Karl Colton for driving us there.

Reminder to parents: School will be closed for pupils on Monday 6^th June (Bank Holiday) and on Tuesday 7^th June (the day after the bank holiday) in order to facilitate a whole staff workshop on the new language curriculum (Irish and English).

We are looking forward to David Day of Jabba Jabba Jemba fame, returning on Thurs 9^th June, to inspire the pupils in the art of drumming.

1^st and 2^nd class are off to Athy Library on Weds 8^th June for a Science Workshop. This workshop will introduce children to the wonders of nature and the marine environment. Children will get to examine marine creatures in small groups!

We are making the most of the fine weather at the moment and are busy practising for the West Glendalough Children’s Festival and Sports Day in Blessington on Fri 10^th June. Please remember that all pupils are expected to attend this service and sports day. It is probably the highlight of our summer term so is not to be missed!

All new pupils should have received their invitations to our induction afternoon for new pupils and parents which takes place on Monday 13^th June, from 1.20 to 2.20 pm.

The Junior School Tour for infants, 1^st and 2^nd class will take place this year on Tuesday 14^th June. We are off to the Castlecomer Discovery Park for fun and frolics involving a junior assault course and water ecology. The Senior School Tour for 3^rd, 4^th, 5^th and 6^th class is to the Jump Zone in Sandyford, a first time for all, and takes place on Wednesday 15^th June.

Our End of Year service takes place on Sunday 19^th June, at 11 am, in St. Michael’s Church. This is where we say goodbye to our 6^th class pupils and the William Ashmore Plaque, the Scripture Prize and the Loftus Warren Cup are awarded, along with full attendance prizes. We will also be saying a sad farewell to our SNA, Concepta Davidson, at this service. Concepta has been a valued member of staff with us for eighteen years. All families are asked to attend this service.

The 6^th Class Sale takes place on Friday 24^th June this year from 10 am until 12 noon. As usual, there will be lots going on, including a bric-a-brac stall, a cake sale, raffles as well as teas and coffees. The senior pupils have decided on the West Wicklow and Kildare ISPCA as their chosen charity to which most of the funds will go. Everyone’s support is most welcome.

A big thank you from Mrs Cole and all the junior and senior infants to Brendan-Fredric and Felix Lynch’s mum, Kristina, who made a special type of play dough for the Aistear Room. Thank you so much!