St. Colmcille’s Boys’ National School, Chapel Lane, Swords, Co.Dublin K67 WP65

(01) 8405132

St Colmcille's BNS

Ní neart go cur le chéile

June 2015

Whole School Evaluation

This year the school underwent a Whole School Evaluation. This is a process whereby the Department of Education and Science evaluates the standards of teaching, learning and administration in schools. The report which was subsequently published on www.education.ie reflected very well on our entire school community, and great credit is due to everyone who worked so hard to ensure that the very high standards in our school were recognised formally by the Inspectors of the DES.

Formation of Composite Classes

As a result of a drop in pupil numbers, it has been necessary to form a composite class for the new school year. There were no means of avoiding this course of action because once the numbers fall below a certain threshold, there is one less mainstream teacher in the school.  How long this situation will obtain is dependent on the trend of future enrolments, but there will be a significant increase in enrolment numbers in September 2015.

Good Wishes

  • We thank Ms Teresa Flanagan who has completed her contract at our school, and we wish her well as she embarks on the next phase of her career.

Booklists and Book Rental Scheme

  • Booklists were issued on 16 June 2015. More specific details with regard to arrangements are contained on the book list circular.

Thanks

  • To Fingallians GFC which has provided football and hurling coaching
  • To Fingallians and Swords Celtic for permitting the pupils to use their pitches and facilities
  • To the parents who provided books, uniforms, track-suits during the year
  • To the parents who provided transport to football, soccer and athletic events
  • To the members of our school community who ran in the Dublin City Mini-Marathon on behalf of our school.
  • To the Executive of the Parents’ Association for their co-operation and involvement in the school

Multi-Cultural Evening Sponsors

Thanks very much to the following companies who provided sponsorship for the Multi-Cultural Evening: Super Valu, Dunne’s Stores, Mc Namara’s Chemist, Fyffes, Kinsealy Pharmacy, Mc Grane’s Laundrette, the Old School House, Gourmet Burger Kitchen, Essence Bistro, Carnegie Court Hotel, Grange Builders Providers, Brid Grangeorge, AB Formal Wear, The Gift Magnet, Swords Pet Shop, Richie’s Bike Shop, Domino’s Pizza, Aderto Cycles.

Co-curricular Activities

For the past few years, the main emphasis in co-curricular activities has been on team sports, and the school has entered Gaelic Football, hurling, soccer, and athletic teams in the various leagues and competitions. During this school-year, there was a major initiative to broaden the scope of the activities which are offered after school, and the children have been provided free of charge with Cookery classes, Taekwondo, African Drumming, Lego, Art and Craft Activities, and Drama. The pupils in First Class had an After-School Club for which there was a very nominal charge to pay for resources. We are very grateful to the school personnel and other facilitators who were so generous with their time, and this note is a small acknowledgment that their efforts are very much appreciated.

Local History Archive and Book

The school has a substantial local history archive, and work has been done with regard to making the material available for future generations. As part of this initiative, a book, Images of Swords, was published in 2013 and re-printed in 2014. There are still a few copies left, and they may be purchased for €10 from the School Secretary.

Uniforms

Bobbins have a small number of uniforms available at discounted prices, Enquiries to www.bobbins.ie

Boys in 6th Class

The Graduation Mass for the boys and their parents will be held at 11.00 a.m. on Tuesday, 23 June 2015. We thank the boys and their parents for their courtesy and co-operation during the past eight years and wish them well for the future.

End of Year Arrangements

  • The school will close at 12.00 on Friday, 26 June 2014
  • The school will re-open at 8.50 a.m. on Thursday, 27 August 2014
  • The school will be open for the full school day on 27 August 2014

 

Retirement of Principal and Appointment of New Principal

  • Mr James Bennett retires as Principal of St Colmcille’s BNS at the end of this school year. His successor will be Mr Kieran Lyons.

Note from Mr James Bennett

It has been a privilege to have served in St Colmcille’s BNS for the past forty five years. There is a fantastic sense of community in the school, and I am very grateful to the many generations of pupils, parents, teachers, and ancillary staff for the tremendous courtesy, co-operation and respect which I have received during my teaching career. The many memories of the school community which I have, I will cherish for the rest of my life. As I take my leave of you, I take this opportunity to thank every member of our school community, both past and present, for their kindness to me, and I wish you all the very best in all your endeavours in the future.  I wish Mr Kieran Lyons, every success as he embarks on the role of Principal of St Colmcille’s BNS. We wish you all a very happy and peaceful summer vacation

Ní neart go cur le chéile