Category: School News

Dear Parents,

Welcome to our Summer Newsletter!

Special Class

We are delighted to announce that Martinstown National School is the first school in Limerick to open a special class within mainstream, for children with Moderate General Learning Disability. This class will cater for eight pupils. The pupils will engage in a play-based curriculum which will foster learning in communication, numeracy and literacy. There will be a strong focus on integration and inclusion with fellow pupils in mainstream classes.

Split the Pot

Congratulations to all our Split the Pot winners to date. Thank you for your continued support. Total raised so far: €13,073.00 Works will commence in August on the new Play area.

Anti-Bullying Workshop

Lisa Ryan from “Fearlessly Be Yourself Training” held a whole school 5-week Anti-bullying Workshop entitled ‘Keep in Mind: Time to Be Kind’.

Green Schools Award-Biodiversity Flag 

On Wednesday 17th, May Mr Gilbourne, Claire Whelan, Áine O’ Connor and James Moloney travelled to Cork to collect the latest Green Schools Flag for Biodiversity. We enjoyed a lovely hot lunch and some entertainment. It was a fun day out. As a school we are very proud of this achievement. Well done all in keeping our school so tidy and clean. 

Spelling Bee Competition 23′

Mia McCarthy in Sixth class represented us proudly in this competition in the first round. She succeeded on Day One and became our Limerick Spelling Bee Champion beating 11 other schools on the day. The word she won on was ‘frivolous’. From here she progressed to the Munster Final, in Cork, taking on six other competitors, Mia representing Limerick came second after Tipperary. The word was ‘resuscitate’ in the final two. 

Camogie/Hurling Blitzes May 23′

The girls from 4th-6th played on Monday 29th May at the Stakers Pitch. Knocklong and Effin were in our group. The girls played really well and improved immensely from the first throw in. Outstanding girls and you did us all proud. Robyn Murphy was our excellent captain on the day. Good woman Robyn. 

The boys from 4th-6th class played on Tuesday, 30th May, at the Stakers Pitch. We had the same groupings as the girls. In our first game we beat Knocklong 3 09 to 104. We then played Effin and won 4:06 to 2:02. After topping the group, we awaited Ballyagran for the final. An excellent final that didn’t go our way. It finished 3:07 to 2:06. Conor O’Riordan did a great job on the captaincy. Good man Conor.

FAI Spar Soccer Competition

Both boys and girls represented us in this competition. Great wins and fun was had. As a school we entered three teams. Thanks to all the staff who helped out on the day. 

Primary Skills Competition 

Many thanks to Pat Irwin on taking Ciarán Irwin, Cormac O ‘Farrell, Ava Cleary and Aaron Creed to this competition. The pupils took part in this football skills competition in Kilteely. A great day was had by all. 

6^th Class Graduation Mass

The 6^th class Graduation Mass was held recently in the church and the students were presented with “End of Year Photo Books” and “Graduation Certificates” as a keepsake for their time in Martinstown National School. The staff and board of management would like to wish the class of 2023 the very best for the future as they embark in the next chapter of their lives. It has been a pleasure to have each one of them in the school.

We would also like to thank our parents Antoinette and Liam, Teresa and John, Gabriella and Jimmy, Ann and Kevin for the support they have given the school down through the years.

School Garden 

We are delighted with our new signage in the school garden which is made of a diabond material and will last the years. The 5th and 6th class gave some of their Junior Entrepreneur Programme money to pay for these signs. 

Staff Allocations 2023/2024

The staff allocations for September 2023 are as follows
Junior/Senior Infants: Mr Simon Malone
1st/ 2nd Class: Ms Ellie Quilty
3rd/ 4th Class: TBC
5th/6th Class: Ms Michelle Griffin
Special Class: Ms Lisa Kirby
SET : Ms Lucy Butler
Shared SET : Ms Róisín Anglim

Acting Principal: Ms Lisa Kirby

Acting Deputy Principal: Ms Michelle Griffin

AP2 Post: Ms Lucy Butler

Parents Association

We would like to thank the Parents Association for fundraising and support throughout the year. Thank you to all who volunteered with the Communion, and all the fundraising events throughout the year. We look forward to working together again in the 2023/24 school year.

We would like to wish you all a peaceful and relaxing summer holiday.

Majella Clarke

Principal

March 2023

Dear Parents,

Welcome to our Easter Newsletter!

Read & Raise Fundraiser:

A big thank you to all our students who took part in our Read & Raise Fundraiser. There is no better way to increase participation and get children reading more then to have some incentives and set some reading challenges for the students. Having different bonuses or prizes for achieving different milestones was a great way to get them excited about taking part in this fundraiser, while increasing reading literacy levels along the way. We raised an amazing €3,900.00 in this fundraiser and we want to thank all the parents, family, friends and sponsors for their support and sponsorship. The funds raised will go towards our play facilities.

Pizza Party –Mr Gilbourne’s Room

Eason’s Vouchers –

Billy Cosgrove 5^th/6^th

Darragh Mc Grath 3^rd/4^th

Diarmuid Mc Grath 1^st/ 2^nd

Colby Mc Carthy Junior/Senior Infants

Writing Tablets –

 Adam O Sullivan, Aaron O Connell, Saoirse Linklater- Mc Lennan, Haidi Lyons, Jamie Tobin, Keira O Loughlin, Alex Duggan and Holly Moloney.

All pupils received an Easter treat for taking part!

Split the Pot:

Congratulations to all our Split the Pot winners to date. Thank you for your continued support. Total raised so far: €13,766.00

Congratulation to Pat O Donnell winner of our Split the Pot Special Easter Draw. Jackpot was €76.00. Our luxury hamper winner was Denise Fletcher. Thank you to everyone for your continued support.

Quiz Night:

Thank you to Oonagh and MNS Parents Association who organised and ran our Table Quiz on Saturday night 25^th March in Bulgaden Castle for the ‘Help bring Scotty home” fund. The total raised was €1300.00. We would like to thank Pat Corkery and Pat Barrett and to everyone who donated prizes for our raffle and those who took part and helped on the night.

Nurture Room

We are delighted with the success of our Seomra Cúram. Mrs Kirby & Claire Whelan (qualified in ‘Nurture Groups & Nurturing Schools’ by Nurturing Schools Ireland) have been running our nurture group sessions. These groups consist of approximately 4-6 children and take place in our newly designed nurture room – ‘Seomra Cúram’, which offers a warm and inviting place where the children can feel safe and begin to build trust and relationships in a safe environment.

Anti-Bullying Workshop

Lisa Ryan from “Fearlessly Be Yourself Training” will be holding a whole school 5-week Anti-bullying Workshop entitled ‘Keep in Mind: Time to Be Kind’. Details of the programme have been emailed to all parents.

Seachtain na Gaeilge

Bhí seachtain iontach againn don Seachtain Na Gaeilge le déanaí. Bhí seans ag gach rang páirt a glacadh i rith na seachtaine le Rainnta agus Amhráin. Bhí Céilí Mór againn sa chlós ar an Aoine chun an seachtain a chríochnú. Maith sibh go léir!

Green Flag Biodiversity

We are currently applying to get our Green Schools Biodiversity Flag.

We hosted a Day of Action on Monday 6^th of March.  Each child made and wore a creation or costume based on the theme of Biodiversity for our Fashion Show. The show was a great success. Thanks so much to all our pupils (and parents!) for the huge effort making the costumes.

Chess Tournament:

Massive congratulations to James Moloney, Harry Barrett, Áine O’Connor and Ava Cleary who won silver medals at the chess County Finals last weekend. Also, a big congratulations to Emily Murphy in 4^th Class who won a gold meal with the 11’s. Well done to everyone.

JEP

Well done to Mr Gilbourne and 5^th and 6^th pupils who completed the JEP. A big thank you to all the parents who supported them. A special word of thanks to the local businesses who sponsored the JEP this year. Profits made from the JEP will go towards equipment for our outdoor classroom and garden. Total raised was €1,266.21.

TLC

Thank you to all pupils who took part in this year’s TLC. We are delighted as always to be a part of caring for our local community.

Sports Roundup

Sarsfield Cup/Neville Cup

Congratulations to Robyn Murphy and her team mates on winning the Neville cup in Rathkeale. 

Well done to Conor O’ Riordan who represented MNS on the Sarsfield Cup team.

FAI Primary 5s

Our 5^th and 6^th class took part in the FAI Primary 5s competition on Friday 24^th of March at the SeanChoill all weather facility in Corbally. The boys get ready to compete again on April 18^th.

Emergency Works

Thank you to the parents for their co-operation throughout the duration of the Emergency Works. Hopefully the works will be completed by the end of next week.

Resurfacing of the carpark will be completed over the Easter break.

Primary Language Curriculum.

MNS have been engaging with the PLC training throughout the year. The Department of Education allows schools to close to allow for this engagement. We have one more PLC day to complete during the last term. However due to our recent closure for ESB works MNS will complete this session outside of the school day to avoid further disruption.

MNS will reopen after the Easter holidays on Monday April 17^th.

The BOM and staff would like to wish all our pupils and staff a very happy Easter.

Dear Parents,

Nativity Play& Carol Service

The Martinstown NS Christmas Nativity & Carol Service will take place on Thursday December 15th at 7pm. All parents are welcome. We will be collecting for St. Vincent de Paul on the night.

Join MNS Parents Association afterwards for a wonderful Christmas experience where families can have a Christmas family photo taken Kids disco and enjoy some mulled wine hot chocolate and lots of festive treats.

Split the Pot:

Congratulations to all our Split the Pot winners to date. Thank you for your continued support. Total raised so far: €7,406.00

We will be having a Special Christmas Draw on Friday December 16^th with additional prizes of Christmas hampers, Limerick 3-In-A-Row Box Frame and lots of Limerick Hurling prizes. There will be a cost of €10 per entry for this draw. Envelopes are available from reception and will also be available to purchase after the Carol service. Best of Luck.

Enrolments:

MNS are now accepting enrolments for September 2023. Application forms can be downloaded from the parent info section on the website or you can contact reception. Closing date for applications is January 13^th, 2023.

Team Hope Shoebox Appeal:

A big thank you to those of you who donated shoeboxes to the annual Shoebox Appeal.

Maths Tuition:

We are all aware the effect that lockdown has had on the education of our pupils. While the gap is narrowing in some areas we do feel that it is more difficult to bridge that gap in numeracy. Ms Clarke will be providing maths tuition to 3^rd/4^th and 5^th/6^th class pupils from Monday January 9^th to Thursday February 9^th.Classes will run from 3:30pm to 4:30pm each day with alternate groups. For example: Monday and Wednesday 3^rd/4^th. Tuesday and Thursdays 5^th/6^th. Please note there will be no charge to parents. Full details will be emailed to parents after the Christmas break.

Homework Club

Homework club will finish up on Wednesday December 14^th for the Christmas break and will resume on Monday January 9^th.

Art Classes

We hope you enjoyed making your creations in Mr Gilbourne’s art classes over the last few weeks.

Accelerated Reader

Well done to everyone who reached their reading goals and received their certificates. Keep up the great reading.

JEP

5^th and 6^th class pupils represented MNS at the Christmas markets over the last few weeks selling their decorative Christmas books. Well done to you all and thank you to all the parents who supported them. A special word of thanks to the local businesses who sponsored the JEP this year. Profits made from the JEP will go towards equipment for our outdoor classroom and garden.

Weaving Wellbeing

Congratulations to all classes on completing the Weaving Wellbeing programme for this year.  The Weaving Well-Being programme gives children the opportunity to weave positivity into their daily lives through a range of activities in a variety of areas. These areas include identifying and using their authentic character strengths, boosting positive emotions, developing and nurturing positive relationships and connections, building practical resilience skills (including mindfulness) and developing self-efficacy through empowering beliefs.

Science Week:

As part of Science week, we held a Science Day on Thursday 17th of November. Each class carried out some mind-boggling experiments on the day.

Sports

Sarsfield Cup

Our 6^th class pupils attended trails for the Sarsfield Cup. We were delighted to have Conor O’ Riordan representing MNS on the team.

Mini 7’s

Well done to all our pupils who took part in the mini 7’s competitions. Congratulations to the boys who reached the finals last week which took place in Rathkeale. Super achievement.

Hockey

5^th and 6^th class girls have started hockey training. Hockey tournament will take place in January 2023.

The BOM and Staff would like to wish all our parents and pupils a very merry Christmas and peaceful New Year.

28 October 2022

Dear Parents,

As we head into Mid-term we would like to share the following updates with you.

Parents Association

The Parents Association meeting took place on Thursday October 27^th. We would like to thank all parents who attended. The following officers were elected to the PA Committee and Board of Management.

Chairperson: Oonagh O’ Sullivan

Secretary: Pamela Corkery

Treasurer: Catherine O’ Donnell

P.R.O: Helen McLennan

Father Parent Nominee BOM: Pat O Donnell.

We wish all the new members of the Parents Association and Board of Management well in their new roles and appreciate all the time and effort that goes into these organisations, which are an integral part of the school community.

Split the Pot

The Halloween Special draw took place on Friday October 28th. Along with our jackpot prize there was a “Spook the Pot” draw for the children in each classroom.

Results are as follows:

Congratulations to the overall Split the Pot Draw winner Aaron O’Connell who received the grand total of €146.00

“Spook the Pot” Draw

Junior Infants/Senior Infants – Frankenstein – Eoghan Leahy

1^st/2^nd Class – Scary Pumpkin – Ollie Tobin

3^rd/4^th Class – Spooky Witch – Andrew Creed

5^th/6^th Class – Skeleton – Ava Cleary

Thank you to all who support our Split the Pot draw each week and congratulations to all our winners so far. We have raised €7,172.00 to date.

Sports Roundup

Both the boys and girls’ teams from 4th-6th classes participated in the Mini-Sevens Competition and the 9-a-side Competitions. 

Fantastic performances were given, and the children really enjoyed their outings. The girls have made huge progress and battled in every game valiantly. 

Fourth class were outstanding and did themselves so proud wearing the school jersey for the first time were Megan, Emily, Jamie, Noel, Andy, Calvin, Darragh and Paddy.

The boys won their Mini Sevens Competition against Bruff and will proceed as Representatives of the South in November. We wish them all the best and look forward to supporting them in the next round.

The boys won the 9-a-side Football for the second year in a row so huge applause all round. 

Congrats to Conor O ‘Riordan on making the panel for the Sarsfield Cup and James Moloney on representing the school for trials.

Big congratulations also to Abi O’ Sullivan, Robyn Murphy and Áine O’ Connor for representing the school in the girls Larkin Trials. 

We were delighted to have our past pupils, Séan Leahy and Leagh Moloney, helping us as co-managers at the blitz! Martinstown Abú!!

Table Quiz

Well done to Aine, Robyn, Emily and Ava, who represented Martinstown NS in the Table Quiz in Knockadea.

Covid -19/Illness

If you are unsure whether to send your child to school any morning, please contact reception and we will help to clarify. If children are unwell or display any Covid-19 symptoms, they must be kept home, and parents should contact their GP. The Parent Info section of the school website has a useful guide for when to keep your child at home.

Parents can still avail of free antigen tests from the HSE. However, the system of inputting the school roll number and details has ceased. Parents must now input their own personal details when ordering antigen tests.

We hope that you all enjoy the midterm break and a Happy Halloween!

Le gach dea- ghuí,

Majella Clarke

Dear Parents,

The Board of management and staff would like to thank you all for enabling a safe return to school after the summer break.

We would like to extend a special warm welcome to our new Junior Infants: Aaron, Caleb, Jake, Lucy, Saoirse, Eva and Rory. We hope you will be very happy in our school. 

Contacting the School

Any information regarding early collection/change to collection arrangements for children can be directly sent to class teachers on Aladdin Connect. To message your class teacher regarding anything other than absence or early collection click on Attendance and notes then on the send message option. These messages cannot be viewed by other parents. Should you wish to speak with the class teacher please leave a message for a call back request and your class teacher will contact you.

In case of emergency during the school day, parents can contact the school mobile on 086-4106238.

CLÁR Funding

Martinstown NS are delighted to have recently been approved Clár Funding under the Community Development Grant Scheme to resurface the carpark and delineation of parking bays. We have been applying for this grant for the last number of years and are delighted to have been successful on this occasion.

Car Park

The car park is very busy now that normal drop off and collection times have resumed.  We continue to operate a drive in and drop system in the mornings please advise those who drop off in the morning to use this system and avoid parking on the main road as this can cause obstruction. In the interest of safety, we kindly ask parents who arrive especially at pick up times to please reverse back as far as you can to allow other cars to park in front. 

Book Rental/ photocopying

Payment of Book rental and Photocopying via the Aladdin App has now closed. Please check your payments section to ensure payment has been made for both. Please contact the school if you need to make payment.

Accelerated Reader Programme

We are delighted to introduce the Accelerated Reading Programme to 1st and 2nd class. Following on from the success of the programme last year in the older classes we look forward to seeing our young readers progress.

Congratulations

Well done to Saoirse O’ Leary on winning a beautiful trophy for player of the shield at the Regina Long Tournament held in Mungret. 

Parents Association

The Parents Association AGM will take place on October 27th at 7:30pm. We would like to invite all parents to attend and we especially welcome all new parents to the school. More details to follow.

Split the Pot

We will be having a Halloween Special draw on Friday October 28th. Along with our jackpot prize there will also be Spot prizes on the day. 

Thank you to all who support our Split the Pot draw each week and congratulations to all our winners so far. We have raised €6,800.00 to date.

Covid -19/Illness

If you are unsure whether to send your child to school any morning, please contact reception and we will help to clarify. If children are unwell or display any Covid-19 symptoms, they must be kept home, and parents should contact their GP. The Parent Info section of the school website has a useful guide for when to keep your child at home.

Parents can still avail of free antigen tests from the HSE. However, the system of inputting the school roll number and details has ceased. Parents must now input their own personal details when ordering antigen tests.

Following the challenges of the last few years we look forward to the new school year ahead.

Le gach dea- ghuí,

Majella Clarke

Newsletter

June 22

As we come to the end of yet another school year, we would like to thank the pupils for their hard work, enthusiasm and involvement in the school throughout the year. Thanks to the parents and families for your continued support and cooperation. When we return in September, we look forward to putting Covid behind us and getting back to normal school life.

Split the Pot

We will continue our online Split the Pot collection/subscription over the summer months and hold an end of Summer Draw for anyone whose subscription was collected over the summer break. Congratulations to all our Split the Pot winners to date. Thank you for your continued support. Total raised so far: €6,163.00

We are delighted this summer to start Phase1 of our playground project in which we hope to have the groundworks and some items of our equipment installed for September 2022.

Hurling/Football- South Schools

Well done to the girls and boys in our 3^rd to 6^th class who took part in the South Schools Hurling and Football blitz over the last few weeks. The boys took home the trophy in both the Hurling and Football. A huge congratulations to everyone.

Congratulations to Lucy Heffernan and DJ Kelly who represented Martinstown NS at the Munster Primary Games.

Well done to Lucy Heffernan and her teammates in winning the Larkin Shield a huge achievement.

 A special thank you to the organisers of the above events.

Communion/Confirmation

Congratulations to all the boys and girls who made their 1^st Holy Communion and Confirmation this year. Both masses were a beautiful celebration and it was lovely to see everybody back in the church celebrating together. Thank you to all the parents and staff for their hard work in preparation for these sacraments. Thank you Fr. David, Fr. Chris and Fr. Bluett for a lovely service.

6^th Class Graduation Mass

The 6^th class Graduation Mass was held recently in the church and the students were presented with “End of Year Photo Books” and “Graduation Certificates” as a keepsake for their time in Martinstown National School. The staff and board of management would like to wish the class of 2022 the very best for the future as they embark in the next chapter of their lives. It has been a pleasure to have each one of them in the school.

We would also like to thank our parents Lee and Paddy, Ashley and Pat, Margaret and Noel, Mairéad, Chantal and Leo, and Mary and Declan for the support they have given the school down through the years.

Reports/Booklists

School reports are now available to view online. The school calendar for September 2022 can be accessed on the website. We will return to school on Monday 29^th August.

Book Rental: €50 per child

Photocopying: €25 per family

Payments can be made in August/September on Aladdin Connect.

Staff Allocation 2022/23

Junior/Senior Infants: Ms Kirby

First/ Second Class: Ms Griffin

Third/Fourth Class: Ms Butler

Fifth/ Sixth Class: Mr Gilbourne

SET: Ms Clarke, Ms Anglim

SNAs: Louise, Claire, Mary

Homework club

We will be resuming homework club for students from 1^st to 6^th class from August 29^th. Please reply to the Aladdin text with Yes/No so we can have an idea of numbers thank you.

Parents Association

We would like to thank the Parents Association for fundraising and support throughout the year. Thank you to all who volunteered with the Communion, bake sale and musical. We look forward to working together again in the 2022/23 school year.

We would like to wish you all a peaceful and relaxing summer holiday.

Take care and stay safe

Majella Clarke

Principal

Covid – 19

The Board of Management and staff would like to thank our pupils and parents for their continued support in managing the spread of Covid-19 in our school community. Covid -19 continues to challenge us as we approach the end of another calendar year. We will continue to provide the latest information on our website: www.martinstownns.com

Split the Pot

Split the Pot is now available online please visit our homepage to enter online. You may also enter using our Split the Pot envelopes which are available from reception.

Congratulations to all our Split the Pot winners to date. Thank you for your continued support. Total raised so far: €4,312.00

First Confession

Congratulations to Ms Anglim’s 2^nd class pupils who received their First Confessions on Thursday March 24^th. Thank you to Fr. Chris, Ms Anglim and Ms Griffin.

Hurling/Football- South Schools

Well done to everyone who took part in the South Trials over the last few weeks.

Congratulations to Laoise Keogh and Lucy Heffernan who made the Neville cup team for 2022. The final of the Neville Cup took place in Bruff on Thursday March 31^st. Unfortunately it ended in a loss for the Souths team. Well done to Lucy and Laoise for doing Martinstown NS proud.

Congratulations to DJ Kelly who made it onto the South Sarsfield Football panel for 2022. The semi- final will take place in Rathkeale on April 5^th. We would like to wish DJ the very best of luck.

Congratulations to Lucy Heffernan who will be representing Martinstown NS at the Munster Primary Game on April 23rd at half time – Limerick v Waterford at TUS Gaelic Grounds 

Easter Holidays

The school will close on Friday 8^th of April ½ day (times to follow on Aladdin) for the Easter Holidays and will reopen on Monday 25^th April.

We would like to wish you all a lovely Mid-term break.

Take care and stay safe

Majella Clarke

Principal

COVID-19:

The Board of Management and staff would like to thank our pupils and parents for their continued support in managing the spread of Covid-19 in our school community. If your child has any symptoms or is feeling unwell, please do not send them to school. Contact your GP and follow the HSE guidelines which are available on our website: www.martinstownns.com

From 28 February 2022, it is no longer mandatory to wear a face covering on public transport, in taxis, shops, schools and other indoor public areas.

Split the Pot:

Congratulations to all our Split the Pot winners to date. Thank you for your continued support. Total raised so far: €4,034.00

Thank you once again for your support throughout the year in our efforts to fundraise for the School Playground.

A message from the Parents Association

The Parents Association Committee held their first face to face meeting in two years on Wednesday the 16th of February in the school. It was lovely to be back in the school, we want to take this opportunity to thank Ms Clarke & all the staff for all their fantastic efforts in keeping our children safe throughout this pandemic.

With all activities such as swimming and school tours resuming, the parent’s association have been asked to do some fundraising to help with the cost of buses for all these activities. We hope to hold a bake sale on Sunday the 13th of March after 11am mass in the school. In the past bake sales have been hugely successful and enjoyable events for the parish. More information to follow in the coming weeks. 

School Closure

Half Day Closure on March 3^rd to facilitate Staff In-Service

St Patricks Day 17^th and extra Bank Holiday on March 18^th  

Full Day Closure May 4^th to facilitate Staff In-Service

First Holy Communion and Confirmation Dates

First Holy Communion Date  Saturday 7^th May @ 11.00am

Confirmation Date 11^th June @ time and venue to be confirmed

Swimming

3rd to 6th Class

Swimming will take place on the following 6 Fridays @ 10.00 am

in the UL Sports Arena, University of Limerick

March 4th 11th & 25th

April 1st. 8th & 29th 

School Tours

We are delighted to be announcing that the School Tours will be taking place again this year.

3rd to 6th Class

Friday 17th June – School Tour – Ballyhass Adventure Centre, Coachford, Co. Cork.

Junior Infants – 2nd Class

Wednesday 15th June – School Tour to Grenagh Farm, Co. Cork.

Additional Information on departure/collection times and payment links will be circulated nearer to the time.

Class Hours

Additional hours have been allocated to all schools by the D.E.S. in response to the COVID 19 school closures. Support has been allocated to Senior Infants, 3^rd, 4^th, 5^th & 6^th Classes. These will commence on Feb 28^th

FAI

1st to 6^th classes enjoyed an FAI In-School League over two rounds. Six teams played in the Junior League from 1^st to 3^rd classes. Seven teams played in the Senior League from 4^th to 6^th classes. Congratulations to all our winners and well done to everyone for taking part and making it a fun competition.

We would like to wish you all a lovely Mid-term break.

Take care and stay safe

Majella Clarke

Principal

COVID-19:

The Board of Management and staff would like to thank our pupils and parents for their continued support in managing the spread of Covid-19 in our school community. Covid -19 continues to challenge us as we approach the end of another calendar year. We will continue to provide the latest information on our website: www.martinstownns.com

Split the Pot:

Congratulations to all our Split the Pot winners to date. Thank you for your continued support. Total raised so far: €3,530.00

Our Christmas Bumper Raffle was a huge success with a prize pot of €330.00 which was won by Helen Davis. Congratulations also to the Carr/O’Leary Family who won the Luxury Christmas Hamper. Thank you once again for your support throughout the year in our efforts to fundraise for the School Playground.

School Reopening

School will be reopening on Thursday 6^th January 2022.

On behalf of the Board of Management and staff I would like to wish you all a safe and happy Christmas, and best wishes for the New Year. 

Majella Clarke

Principal

COVID:

The Staff and Board of Management would like to sincerely thank you and all our pupils for your continued co-operation and support in preventing the spread of Covid – 19 in our school community.

In line with the latest Covid measures children from 3^rd to 6^th class are now required to wear face masks. Please be advised that children will require a medical certificate for mask exemptions.

An email has been sent to all parents with the latest advice and information. This information is also available on www.martinstownns.com

If you have any queries, please contact the school.

We would like to remind parents to continue to wear masks when alighting from your car.

Enrolments:

Reminder: closing date for enrolment applications for September 2022 is December 3^rd. Application forms can be downloaded from the parent info section on the website.

A message from the Parents Association

Dear Parents,

We wish to thank Ms Clarke & all the staff of Martinstown NS for all their work & efforts keeping all our children safe in school during these times. 

Thanks to all Parents that attended the National Parents Council training zoom, it was a very informative session. 

The National Parents Council do weekly online training events. On November 29th, December 1st & 2nd they are running sessions at 10am for Parents who are looking for guidance on how to support their children’s mental health & wellbeing. Please see link sent out earlier in the week or for further details see their website www.NPC.ie. 

Wishing everyone a Very Happy Christmas & New Year.

Stay Safe.

MNS Parents Association. 

Communion:

First Holy Communion will take place on Saturday 7^th May 2022.

Secretary:

We would like to welcome Síobhradh as secretary to our school. Siobhradh will be with us on Wednesdays and Fridays.

Split the Pot:

Congratulations to all our Split the Pot winners to date. Thank you for your continued support. Total raised so far: €3,026.

We will be having a Special Christmas Draw on Friday December 17^th with an additional prize of a Luxury Christmas hamper. There will be a cost of €10 per entry for this draw.

Footpath:

Works have commenced on the footpath at the end of the carpark as part of the Safe Travel to School Initiative. These improvements will enable cyclists and walkers to access the school safely.

 Team Hope Shoebox Appeal:

A big thank you to those of you who donated shoeboxes to the annual Shoebox Appeal.

Christmas Jumper Day

Children and staff will wear their Christmas jumpers on Friday December 17^th

Take care and stay safe

Majella Clarke

Principal