OUR LADY OF MERCY PRIMARY SCHOOL, PEARSE ROAD, SLIGO

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NEWS AND INFORMATION : WEDNESDAY 23RD JUNE 2010

1. HOMEWORK CLUB & BREAKFAST CLUB

Homework and breakfast clubs have finished for this school year.

2. NEW JUNIOR INFANTS: WELCOME TO OUR LADY OF MERCY.

On the afternoons of Wednesday 16th Thursday 17th and Friday 18th of June last, the new
Junior Infants came to school. They met their new teacher and friends. We hope they enjoyed
these days and that they will be happy in Our Lady of Mercy Primary. From previous
experience, we have found this arrangement very helpful to the children in making a smooth
transition from home to school. Parents availed of refreshments in the HSCL room.

3. SPORTS DAY:
Sports Day took place on Thursday 10th June. This was a sports day with a difference. All the
children thoroughly enjoyed this event and many thanks to the Parents Association and
Sponsors who funded the day.

4. GRADUATION MASS (2009-2010):

Graduation Mass will take place in the school hall for all the 6th Class children on Thursday 24th
June at 8.00pm. Mass will be concelebrated by Fr. Gillooly and Fr. Walsh. Refreshments will
be served afterwards by the Parents Association. All children must wear full School Uniform on
this occasion.

5. SCHOOL REPORTS:
End of year reports will be posted to all homes early in July.

6. BOOKS & UNIFORMS:

As the end of year approaches, I would be most grateful for donations of school books and
uniforms. School books in mint condition will help to extend our book rental scheme. Uniforms
in good condition are most welcome and required here on a daily basis when accidents occur.
Please leave unwanted books and uniforms into HSCL room.
7. INTERNET SAFETY SEMINAR RUN BY NATIONAL PARENTS COUNCIL:
This seminar took place on Wednesday 16th June. The seminar included important tips for
parents regarding safety for children when using the internet. There was particular emphasis
on the dangers associated with social networking sites. The following were some of the main
points.
• No child should have access to a computer in their bedroom. Internet use should
always take place in a supervised public area such as kitchen/living area.
• Children under the age of 13 should not have access to social networking sites,
according to Bebo Policy.
The National Parents Council recommended that a child should not have a mobile phone until
they are 12 years old.
8. PELLET GUNS:
It has come to our notice that many children in the wider community have pellet guns. These
are not allowed in school and any child who is found to have one will face immediate
suspension.
9. JUMBLE SALE:
Congratulations to all who helped with the Jumble Sale. €1,300 was raised and this has
already been forwarded to our two charities – Sr. Kathleen Rooney’s project in Kenya, and Ms.
Smith’s former colleagues in Tanzania. Many thanks to all the parents and friends who donated
goods and contributed to these very worthwhile projects.
10. THE TRUSTEESHIP OF OUR LADY OF MERCY:
The trusteeship of Our Lady of Mercy has been handed over from the Sisters of Mercy to the
Bishop of Elphin since June 1st June 2010. This historic occasion will be marked by a ritual and
celebration. We acknowledge with gratitude the huge contribution made by the Sisters of
Mercy to education in Sligo over many decades.
11. BOOK RENTAL SCHEME:
It is our aim to extend the Book Rental Scheme this year. Each class will be informed of the
price of rental of all books on the book list.
12. TIN WHISTLE CONCERT:
3rd and 4th classes will partake in a Tin Whistle Concert under the direction of Mr. Seamus
McCormack next Monday 28th June @ 9.30 in the Halla. All parents are welcome.
13. RAFFLE:
The big draw for our fantastic raffle will take place on Friday 25 th just before our 6th classes
leave.
1st Prize 4 tickets for Westlife.
nd
2 Prize Original Westlife book with autographs from all 5 members.
3rd Prize Bean Bag.
4th Prize Kenwood Juicer.
Many more smaller prizes.
Don’t forget to get your raffle tickets.
Míle Buíochas to the Parents Association for donating Westlife tickets.
14. MASS IN ST.ANNES:
Next Friday (25th June), all classes (from 2nd – 6th) will attend Mass in St. Anne’s 10.00 am to
mark the end of the school year.
15. HONK – THE MUSICAL:
Many thanks to all the children who participated in ‘HONK’, our school musical. There was
huge preparation for the show and we extend thanks to the directors Ms. Towey and Ms.
Callaghan. €202.30 was raised which goes towards school funds.
16. NO UNIFORM DAY FUNDRAISER:
No uniform day took place on Friday 4th June. €428.30 was raised on the day for school funds.
Many thanks to all who contributed.
17. IMAGINE:
Our 6th classes have produced a fantastic book under the direction of our resident writer, Mr.
Gerry Boland. It is called ‘Imagine’ and is a wonderful keepsake for children to have. The
book costs €5.00 and can be purchased in school.
18. SCHOOL GARDEN:
Congratulations to Mr. Maye’s Class, Ms. Carty’s Class and Mr. Flynn’s Class for their hard
work in reclaiming our school garden. The children have planted fruit, vegetables and flowers.
They have also dug and laid a sensory path. Many thanks to Toby, our professional gardener
who has guided us through the project.

DATES TO REMEMBER.

GRADUATION MASS 8.00 PM. THURSDAY 24TH JUNE IN THE HALLA.

GRADUATION DAY FRIDAY 25TH JUNE
SUMMER HOLIDAYS SCHOOL CLOSES WEDNESDAY 30TH JUNE 2010 @ 12.00 noon
SCHOOL REOPENS 8.50 AM WEDNESDAY 1ST SEPTEMBER 2010.

__________________________ _______________________
MARY FINAN ROSEMARY SHEAHAN
PRINCIPAL DEPUTY PRINCIPAL