Dates to remember:

Fri. 24th: School closes for Mid Term (normal time).
Mon. Nov. 3rd: School re-opens.
First Communion Dates:

• May 3rd  - Ms Heavy/Ms Tallis Class
• May 10th -  Ms Kelly’s Class
• May 17th -  MsCarroll/Ms O’Mahony’s Class

Shoe Boxes to be returned by Tuesday  November  11th.
Pupil Medical Profile
Every child has been given a copy of a blank medical profile form. If your child has any medical condition that we need to be aware of please fill in the form. This applies even if you have already informed us of this condition as it is no harm to be kept updated. Asthma sufferers should be included.  The forms will be kept in folders in the First Aid room so that the information will be to hand in case of emergency.
If your child has no health issues please return the form anyway so that we know that it has been seen by you.
All forms should be returned by Friday November 7th.
Budget News
We had planned our numbers this year to take into account that we would need an extra class teacher
next year. The numbers we had on Sept. 30th would have entitled us to gain this teacher. Unfortunately, the increase in pupil teacher ratio cuts this out. So what is being called a reduction of 1 child per class in actual fact means a reduction of a full class in the school. We will hold all the classes we have at the moment.
The other bad news is the loss of substitute cover for uncertified illness for teachers.
The Capitation Grant has increased, which is good news! But it is small consolation in light of the cutbacks.
Mission Money
€1250 was raised for the Niall Mellon Foundation. This has been given to Liam Heffernan who will be travelling to South Africa with the Kilkenny Group in November. Thanks to all who contributed to the No-Uniform day.
Shoe box leaflets have all been given out. Filled boxes are arriving already. Closing date as above.
Fund Raising
Our final Silver Circle draw was held today. A total of  €11,059 was raised. This is our biggest fund raiser of the year so míle bhuíochas to everyone who contributed so generously. Full list of winners on website.
 Gairdín na Scoile
Thanks to all the parents who volunteered to help in the garden. A rota has been set up.
Special thanks to Tom Ryan and Eddie Power for their great work last Saturday. Ms O’Brien says “Well done lads!”
Music
Congratulations and best of luck to Eamonn and the Jazz Band as they go to Dublin on Sunday next to audition for a spot on the Late Late Toy Show. They were selected from the hundreds of DVDs sent in and have prepared a lively medley of Christmas tunes for the occasion.

The Music Committee are looking for volunteers to help out with A) the B orchestra practice Wednesdays 2.45 to 3.45 and B) Jazz Band Practice Thursdays 2.45 to 3.45. If you are available to help out please contact any member of the Music Committee.
Sport
Gaelic Football
In Seven –a-side, girls have qualified for next round and the boys for the County finals.
Two teams were entered in the Boys Primary Schools’ League. Our B panel   had a great campaign with some super victories. Our A panel have qualified for their semi-final and this will be played after Halloween. Best of luck to them. Thanks to Mr Hanrick, Mr Crowley, Mr Hoyne and  Mr Delaney for their work in coaching these teams.