Dear Parents / Guardians, Christmas is here once again and excitement has been building in the school community in recent weeks. Our preparations will culminate in our Christmas concert on Friday, December 19th. The 3rd and 4th classes will perform first at 10.10, with a modern celebration of the Nativity. They will be followed by the 5th and 6th classes, who will sing a repertoire which will include two songs from the National Children’s Choir programme and a selection of traditional Christmas carols. In the interest of Health and Safety it would be of great benefit if the members of the audience could collect their protégées at 12.00 at the usual pick-‐up locations outside the school boundaries. The staff of the school would like to wish the entire school community
a joyful, peaceful Christmas and New Year.
Beannachtaí na Nollag agus Athbhliain faoi mhaise daoibh
Our school website can be accessed on www.baysidesns.ie Dear Parents/Guardians, Firstly, let me wish all of you and your families the compliments of the season. I am sorry that I had to leave the school so abruptly but I had to have treatment rather urgently. Things have gone well and I am recuperating. However, I shall be retiring as and from the 4th of January 2015. This means that I shall not be back at school as I am still somewhat unfit for work. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the whole community of Bayside School for allowing me the privilege of working with their children over what is almost 35 years. I feel a sense of gratitude and humility for the experience of almost a lifetime of work. To PABS let me say a special word of thanks for the help and co-‐operation during my tenure as Principal. The school community are very lucky to have them. I would also like to thank all the members of the Board who were so supportive of me. Of course it goes without saying that I am extremely grateful to the whole staff of the school for the wonderful work they do in the school, whether that be teaching, secretarial, upkeep or cleaning. We have been extremely fortunate in the personnel we have had working in the school. I wish only the very best future for the pupils and the school community in general. It is a school with a good reputation and long may that continue. Tá súil agam go mbeidh Nollaig faoi shéan agus ath-‐bhliain faoi mhaise agaibh uile. Martin Donohoe, Out-‐going Principal Christmas
Well done to our enterprising
artists who have produced such
wonderful recycled decorations for
the Christmas tree in the foyer.
All the classes have once again
designed unique Christmas cards
which will impress family and friends
far and wide. Thanks to Trevor
Ecock, parent and past pupil who
does such a good job printing the
cards and to our secretary and
graphic designer – Trish Gleeson,
whose contribution is immense.
Once again the Vincent de Paul
have expressed their heartfelt
thanks to all the parents and pupils
who have been so generous in the
organisation of our classes
Christmas hampers
for families in
need.
PABS and Parental Support
On behalf of all the pupils and staff, I would like to
thank PABS for their on-going dedication and support
Confirmation to the school. Highlights of their contribution so far
have been the Quiz night, the Book Fair and the
We do not yet know the date of the clothes
recycling
day,
which
have
helped
raise
much the Confirmation in 2015 but it is needed
funds
for
educational
resources
and
services.
likely to take place at the end of May.
Many parents and guardians help out with lifts to
sporting events and with escorting classes on outings
and a number of parents will be involved in the Parish
Green Schools
Programme for Confirmation in the New Year. A
group of parents travelled to Madrid with a number
Last Autumn, Bayside Senior School
of our pupils to participate in a multi-national G.A.A.
committed to An Taisce’s Green
tournament. They returned with a very impressive
Home programme. It is a two year
programme to promote greater
trophy. Parents share their expertise and support us
awareness of Green issues in our
positively in numerous ways and play a vital role in
schools and in our homes. So far,
maintaining our excellent reputation.
150 pupils and their families have
We are hoping to launch a major fund-raising blitz in
registered online. To find out more,
the New Year, with a view to providing a much
please check out
needed overhaul of our IT facilities and services. The
www.greenhome.ie Last year, we
Science
Day and we will be
cost of this up-grade
will beOpen
immense
explored the themes of Waste and
hoping that the whole school and wider community
Energy. This year we will investigate
st
Our
Science
Open
Day
was
held
on
21
November.
the themes of Water and Transport.
will work together to generate the necessary
Huge
work
went
in
to
the
preparation
for
the
event,
We plan to have a guest speaker to
sponsorship and financial support.
which
proved
to
be
a
resounding
success.
It
was
give a presentation on water before
fantastic to see every pupil engage so enthusiastically in
the end of January.
science activities. The children really enjoyed educating
each other – and their elders! The response of our
visitors was overwhelmingly positive. It is so rewarding
for all concerned to engage in such interactive teaching
and learning.
Sincere thanks to all the staff and to Ms. Clonan in
particular who co-ordinated the whole proceedings.
Sport
Mr. Kinsella and Mr. Tyrrell have been training our hurlers this year. They organised a school senior indoor
hurling league during September – October. Great fun was had by all. The juniors competition has just
begun in preparation for the Cumann na mBunscoil season ahead. Ms Treacy and Ms. Raftice have been
coaching our camogie squad.
A number of our classes attended top level Badminton matches in the Baldoyle Badminton Centre this term.
We are very proud to have received a nomination from Badminton Ireland for school of the year in
recognition of our on-going support.
All 3rd classes are enjoying Gaelic coaching with Mr. Martin Nolan and assistants from Naomh Barróg. To
date, two 4th classes have completed their 8 week swimming lessons in Trinity Sports and Leisure pool. The
4th classes have been trained by Danny and Gertie our local athletics coaches. Our 5th classes are receiving
soccer coaching from the FAI. Following on from tag rugby coaching sessions with Glen from Suttonians
Rugby Club the 6th classes participated in a tag rugby blitz in October. The day went very well, despite the
inclement weather, with one of our teams winning the final. Thank you to all our coaches. We really value
their dedication and commitment.
National Children’s Choir
th
th
The 5 and 6 classes and their teachers have been practicing hard with the National Children’s Choir repertoire. Particular
thanks to Ms Treacy and Ms. Boyce who coordinate the rehearsals. The culmination of all our hard work will be the Dublin
concert in the Tallaght Arena at the end of April. We have yet to hear on which night we will be performing.
Ten children from the choir were chosen to sing carols with 41 other chorists from a selection of schools. Their performance
heralded the turning-on of the Christmas lights in O’Connell St. They were absolutely brilliant and we are very proud of
them – and of all the pupils involved in the National Children’s Choir.
Parent – Teacher meetings: Wednesday 21st and Thursday 22nd January 2015 I’d like to thank all our teaching and ancillary staff for their loyalty, efficiency and diligence.
Finally, could I ask you all to encourage your children to take part in the Parish ceremonies this
Christmas and to care for those who may be in need of company and support over the holiday
season.
Emer O’Connor
Acting Principal School will close at 12.00 noon on Friday 19th and will re-open on
Monday 5th January 2015.