The Parent’s Association held it’s AGM at the school on Wednesday, 5th October 2011, and elected the following committee members:

• Chairperson: John Breen
• Treasurer: Jim Heylin
• Secretary: James Mernin

We would like to acknowledge the excellent contribution made during the past number of years by the outgoing treasurer, Pippa Jones and the outgoing secretary Beth O’Leary. They both gave willingly of their time and ran a very steady ship. No doubt they will return at a later date for another tour of duty!

We are pleased to announce that the Online School Calendar has now been updated for the 2011-2012 school year. The calendar has been improved this year to include details of any planned fund raising or charity events, in addition to the usual details about school holidays and other events.

Also new this year is Cost indicator for each event. This is intended to give parents advance notice of events which may have an associated cost. Also, the timing of any such events has been carefully reconsidered this year so that similar events do occur together or at busy/costly times of the year. For example, there are no such events immediately after Christmas or Easter. This change was made as a result of direct feedback from parents during the 2010-2011 school year.

The Calendar is available at http://www.pilibbarun.com/info/calendar

A recent article in the US magazine “Scientific American” was referred to in our recent newsletter. The full article may be accessed here.

For those parents who are not participating in the bookrental scheme you may download booklists here.

A summer camp will be held in the school in August 2011 run by two teachers in Gaelscoil Philib Barún, Orna Ní hArta and Caren Ní Dhroma. This is an independent camp utilising the school facilities. For further information contact ornapb@gmail.com.

Summer Camp
Gaelscoil Philib Barún
8th – 12th August 2011
Boys & Girls – Ages 5-12
€60
Activities – Sport, games, art etc.

Thank you very much,
Orna & Caren

The Team of the Season was named today:

• Goalkeeper: Jaiden Owie
• Defenders: Scott Ó Murchú, Cian O Conchubhair, Daimhín Fortune, Aodán Ó Broin
• Midfielders: Lorcán Ó Muirthile, Abbie Ní Dhonncha, Lumi Kanwei, Chemi Kanwei
• Strikers: Laoi Vernon, Zac Ó Conchubhair

The league final takes place in the AFC at 12:00pm on Thursday, 23 June 2011. The two top teams have qualified through the play-offs so Tottenham play Chelsea in what will be an exciting game. The whole school will attend. Parents are also welcome.

After 156 games Chelsea have topped the table on goal difference while Manchester Utd have qualified with the help of a bonus point.

The quarter final lineups are:

• Chelsea v Manchain Aontaithe – Am lóin bheag Dé Luain
• Tottenham v Arsenal – Am lóin Mhóir Dé Luain
• Inter Milan v Barcelona – Am Lóin Bheag Dé Máirt
• Real Madrid v Bayern Munich. – Am Lóin Mhóir Dé Máirt

Further info on league website.

The Board of Management has discussed book rental for the coming school year 2010/11. They have come to the agreement that the fee will remain the same as last year. It will be as follows, €95 euros for the first child and €85 per child after that.

Fees include €20 for Arts & Crafts and €10 for photocopying and the covering of books.

Book rental fees may be paid in installments of your choice to Suzanne in the office. Fees should be paid in full Friday the 3rd of June 2011, as school books for the coming year will have to be ordered as soon as possible. Those who wish to pay installments should have a deposit paid by that date.

Purchasing your own books

Parents who wish to buy their own books must let the office know before the end of May, so that the correct number of books may be ordered. Also if you are purchasing your own books, an Arts & Crafts fee of €20 and a €10 for photocopying per child must be paid to the office. When this is paid you will then receive your booklist in June. However those who do not pay will not receive their lists. It is very important that all fees for Arts & Crafts and photocopying are paid as each class will be allocated this money per child paid.

Book grant

Those who wish to avail of a book grant should apply in writing to the Principal before the 3rd of June 2011.

If you have any queries please do not hesitate to come to me any evening after school. Thank you for your co-operation.

Mise le meas,
Caitríona Ní Chuirrín
(Teacher in charge of ordering school books)

The school art festival will officially be launched this evening, Friday, 13 May 2011 in the school between 7-9pm. All are welcome to see the pupils’ and parents work.

Some examples of the pupil’s work include:

Pupils in 5th class putting the finishing touches to their pieces for the art exhibition:

A Carlow Landscape by Charlotte Finlay Third Class:

The school will be visited by 4 senior officials from the DES Building Section to view the site for the new school an Wednesday next the 11th May 2011 at 2:30 in the school. This is an important step in putting a design brief together to be put out to tender to architects.

Attending the meeting on behalf of the Gaelscoil will be Seán Breathnach (Chairperson, Board of Management), Daithí de Paor (Principal), and John Breen (Chairperson of the Parents Association). The schedule of accommodation for the school can be viewed here.