June 27th, 2013
Dear Parents,
The school closes for summer holidays tomorrow and will re-open on Thursday, August 29th at
9.00am, except our new Junior Infants, who will come in at 9.15am for the first day only.
We say a fond farewell to our two sixth classes. It is hard to believe that their eight years have
passed so quickly. We thank them for the huge contribution they have made to school life over
eight years and wish them every success in their new schools in the years ahead. We also thank
their parents for all the support given to us at school during this time.
Voluntary Contributions
The Board of Management would like to express sincerest thanks to all who have contributed
so far. This will be a great help in meeting the rising costs of running the school. If you have
over-looked their request and you are in a position to help in any way, it would be greatly
appreciated.
Term 3
It has been another great term here in the school. Here is a flavour of events;
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All classes enjoyed trips outside school and had a wonderful time learning in the outside
environment. Well done to all the girls who saved their money by doing jobs at home
for their tours.
Rang 6 presented splendid World projects and who can forget their fabulous production
of Cinderella Rockerfella. Lots of new talent graced the stage.
Rang 5 really enjoyed their projects on Famous women in history and also The Famine.
Highlights also included trips to Dáil Eireann, Dalkey Castle and Rebecca Currivan’s Book
Award ceremony.
Second classes celebrated First Communion with great style and we salute all the hard
work of the girls, their teachers, Fr. John and the parents. The visit to Butlers’ Chocolate
Factory was also a great success and a big favourite with the girls. Gabriela Leon’s prize
in the Texaco Art competition was a proud day in second class.
Rang 1 had a great time finding their way through the maze on their tour. Sammy the
Sleepy Elf was a big highlight of the year as well as the visit to the National Concert hall
for Music in the classroom.
Rang 4 proudly participated in the Log on Learn programme of work with the transition
year team in Rockford. Their performance at the National Children’s Choir in the
Basketball Arena will be remembered by all of us and we were very proud of them.
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Rang 3 presented their Spanish Project in style in the halla. The colourful costumes and
wonderful foods added a special touch to the day. They were very busy for World Maths
Day and yet found time to write a book for their Book Buddies. Some of the girls even
began to play Tag rugby this year.
Senior Infants loved their first ever proper school tour to Glenroe Farm. They also loved
picking their new books every night for the Bookworm Club. They are now fantastic
readers.
Junior Infants have grown and blossomed this year, and as we watched and listened to
their knowledge on so many things and admired their clay insects and flowers we
realized another miracle had happened. They are not the new little ones any more.
THEY HAVE FOUND THEIR FEET!!!!! The Teddy Bear’s picnic and pavement art were
highlights of this term.
Student Council: Well done to all the class representatives who worked so hard on
behalf of the pupils this year and even managed to change yard arrangements.
Arts week was a huge success this term with many highlights of the week. Sincerest
thanks to the Parents’ Association for their sponsorship for that week.
Sport for all days were thoroughly enjoyed by all of us and taught the girls a valuable
lifelong lesson.
LOST PROPERTY NOT CLAIMED WILL NOW BE SENT TO CHARITY. Many good items are still in
the box. (Used uniforms still available)
Sport
This was a very successful sporting year for Johnstown, battling against good teams in the
basketball and football leagues. Well done to all the girls and their coaches for their
commitment and hard work. The school Athletics team did very well this year in Santry and
looked fantastic in their new school strip. The local GAA blitz saw four teams from Johnstown
join the other teams this year. We are very proud of all our sporting girls.
School Uniforms
All items can be purchased directly from The Schoolwear House, Unit 1, Ballyogan Business
Park, Ballyogan Road, Dublin 18. (Ph.: 2921540) or sales@schoolwearhouse.ie
Infants wear the track suit only. Rang 1-6 wear the school kilt, white blouse, navy jumper, and
the school jacket is optional.
School Reports
School reports are important documents and should be kept safely. Some secondary schools
request a copy so please keep them safe especially in Rang 4 and Rang 5. All classes received
the new NCCA format this year. All classes received the results of standardized testing, which
we will re-visit in September. Rang 6 reports will be sent to secondary schools by our school.
The Meadow
The new building is nearing completion and will be open for the children in August. We want
to sincerely thank ALL the pupils and school community for their support for this project. Our
Benefit night yielded a profit of just under eleven thousand euro. This will serve to purchase
equipment for the classes for the new year.
September
NB: Junior Infants/Senior Infants/First Class for September
Many children are over-whelmed by the full day when they start at the beginning of the year.
To that end we will allow Junior Infants go home at 12.00 up to and including Wed. Sept. 11th.
Senior Infants will go home at normal time. First class will go home at 1.40pm for the first
two days only i.e. Thurs. 29th/Fri. 30th August.
A word of thanks is also due to all of the staff of this school for their tireless efforts on behalf
of the girls. Their kindness, care and generosity never cease to amaze me. Whatever the
project or the idea, the co-operation is always forthcoming. We are indeed a lucky school or a
vibrant school as the cigire described in the WSE report published earlier this year. Finally we
extend our congratulations to Lorraine Meighan on her forthcoming wedding.
A Final Note
On my own behalf I would like to pay tribute to all of you parents and in particular the
Parents’ Association for the constant support for all we do. It has been truly wonderful to
work with all of you and your beautiful girls for yet another year. We are so lucky here to
have such a dedicated staff and school community in all areas of school life and they make it
what it is. The Parents’ Association AGM will take place in September. We say a huge thank
you for another great year to our caretaker Nicky Healy, who never seems to take a break as
he looks after all our needs in the school. To Gay and Muirghen in the office for their
unending support for all of us in the school community, staff, parents and of course the pupils
who look forward to being on jobs just to get a visit to our friendly office.
On behalf of all staff and Board of Management, I would like to wish you all a long and well
earned rest. We look forward to seeing you all in August.
A full calendar will issue in September. The website will carry all up to date details also at
www.johnstowngns.ie.
Go dté sibh slán agus go mbeadh samhradh iontach agaibh uile!
Caroline J. Quinn
(Principal)