Class Size Campaign

URGENT! 

The government proposes to increase the pupil-teacher ratio in next month's budget. Even a small increase would have a major detrimental impact on the educational provision for pupils in primary schools throughout the country. Parents and teachers are now actively campaigning against this cynical government measure to spend less on children's primary school education. There have been far too many cuts in the area of education already--cuts to Resource Teacher provision, S.N.A. provision and essential capitation and maintenance grants, are just a few examples.

All parents and teachers are urged to sign the recently-distributed INTO postcard (the one with the photo of schoolchildren on the front bearing the message, "Don't Make Children Pay." Signed postcards may be handed in at the school or posted to a local T.D. or the Minister for Education/ Finance (extra cards are available from the School Office).  Lobbying T.D.s and sending e-mails and/or letters to T.D.s stating that you oppose the idea of increasing the pupil-teacher ratio really would help bolster this campaign. 

This is a very serious issue which will cause schools like ours to lose one, or more, teacher(s) with almost immediate effect. Nationwide, increasing the pupil-teacher ratio will mean a huge increase in the number classes with more than 30 pupils. It will also cause a huge increase in the number of classes with 2, 3 or even 4 grades being taught in the same classroom. Pupils with special needs will suffer most.

Please do what you can to inform others about this issue. Please make your opposition to it known. There isn't much time -- the Budget will be delivered on October 15. The time to act is NOW.

Parent-Teacher Meetings

Reminder: P/T Meetings take place tonight. Starting time: 6.30 pm. Each teacher will host a meeting in his/her own classroom. You are welcome to attend the meeting relevant to any one of your children attending the school but we recommend that you attend the meeting relevant to your youngest child.  Hope to see you there.

School Closures during 2013/14

Patrickswell N.S. will be closed on the following dates:

October 4th
October 28 to November 1st, inclusive
November 25th
December 23rd to January 3rd, inclusive
January 27th
February 20th & 21st
March 14th & 17th
April 14th to April 25th, inclusive
May 5th
June 2nd & 3rd
Summer holidays will begin on June 30th

Miss Noonan's Class, September 2013

The boys and girls in Miss Noonan's class were happy to pose for this photo earlier this morning, just minutes after they had their photo taken for next weekend's West Limerick Observer Newspaper. We wish them a very happy year in school in 2013/14.

Summer Holidays

***Summer Holidays start when school ends tomorrow! We wish all our pupils safe and happy holidays.
***Don't forget that tomorrow is a Colours Day (€2 contribution).
***Also, if you have filled out a childcare survey, please return it to the School Office tomorrow.
***Finally, there are still some School Newsletters available... They can be bought in the school tomorrow or from O'Brien's Pharmacy in the village  (while stocks last).

P.S. Result of Pupils v Teachers soccer match: 0-6! The pupils put up a great challenge but the teachers got lucky (6 times!)

Graduation of Class of 2013

Very best wishes to each and every one of the twenty one 6th Class pupils who graduated from Patrickswell NS today! Mass was celebrated in their classroom at 12.00 noon. Our Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Muiris O Connor was the celebrant. The congregation was made up of the pupils themselves, their parents/relations and some of the teachers from the school--including class teacher, Mr. Paul O Connor.
Refreshments were served in the School Hall afterwards by members of our Parents' Association (to whom we say a very big THANK YOU!)

The Class of 2013 (posing for their last photo together as primary school pupils)

(Below) Míle buíochas, Teresa!

Adam and Teresa Carrig on Adam's last day in 6th Class. Teresa has served  as a committee member on Patrickswell N.S. Parents' Association for the past 18 years, during which time she has given sterling service in the cause of the school and its pupils. All associated with the school are extremely grateful to Teresa--and all members of the Parents Association--for everything they have done and continue to do for the school.

2013 School Magazine out NOW!

...Lots of great news and photos...54 pages...(56 pages, including Leader Cup Supplement)...Fantastic value at €5...Have you got your copy?
The 2013 Patrickswell N.S. Annual School Review is an excellent record of what's been going on in the school since last September. It's certain to be a keepsake that will be treasured by all members of our school community for years and years to come.
Get your copy/copies from the School Office today. They're going fast--and when they're gone, they're gone!!!

Every family should have one! (At least one!) Order yours from the School Office today.