Scoil Ghormáin Naofa, Castletown

Thank you to Fiadh Russell who was the winner of a Heritage Ireland Expert visit for her drawing of a robin in lockdown. Dale Treadwell (who has worked on RTE) came to school today and treated all the children to a mini beast workshop. Dale loved our grounds and all the diversity here! We hope the children enjoyed this workshop and encourage them to tell you all about it at home! 

Yesterday, we met Stephen the stick insect and many children got to hold him! Stephen left some eggs with us and we look forward to breeding our own stick insects. What a fun way to examine life processes in such an interactive way!

Here is a picture of Stephen on Ms. Russell’s arm!

How lucky were our junior classes today to access a Microsoft teams session with author Gerry Daly (Where are you puffling?) This was part of Wexford Library’s Children’s Book Festival 2021. We look forward to engaging in other such fun events!

We were delighted to welcome Doireann Cullen, Megan Cullen and Muireann Fitzpatrick with their All Ireland cup for camogie which they won a few weeks back. The girls spoke passionately about being involved in sport, about empowering females in sport and of the importance of water, good sleep and a healthy diet. They answered lots of questions from the students too! I would like to think that we will welcome lots of our pupils back in future with cups of their own! The girls reminded us that it is never too late to take up sport and the fun that they have being part of a team!
* A great weekend of sport for some of our pupils. Jessica was part of the winning U-14 County finals team with Castletown and Kian and John played for the winning team U-13. Well done! Ravi is also a member of that team so well done to him also!

Mr. Breen thought it would be a lovely idea to combine our Active School endeavours with some team bonding and with that Rang 5/6 headed off to The Stables where they engaged in a 5km obstacle course! I marvelled at the fresh happy faces that came back afterwards! Thank you Mr. Breen and Carmel!

5th and 6th class had a wonderful field trip today examining the biodiversity of the local river. The children were thoroughly engaged! It just goes to show how interactive hands-on learning is so effective!

Huge thanks to Cathy Lee for coordinating the event and to Rory Keating and his colleague from Inland Fisheries Ireland for their expertise and indeed the gifts they brought!

Our past pupils will make their Confirmation on Monday, 11th October at 7.30 pm in the church. Here is some information that may help.

**Please note that you are asked to call to the parish office (behind the library in Arklow) to collect a card with details about your sponsor. This is handed to the priest on the day.

Here is the order of service for the evening. you might like to run through it with your child:

• Children do not wear albs as decided by Arklow Parish
• It will take the format of a service with anointment as opposed to a mass
• Fr. Pádraig O’Cochláin will be the celebrant
• I am very grateful to Ms. Walker and Ms. ní Shúilleabháin who will give of their time to accompany the service
• Subject to review, at this point it looks like each family will have a pew to themselves. Please wear masks for the ceremony.
• We have a limited number of prayers. If your child would like to read, please contact the office on 0402 37596
• Preparation had begun with children last year but I have asked Fr. Pádraig to send on responses and prayers for you to practice at home.
• Siobhán from the parish office will contact you with a form that should be filled in and brought on the evening.
• Your child should choose a Confirmation name. This may be a saint or person who was a positive spiritual guide for them
• Your child should bring a sponsor. Traditionally this may be a godparent or parent.
• I will update here as I receive information. I hope you will all have a special evening and look forward to sharing it with you.
• Please arrive by 7.20
• Brendan Cullen will be there to take photographs and Siobhán will be in contact about forms.
• Emer Russell

* Here are some healthy lunch ideas for your child’s lunchboxhttps://www.safefood.net/family-health/healthy-lunch?gclid=CjwKCAjw-sqKBhBjEiwAVaQ9azNnP8tnGbasfG9REfMXHf002gk17pIVUhC3FwpkLwybyemQX6YZSRoC_XsQAvD_BwE
* It is recommended that 5-8 year olds should have 3 daily servings of milk and 9-18 year olds should have five daily servings of milk. More information is available at www.moocrew.ie

The county final day has arrived and we have our fingers and toes crossed for Castletown that they will be victorious!
Mr. Breen has promised no homework if Tara Rocks wins and Ms. Russell has promised no homework if Castletown wins. A win-win situation for our pupils!

Click on the link to see our rap supporting the local hurling team. Huge thanks to Ms. ní Shúilleabháin for composing! We think Joe would love it!

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.

It is with great personal sadness that we pass on the news of our wonderful chairperson Joe O’Shaughnessy’s passing.
Joe was a constant and wise supporter of our school with our best interests at heart, always.
He was kind and funny and took on the role for two consecutive terms despite being such a busy man. His wisdom and sensibility were always welcome at board meetings.
It has been my pleasure to work alongside Joe for the good of our school community and I am thankful for the time we had with him.
We send our deepest sympathies to his beloved wife Anne, his children, family and wide circle of friends.
Thank you Joe, may you Rest in Peace.

Emer Russell, Principal

Well done to all of our children who took this moment’s silence with such solemnity. Please click the link to view.