St. Francis Xavier National Schools
Parents Association Newsletter
www.sfxns.ie
May 2014
Edited by Hilary Sweeney
Summer Term
With the constant hope that the weather does
improve for the months of May and June please
remember to apply sun cream to the children
before leaving for school in the mornings that
look promising. Also, please write their names
on all uniform pieces as PE often takes place
outdoors and items can go astray.
School Security
As a security and safety measure, the Tesco gate
(pedestrian one at new part of Junior School) will
be closed every day from 9.20 until 1pm.
Also, the Junior School will be fitted with a
buzzer system for the same hours daily.
First holy Communion
We would like to wish all the children who are
making their First Holy Communion all the very
best for their very special days. Ms. Mc
Gettigan’s class will make theirs on May 10th
and Ms. Noone’s and Ms. Halliden’s classes will
make theirs on May 17th. After the ceremony
on both days the children and their families are
welcome for refreshments in the school hall of
Scoil Bride at the rear of the Church. This is a
nice informal way to unwind after the ceremony
and the children can chat with their friends. We
provide only water and 7up with outfit friendly
treats for the children and plastic aprons, which
you can take with you to keep their clothes
clean. If you would like to assist with the
Communion parties please call Gillian Douglas on
086 3715864.We hope you and your families
have a wonderful day.
Tigers After School Care
Tigers Afterschool will be taking names for the
September afterschool club in the Junior School.
For all options and to enquire contact:
www.tigersafterschoolcare.com
New Play Area and Markings
The playground has received new paint markings
outlining games for the children of both schools
to enjoy. Friendship benches will be added
shortly. The cost of this is a direct result of PA
fundraising so many thanks you all you during
our fundraising endeavours.
Confirmation
Congratulations to all 69 children in sixth class
on their recent Confirmation by Bishop Raymond
Field. The ceremony took place on Tuesday April
8th in St. Brigid’s Church, Blanchardstown. It was
a fantastic day with even the sun making an
appearance for the occasion. Great credit must
go to the parents and guardians of the children
as they looked fabulous on the day. Thanks also
to the sixth class teachers, Mr. O’ Leary, Ms.
Hyland and Ms. Brennan and to our Chaplin Fr.
Casey. Many thanks to our Fifth/Sixth Class
Choir and teachers Ms. Corrigan, Mr. Mahony,
Ms. Greene, Ms. Byrne and Ms. Jordan along
with the organist John White for all their hard
work which greatly added to the ceremony. A
special note of praise must go to our soloist, Tara
Ward, who was exceptional. Confirmation was a
truly memorable event of which the school is
very proud. Again, the photos are available to
view on the school website.
Garden
Pupils in all classes have been busy since the
beginning of Spring planting a variety of
vegetables in their raised beds.
Hurling
A hurling league will be beginning shortly and
the pupils will be encouraged to represent the
school in the coming weeks.
Dublin 15 Fittest School Competition
On April 4th, St. Francis Xavier Senior School
along with many other schools from Dublin 15
were invited to take part in the ‘Dublin 15 Fittest
School’ competition.
Mr. Farrell took a group of eleven boys up to the
Institute of Technology Blanchardstown for a
day’s activities. The boys acquitted themselves
very well and enjoyed the day very much. They
received a cert and goody bag from Dublin
Footballer, Philly Mc Mahon and Athlete, Eamon
Coughlan. Photos of the day can be viewed on
the website
Peil na gCailíní
Well done to all the girls who played on the
football team and whose hard work and
commitment in this year’s league did our school
proud. They narrowly missed out on a place in
the final but the determination, dedication and
team work shown by the girls was remarkable.
Draíocht
The children of the Senior School have attended
many of the workshops run by Draíocht. We are
so lucky to have a facility like this on our
doorstep. The workshops included story, clay
modelling and drumming. Next week two
classes will attend ‘Focus on Creating Poems and
Pictures’.
Theatre Visit
We would like to take this opportunity to thank
the Parents Association for their generous
sponsorship of the two Theatre Companies who
visited the school. Fifth and sixth enjoyed the
Abbey Theatre’s production of ‘Mollser and Me’
and the third and fourth classes enjoyed ‘The
Ballad of Pondlife’ performed by the Catherine
Wheels Theatre company U.K.
Basketball Blitz
After a few weeks of training with Ms. Bourne
and Ms. Hyland, our boys and girls Basketball
Teams played a Blitz against St. Patricks’ School,
Diswellstown. It was a great opportunity for
both teams to play in such a fantastic hall. A
great afternoon was had by all and well done
everyone!
Castleknock Community College Plant Sale
This year the plant sale will take place on May
10th and 11th from 10am – 5pm in the school.
Summer bedding, hanging baskets, ceramics and
terracotta garden accessories are all available
along with a cake sale and coffee shop. Everyone
welcome!
Senior School Soccer
Mr. O’ Leary’s school soccer team has played
two of their six games in the West Dublin
League. So far, they have been involved in two
very close matches. Despite a battling
performance they were defeated 3-2 by Corduff.
In the next game, Ayomide Adams played a key
part in setting up Kevin Okiwe for a vital goad
that earned the team a 1-1 draw at home to
Mountview. The team will be looking to build on
this strong performance in their remaining
league fixtures. Many thanks to all the parents
that have provided lifts to matches this year.
Sponsored Walk and Fun Run
This year the date is Sunday May 25th and we
look forward to seeing you all there to join in the
fun and games.
This year the last leg of the Senior School Fun
Run will be included in the day as will the annual
Sponsored Walk which takes place from 2pm4pm. Giant Garden Games, Face Painting, Disco,
treats for the kids and tea and coffee for the
adults will be included.
If any parents wish to help with the set up on the
day please come to the Junior School for 12pm,
we’d be delighted with the help.
A reminder and further details will be sent home
nearer to the day.
Trocaire Boxes
If there are any Trocaire Boxes still lurking at
home, it’s not too late to bring them into the
school
Dates to Remember
First Holy Communion will be on May 10th and
17th. Sponsored Walk and Fun Day will take place
on May 25th. Mid Term Break – School closed
June 2nd – June 6th inclusive.
School Closes June 27th for school holidays.