Dear parents,

I would like to draw your attention to two things this week:

Our Trocaire Appeal for Lent 2025-

At assembly today we drew attention to the theme of this year’s Lentan Trocaire campaign. For those who are not familiar with Trocaire it is an Irish founded Overseas Aid charity and whilst it raises funds throughout the year, each lent it launches a campaign which draws attention to particular family and community plights across the world.

This year the focus is on Limo, Julia and their family who live in a rural village in Guatemala. Whilst they have been farmers for years, managing to meet their family’s needs, they have suffered damaged crops in recent years due to extreme weather conditions in their region. This is impacting on their ability to support their family and means that there is no money to enable their 12 year old daughter Miriam to go to secondary school.

We have spoken often in school about the privilege that our education is and our responsibility to work hard and make the most of this gift, therefore I know that the Trocaire theme will be understood by our children and I think that they will want to support it. As such, the school council members have organised an Easter egg raffle for each class. Tickets will be £1 and will be on sale from Monday onwards. The campaign states that ‘£20 could provide a brighter future for a child by covering the cost of education for a month.’ We are hoping to raise lots of £20s, with your help.

Celebrating World Down Syndrome Day 2025-

Our children enjoyed wearing their odd socks in recognition of this important day and we had a lovely chat at assembly, however the highlight of our day was when our very dear past pupil, Caoimhe Judge came back to visit us this morning. She looked so sophisticated in her St Mary’s uniform and we felt very honoured that she found time in her day to come back and see all her old St Clare’s Abbey Friends. This time last year, she shared her insight into living with Down Syndrome at assembly. We know a lot about Down Syndrome in our school and it is all thanks to Caoimhe and how she has educated us during her years with us. We are so proud of Caoimhe!

On that happy note I wish you a lovely weekend,

Yours in partnership,

Mrs Monaghan

Confirmation Friday 9th May 2025 @ 6.00pm The Cathedral.

First Holy Communion Saturday 17th May @ 11.30am The Cathedral.

I really need your help parents and remind you:

That we operate a 'drop off zone' and a one way system. We have had a few 'near misses as parents have not followed the one way system and have 'cut off' across the flow of traffic, to park in the area beside the canteen. I am very fearful that we will have an accident.

1. That you need to be so careful when dropping off children. Pupils should disembark onto the pavement- not onto the road/ car park side, where cars are busily trying to depart.
2. When driving off from your'drop off position' that you need to be mindful of other cars coming up from behind. We have had a few 'near collisions' re this.
3. That buses are being held up when some of you stay too long in your 'drop off' position. I have frequently seen the bus unable to take the bend to get to its drop off position because some of you have left your car unattended or are delaying your departure to make phone calls etc, unaware that your vehicle is blocking the way.

I know that with your support we can make the process safer for our school community.

Mrs Monaghan 

At the time of amalgamation it was agreed that funerals of staff of the former schools would not be attended by pupils from the newly amalgamated school. This was to avoid anyone being overlooked due to current staff being unaware of former connections with the schools.

That seemed like an appropriate arrangement at the time. However, having personally attended recent funerals of deceased former staff, I have become uneasy with this arrangement. Therefore, it will be modified as indicated below.

The family of a deceased member of staff of Abbey PS or St Clare’s PS, who retired from either school may request a school representation at their loved one’s requiem mass. If the mass is taking place during school hours and in a local church, we will try our very best to facilitate the request.  Requests may be made via telephone 02830262175.

We cherish the contribution that former staff made to both schools, from which we grew.

Mrs Monaghan