Dear parents,

Thank you to everyone who has made such an effort to support the active travel challenge. It has been joyful to watch so many pupils cycling, scooting and walking to school, especially since there has been quite a bit of good weather in recent days.

Upcoming Events:

On Monday 31^st March we are so lucky as Dr Emma, (mum of Laoimh, Radha and Aodhfionn) is leading a workshop with our P7 pupils on caring for skin during adolescence. We are excited about this and deeply appreciative.

On Tuesday 1^st April we will have our school mass in St Mary's Chapel. This will be led by Mrs McParland's P7 class and all parents are warmly invited to join us.

On Thursday 3^rd April the P6/7 choir will participate in Newry Feis in the Hymn Singing competition.

On Friday 4^th April we have a busy feis morning for The Fireside Singers, The Strings Ensembles and the P2 Creative music makers. All involved will be brought to the venue- The Artisan Market in The Quays -by school staff and we would love to see parents/ family members in attendance, as your support always makes these competitions more meaningful.

St Clare's Abbey pupils will be leading the Parish Family Mass on Sunday 6^th April at mid-day in the Cathedral of Saints Patrick & Colman. Please contact me on mmonaghan771@c2kni.net  if you would like your child to have a job at this special mass. Roles will be allocated on a first come first served basis and families that have participated before are warmly invited to do so again.

Thank you for your kind support and interest in all that we do,

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