Thanks to all our pupils and families for supporting us in keeping the school safe for everyone since we returned to school. We wish you all a very safe and Happy Christmas and we look forward to seeing you when we return on the 6th January.

On Monday morning, the boys and girls took part in a Santa Dash on the school grounds. They wore their Christmas jumpers, hairbands and Santa hat for the occasion. Everyone was in good spirits and didn't let the weather dampen the mood. Thanks to Mrs. Mc Guigan and SNA Karen for organising the event. We were all treated to chocolate brussel sprouts to reward our efforts. Check out the pictures below. 

Christmas is a time for giving and on Monday, the staff and children wore their Christmas Jumpers to school  to raise money for those in greater need than themselves. This year the charity chosen was Temple Street Children's Hospital where Junior Infant pupil Kohen Fitzpatrick receives his treatment. Everyone looked lovely and festive in their jumpers. We raised €550 for Ireland's sickest children. A big thank you to all our families for their generous donations.

Congratulations to Éabha, Eve, Finn, Keira, Lily and Sarah who received their First Holy Communion in St. Mary's Church Staghall on Saturday 19th December. The children had waited a long time for their special day. It was a lovely intimate ceremony for them and their families in the surroundings of the church beautifully decorated in preparation for Christmas. The children participated wonderfully in the Mass making everyone proud. The following day we all celebrated the special occasion at school with cake for everyone. 

The children enjoyed the preparations for the festive season by doing some creative projects on our Christmas Arts and Crafts Day. There was lots of cutting, sticking, painting and colouring going on to produce the lovely works of art below. 

The Senior Room held a very successful "Sponsored Silence" before Christmas when they raised €501 for the charity "Sleep Out Cavan." The charity supports people around Cavan who are homeless and they also provide clothing and supplies to people who are living rough on the streets of Dublin. The pupils had activities prepared to occupy them and to distract them from talking. Well done boys and girls for taking the initiative and thanks to your teacher Mrs. Gunn for helping to organise the fundraiser.                            

We were thrilled this week when we learned that we have been awarded the Active School Flag. A huge amount of work has been put into the achievement of the Active flag by everyone; pupils and staff, the ASF committee and parent volunteers. Thank you to our families who continued so much of the work during the lockdown by participating in the weekly activities and challenges set by the teachers. The judges were extremely impressed with the effort put into the achievement of the flag and commented that "the ASF website showcase section in your school website is really outstanding." A very special word of thanks to Mrs. Mc Guigan and Ms. Fitzpatrick who led the process and dedicated a lot of time and energy to it. We are hugely proud of this achievement. 

The weeks before Christmas are very busy in the Post Office and the Junior Room post office was no different. There were Christmas cards to be written and parcels to be posted. TV licences were purchased and passports were applied for. Dog licences were in very big demand. At the construction area, the children were creating a new delivery van. In the Small World area the post was delivered to all the houses around the town. Presents were carefully wrapped and had ribbons and bows added. With all the effort put in by our postal workers, we're sure they'll all arrive in time for Christmas!

The children came to school dressed in their Cavan colours to support the boys in blue as they take on Dublin in the All-Ireland semi-final on Saturday. Come on Cavan!! 

As part of their Geography topic on "Homes and Other Buildings" this term, the fourth, fifth and sixth classs children designed and made their ideal home or "Grand Design". As you will see from the pictures below, the resulting homes show considerable creativity and ingenuity and the children and their families are to be commended on the time, effort, skill and attention to detail that went into each of the projects.  Well done all on your outstanding designs!
The cross-curricular work on this topic has heightened the children's awareness of the issue of homelessness in the community. As a result, the class have decided to participate in a one hour "Sponsored Silence" at school on Friday 11th December. Money raised from the event will be donated to the homeless charity 'Sleep Out Cavan'.