Dear Parents,

We have had a busy week filled with lots of festive events:

On Monday the Eco Council organised the Christmas Jumper recycling event. They also urged parents to engage in our school coat and ‘welly boot’ recycle. This event sits so beautifully with our Eco commitment and the stock found new owners very quickly. We thank Miss Jones, the Eco Council and every child and parent that supported this excellent event.  

The Advent Mass held on Tuesday in St Mary’s church was really beautiful and reminded us of the very important season of Advent which we are currently celebrating as we make all our Christmas preparations. It was led beautifully by Miss Jones’ P5 class – thank you!!  

Our Christmas Movie evening was a great success on Tuesday and adults and children (myself very much included) loved the chance to relax together and enjoy the treats and movies. Our only complaint was that it ended all too soon.  

We enjoyed a sumptuous feast on Wednesday when Elaine, our cook and her dedicated team, cooked Christmas dinner for us. It was absolutely delicious and we had the most festive lunch imaginable with your children loving the Christmas music and beautiful food in equal measure. The atmosphere in ‘The Happy Diner’ was wonderful.  

Congratulations and ‘thank you’ to the many P6 pupils who represented us so beautifully by singing at the Advent Mass in Newry Cathedral on Thursday. They were magnificent and almost ‘raised the Cathedral roof ‘with their joyous voices.

Last night was a busy night in school with the P1 Open Night and the gorgeous Nursery ‘Big Bedtime Read’. Our Nursery class was transformed into a magical wonderland with twinkle lights, favourite stories, hot chocolate and cookies, a few very glamorous staff members complete with pyjamas and rollers and of course our beautiful nursery children who looked ‘cuter than ever’ in their cuddly pyjamas, slippers and dressing gowns.  

Today we enjoyed our ‘Santa Fun Walks’ organised by Mr Mc Creesh.  Everyone got into the spirit and combined their quest for more exercise with lots of Christmas craic.  

And now we are all ready for the weekend to refuel the batteries before another fun filled new week.  

Have a lovely weekend,

Your in partnership

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