Dear Parents & Carers 

We have had a busy week in school beginning with our P1 Curriculum Information session on Monday afternoon.  We thank our parents for turning up in such brilliant numbers- this communication between home and school is immensely beneficial to our pupils. I thank Mrs Kearney and Mrs McParland for sharing their wisdom and expertise.  

Our P7 boys were invited to St. Joseph's High School for a wonderful morning of Technology& Design, P.E, Art and Home Economics. They did us proud as always.  Well done boys!

Our Primary 7 classes visited Bagenal's Castle to learn about life during The Famine as part of their 'Living History' programme. P6 classes had a fantastic morning with AIB and Young Enterprise NI  where they explored financial capability and business acumen.   

The highlight of our week was the 'Catholic Schools' Week' Service in Newry Cathedral. Our P5-P7 pupils were beautifully 'turned out' (thank you so much parents & guardians) and they sang and prayed with respect, reverence and praise to God. Our choir 'lifted the roof' in joyful celebration and our readers and singers, leading the liturgy, were fabulous! A very special thank you to Mr Clarke for sharing his musical talent with everyone. We are so lucky! Archbishop Eamon Martin spoke about finding God and Holiness in the most ordinary and simple things in life- in the classroom, the playground and at home. This is our hope for the pupils and staff in St. Clare's Abbey.  

Wishing you a weekend of experiencing the 'extraordinary' in the 'ordinary'.   

Yours in continued gratitude,     

Mrs Donnelly 

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