Dear Parents,

We have had the most wonderful week in school, filled with Christmas cheer.

Sacrament of Reconciliation:

The highlight of the week was on Wednesday when many of our P4 pupils made their 'First Confession.' They were, in the words of Fr Alphonsus, 'like little angels.' We were so proud of them and so thankful to Mrs Cribbin, Miss McCann and the P4 Classroom assistants for accompanying the children on their faith journey. I know that they consider it a true privilege.

Eco Council’s Christmas event:

We had great atmosphere at the Christmas jumper recycling event. We thank the Eco Council for leading this very sensible and Eco-friendly initiative. Thanks to all the families that donated jumpers. Hopefully this will become an annual event.

I remind parents that we have an abundance of pre-loved uniforms in very good condition. Please feel free to come to school to replenish if your child has taken a growth spurt in recent months.

A lovely Christmas opportunity for families:

Traditionally pupils from St Clare's Abbey participate in the nativity scene at the Christmas Eve vigil mass in Newry Cathedral. If you would like your child to dress up as Mary, Joseph, a shepherd or angel in this special part of the Christmas Eve liturgy, please let us know and we will include him/her. The parts will be allocated on a first come first serve basis. Each year the children gain so much from participating and their proud families have a beautiful Christmas experience. Please email me and I will pass your details to Mrs Cribbin who is organising this.

Exciting events happening in school in the days ahead:

Next week we will hold the P3 & P7 Nativity plays for guests - we will have a collection at each to help with the production costs and any donation made will be greatly received. Our school choir will also perform at local residential homes, which will be very special.

On Wednesday, the Nursery pupils will have their 'Ditch the Dummy' event and enjoy a visit from Santa. They will also be entertained by our school choir. We hope to see all our families in attendance - with the dummies!!!!!!!!!!!

On Thursday we will have a super day, filled with Santa visits, Christmas jumpers and pantomime, please see poster below.

And finally... ... ... 

Reminder- School will finish next Friday 20th December 2024 @ 12pm and will reopen on Monday 6th January 2025.

I conclude by wishing your families every blessing for a peaceful and holy Christmas and the new year.

Your support throughout the first term has been wonderful as always - we have a great community here in St Clare's Abbey and I am very appreciative of you all.

Have a lovely weekend and enjoy the last minute Christmas preparations. The children have been learning all about the true meaning of Advent and Christmas and are very ready to celebrate the birth of Christ. They are such lovely, spiritually aware children and it is a pleasure to work with them.

Yours in partnership,

Mrs Monaghan

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

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

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