CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK: Catholic Schools Week is being celebrated this year from Sunday 18th January until Saturday 24th. The theme this year is 'Normal Lives, Called to Holiness'. Each day in school a reflection, followed by prayer, will be read over the intercom and we will gather in the hall for a special prayer service on Friday 23rd. A class will attend the 10:00 am Mass in Our Lady of the Assumption Church each day from Tuesday to Thursday. At the 10:00 a.m. Mass on Thursday the 22nd, the role of Grandparents is being celebrated. Our 4th Class, along with pupils from Our Lady of Mercy School, will be in attendance and participate in the Mass. Grandparents of pupils in the two parish schools are very welcome to attend the Mass if it is possible for them to do so. There will be refreshments in the Pastoral Centre after the Mass. Any grandparents unable to attend are welcome to view the Mass via the church webcam. Could you please pass on this invitation to all grandparents?
FIRST RECONCILIATION/FIRST COMMUNION: As the First Reconciliation/First Communion programme for the 2nd Class boys and girls is about to commence, we wish to remind you about the meeting for you, the parents/ guardians of children registered for the preparation for the Sacrament of FIRST RECONCILIATION/ FIRST COMMUNION. takes place this Thursday evening, the 22nd of January at 7.30pm in the Parish Centre.Thereafter we look forward to welcoming you with your son or daughter to either next Saturday’s 6pm Mass (Sat 24th of Jan) or Sunday’s 11am Mass (Sun 25th of Jan) for their official enrolment into the preparatory programme for First Reconciliation/First Communion.We look forward to seeing you on Thursday.Fiona Henry and Catherine Ballance.Parish Catechists
INFORMATION MORNING FOR PARENTS OF INCOMING JUNIOR INFANTS 2026-2027: Saint Mary's BNS will host a Welcome Information Session for all incoming parents on Friday 6th February 2026 from 09:00-10:00.The Information Session will be hosted by the Principal, the current Junior Infant teacher and members of our Student Council. Amongst many matters the session will cover: what a typical day looks like in Junior Infants; active teaching & learning; independence, resilience & wellbeing; hot lunches; our school ethos; child safeguarding; schoolbooks, resources & uniforms; afterschool activities; Booterstown Morning and Afternoon Childcare Services and the New Primary Curriculum Framework.Tea and coffee will be served and you will get an opportunity to meet other parents and members of our Parents' Association. The morning is for parents/ guardians only.Nearer the end of the school year we will host a morning for your child to come in and visit his new classroom with his new uniform. We really look forward to seeing you all on Friday 6th Febuary at 09:00.
LAUDATE CELEBRATIONS 2026: Laudate celebrates our pupils and all who are part of Catholic Schools Community in song and reflections. All are welcome; parents, families, friends, neighbours and parish choirs. Entry is free. It will be held in the Tuesday 27th of January at 19:00 in Our Lady of Victories, Ballymun Road. If you cannot make that evening Laudate Celebrations 2026 will also be held on Wednesday 28th of January at 19:00 in the nearer Church of St. Therese, Mount Merrion.
FUNDRAISING WEEKLY DRAW: Max in Junior Infants was our weekly winner this week. We have already hadfour weekly winners, though the jackpot has yet to be won. Please see the fundraiser link button on our website. It would be hugely appreciated if you can contribute €5 for 3 lines, and you never know you might just win! Please pass the word on and invite friends and family. Weekly Lotto Fundraiser. Weekly School Fundraiser
SCHOOL CLOSURE FOR STAFF TRAINING: Saint Mary's BNS will be closed for students on Thursday January 29th 2026 and Thursday April 30th 2026 for staff training for the New Primary Curriculum Framework.
BOOTERSTOWN CHILDCARE SERVICES: Booterstown Childcare Services offer morning and afterschool care services for children attending Saint Mary's BNS and Our Lady of Mercy Convent school. Please see link with times and contact details. Before and After School Booterstown Childcare Services.
FRÁSAÍ NA MÍOSA/ GAEILGE/ CONTENT LANGUAGE INTEGRATED LEARNING: Más féidir libh cabhrú le bhúr bpáiste frásaí na míosa a chleachtadh sa bhaile. / If you can please help your child practise these four Irish phrases of the month. 1.Tá mé fuar./ I'm cold. 2. Cuirfidh mé mo chóta orm. / I'll put my coat on. 3. Nach bhfuil sé fuar inniu?/ Isn't it cold today? 4. Bi cúramach-tá sé sleamhain. / Be careful-it's slippy.
Kind regards,
Noel Scully.