Some families had a very difficult start to the New Year. We offer our sincere condolences to the Farrelly family and Kate whose Dad died. R.I.P.  To the Prentice family who lost Robert (a past pupil). Sr Liz Cotter of the Board of Management whose Father died also R.I.P.

Third Years & Sixth Years :

This is a very important year for the exam classes. You will be doing a most important exam in June. You know from your Christmas tests what work has to be done. Your Mock Exams begin on February 4th. This will give you a clearer indication and help you decide what levels you will finally take.

You should be doing 4 hours study at least per night.

Farewell & Welcome:

We say goodbye to Ms Behan one of our Home Economics teachers who has taken up employment nearer her home in Co. Laois. We wish her every success; thank her for all her hard work and dedication in St Aidan’s.

We welcome Ms Connolly who will replace Ms Behan.

Leaving Cert. & Junior Cert.

The fee for the Junior Cert. is €103 and the Leaving Cert. is €109. This money goes straight to the Department of Education. We will have the forms for the fee soon.

Note if your son/daughter has a medical card no money has to be paid. The medical card must be valid in February 2009.

The Mock Exams:

These begin on February 4th. There is a fee of €3 per student to cover the cost of Stationary and Mock papers. This must be paid in advance of the exams to the tutors.

The Code of Behaviour :

The Code of Behaviour is being reviewed at the moment. If you have any ideas on this please let your Board of Management representatives know, Mrs Helena Mullen Darcy or Mrs Susan McNamee.

A Few Important Reminders : While the vast majority of students never cause any hassle there are some who do. We cannot allow some students to disrupt the Education of others. The Code of Behaviour will be implemented in these cases. The Board of Management must ensure that students are safe in school.

1. •Students must behave in all classes
   

2. •Students must be in full uniform each day.
   

3. •Students must have full equipment each day.
   

4. •Jackets may be worn open with the full uniform on view.
   

5. •Hoodies are strictly forbidden.
   

6. •Students must be here on time each day (8.50am and 1.25pm)
   

7. •Fights, making threats, intimidation will be dealt with most seriously and may be brought to the Board of Management and the Gardai. Students who experience problems with anger etc will be supported in every way by the school counseling team.
   

8. •Students are expected to study and learn both in classes and at home.
   

9. •The use of phones is forbidden in school. The Code of Behaviour will be implemented if students are using them in school, the same applies to ipods and other gadgets.
   

10. •Please walk on the left hand side of the school at all times. This includes on the staircases.
    

11. •Students are forbidden to be on the corridors without written permission in the journal.
    

Sex Education :

The S.P.H.E. classes are doing sex education in the coming weeks. If you have any queries or concerns please contact the school

H.S.C.L.:

Our beautiful new parent’s room: is now open for business! I am at the moment organising a group of parents to oversee the use of the parent’s room on a daily basis, where parents can come and relax over a cuppa. Please note we do not have Crèche facilities.

Courses: I am hoping to organise two courses for parents between now and May depending on the level of interest shown

   1.  Drugs awareness Course

   2.  Parenting teenagers – some helpful tips

   3.  Computer courses for parents and teenagers are starting back at the end of January for new participants.

If you are interested in any of these courses please let us know and leave a contact number for me to call you at.

Home Visits : This term I will mainly be visiting parents of Junior Cert and Leaving Cert students.

I am available to call to any parents who want me to call my number is 4140559

Enrollment:

We are currently enrolling students for September 2009. Assessments will take place in St Anne’s Fettercairn on February 10th at 9.15 and in St Aidan’s on February 12th at 9.15. We also have some places in other years.

_____________________________ ____________________________

F. Moran Sr Ann O’Donoghue

Principal Deputy Principal