Wednesday the 25th of January was a very busy day in our school. As part of our Catholic Schools Week celebrations, we invited grandparents to visit our school. Everyone was delighted so many of you turned up, and after having tea and a chat in our hall, our grandparents visited the children’s classes. Here we played games, read stories, asked questions and had conversations together. It was a wonderful sharing experience, particularly as our students can learn so much from the older generations. We even had some past pupils return; an extra special welcome to them, and a huge thank you to all who participated in this wonderful event.

As part of our journey using Restorative Practices, the first ever Love Bomb Week is happening in St. Gabriel’s N.S. from Tuesday 7th to Tuesday 14th February. This initiative is intended to promote Restorative Practices and kindness among everyone in our school community. The week will feature designated circle time, compliment games and activities, random acts of kindness, art activities and a whole-school assembly celebration. This is also another wonderful initiative to promote attendance during the month of February.

Restorative Practices is a values-based philosophy that promotes positive relationship building and conflict resolution. We have been using it in the school for many years but we have recently renewed our journey along with the School Completion Programme and Connect RP. Have a look at https://www.connectrp.ie or download the attached PDFs for parents for more information. Thanks!

We are all very excited to see this fabulous football tournament return to St. Gabriel’s this year. In previous years, the boys and girls from 3rd to 6th class played on teams named after a range of countries represented in our school, battling it out for a place in the final and to be the school champion!

This year from Monday 13th to Wednesday 15th of February, the school will host group stage matches before going on to a knockout series of matches in Aughrim St. Sports Hall. In addition to this, we will have whole school singing, art competitions and intercultural project work, because we know that football is not everyone’s favourite hobby either!

Children from 3rd to 6th class should come in school tracksuits and runners on the above dates. This is another fantastic reason to come to school in February. We are looking forward to seeing you there!

Dear Parents and Guardians,

The school is delighted to offer the following after-school clubs from 2.30pm-3.30pm on Wednesday 8th, 15th and 22nd of February and Wednesday 1st of March:

2nd class – Sports and Games with Ms O’ Dowd

3rd class – Art & Crafts with Ms Flahive

4th class – French with Mr Donnelly

5th/6th class – Bridge and Card Games with Ms Considine

We are all very grateful to the teachers who have volunteered their time and effort.

This is another fantastic reason for your child to attend school as often as possible during the month of February.

Permission slips were sent home already but if your child is not yet registered and wishes to do so, talk to Mr Donnelly or email hsclstgabriels@gmail.com