Dear Parent / Guardian,
As we approach the mid term break please find below an update of key events:
Mid Term Break for students commences from Friday 27th October 2023 with students returning to school on Monday 6th November 2023. Friday 27th October 2023 is a staff training day with no school for students. I am sure this makes children very happy!
Wednesday 25th October has a lot happening. It is a non uniform day with students encouraged to wear their Halloween costumes. A Halloween “Fun Run” is planned for last class on Wednesday afternoon. This is weather dependent. Nevertheless, we are inviting students to dress up for Halloween with all proceeds (€2 euro as a minimum for students) going to the Irish Cancer Society, our charity of choice this year. Mr Dunne and I will collect €2 euro from each student during 1st class on Wednesday morning.
We will also have a bake sale during breaktime and again at lunchtime on Wednesday 25th. Students are encouraged to bring in their baked goods and all donations will be sold and proceeds going to our charity.
Also, on the evening of the 25th of October we have our first Parent Teacher Meeting of the school year. 3rd year parents / guardians have the opportunity to meet with their children’s teachers between 3.30pm and 6.00pm sharp. Parent Teacher meeting are an important interaction and parents of all our 3rd students are encouraged to attend.
A date further out for your diary is our Christmas Carol Service scheduled for 1st December 2023 between 2pm and 3pm. We intend also to hold our Christmas raffle on that date too with more details to follow. Students will be involved in selling raffle tickets with fabulous raffle prizes on offer!
Finally, as we reach the mid term break, I wanted to thank you for your support with the implementation of our school uniform requirements. Most students are wearing the proper school uniform either the traditional uniform or the PE variety. Only a minority of students continue to disregard the school’s uniform expectations. We will be reminding students before Thursday evening what is expected and will be very clear that the mid term break is the opportunity to put things right if the uniform worn is not the uniform as stipulated below. Students can expect to be challenged including potentially being sent home if assurances cannot be given to the school about confirming to what is a reasonable request with regard to the wearing of uniform.
Take note of the following and if you have a query or you need to discuss a personal requirement, please contact the school directly.
There are two uniform options available to all students:
1) The traditional school uniform (School jacket, jumper, shirt, school tie, skirt or trousers, shoes / trainers)
2)The PE uniform (PE Half zip, PE T Shirt / Bespoke tracksuit bottoms or leggings – trainers
Shoes should be predominantly black. They should be appropriate for school.
If you purchased the PE bottoms from “Stitch it: Brand it” last year they will insert the school crest for free. Simply contact them.
If not, students should be wearing the correct bottoms or leggings with school crest. A branded bottom (Nike / Addidas etc) is not acceptable.
If you wish to discuss a uniform issue personally, please contact either myself or Mr Dunne, Deputy Principal or your child’s relevant Year Head.
Dermot Lavin
Principal
Franciscan College Gormanston