Dear Parents,
School Self-Evaluation & Improvement Plan: New Spelling Programmes
Each year, the school identifies a specific area for development as part of our ongoing self-evaluation process. In recent years, our primary areas of focus have been wellbeing and literacy. This year, our focus is on spelling.
We have introduced new programmes and teaching approaches across the school to support this focus. The boys begin their spelling journey in the infant classes through a structured phonics programme called Jolly Phonics. This is further developed in 1st and 2nd class through the UFLI programme, which strengthens foundational spelling and word-reading skills.
In 3rd and 4th class, the boys learn about the patterns and rules that govern spelling in the English language. In 5th and 6th class, this learning is further extended through the study of morphology and etymology, helping pupils to understand how words are formed and where they come from.
The approaches we have chosen are based on international best practice and are supported by educational research. Together, they provide a clear and progressive spelling programme from infants right through to 6th class, supporting our boys to become confident and capable spellers.
We look forward to sharing updates with you as this work continues throughout the year.
Thanks to Ms. Murray for over-seeing our School Self-Evaluation. We are also very grateful to Ms. Staunton and Ms. Joyce for all their research in this area.
Readalong
Our Readalong has been a great success, with teachers noticing that children showed an increased interest in reading over the last few weeks. I visited all classes this week and presented Readalong certificates and a treat to the boys. Thanks so much to all the families that have paid to date. We received €3,327 in fundraising money so far (total of €4,577 - €1,250 for the puppet show). There are a number of families that have not made any contribution. Our secretary Denise will send another payment link to those families today and I would be very grateful if you could contribute towards this worthy cause. As well as being a crucial fundraiser for our school, Readalong promotes a love of reading in the boys. Thanks to Ms. Donnelly, Ms. Russell, Ms. Quinn and Ms. Kenny for all their hard work with this initiative.
Olympic Handball
Our Olympic Handball team competed in the Dublin finals on Monday. Well done to Harry Higgins, Aidan Limmy, Pearce O'Connor, Donnacha Bolger, Darragh Gormley, Marcus McCracken, Marcus Webb, Dylan Archbold, Eoin Maher, Alex Byrne, Jamie Donnelly and Josh Kelly. Thanks to Mr. Keegan and Mr. Monaghan for training the boys and preparing them for this event.
Badminton
Our Badminton team also competed in the Leinster finals today in Baldoyle. Well done to Tanay Jadar, Ayan Uppalapati, Ahmad Asif and Reagan Jimmy. Thanks again to Mr. Keegan and Mr. Monaghan for organising this event.
Le dea-ghuí,
Dara Burke, Principal.