St Declans N.S.
Homepage Office News About St Declans N.S. Sports News Who was St Declan? History of St Declans N.S. Class Work Special Events School Archives	Special Events ‘11 – ‘12 …just click on some of the highlighted words for a picture or two! 1. [Aug 31^st ‘11] The sun was shining brightly this morning as all our new Junior Infants entered into the wonderful world of education here in St Declans with their new teachers Miss McKeon and Mrs Kirwan. 2. [Sept 27^th ‘11] Today we celebrated our parish “Back to School” Mass along with our neighbours in Waterpark. 3. [Oct 7^th ‘11] Today we celebrated World Cup Friday in support of the Irish Rugby Team in advance of their show down with the Welsh tomorrow morning in the quarter finals of the Rugby World Cup. There was a tremendous turnout of green across the whole school and everyone entered into the spirit of the day. 4. [Oct 17^th – 21^st ‘11] This week was officially “Maths Week” here in St Declans and marks the first of our two curricular weeks for this year. Maths madness certainly broke out as there was a huge variety of special activities going on for all classes. The daily intercom quiz was very popular. The week was a great success, much to the efforts of all the teachers but in particular to Mrs White who was the brains behind the whole project. 5. [Oct 25^th ‘11] This morning the Mayor of Waterford, Cllr Pat Hayes visited our school to present attendance certificates to all those boys who had full attendance last year. This is always a very special occasion and he received a great welcome from all the boys. 6. [Oct 28^th ‘11] The atmosphere was electric in a crowded hall this morning and there was a huge air of expectancy and excitement as each of the winning tickets was drawn in our annual Halloween Fundraising Raffle. Congratulations to all our winners but especially to Bryan Keane who was the lucky winner of the bike. Thanks to everyone who supported the raffle. €2594 was raised altogether. 7. [Nov 18^th ‘11] Our Annual Charity Day was held today in support of the Eric Butler Appeal and was a no uniform day. €1215 was raised. This was an incredible response and very much appreciated by all concerned. 8. [Dec 22^nd ‘11] This morning the whole school gathered together in the hall for our Christmas Carol Service. This is always a very special occasion as we spend a little time reflecting on the real meaning of Christmas. Special thanks to Mrs White to coordinated this event. 9. [Feb 27^th – Mar 2^nd ‘12] During this week we held the second of our Curricular Weeks for this year - “English Week”. All 3 aspects of English {oral, reading and writing} were all given special attention and promoted in different ways. There were competitions, quizzes, trips and much much more. Once again thanks to all the teachers for making this week such a success and in particular to Ms A Brennan who coordinated the various activities. 10. [Feb 29^th ‘12] 2 staff members, Mrs White and Mrs Flahavan officially retired from teaching today. We thank them both for the many years of dedicated service to the school and its pupils. We wish them long life, health and happiness in retirement. 11. [Mar 12^th – 16^th ‘12] This week was national “Seachtain na Gaeilge”. All things Irish were celebrated this week. All classes from Junior Infants to 4^th put on special Irish presentations on Thursday while 5^th and 6^th had “Trath na gCeist” ar an Aoine. Friday was also a Green Day in advance of St Patricks Day. Special thanks to Mrs O Connor who co-ordinated this week’s events. 12. [Mar 13^th ‘12] Since 2000 St Declans has worked along with Bothar raising funds each Lent to send goats to Africa. As part of their promotional tour for this year’s campaign, Bothar visited the school today much to the delight of all the boys who met our special guests! Special thanks to Mr Grant who organised this visit. 13. [Mar 27^th ‘12] The boys have been busy bringing in money during Lent to help send a goat to Africa with the Bóthar organisation. They raised €900 which will cover the cost of 3 goats. Also €200 was collected for Trócaire. At the “Naming of the Goat” ceremony today, the following boys got to name the goats. Harry Halligan in Ms. O’ Sullivan’s Senior Infants named the goat Emily. Conor O’Shea in Mrs. Greene’s 2nd Class came up with the name Jenny and Josh Keating in Mr. Corbett’s 5th Class decided on the name Seymour. The boys were delighted that Lar and Valerie Curran and the goats from Copper Coast Mini Farm in Fenor came to visit them on this special occasion. Mr Grant would like to thank everyone for their generosity during this collection. 14. [Mar 29^th ‘12] Our annual Cake & Bottle Sale fundraiser was another great success tonight. All contributions for the “Spinner” were much appreciated and thanks to everyone for turning up in such great numbers. Thanks also to the Parents Association for their support and for providing a PS VITA for the raffle. Congratulations to Ben Collins who was the winner of the big prize. Finally, thanks to all the staff members who volunteered their time to support this fundraiser. Just under €5000 was raised on the night. 15. [Apr 21^st ‘12] Congratulations to the boys in 6^th class who made their Confirmation today along with Waterpark NS in St Johns Church. It was a great school, parish and family occasion and everyone was very proud of the boys on the day. Special thanks to both teachers Mr Fitzgerald and Ms Aylward for all their hard work preparing the boys for today. 16. [Apr 26^th ‘12] We had some really special visitors from the Reptile Zoo today as the boys got up close and personal with a selection of animals from the reptile world. Special thanks to the Parents Association who once again covered the cost of this visit. 17. [May 5^th ‘12] Congratulations to the boys in both 2^nd classes who today celebrated the sacrament of First Holy Communion in St Johns church. It was a wonderful occasion and one which will live long in the memory of the boys involved. Special thanks to both class teachers, Mrs Greene and Miss Cronin who prepared the boys so well for today. 18. [May 11^th and 14^th ‘12] Over theses 2 days the boys from 3^rd to 6^th classes were treated to the opportunity to experience wall climbing and archery. This was done under the close supervision of the Dunmore East Adventure Centre and the challenge was thoroughly enjoyed by all the boys. 19. [May 18^th ‘12] This morning in St Johns Church we celebrated the feast day of Jean Baptiste De La Salle. This is always a very special occasion on the St Declans calendar. 20. May 29^th ‘12] This evening the hall was literally packed out the door as our 4^th classes {Mr Kirby and Mrs A Brennan} took to the stage to perform their own plays. Since Easter both classes have been working very hard along with Liam Meaghar to write and create their masterpieces. Despite some hiccups along the way they were just brilliant tonight. Well done to one and all. 21. [June 5^th ‘12] Our Sponsored Walk was held today and despite the showery weather conditions, most classes got their walk in before two thirty. €6118 was the total raised. Sincere thanks to all boys and their parents for supporting the school so generously once again. “Mr Softee” was not available today but arrived a week later with an ice cream for everyone in the audience. 22. [June 14^th ‘12] It was officially “Green Day” today in support of the Irish soccer team who face the mighty Spanish in Euro 2012. Everyone proudly wore the Irish colours and hoped for an historic victory. 23. [June 15^th ‘12] Today we turned our attention on the Waterford Senior Hurling Team who play Clare over the weekend in the Munster Senior Hurling Championship. The school was awash with blue and white to celebrate “Deise Day” and everyone wished the team well. 24. [June 19^th ‘12] A very busy month continued today with “Sports for All Day”. Every class took part in a huge variety of different sports in the Park, the College and over in the Teachers Centre. Congratulations to all the winners of the class races and special thanks to Mr Fitzgerald for co coordinating this year’s event. 25. [June 20^th ‘12] This morning we held our annual Penmanship Awards. These awards are given each year to the boys in each class who have consistently achieved a high standard of writing or made significant progress this year. Congratulations to all the winners and thanks to Mrs O Connor for organising this year’s awards. 26. [June 25^th – 27^th ‘12] After 2 days of play the curtain finally came down on the year with another highly successful Rounders League. This in house competition is for 3^rd to 6^th classes and is always eagerly anticipated. Well done to the winning teams in each division and many thanks to Mr Fitzgerald and Mr Kirby for organising this year’s league.