Nollag Shona Daoibh!
There have been many events in the school since we returned in September, and below are just a flavour of some of them.
The Retirement of Mrs. O’Reilly.
In early October Mrs. O’Reilly retired from teaching having spent most of her career between Kill N.S. and St. Michael’s N.S. Mrs. O’Reilly joined the staff of St. Michael’s in the early naughties as a class teacher. In 2009 she took up the post of Home School Community Liaison Teacher. During her six years approximately of being the H.S.C.L. teacher Mrs. O’Reilly has visited many families in Cootehill helping new pupils and their parents to adjust to ‘Big School’, dealing with any concerns that might have arisen, helping in any way that she could. We are grateful for her service to St. Michael’s and to the local community, and we wish her long years and good health in her retirement.
Main Fundraising Events,
The school Danceathon was another great success and a wonderful Fun Day for all. The costumes were terrific from pupils and teachers alike. There were a few home-made ones which were cool! Following a loud and lively session in the Hall all the monies were counted, and approximately $3,200 was raised. Many thanks to all who gave so generously. The majority of the money will be spent on P.E. equipment and ICT upgrades.
The Parents’ Association ran a Table Quiz in the school hall in November. Approximately twenty six tables took part from different schools in the area including St. Michael’s. Our Junior team tied in second place with three other schools but unfortunately missed out on the knock-out round. The Parents’ Association will use part of this money for Christmas.
On Thursday, December 15th St. Michael’s school choir went down to sing carols outside Supervalu in town. They sang for approximately an hour and were very well supported. They raised almost €250!! This money will be shared between The John Lynch Fund and the local branch of the S.V.P. Again thanks to all who supported them.
Our next major event is the Christmas Concert which this year will be hosted by Junior Infants, Senior Infants and First. The remainder of the school will host a concert in June. The concerts will be held on Tuesday Dec. 13th @ 1 p.m. and on Wednesday night @ 7 p.m. There will be a raffle on the night. All Welcome!
Our Many Competition Winners!
This past couple of months have seen many competition winners in St. Michael’s, and we are so very proud of them all!!
- Congratulations also to Ruby Mai Gallagher 3rd Class, her sister Lana in 1st class and James Fox in 2nd class who all won prizes in the Credit Union Art Competition. Ruby’s entry not only won at local level, but also at District level, and has now gone onto the National Final. We wish her the best of luck.
- Congratulations to all our sporting champions; to those won medals in the Swimming Gala just before Christmas in Cavan, and to Lila McCaul 5th class, Ava Kelly 4th class, and Clara McCaul 3rd class who won prizes in Gymnastics competitions, to Sienna Hennessy and Alsiha Sexton in 4th class who won medals in Irish Dancing, to Senan Mullen in 6th who is through to the Ulster Final in Boxing, and to all those football stars who seem to be winning all their matches at local and league level.
- Congratulations also to our three Christmas Card competition Winners-Saibh Scorr in 6th class, Rebekah Brady in 4th class, and to Jasmine Smith in 3rd Their cards will be copied and sent to the schools around Cootehill, to the Board of Management and other interested parties.
St. Michael’s Building Project.
Due to increased enrolment St. Michael’s has been granted permission to build three new classrooms. Many of you may have noticed the Site Notice just inside the front wall. As part of the building project we are hoping to extend the school hall and add on a new entrance to the front. While the Department of Education has given the Board of Management a substantial budget more money will need to be raised. More information on this in the coming months.
SCHOOL RE-OPENS ON JANUARY 9th !
We are a Catholic school under the patronage of the Bishop of Kilmore. We are also a DEIS Band 1 school as designated by the Department of Education and Skills. 
There are 260 wonderful pupils, boys and girls in classes from Junior Infants to sixth. We encourage our pupils to partake of a variety of activities – musical, dramatic, sporting, artistic, as well as academic.