On Friday last, three teams of quizzers from St Mary’s took part in the annual Slieve Gullion Credit Union Quiz in Forkill Community Centre. All three teams performed very well, with one team out running out overall winners of the Under-13 category. They will now move on to the Newry ‘Chapter’ heat in the coming weeks. Details of that event are TBC.
Extra Curricular
Sentinus K’Nex Construction Challenge
Well done to both P7 teams from St Mary’s who took part in the K’Nex Construction Challenge organised by Sentinus. The task involved pupils planning and constructing a sports arena. The brief stated that it had to be structurally sound and aesthetically pleasing. Our pupils were commended for their efforts and had a great day out.
Another two teams will enter the Primary STEM Challenge next week.
No choir practice tomorrow (21/03/18)
There will not be any after-school choir practice tomorrow (21/03/18).
Getting Ready to learn Program

Congratulations to those who completed phase one of the “Getting ready to learn” Early years program. The feedback was very positive. We appreciate you taking the time to attend the presentation. Phase two will be on Friday – 9.30 – 10.30, this is the “Stay and Play”session, looking forward to seeing you there.
Look who came to school today !
There was great excitement at assembly this morning when Master McDonnell received a special letter from the post man. The letter introduced us to the school’s Christmas elf who was hiding on top of the cupboard. Follow his journey as he causes mischief in the run up to Christmas. Who will find him on Monday ?
Cycling Proficiency Scheme
Well done to the P7 pupils who completed the Cycling Proficiency Scheme. The boys and girls put in a great effort during theory and practical lessons in the third term. We hope you will remember all that you have learned when on your bikes this summer and into the future.
Italian Visitors
We look forward to hosting pupils and teachers from our “Erasmus+” Partner school, S.D. Savio T. Fiore, in Gravina, Italy this week. They will arrive late Monday night and are staying next door in Ti Chulainn until Friday. They will be with us in school, Tuesday and Wednesday when everyone will get the opportunity to meet and talk with them.
The weather forecast is looking fantastic… and we look forward to proudly showing them around our school, village and local area. We wish them a safe trip and a big “Cead Mile Failte” to St. Mary’s.
Gardening Club Update
Our first ever after-school Gardening Club have just completed their second term of activities. The group have been working tirelessly to regenerate the Eco Garden and breath new life into it. The polytunnel has been recently recovered and this will hopefully lead to an increase in growth. Crab apples tress, strawberries, onion sets, potatoes and lettuce and much more are currently being nurtured.
Last week, one of our budding gardeners took some rhubarb home and along with the help of his family, created a fabulous crumble that went down a treat in school.
A huge thanks to Alison from Ring of Gullion and also Tí Chulainn who we work very closely with on a weekly basis. Their assistance is invaluable and this sense of community collaboration underpins what the whole Eco Schools programme is all about.
Credit Union Quiz
Best wishes to our school quiz team who will take part in the next round of the Credit Union quiz in The Canal Court Hotel, Newry this Saturday, March 4th @3pm.
Irish News Token Collectors Wanted!
The school is collecting tokens to be in with a chance of winning a GAA Coaching Day with a current inter-county footballer. If you or any family members usually purchase a copy of the Irish News, could you search for, cut out and send the tokens in with your child to give us the best chance of winning a coaching day or some GAA equipment.
The tokens will be appearing in the paper everyday until Saturday, March 4th. Thank you!