The Parents' Association adopted a snow leopard from Dublin Zoo for the school. We had great fun choosing which animal we wanted to adopt. We then had to choose a name for our snow leopard. Emily chose the name Cleo. So we now have a mascot for our school 'Cleo the snow leopard'.

The Parents' Association organised a fantastic Fun Day for our girls on Friday June 10th. Each class enjoyed a walk along the canal and were treated to a tasty ice-cream or slushie on their return. They watched a movie with popcorn and water afterwards. A raffle was held for a giant chocolate bar in every class. What a great day! Huge thanks to the Parents Association for organising such a special day.

On Thursday 3rd June,  both 6th classes went to Bay Sports for their school tour.  We were so thankful to be able to go on tour and we had such a fun time. We made some good memories - ones we will always treasure as we near the end of our time in St. Philomena's. 

We are participating in Laois/Offaly's first Rainbow Day on Friday April 30th. This is an autism awareness fundraiser and all money raised will go to Laois Offaly Families for Autism. All the girls may wear a coloured t-shirt or top to school and bring a donation on the day.

Well done to Sarah and Nakeisha on being nominated as our most enterprising students. Sarah sewed beautiful shopping bags on her sewing machine and Nakeisha made delicious milkshakes. They were presented with the certificate and prize last week.

Well done to all the girls for participating in the Supermac's Christmas Art Competition. Congratulations to Anna for winning the overall prize and to Clodagh and Yasmyne for winning the class prizes.

Hi Girls,

I hope you are all enjoying the mid term break. 
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The winners of the Jerusalema Dance Challenge are:

Juliet & Rolo Clear                                   (4th Class)
Sarah Leavy & her 3 fabulous pooches     (5th Class) 
Clodagh Rigney                                         (5th Class)
Holly & Charlie Kinnarney                         (6th Class)

A big Well Done also to Ella O'Meara who learned the dance and showed her Mam (Ms. O'Meara ), her Granny and her neighbour how to do it also!  I got to see the dance on zoom so it really was a community effort!

Keep an eye on the post for your prizes - there might be something in there for our canine competitors also!
Love,
​Mrs. G.x

Triple P Positive Parenting Programme: Triple P is one of the world’s most effective parenting programmes and is available FREE throughout Longford, Westmeath, Laois and Offaly. Triple P helps parents handle the big and small challenges of family life. Triple P’s Positive Parenting approach is about creating a strong relationship with your child or teenager, encouraging positive behaviour and managing stressful situations. Please see below for a full list of upcoming Online Triple P Programmes
 
                                             Triple P Groups & Workshops Online
                 To book a place, please see details below each programme available;
                  Anne 086 8062095 or anne.mcguinness1@tusla.ie
            Catherine 0877057965 catherine.carragher2@tusla.ie

Saturday Sing Along Sessions- Early Years Learning with Hummingbirds: Athlone Family Resource Centre and Ms. Annie from Hummingbirds Lets Make Music are delighted to bring you a monthly Saturday Morning Sing Along Session for the little ones, commencing on Saturday 30th January.
Ms. Annie hosts a wonderful interactive session of rhymes, song and stories. This is a wonderful way for the early years age group to develop language and communication skills, as well as have some fun, from the comfort of their own home. The monthly sessions are funded by Westmeath County Councils  Keep Well Westmeath Campaign. To sign up for this Facebook event CLICK HERE
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The Government have made the decision that all schools are to remain closed for the month of January in order to support the suppression of the COVID-19 virus in the community. Teachers will be providing on-line learning during this closure via the SeeSaw platform.

St. Philomena's will close on Tuesday December 22nd for Christmas. Wishing you all a very happy and safe Christmas and we will see everyone on January 6th.

A number of parents and guardians enjoyed a winter wreath making workshop in the Town Park on Thursday, December 3rd. Thanks to Ms. Buckley for organising this event.