Due to unforseen circumstances the date for  the 1st Year Parent Teacher Meeting is now changed to Monday 30th November from 1.00 to 3.30 pm. The original notified date was Tuesday 24th November. Apologies for any inconvienience caused.




Saturday 3rd October.
Staff Meeting
There will be a short staff meeting on Monday 5th October @ 9.10 until 11.00. classes will run as normal from 11.15.

PARENTS' ASSOCIATION AGM Tuesday 6th October @ 8.00 pm in Room 35
All parents are encouraged to attend the Parents' Association AGM at 8.00 in Room 35 on Tuesday evening. The Association does great work in supporting the school and my thanks to the outgoing committee for their great work last year in providing over 200 new lockers for the students.

1st Year Parents
I was delighted with the huge turnout for the 1st year mass on Wednesday 23rd September. Thanks to Fr. Paddy who celebrated the Mass and to all the teachers and students who contributed. Ms. Doherty, Mr. McGroary and Mr. Devanney deserve special mention as do the staff of the school canteen and the Parents' Association members who helped feed the masses afterwards. I was delighed to get the opportunity to meet so many of you on the night.

On Tuesday 6th October @ 7.30 1st year parents are invited into the school again to attend a short presentation on homework/study/pastoral care and use of the Journal by our careers dept.- Mr. J. Gallagher and Ms. Y. Doherty. Afterwards you are encouraged to wait for the PA AGM and find out about all the good work they do on behalf of your sons in the school. After that another opportunity for a chat over a cup of tea/coffee.
Remember if you have any concerns about how your son is settling in at school, please do not hesitate to contact Ms. Cunningham 1st Year Head, any of the tutors or indeed myself or Ms. O'Herlihy.

In other news this week our 5th Year class St. Eugene paid a visit to St. Eunan's Cathedral with  Mr. McDaid on Wednesday. also on Wednesday, Mr. Meehan had a successful day in Stranolar with our school athletic team. Our new 1st years did particularly well that day- more on this later.
On Thursday the U-19 Basketball team narrowly defeated Coláiste Cholmcille, Ballyshannon (one of the best schools in the county, by the way) by 90 to 22!! Next week Sligo GS fancy their chances against the boys.

The coming week will be busy with TY class St. Declan going to Garten outdoor center for a few days. (Dont forget lads. School as normal on friday!!)
Also happening this week will be golf, rugby, gaelic competitions.
New prefects will be appointed and senior students will recieve the new senior student journal- to help them organise their study and classwork.

School Charges and Voluntary Contribution
Letters were sent on Friday to all parents outlining the dates for payment for the school charges. Due to the current economic climate we had little choice but to increase the charges. We are also aware of the increased pressure on families at this time. However let me assure you that every cent that we collect will go directly to maintaining the high level of services to your son that the school provides. St. Eunan's is an aging building and the maintainance and heating costs are very high. In conjunction with the fees I am also looking at ways to reduce the running costs of the school and to generate addition revenue.

At a recent Parents' Association meeting I was asked to outline the impact of the budgetary cuts on the school. So over the next few weeks I will put together a report for parents outlining these.





copy of letter sent home 15th September
Dear Parents/Guardians,

School has now settled into a rhythm after the first few weeks. 1st years are settling in well and most appear to be content here. Remember that if you have any concerns about your son do not hesitate to contact the school. In addition all 1st years and their parents are invited to a Mass on Wednesday 23rd of September here in the school. Afterwards over a cup we will be available for a chat. Again I would urge as many parents/guardians to attend.

During assemblies with all the student groups I have emphasised the importance of school work and homework. All students are expected to arrive in class on time and to be ready to participate in class fully. This means being ready for class with homework completed, all books and equipment and in full uniform. Also we are settling very high standards for student behaviour this year. The students have reacted very positively so far and in particular exam classes appear to be working very well.
Students in 2nd and 5th year were reminded that most of the course work for Junior and Leaving Certificate takes place during these years and therefore success comes from attendance, punctuality, good behaviour and engaging with their teachers in a positive manner.

To date I must pay tribute to the boys in St. Eunan’s. They are as a group very well behaved and focused on doing well in school. Also the vast majority represent themselves and the school well during lunchtime and after school. Again a reminder that all students are expected to adhere to the school rules while in school uniform.

Next week we will introduce a Journal for all senior students. In it, students will be expected to record homework and revision. This will help them to take a more organised approach to their studies. Parents/guardians will be asked to look at the journal regularly and encourage good use of it.

And finally, a reminder about the H1N1 virus. If you did not receive a copy of the letter issued during induction week please ask your son to collect one in the office. If your son presents with symptoms of the virus and you decide to keep him at home, please inform the school so that we can alert those students and their parents who are in the at risk categories.