As Scoil Éinde enters the final month of the academic year, it is an opportune time to reflect on the many achievements, celebrations and successes of the past year.
Recently, the boys in Second and Sixth Class celebrated the sacraments of First Holy Communion and Confirmation in Salthill Church. Both ceremonies were wonderful occasions, made even more special by the beautiful sunshine on the day. The Fifth Class boys provided the choir for the Confirmation ceremony and their singing truly enhanced the Mass. All of the boys involved should be extremely proud of themselves. These are important milestones and special memories that will last a lifetime.
Earlier this month, Scoil Éinde was delighted to be awarded its Green Flag for Sustainable Travel. Congratulations to the Green Team and everyone involved for all their hard work in achieving this success. As part of the initiative, the school organised a special Sustainable Travel Day last term, where pupils and families met in Salthill Park and formed a ‘walking bus’ to school, encouraging alternatives to car travel. The event was very well supported and created a great sense of community spirit. Also as part of the Green School initiative, Scoil Éinde has been awarded a new bike/scooter shed. No doubt it will be filled with bicycles and scooters as many pupils adopt a more sustainable means of transport to school.
Seachtain na Gaeilge was once again celebrated with great enthusiasm throughout the school. Activities included dancing, singing, cluichí and of course, the ever-popular ‘Bingó trí Ghaeilge’. It was fantastic to see and hear the boys making such a strong effort to use their Irish naturally throughout the week, with extra words and phrases becoming part of everyday conversation.
Scoil Éinde is proud to promote inclusion and diversity within the school community. The school now has two early intervention classes and recently marked World Autism Awareness Day with a successful ‘Wear Blue’ celebration. The new classes have had a hugely positive impact on school life, with older pupils enjoying opportunities to support and interact with the younger children. There is a wonderful sense of kindness, connection and community throughout the school.
Alongside striving for high academic standards, Scoil Éinde also provides pupils with opportunities to participate in a wide variety of sporting activities. The boys attend swimming lessons in Leisureland each week and are fortunate to have such an excellent facility nearby. Another valued partnership is with Galway Lawn Tennis Club, where pupils recently enjoyed a term of squash lessons — a fantastic opportunity to experience a new sport. In addition, the boys participate in Gaelic football, hurling, soccer, rugby, basketball, cross-country running and Olympic handball. Last term, the school’s hybrid Scoil Éinde/Scoil Íde Olympic handball team became county champions, an outstanding achievement for all involved.
There are still many exciting events to look forward to in the school’s final term. Highlights of the summer term include Sports Day, the annual Fun Run, the Sixth Class Graduation and the much-anticipated school tour.
Supporting facility development
While Scoil Éinde is fortunate to have spacious grounds and an excellent astroturf pitch, the school is currently fundraising to resurface the school yard and improve playing conditions for pupils. Before Easter, the Parents’ Association hosted a very successful Bingo Night in Seapoint, with all proceeds going directly towards this important project. Several additional fundraising initiatives are currently underway.
Members of the community can support the fundraising efforts by donating through the school website on www.scoileindesalthill.ie, purchasing a line in the upcoming summer raffle or nominating Scoil Éinde for the AIB Community Fund through the following: www.aib.ie/community-fund
A successful nomination could see the school receive up to €20,000 towards vital improvement works, including resurfacing the school yard and repairing exterior walls. The nomination process only takes a few minutes and the school community would greatly appreciate all support received.
As another successful school year draws to a close, Scoil Éinde can look back with pride on a year filled with learning, achievement, inclusion and community spirit.
