CHRISTMAS CHEER!

An exciting month is in store for the children this December. We will be singing as usual in the local Carol Service, travelling to Belfast for the Christmas panto 'An Fathach Santach' (The Greedy Giant), performing our own Christmas Show for parents and of course, having our Christmas dinner at the school.

We have much to celebrate this Christmas. With full government funding through this month, school meals and transport have started and new equipment and books have been ordered in. The Department's latest computers' sytem, C2K, is currently being installed as you read this. We would like to wish everyone associated with our school community a 'Nollaig Shona' merry Christmas and a happy new year.

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CÉAD MÍLE FÁILTE!!

Gaelscoil na Daróige warmly welcomes the new families into our growing Irish language community here in Ballymagroarty and Springtown. The school filled every seat for P1 it was permitted to make available according to space by the department last year. The school's growth has its roots in the success of the nursery which was awarded 21 PEAG places this year and in its packed creche 2 year old programme which also has a waiting list.

Along with an increase in the pupil numbers, a new teacher was appointed over the summer and we are looking forward to her starting at the end of this month. Parents are advised to send in free meal and travel forms as soon as possible and are asked to continue with lunch boxes until the government decision on funding is finalised.

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FUN LEARNING ON THE FARM

The Gaelscoil's first ever summer scheme came to an end with the children exploring the new organic farm that has been established for families of Irish speaking children in Derry. They were able to learn about, plant and harvest various plants and vegtables as well as feed the hens, ducks and donkeys on site. Plots will be made available for children and families from the Irish Speaking community from this year and it is hoped that it will become an exciting and valuable new resource for Irish Medium Education.

SUMMER SCHEME

The Gaelscoil ran its first ever summer scheme this year, creating a veritable Gaeltacht in the heart of Springtown/Ballymagroarty for two whole weeks. The activities ranged from fun days to cultural trails and from a little farming to educational visits. The first week was enjoyed by the junior end of the school while the older children attending a second week packed with activities through the Irish language.

SCHOOL HISTORY

Despite the existence of two Gaelscoils in the town, it was found that very few of the children attending the Ballymagroarty nursery, Naíscoil Mhaol Íosa, were transfering to them as they were too far away. With the support of the existing parents, the school committee brought in new classrooms and opened the school officially in September 2005. The opening duties were performed by Derry City manager, Stephen Kenny who had a child at the nursery, while Oisín MacEo' was appointed as the first school principal.
In the subsequent years, a further two teachers have been appointed, new classrooms added, the nursery has filled to capacity, a partnership has been entered into with Sure Start to open a creche and the Irish language community in the area has expanded.