Category Archives: Newsletters

Newsletter, November 2018

Dear Parents,

Please find below details of forth coming events in our school and events we took part in:

New School

Unfortunately our back football pitch is still not fit for use due to drainage issues. We hope it will be ready by Spring but this of course will be weather dependent. We are currently working on installing a sensory room in our school. This is a special room designed to develop a child’s senses, usually through special lighting, music and objects. It will be used as a therapy for SEN pupils but also for those pupils experiencing anxiety who may need time out of the classroom or a quiet space. We also hope to have a Sensory Garden completed by the end of this school year. Plans are currently being drawn up and the P.A. will be fundraising for this throughout the year. Please support them in their efforts.

Carpark

Thank you for your co-operation with regard to implementation of carpark rules. It is imperative that you continue to observe these rules ALL of the time in order to ensure the safety of all. Parents have a responsibility to ensure these rules are observed. Pedestrians are requested to use the pedestrian gate at the footpath/ramp. Please be mindful of the carpark/front entrance yard on frosty mornings. The path will be salted but extreme care should be exercised. Smoking is prohibited in the school grounds

Junior Infants

I would like to extend a warm welcome to all our new entrants and their parents. It is my wish for you all that your time here will be happy and memorable. I would like to commend the Junior Infants for the manner in which they have settled into school life here in Cloonakilla. I would like to thank their parents for their sensible approach in parting with their children and for their co-operation in regard to dropping off their children in the mornings, thereby reducing some of the congestion in the carpark. Please do not accompany your children to the school door and wait until the bell rings as it creates too many problems for other parents who wish to drop off their children.

Dates for your diary:

Enrolment for First Communion: Wednesday 21^st November @ 8pm

Triple P Parenting Talk: Wednesday 21^st November at 7.30 – 9pm

5^th & 6^th Class Debate: Tuesday 11^th December at 7pm

First Holy Communion: Saturday, 11^th May 2019 @ 11am

Sacrament of Confirmation: Wednesday, 3^rd April

First Communion

Enrolment for First Communion will be held on Wednesday, Nov 21st. It is important that you attend the “Do this in Memory Masses” with your child as they form a very important part of your child’s preparation for First Holy Communion. N.B. Please note that Mass times have been changed from Sundays to Wednesday evenings.

Do this in Memory dates:

Wednesday 28^th November @ 7.30pm

Wednesday 19^th December @ 7.30pm

Wednesday 30^th January 2019 @ 7.30pm

Wednesday 20^th March @ 7.30pm

Wednesday 10^th April @ 7.30pm

School Choir

The school choir will sing at the “Do this in Memory Mass” on Wednesday 19^th December in Ss Peter & Paul’s Church at 7.30pm. The choir will comprise of 4th-6th class pupils. A full attendance would be greatly appreciated.

Non-Uniform Day

Thank you for your response to Non-Uniform Day which raised €688. All funds raised will go towards funding of sensory room.

Art Exhibition

Children from all classes had their art work framed and displayed at a 2 day exhibition in our school hall. It was an opportunity for children to showcase their artistic ability while at the same time raising funds for our school. The Exhibition was a great success and I would like to thank you for your support.

Library

Our school library is now fully stocked with a wide range of books to suit all readers. Children from all classes visit our school library every week. During library time they read and choose books independently. Children from 2^nd to 6^th classes bring home these books to read at their leisure. The children agree that it is a time they look forward to during the busy school week. Please continue to encourage your children to read at home as a love of reading is something they will carry with them forever.

Debating at Cloonakilla

Children from 5^th & 6^th classes have been busy preparing speeches and auditioning for our upcoming debate. The motion for this term’s debate is “We need better role models for our generation”. Many of the children have put a lot of effort into researching this topic and writing their speeches.

Debating is a wonderful way to develop presentation and public speaking skills, and improve critical thinking skills and to learn the importance of evaluating evidence to create a reasoned argument. It is an engaging, active learner centred activity, which also develops social consciousness in young people, and of course it instils self-esteem and confidence also. We would like to welcome parents and children from 5^th and 6^th classes to our Christmas debate on Thursday 13^th of December at 7pm in the school hall. Please support the children who have worked so hard on their motions.

Sport

Swimming

Session 2 of swimming lessons is in progress this term for 1st & 3rd classes. This session will end at Christmas and this will conclude our swimming lessons for this school year.

Gaelic

Gaelic training has commenced with Marie Kelly (Clann na nGael) and all classes will have an 8 week block of lessons. Teachers will commence Gaelic training with classes after Christmas. This will be in preparation for the Cumann na mBunscoil Competition later in the year. Our 6^th class girls attended a gaelic blitz in Ballyleague on 19^th of October. Roscommon Ladies Gaelic Football Association organised it to encourage more girls to participate in the sport within the county. The team got an opportunity to play against many teams from around the county. Well done to all the girls who participated.

Basketball

Ms Connaughton and Ms Kiely have commenced training for 5^th and 6^th classes during lunchtime.

Soccer

Mr Kilbride has commenced soccer training during lunchtime for an upcoming FUTSAL tournament for 4^th class.

The FAI are running the Primary Schools Futsal for 4th Class on Wednesday 28th November in Hodson Bay Celtic FC’s Astro pitch beside Ballybay School. The day will be ran in in accordance with the FAI

Player Development Plan so it will be non-competitive. There will be no medals for the winners but each child will receive a participation certificate on the day.

Active School Flag

We are now registered for the Active School Flag (ASF). This is an initiative by the Department of Education & Skills and supported by Healthy Ireland. It’s aim is simple. “Get more schools, more active, more often”. Interested candidates from 1^st – 6^th classes have written their letters of application for a coveted place on our brand new ASF Committee. The candidates will be announced in the coming days and we are looking forward to putting both ours and the children’s ideas into action over the coming year. Watch out on the school website for what’s happening as part of our ASF journey.

Cross Country

Following numerous trials 12 finalists from each class were chosen to attend the County Roscommon Cross Country Competition held in St Brigid’s GAA Centre on Thursday 4^th October. It was a thoroughly enjoyable day for the 48 children who participated. There were hundreds of competitors from all over the county representing their schools. Shay McGuinness (4^th class) came in 12^th place in his section whilst Cathal O’Brien (6^th class) came in 10^th position in his age group. They both received medals and we are very proud of them. They went on to represent our school at Connacht Championships in Loughrea on Saturday 14^th October. In inclement weather they both ran superbly on a very hilly, wet course. Well done to both of them.

Orienteering

Padraig Higgins, a local orienteering expert, carried out a workshop with 5^th class to share his expertise on this strand unit of our PE curriculum. He gave a very detailed presentation on the topic and answered all questions before bringing the pupils into the playground to experience it for themselves. It was so much fun and map reading skills were most definitely improved. We hope to share our expertise with other classes during the year.

Sporting Achievements

Our school would like to acknowledge physical activity and sports achievements achieved during and outside of school hours. Please email us photos of the above for our Active Schools Display Board if your child is involved in noteworthy events.

Congratulations to Lauren Murphy (6^th class) who competed in SouthView Equestrian Center in England where the top 4 Irish riders compete against the English, Scottish and Welsh. Lauren was riding her pony The Bullseye. Lauren had a great show where she brought home 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 5^th & 6th wins over the week. Each class had 120 children participating. Congratulations also to Kailum Dunning who won a silver medal in the World Kick Boxing Tournament in Italy. This is the biggest Martial Arts Event in the world so well done Kailum.

Local Cultural Tour

On Thursday November 8^th, 5th class visited the Aidan Heavey Library. There, they got to meet with award winning author Anna Carey. It was an inspiring workshop and she gave the children plenty of food for thought on how to write a good story. They were engrossed in the talk and afterwards the librarian very kindly let us borrow 15 copies of her

book to read “Mollie on the run”. Afterwards fifth class proceeded to the Luan Gallery to view and interpret an

exhibition of “Neon Lights” by Kevin Killen and “Reseux” by Martin Coyle. The geographical trail of the “Golden Mile” completed their trip to our local town of Athlone.

Green Schools

Our 6th Green Flag Global Citizenship, Litter and Waste was raised on Thursday the 25th of October. Sarah Geoghegan

in 6th Class and Conor Farrell in 1st Class raised our Green Flag. Well done to the Green Schools Committee for their presentation on the day and their diligence and enthusiasm over the last two years. Our guest speaker Suzanne Dempsey from Roscommon County Council praised our Green School’s Committee and all the pupils in our school for all their hard work. Well done to everyone!

Litter picking has commenced with 4th classes making sure our grounds are litter free. The bin police will continue to patrol our rubbish bins. Children are encouraged to bring home all of their lunch wrappers to cut down on waste in our bins. Our theme for our next Flag is Global Citizenship and Energy. This theme gives schools the chance to revise the Energy theme while looking at issues surrounding energy on a global scale. The global link to the energy theme is Climate Change. A new Green Schools Committee will be established this month. We will then work on our environmental review and action plan for the next two years. A competition will be held among the pupils to design a new Green Code for our school as part of the Global Citizenship and Energy Flag over the coming weeks. We look forward to working towards our new Green Flag!

Amber Flag

We recently also celebrated the raising of our first Amber Flag – the first school in County Roscommon to raise an Amber Flag. The Amber Flag initiative aims to promote positive mental health and wellbeing. The committee will continue their work after Christmas by holding a mental health awareness event and continuing to inform the school community about strategies for minding our mental health.

Attendance

Attendance for Sept/Oct was 96.7 %. Please note that daily attendance is recorded electronically before 10.30am. Any child not present at this time will be marked absent unless this absence is preceded by a note of explanation from parents. Again please note that all absences over 20 days are reported to the N.E.W.B. It is important that those with a poor attendance record for 2016/2017 improve their attendance for this school year.

Importance Note

It has come to my attention that some parents persist in taking children out from school early on Fridays. This is not acceptable on a regular basis and will be addressed via attendance days if it continues. Also children will not be called to the front door until a parent presents for collection. Please do not ring ahead.

School Self Evaluation

As part of School Self Evaluation a School Improvement Plan has been drawn up for the period 2018 – 2020. This will shortly be available on the school website. We will be focussing mainly on the Literacy Lift Off Programme (Senior Infants – 1^st Class) and Guided Reading throughout the school. Guided Reading is conducted in smaller reading groups where children read at their own instructional level. Please take time to read with your children at home and discuss what you have just read in order to ensure children comprehend the material. It is our experience that while often pupils can be fluent readers often they do not always comprehend what they have just read. As part of the S.S.E. process this New Primary Literacy Curriculum will also be implemented in English and Irish (Jun Infants – 2^nd Class).

Literacy Lift Off

During Term 1 the Special Educational Needs Team (SEN) have been supporting the development of literacy through in-class work with the Literacy Lift Off Programme in 1^st Class. We have just completed a six-week intervention in Ms Fallon’s class, where, on average the pupils made progress of 7 months in reading. Many thanks to parents who

supported the children by reading with them every night. Keep up the good work! The programme is continuing in Ms Kilmartin’s class for November and December.

Maths Week

All classes took part in Maths Week which took place from the 14th-21st of October. The children enjoyed partaking in maths games, trails and activities throughout the week. They also tried to solve a “Maths Problem of the Day” and the 4th, 5th and 6th class children took part in the “Maths Eyes Competition”. The senior classes had fun making up games for the junior classes to enjoy and the support teachers conducted mathematical activities in all classes placing a special emphasis on “Maths for Fun”. Maths trials were conducted in most classes, using our new school environment as a Maths tool.

Science Week

Science week ran from the 11th -17th of November. This year’s theme was “Game Changes and Change Makers”. All classes focused on experimental Science for the week and the support teachers visited all the classrooms to conduct interesting experiments with the children. The second class children made projects based on “The Solar System” which they displayed in the classroom. Photos can be viewed on the school website. As part of Science Week 6^th class (Ms Kiely) will attend a show in the AIT entitled ”Fantastic Physics”.

Library Quiz

5^th Class are looking forward to taking part in the Roscommon County Library Quiz on Monday 27^th November. Preparations are underway and we are busy choosing our team to represent our school.

Parents Association

A new Parents Association Committee has been formed. Officers are as follows:

Chairperson Christina Melican Vice Chairperson Kevin Murray

Secretary Jolene Cummins Vice Secretary Leeanne Walsh

Treasurer Laura Devlin Carroll Vice Treasurer John Brennan

They will be issuing a newsletter next week to inform you of their plans for 2018/2019. The PA have organised a Cash for Clobber Collection on Thursday 22^nd November. You have already been notified in this regard. Bags can be left into old school hall from Monday, November 19^th to Thursday 22^nd as the hall will be open during school hours. The Parents Association will also be running Tesco Tokens for the month of December. Please support our Parents Association in their endeavours as their hard work and dedication benefits all children in the school. I would like to thank them for giving willing of their time and support.

After school activities

Lego Club

Lego club commenced for 1^st & 2^nd classes in September. Every Tuesday the children spend an hour working in teams on their lego creations. Lego develops children’s problem solving and fine motor skills as well as enhancing creativity, communication and critical thinking. Lego Club will be opened to 3^rd and 4^th class in the New Year.

Spanish lessons

Spanish Lessons continue on Tuesday evenings until Christmas with Begona Sammon.

Homework Club

You have already received a letter from the Board of Management to ascertain if there is interest among parents in the setting up of a homework club in the school. This would run for Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 3.10pm to 4.10pm for 2^nd to 6^th classes. At present there is not much interest in this project. If you feel this is something you may be interested in please return original form or ring Maria at the school office on 090 6492569.

Christmas Show for Senior Infants.

Senior Infants will attend a Christmas Show “Elfie saves Christmas” in Dean Crowe Theatre on December 4^th. Class teachers will furnish you with exact details.

Christmas Shoebox Appeal

Thanks to all those who supported our Christmas Shoebox Appeal which brings some joy into the lives of vulnerable children in Eastern Europe and Africa. Altogether we donated 200 boxes from Cloonakilla so well done to all!

Christmas Annuals

The forms for the Christmas Annual will be circulated on Monday next. Please return along with the money by Monday 26th November.

New Staff

We would like to extend a warm welcome to Mary Jo Henry (S.N.A.) and Senan Kilbride (teacher) on securing permanent contracts in Cloonakilla.

Congratulations

Congratulations to Ms O’Keefe who was recently married. We wish her and her husband a long and happy life together.

Message of Sympathy

The Board of Management, staff and pupils would like to extend a message of sympathy to the Rafferty family on the death of Michael Rafferty (father of Adam and Mollie) and to the Lynch / Webb family on the death of Aidan Lynch (father of Hannah). May they rest in peace.

Yours sincerely,

Mary O’Rourke

____________________________

Mary O’Rourke

Principal

Newsletter, September 2018

Dear Parents,

Welcome to the start of another school year. I would like to extend a special welcome to our new families both in Junior Infants and in the other classes throughout the school. I hope you will be happy among us and that this school year will be a rewarding experience for all.

Cloonakilla N.S. opens at 9.20 am. Children will not be admitted into the school building before this time unless the weather is inclement. On wet days they may enter the school assembly hall at 9.10am where they will be supervised. School ends at 3pm. However, the school yard will be supervised from 9.10am each morning and until 3.10pm each evening to facilitate drop off and collection of children. The BOM do not accept responsibility for children who are on the premises outside of these times.

I would like to draw your attention to the following matters:

Pupil Up-date Form: You are required to complete the attached Pupil Update Form and return to the school. An email address is requested for all parents so we can correspond with you electronically. This would greatly reduce our paper usage. We requested same last September but the response was not sufficient for us to proceed with electronic communication. I would be most grateful if you could make a special effort in this regard.

Carpark: It is of utmost importance that all parents adhere to the traffic management system in the carpark to facilitate the free flow of traffic and the safety of all. Please bear in mind the following points to ensure that everyone can enter/exit the carpark safely with minimal risk.

Inside lane is for set down only. DO NOT leave car unattended.

If you need to enter school you may park in Parents’ Carpark (to left of main entrance gate as you enter).

When exiting from this carpark you must turn left and drive around the set down area.

The outside lane is for circulation only. Under no circumstances should children exit while car is in outside lane.

Do not park in the teachers’ carpark as the buses must have free access here. This allows for extra space in the set down area.

Pedestrians must enter by pedestrian gate at front of school only. Pedestrians must use footpaths at all times. Please do not walk through teachers’ carpark as buses will be reversing here.

It is up to you the parents to ensure that everybody acts responsibly in the carpark. Traffic should run freely if everybody does the right thing ALL of the time. Please ensure that anyone collecting your child is made aware of the contents of the above.

Code of Discipline: All pupils are being issued with a Code of Discipline form (excluding Junior Infants as it has already been submitted with enrolment application). I would ask you to read through the school rules with your child and sign accordingly. The Incredible Years Programme is a behaviour management programme that is in operation in the school. It promotes positive behaviour but also manages inappropriate behaviour with discipline strategies. This programme is described in greater detail in the Code of Behaviour Policy which can be viewed on the school website. Please return the Code of Discipline form to the class teacher as soon as possible.

School Calendar: Please see attached.

School Attendance: Please note that all absences from school of twenty days or over must be reported to the National Education Welfare Board. When your child has been absent for 20 days or more you will be notified that a referral is being made to the N.E.W.B. Schools are obliged by law to make this referral regardless of the reasons for absences. Please notify the class teacher in writing if your child is absent. DO NOT RING THE SCHOOL as this only interrupts class time.

Swimming Lessons: The first session of swimming lessons will commence on Wednesday, 12th September for 1^st and 4^th classes. Each class will be notified further next week.

Arts & Crafts: Each child is required to pay €25.00 towards the cost of Arts & Craft materials and photocopying paper. This should be given to the class teacher as soon as possible. Due to the rising costs it is vital that all parents pay this fee as soon as possible.

Healthy Lunch Policy: We endorse a healthy eating policy in our school. We encourage parents to plan a healthy lunch using food from each of the food groups. The following foods are NOT allowed in the school; sweets, fizzy drinks, chocolate, bars including cereal bars, winders and crisps. A simple approach to healthy eating is to use the food pyramid.

School Policies: All relevant policies can be viewed on our school website.

Anti-Bullying: For the month of September all classes will work on the theme of Anti-Bullying as part of the S.P.H.E. Curriculum. This will help to create an atmosphere within the school whereby bullying of any type is seen as unacceptable behaviour. A class charter will be drawn up in each classroom and children will be made aware of the procedures involved in the event of bullying occurring. Parents should make themselves familiar with the policy which can be viewed on the school website.

School Insurance: Insurance forms will be issued to all children next week.

P.E. Class teachers will inform children of their P.E. Day. School tracksuit tops and navy tracksuit bottoms must be worn on PE days. Tracksuits must also be worn on swimming days. Tracksuit tops cost €20.00 each and can be purchased by calling to the staff room between 9.20am and 2.20pm. The full school uniform must be worn on all other days. Please label tracksuit tops and uniform. As stated in the school rules children are not allowed to wear studs, earrings and jewellery on P.E. days. This is for Health & Safety purposes. Only runners will be permitted in the new assembly hall.

Parent–Teacher Meetings: These will be held in November. You will be notified closer to the time. If you wish to speak to a teacher any other time regarding your child please make an appointment at the front office to do so. Every effort will be made to facilitate you.

Birthday Invitations: We all know that often unnecessary and unintended hurt is caused to children who are not invited to parties. For that reason the B.O.M ask parents/children not to distribute such invitations either in the school itself or in the school grounds in view of other children. We make such a request in order to cherish all children equally. Phone numbers of class groupings are available on request up to 5th class.

School Self–Evaluation: S.S.E. will be on-going in the school for the coming school year. For this school year we will be working on the New Primary Language Curriculum (Jun Infants – 2nd class) and literacy with emphasis on reading (1^st to 6^th class).

Data Protection

The General Data Protection Regulation (the GDPR) came into effect on the 25th May 2018. Under GDPR the Department of Education and Skills are required to keep you informed of the types of data we hold on you and your child, the purpose it is used for, and your rights in relation to how it is processed.

The Department of Education and Skills, which provides for the education and training of people resident in the State, requires certain personal data on all learners in order to fulfil its function. For primary school pupils, this data is held on the Primary Online Database (POD). The data held on POD forms the basis of the allocation of resources to schools as well as statistical reporting on education; it is also used for research and analysis into the operation of the education system and the formation of future policies. Data is shared with the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection for validation purposes, and with the Central Statistics Office under Section 31 of the Statistical Act for statistical reporting and analysis. For further information please see https://www.education.ie/en/The-Department/Data-Protection/.

Parenting Talk:

A parenting talk for parents of the new Junior Infants will be held in the school on Friday September 7^th @ 11.20. The session will be conducted by Ms Angela Egan (Triple P Parenting). Refreshments will be served afterwards by the Parents Association.

Parents Association: The Parents Association welcome parents who are new to the school. Please visit the Parents Association section of the school website for information about the PA. Attendance of all parents at the Parents Association AGM is most welcome. It takes place on Wednesday 19th September at 9.00pm in the school.

I look forward to working with you all during the new school year.

Yours sincerely,

________________________________

Mary O’Rourke

Principal

School Rules

Children should enter the school in an orderly fashion each morning. Children entering by foot should so do via the pedestrian gate.

All children must congregate at the front of the school each morning. No ball games or running allowed at this time.

On hearing the school bell children should form an orderly line in the morning and after break times before entering the school building.

Children should play only in their designated play areas. They must obey the playground rules which will be explained clearly by each class teacher.

Children are not allowed leave the school grounds at any time unless accompanied by a parent/guardian.

Classrooms should be vacated during break times.

Children using the school bus should form an orderly line each evening and proceed to the bus in an orderly fashion.

A written note is required for absences from school and also for early departures. This must be given to the class teacher.

Children should bring a healthy nutritious lunch to school. CHEWING GUM IS NOT ALLOWED.

Mobile phones are not permitted in school. Urgent messages will be conveyed to the pupils.

Children are not permitted onto clay areas until grass has fully grown.

School uniform should be worn on all days except PE days when the PE Tracksuit must be worn. This consists of school PE top and navy tracksuit bottoms.

Pupils are not allowed wear earrings, studs and jewellery on PE days. Runners/indoor shoes must be worn when using indoor PE hall.

The school yard and classrooms must be kept litter free.

Dangerous games are prohibited at all times.

Children should do their best in school by listening carefully, working as hard as they can and by completing homework to their best of their ability.

Children are expected to show courtesy and good manners to each other, to all school staff and visitors to the school.

Any form of bullying is NOT ALLOWED and will be dealt with in accordance with our Anti Bullying Policy
Children are not allowed to distribute birthday invitations in school.
Children must walk up/down stairs on left side only in single file.

Pupil Information Update Form

Name of Child: __________________________________ Class:_________________

Parent’s/Guardian’s Name: ______________________________________________________________

Home Address:

__________________________________________________________

Email: _____________________________________________________________

Parent Contact Details

Mother: _____________________ Contact No: ____________________

Father: _____________________ Contact No: ____________________

Code of Discipline Form

I have read the ‘Code of Discipline’ with my parents and I agree

to comply with it while I am a pupil in Cloonakilla National School.

Pupil Signature: __________________________________

Date: __________________________________________

Parent / Guardian Signature: __________________________________

Date: ____________________________________________________

School Calendar 2018-2019

Presidential Election: Friday October 26^th

Mid Term Break: Monday 29^th October – Friday 2nd November

Parent / Teacher Meeting: November – Date to be confirmed

Christmas Holidays: Friday, 21^st December (closing)

Monday, 7th January 2019 (re-opening)

Mid Term Break: Thursday 21st & Friday 22nd February

St Patrick’s Day: Monday & Tuesday 18^th & 19^th March

Easter Holidays: Monday, April 15^th – Friday, 26^th April

May Bank Holiday: Monday, 6th May

June Bank Holiday: Monday & Tuesday, 3rd & 4^th June

Summer Holidays: Wednesday, 26th June

Please take cognisance of the above when planning family breaks. Written work will not be assigned to children on holidays during school term.

Newsletter May 2018

Newsletter, September 2018

Dear Parents,

I would like to draw your attention to the following matters:

Inside lane is for set down only. DO NOT leave car unattended.

If you need to enter school you may park in Parents’ Carpark (to left of main entrance gate as you enter).

When exiting from this carpark you must turn left and drive around the set down area.

The outside lane is for circulation only. Under no circumstances should children exit while car is in outside lane.

Do not park in the teachers’ carpark as the buses must have free access here. This allows for extra space in the set down area.

Pedestrians must enter by pedestrian gate at front of school only. Pedestrians must use footpaths at all times. Please do not walk through teachers’ carpark as buses will be reversing here.

School Calendar: Please see attached.

Swimming Lessons: The first session of swimming lessons will commence on Wednesday, 12th September for 1^st and 4^th classes. Each class will be notified further next week.

School Policies: All relevant policies can be viewed on our school website.

School Insurance: Insurance forms will be issued to all children next week.

Data Protection

Parenting Talk:

I look forward to working with you all during the new school year.

Yours sincerely,

________________________________

Mary O’Rourke

Principal

School Rules

Children should enter the school in an orderly fashion each morning. Children entering by foot should so do via the pedestrian gate.

All children must congregate at the front of the school each morning. No ball games or running allowed at this time.

On hearing the school bell children should form an orderly line in the morning and after break times before entering the school building.

Children should play only in their designated play areas. They must obey the playground rules which will be explained clearly by each class teacher.

Children are not allowed leave the school grounds at any time unless accompanied by a parent/guardian.

Classrooms should be vacated during break times.

Children using the school bus should form an orderly line each evening and proceed to the bus in an orderly fashion.

A written note is required for absences from school and also for early departures. This must be given to the class teacher.

Children should bring a healthy nutritious lunch to school. CHEWING GUM IS NOT ALLOWED.

Mobile phones are not permitted in school. Urgent messages will be conveyed to the pupils.

Children are not permitted onto clay areas until grass has fully grown.

School uniform should be worn on all days except PE days when the PE Tracksuit must be worn. This consists of school PE top and navy tracksuit bottoms.

Pupils are not allowed wear earrings, studs and jewellery on PE days. Runners/indoor shoes must be worn when using indoor PE hall.

The school yard and classrooms must be kept litter free.

Dangerous games are prohibited at all times.

Children should do their best in school by listening carefully, working as hard as they can and by completing homework to their best of their ability.

Children are expected to show courtesy and good manners to each other, to all school staff and visitors to the school.

Any form of bullying is NOT ALLOWED and will be dealt with in accordance with our Anti Bullying Policy
Children are not allowed to distribute birthday invitations in school.
Children must walk up/down stairs on left side only in single file.

Pupil Information Update Form

Name of Child: __________________________________ Class:_________________

Parent’s/Guardian’s Name: ______________________________________________________________

Home Address:

__________________________________________________________

Email: _____________________________________________________________

Parent Contact Details

Mother: _____________________ Contact No: ____________________

Father: _____________________ Contact No: ____________________

Code of Discipline Form

I have read the ‘Code of Discipline’ with my parents and I agree

to comply with it while I am a pupil in Cloonakilla National School.

Pupil Signature: __________________________________

Date: __________________________________________

Parent / Guardian Signature: __________________________________

Date: ____________________________________________________

School Calendar 2018-2019

Presidential Election: Friday October 26^th

Mid Term Break: Monday 29^th October – Friday 2nd November

Parent / Teacher Meeting: November – Date to be confirmed

Christmas Holidays: Friday, 21^st December (closing)

Monday, 7th January 2019 (re-opening)

Mid Term Break: Thursday 21st & Friday 22nd February

St Patrick’s Day: Monday & Tuesday 18^th & 19^th March

Easter Holidays: Monday, April 15^th – Friday, 26^th April

May Bank Holiday: Monday, 6th May

June Bank Holiday: Monday & Tuesday, 3rd & 4^th June

Summer Holidays: Wednesday, 26th June

Please take cognisance of the above when planning family breaks. Written work will not be assigned to children on holidays during school term.

——————————————————————————————————————————————

Newsletter, May 2018

Dear Parents,

Please find below details of forth coming events in our school and events we took part in.

Official Opening of New School

The official opening of our new school will be held on Thursday, June 7^th @1.30pm. School will finish at 12.30 for Junior Infants – 3^rd class. 4^th – 6^thclasses will remain in school for the ceremony as they will have various tasks assigned to them on the day. Our school will be officially opened by Minister Denis Naughton. Bishop Kevin Doran will officiate at the blessing of our new building. Parents will receive an invitation in the next few weeks but attendance will be limited to one parent per household as space is at a premium. You will be furnished with exact details closer to the date.

First Holy Communion

First Holy Communion will be held on Sat, May 19th in Ss. Peter & Paul Church at 11.00 a.m. Mass. First Communicants are expected to be in the Church at 10.45. The school choir will sing at this Mass and full attendance is expected. The Parents Association have organised refreshments afterwards in the school hall for the First Communicants and their families. We remember them in a very special way at this important milestone in their lives. Please refrain from photographing the children during the Mass as it is an unnecessary distraction for them. A group photo will be taken at the end of Mass. Please also bear in mind that photographing other children without permission is not permitted.

Sacrament of Confirmation

We congratulate the 6^th Class Children who received The Sacrament of Confirmation on April 25th. Bishop Doran commended the children on their excellent participation and the choir on their wonderful performance. Children will take their Confirmation Pledge later this month.

School Tours

School tours have been organized as follows:

Junior Infants: Glendeer Pet Farm & Jump for Joy on 25th June

Senior Infants: Glendeer Pet Farm & Jump for Joy on 21st June

1st Class: Turoe Pet Farm, Loughrea on 20th June

2^nd Class: Let’s Go Camp in the AIT on 19th June

3^rd Class: Let’s Go Camp in the AIT on 19^th June

4^th Class: Shannon River Adventure, Rooskey on 13^th June

5^th & 6^th class: Delphi, 13^th – 15^th June

5^th & 6^th not attending Delphi:Shannon River Adventure, Rooskey on 13^th June

Class teachers will furnish you with exact details closer to the date.

R.S.E. Programme

5th/6th class will attend a “Growing Up” talk presented by Laura Kiely on Monday, May 14th. The talk will deal with the sensitive areas of the R.S.E. Programme. It is important that parents communicate openly with their children about these issues as it is a challenging time in their lives and we all need to support them as best we can. Class teachers will cover the relevant sections of the RSE Programme dealing with body names/changes/growing up etc. Parents are notified in advance of these classes so it gives you an opportunity to address those issues with your child.

S.S.E. – Numeracy

Year 3 of our 3 year Numeracy Plan is nearing completion. The primary focus has been on the development of problem solving skills. Through analysis of Standardised Test Results and teacher designed test/tasks we will determine how well our targets have been met. Many initiatives developed over the 3 year period will now be adopted as part of our Whole School Plan for Maths. We are currently gathering evidence from teachers, parents and pupils in order to plan for a new area of focus for 2018/2020. There will be a further update of S.S.E in the end of year letter.

Sport: Sports Day

Due to inclement weather it is difficult to plan a date for Sports Day. However, you will be informed of the exact date when we are confident that the weather has improved. Sports Day will be held over 2 days this year to accommodate all pupils on our restricted site at present.

Soccer

Some of our 5th and 6th class boys and girls took part in the Roscommon schools SPAR 5-a-side blitz on Tuesday March 20th in Lecarrow. The girls entered two teams and both competed admirably. The girls ‘A’ side beat a few teams convincingly, with many of the girls performing superbly. Unfortunately, they came up against a strong Cornafulla team who ended the day for our girls. There were 3 boys teams entered into the competition. Our ‘C’ team battled bravely, but found themselves in opposition against a few very strong teams primarily Cloonfad ‘A’ team who went on to compete in the final. Our B team performed well and beat Cornafulla ‘C’ team but as with our ‘C’ team they played some very strong opponents. Our ‘A’ team played some scintillating football at times and scored some splendid goals on their way to winning a few game. They reached a playoff for the finals but just came up short against Cloonfad ‘A’. Well done to all who participated on the day!

Gaelic Football

Gaelic coaching continues with Marie Naughton from Clann na nGael on Thursdays for the junior end of the school. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Clann na nGael for their continued support in gaelic coaching. The annual Cumann na mBunscol blitz which was due to take place this Friday 11^th May in St Brigid’s GAA Centre will be rescheduled. Gaelic training is held every Thursday afternoon. The girls’ team are coached by Ms Fallon and Ms O’Keefe and the boys’ teams are coached by Mr Kilbride and Mr O’Leocháin. Good luck to both players and managers in upcoming blitz!

Cumann ns mBunscol Sports Quiz

The annual sports quiz was held in the Abbey Hotel Roscommon on Wednesday, March 14^th. 24 schools were competing for the prize and showed an incredible knowledge of many sports. We had no winners but we were very well represented by James Doherty, Billy Glennon, John Hurley and Seán Noone (all 5^th pupils). Sincere thanks to their parents who transported and supported them during this event. Without your co-operation events like this are not possible.

Basketball

A selection of 5^th & 6^th class students will be participating in the first ever Roscommon Primary Schools tournament on Friday June 8^th in the Convent Gym, Roscommon. This is a new endeavour for most schools and I’m sure will be an enjoyable experience for all involved. Mr Connolly will coach the boys on Friday during lunchtime and Ms Connaughton will coach the girls on Thursdays at lunchtime also (weather permitting). Best of luck to all involved.

Active Schools Week

Our “Active Schools Week” was a great success. The focus on fun and participation was achieved by the whole student body. The photos on display are clear evidence of this. A huge thank you to the following for giving up their valuable free time to come in and give the children a taste of what they do on a daily basis to enhance the lives of others.

Brian Chalmers (parent) – Fitness Instructor at Hodson Bay Hotel

Martin Warde (parent) – Na Fianna Martial Arts & Fitness Centre

Charlene Hussey – Roscommon Sports Partnership

Agnieszka Pila – Owner of Athlone Zumba

Davina Donnelly (teacher) – for her expertise in the area of yoga.

Please keep up the activity as seen during “Active Schools Week”. It has huge benefits both physically and mentally and also develops teamwork, leadership and creative thinking.

Discover Primary Science Programme

On Thursday 12^th April, all of the pupils in Cloonakilla N.S. took part in a Science and Maths Showcase afternoon. Parents and grandparents viewed all of the work we have done this year in science, technology, engineering and maths. Children from Junior Infants to 6th class were busy on the day teaching parents and grandparents all they had learned. All of this work was completed as part of our application for the Discover Primary Science and Maths Plaque of STEM Excellence award.

World Book Day

We celebrated “World Book Day” on the 1^st of March. The children had a lot of fun dressing up as their favourite fictional characters and trying to guess what books teachers were reading. They took park in writing competitions, created beautiful book marks and designed book covers. They also had many opportunities to share and read the books they enjoy. We hope that days like this will instil a love for reading in the children.

Seachtain na Gaeilge

Bhain gach duine an-taitneamh as Seachtain na Gaeilge. Seachtain na Gaeilge proved to be very enjoyable this year. The children made a huge effort to speak Irish throughout the week and many different activities took place in the classrooms such as dramaíocht, cluichí, amhráin agus filíocht. Well done to those who shared their love of Irish with the entire school over the intercom with such confidence and clarity. Go raibh maith agaibh go léir.

ICT

New apps purchased recently ensure that all classes are benefiting from use of ipads. All classes have displayed their work for the spring term on the school website. Senior pupils use our new laptops to report on school events which are then uploaded by the teachers. We aim to have a computer station at the back of each classroom by 2019. We are currently in the process of starting on E-Twinning with another primary school in Ireland and Dubai.

Green Schools

We recently received confirmation from An Taisce informing us that our application for the Green Flag for Global Citizenship Litter & Waste was successful. We are delighted with our achievement as this will be our 7^th Green Flag. Our flag raising ceremony will be held in September. A special word of thanks to members of the Green Schools Committee who ensure all tasks are carried out to the highest standard. In the meantime we will continue with our Green School activities. WOW days will continue until Wednesday 23^rd May. Please ensure you assemble at The Mill @8.50am wearing a hi-vis jacket. Once we have formally completed the WOW days we would encourage parents to continue WOW days with your children until summer holidays.

End of Year Mass

The end of year Mass for 6^th class will be celebrated on Friday, June 22^nd at 1.30pm by Fr John Deignan. 6^th class parents / guardians are invited to attend and refreshments will served afterwards in the staffroom.

Non-Uniform Day

The final non-uniform day for this school year will be held on Friday, June 1st. All children are required to contribute

€2 which will go towards funding of our new library.

Parents Association

On behalf of the Board of Management I would like to convey a special word of thanks to the Parents Association for their fantastic fundraiser “The Kube” which was held in Athlone Springs Hotel on March 18^th. It was a most enjoyable night which raised the hefty sum of €11,000. This funded our new school stage and the balance will go towards stocking of the library which will cost approx. €10,000. I am very grateful to them for their continued enthusiasm and support for our school. Thanks also to the generous sponsors and participants who gave willingly of their time and money.

Book Rental Scheme

The Book Rental Scheme will continue for 3^rdto 6^th classes. Children have received application forms. Please return with money by May 31st. No late application forms will be accepted this year.

History

As part of our History Curriculum, 3^rd – 6^th classes will embark on local history tours in June. 3^rd/ 5^th will take part in a historical trail of Athlone. 4^th/6^th classes will embark on a trail of their immediate local area here in Bealnamulla. 1st Class will visit Derryglad museum on May 22nd as part of their history programme. Here they will have an opportunity to enjoy many artefacts from the past and a glimpse of what life was like long ago.

Carpark

Sincere thanks to you all for adhering to the traffic management system in the carpark. However, it has come to my attention that unless it is monitored regularly users will revert to bad habits. Please be reminded of the following

Inside lane is for set down only. DO NOT leave car unattended.
If you need to enter school you may park in Parents’ Carpark (to left of main entrance gate as you enter).
When exiting from this carpark you must turn left and drive around the set down area.
The outside lane is for circulation only. Under no circumstances should children exit while car is in outside lane.
Do not park in the teachers’ carpark as the buses must have free access here. This allows for extra space in the set down area.
Pedestrians must enter by pedestrian gate at front of school only.

It is up to you the parents to ensure that everybody acts responsibly in the carpark. Traffic should run freely if everybody does the right thing ALL of the time.

Regards,

Mary O’Rourke

_______________

Principal

Newsletter, February 2018

Dear Parents,

Please find below details of forth coming events in our school and events we took part in.

Catholic Schools Week

We celebrated Catholic Schools Week from Jan 29th to Feb 2nd. All classes partook in various activities which focussed on the importance of the Catholic ethos which permeates our school life. A prayer service, conducted by Deacon Willie Gacquin, was held on Tuesday, Jan 30th for 2nd-6th classes. On Feb 1st we celebrated St. Brigid’s Day and 4th class (Ms. Gately’s) made St Brigid’s crosses to mark the occasion. 2nd & 5th class (Ms Cunniffe’s) marked Grandparents Day by inviting some of our grandparents to the school. It was a very enjoyable occasion for all with lots of music, song, dance and memories shared. We would like to express our thanks to all who attended for sharing their life experiences and wisdom with us.

School Self-Evaluation

Literacy Lift Off Programme

First Class has now completed the Literacy Lift Off Programme. This early intervention programme has been very successful in raising literacy and writing levels in the class. Please continue to support your child by reading stories and books on a daily basis and continuing to supervise homework. Literacy Lift Off has commenced in Mr O’Leocháin’s class and will continue for six weeks, starting each morning at 9.20 am so please ensure the children are in school promptly each day. Please ensure their writing copies are kept in their Literacy Folders.

Numeracy

Year 3 of our Numeracy Plan is on-going in all classes. It focuses mainly on improving problem solving skills across all strands of the curriculum. If children are working on problem solving for homework they should be able to illustrate to you how they move from the concrete to pictorial to the abstract. Please encourage your children to use Maths in their everyday lives in a variety of ways as it is important that they understand the relationship between Maths and the real world.

A School Improvement Plan for a 3rd Curricular area will commence in Sept 2018. We are currently evaluating all areas of the curriculum in order to identify our area of greatest need. We will be distributing a student/parent questionnaire shortly and would be grateful for your feedback in this regard.

Dates for your diary

First Confessions: March 6^th at 6pm

Non-Uniform day: March 16^th

New Infants Induction: Thursday 19th April at 6pm

The Sacrament of Confirmation: April 25^th at 11am

Do This in Memory Masses: 4^th March, 25^th March & 15^th April

First Holy Communion: 19^th May at 11am

Easter Holidays: Friday 23^rd March April and returning to school on Monday 9th April

Discover Primary Science Showcase day: Thurs, April 12^th

Sacramental Preparation

Preparations for the sacrament of Confirmation have commenced in 6th class with our Confirmation candidates attending the “Exploring Our Faith” parish programme. The “Do This in Memory” Masses will run until April 15^th. We thank you for your attendance and participation.

Non-Uniform Day

A non-uniform day will be held on Friday, March 16^th. All monies raised will go towards the stocking of our new school library.

Full school uniform must be worn on all other days, except P.E. days. Again please note that earrings/ jewellery must be removed for P.E. as a matter of Health & Safety. I understand that earrings cannot be removed for the first 6-8 weeks after the piercing. However, it is not acceptable for children to miss out on P.E. class after this initial period due to piercing.

School Closures

Cloonakilla N.S. will close for midterm on Thurs & Friday February 15th & 16^th.

School will close at 12.30pm on Friday, March 2^nd for staff training on new Child Protection Guidelines and March 19^th for Bank Holiday. The Easter holidays are : Friday March 23rd @ 12 noon to Mon April 9th.

Junior Infant Enrolment

Our Junior Infant Enrolment Procedure has been completed this week and all successful applicants will be notified next week. An open evening for new Junior Infants will be held in the school on Thurs, April 19th at 6pm.

World Book Day

World Book Day will be celebrated on Thursday, March 1^st. Special activities will be held in all classes to commemorate this event and to foster a love of reading. Please take a few minutes out of your busy schedules to mark this occasion at home with your children. Children will receive book tokens so this is a chance for them to purchase a book of their choosing. Dolores Keaveney (author) will conduct a workshop with Junior & Senior Infants and 1st classes on Friday, March 2nd. Senior Infants visited Athlone library in preparation for World Book day. All children have an option to join the library and we would really encourage you to use this resource.

Book Fair

We held a very successful Book Fair in our school library last week. Over €3,000 worth of books were sold and the school received €1,500 worth of free books to help stock our new library. If you have any unwanted children’s books at home, in good condition, we would be delighted if you would please donate them to the school.

School Choir

The school choir will sing at the” Do This in Memory” Mass on April 15^th in SS Peter & Paul Church. They will also sing for Confirmation and First Communion ceremonies.

Stay Safe Programme

The Stay Safe Programme is currently being taught in all classes. This is a personal safety skills programme which seeks to enhance children’s self-protective skills by participation in lessons on safe and unsafe situations, bullying, inappropriate touch, secrets, stranger danger and telling a trusted adult their fears. It is important to encourage your child to discuss this content if possible. Parents can learn more about this programme at www.staysafe.ie.

Our children’s safety both in the real and virtual world is a priority for us all. Please check your child’s online activity at regular intervals to ensure their safety.

School Photographs

County Photos visited the school on Feb 13^th. Proofs will be distributed shortly and all monies should be returned to the class teacher promptly. The photographer will revisit the school on Friday, 27th April for Confirmation photograph for 6^th class.

Sport

As part of our “Get Active” campaign at Cloonakilla all classes recently participated in the 10@ 10 activity programme. The children (and teachers) thoroughly enjoyed it and an increased level of energy and enthusiasm was evident afterwards. It is a well known fact that sport enhances mental health and wellbeing. We would encourage all of our students in Cloonakilla to become active as much as possible both in and out of school.

Soccer

Soccer training continues on Fridays for 4^th – 6^th classes with Gerry in preparation for the upcoming SPAR 5-a-side tournament. We will also be taking part in a local schools soccer blitz.

Gaelic

Gaelic training will continue with Marie Brady (Clann na nGael) for 2nd, 4th & 5th classes. Gaelic training has also commenced on Thursday afternoons for 5^th & 6^th classes. Mr Kilbride and Mr O’Leocháin are coaching our boys while Ms Fallon and Ms O’Keefe are coaching the girls.

Rugby

A number of classes recently enjoyed a short workshop with Charlie Cooper from Buccaneers Rugby Club. Pupils got a taste of the game and maybe the next Robbie Henshaw could be from Cloonakilla!!

Healthy Tip

Try using the local Greenway track for a walk or a cycle or even a “scoot” with your children.

Green Schools

Fourth classes took part in a project to promote recycling as part of our Green Flag Global Citizenship -Litter and Waste. Pupils collected recycled materials for the month of January and they constructed a range of items from the recycled materials. Their constructions are on display in the library. Well done to all!

Green Schools Co-Ordinator Ray Foley visited the school on January 12^th and he completed a carbon footprint workshop with 4th and 5^th classes. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the day.

WOW days (Walk on Wednesday) will commence after Easter and your participation would be greatly appreciated. We will shortly be applying for our 6th Green Schools Flag for Global Citizenship. If our application is successful we will have the flag raising ceremony at the end of May.

Discover Primary Science & Maths

All classes are participating in the Discover Primary Science& Maths Programme and are working on experiments which cover a variety of strands within the Science Curriculum. As part of the programme, 3rd class will visit Galway Atlantaquaria. Here they will attend a workshop on animal anatomy and squid dissection. 4th class will visit Lisbrock Pumping Station where an engineer will explain where our water supply comes from. They will also have an opportunity to see how the pumping process works. Parents will have an opportunity to learn more about Science in Cloonakilla at our show case afternoon on Thursday, April 12th.

Cinema Visit

Recently 6th class read the novel “Wonder” by R.J Palacio. It told the story of a boy, named August, who was born with facial abnormalities. This novel taught many important life lessons, such as to be true to yourself and not to judge others by their appearance. To consolidate work completed on the novel 6th class went to the IMC cinema in Athlone to watch the movie.

Coláiste Chiaráin Musical

6th class attended the musical “The Fiddler on the Roof” which was performed by the TY students from Colaiste Chiaráin. The students presented us with an amazing show of music, song and dance. After the show, the children enjoyed lunch in their canteen. We thank them for their hospitality.

Credit Union School’s Quiz

The annual Credit Union School’s Quiz was held on Sun, Jan 30th in the AIT. Unfortunately we had no winners on this occasion but I would like to commend all who took part. A special word of thanks to their teachers for preparing them for the quiz and to Ms Cunniffe, Ms. Connaughton and Mr Kilbride who accompanied them on the day.

Child Protection

The Children First Act 2015 was fully enacted on Dec 11^th 2017 and consequently our existing Child Protection Policy must be replaced with a new Child Safeguarding Statement and a Risk Assessment Policy. All staff must undergo training in line with the new legislation. In order to facilitate this Cloonakilla NS will close at 12.30pm for all students on Friday, March 2^nd.

Defibrillator

As some of you will be aware we have an Automated External Defibrillator on site. It is stored in the main hallway of our school. The AED Response Team has recently undertaken additional training and the team has been expanded to include 9 staff members. In the event of cardiac arrest in a child or adult on school property or in the immediate vicinity a member of the AED Response Team will be summoned and CPR will commence followed by the AED until medical help arrives. The procedure will be used on children and adults alike unless parents indicate in writing to the Board of Management that they do not wish to avail of this service in the vent of cardiac arrest. As in the past we assume consent unless indicated otherwise.

Artist in Residence

5th class reached the end of their weaving project in December with a memorable “cutting off” ceremony (photographs can be viewed on the school website). This project was run in conjunction with the Artist in Residence Scheme sponsored by Roscommon County Council. Frances Crowe, a local textile artist, worked alongside the children to create and produce a stunning eight piece tapestry. Each wall hanging is based on iconic images of our local area. The end result speaks for itself and it is no wonder that the children are so proud of their work! We hope that their work will adorn our school hallway for many years to come. Congratulations and well done to all of the pupils.

After school activities

Lego Club

Lego Club has continued to be a great success this year. Children from 1^st to 4^th classes have enjoyed working in groups to create intricate lego buildings, vehicles and much more. They have also used their problem-solving skills and imaginations to complete complicated lego challenges! There will be a final lego club for 1^st and 2^nd classes after the Easter break.

Spanish lessons

Spanish lessons will continue for 4^th-6^th classes on Monday Feb 19^th or Thursday Feb 22^nd depending on demand. The course will run for 6 weeks. Cost: €30 per child or €25 for 2 children from same family.

Note from Parents Association

As you are aware the Parents’ Association will hold the Cube fundraiser event on Sunday 18th March in the Athlone Springs Hotel. The Event will see 48 contestants entering The Cube and competing against each other in a series of seemingly easy tasks, the winner on the night will win €1500. Some of these contestants have already pledged that if they win they will donate prize money to various local charities. Our contestants have come mostly from clubs, societies and businesses in our local area.

Parents are encouraged to support by coming along to the event on the night. It promises to be a great night’s entertainment for you, your family and friends, where we can promote local clubs, societies, charities and businesses as well as promoting our school. Tickets are available for €10 each at the school office, Bannon’s Service Station, Super Valu, Kennedy’s Monksland Service Station and the Athlone Springs Hotel. Your support will help us reach our fundraising target, allowing for the purchase of a stage for the new school hall.

Yours sincerely,

___________________________

Mary O’Rourke

Principal

November Newsletter

Phone: 090 6492569, email: cloonakillaschool@gmail.com, website: www.cloonakillans.com

Newsletter, November 2017

Dear Parents,

Please find below details of forth coming events in our school and events we took part in:

New School

It was with great pleasure that the BOM and staff welcomed you all to our new school in Cloonakilla on September 4th. This project has been many years in the making and I’m sure you will all agree that it was well worth waiting for. We are delighted with our new school and the wonderful facilities afforded therein. Staff and pupils alike deserve this opportunity to work in a beautiful new building that is awash with colour and stimulation. Planting and seeding of green areas will take place in Spring. Consequently our official opening will not take place until early summer. Stocking of our school library and purchase of stage for assembly hall are our priorities for this school year. I would ask you to please support all school based and Parents Association fundraising efforts for both initiatives.

Carpark

Sincere thanks to all those who helped with traffic Management in the carpark for September. Thanks also to all of you for your cooperation implementing the new system. It is imperative that you continue to observe the carpark rules in order to ensure the safety of all its users. It has come to my attention that some parents drop off children in the outside lane. This is prohibited at all times as this lane is for free-flowing traffic. If you witness this happening please report it to the front office. Also, pedestrians should use the pedestrian gate or the footpath/ramp. Pedestrians are asked not to walk through the teachers’ carpark as this is reserved for buses. All of these requests are made in the interest of Health & Safety. Please be mindful of the carpark/front entrance yard on frosty mornings. The path will be salted but extreme care should be exercised.

Smoking is prohibited in the school grounds

Junior Infants

Dates for your diary:

First Confessions: Tuesday 6th March

First Holy Communion: Saturday 19^th May @ 11.00am

Sacrament of Confirmation: Wednesday 4^th April @ 11am

First Communion

Enrolment for First Communion was held on Nov 13th. I commend you for your attendance. It is important that you attend the “Do this in memory Masses” with your child as they form a very important part of your child’s preparation for First Holy Communion.

Do this in memory dates:

Sunday 26^th November @ 10.30am

Sunday 17^th December @ 10.30am

Sunday 14^th January 2018 @ 10.30am

Sunday 11^th February @ 10.30am

Sunday 4^th March @ 10.30am

Sunday 25^th March @ 10.30am

Sunday 15^th April @10.30am

School Choir

The school choir will sing at 10.30am Mass in Ss Peter & Paul’s Church on Sunday, Nov 26th. The choir will comprise of 4th-6th class pupils. A full attendance would be greatly appreciated.

Non-Uniform Day

Thank you for your response to Non-Uniform Day which raised €634. All funds raised will go towards funding of school library. If you have books at home in good condition that are no longer in use we would be grateful if you could donate them to our library. This would help to reduce costs.

Maths Week

All classes took part in Maths Week which ran from 16th-21st October. 4^th, 5^th & 6^th Class signed up to IXL.com as part of their homework and some brilliant scores were recorded over the course of the week. All children can develop their mathematical ability on the website throughout the year. All classes were encouraged to walk a kilometre in our school yard. The senior classes designed and produced their very own maths games which the Junior classes subsequently played. Junior classes participated in Maths Art Style competition. 4^th, 5^th & 6^th also looked for their interesting Maths photos in many environments using their “Maths Eyes”. Support teachers conducted mathematical activities in all classes placing special emphasis on “Maths for fun”. All activities can be viewed on the school website.

A sincere word of thanks to Christine Macken and Damien Mitchell who visited 5^th class during Maths Week. They demonstrated the use of Maths in everyday life through their chosen career paths: Laboratory Manager and Sports Scientist. They inspired us to see Maths as a valued and worthwhile subject for the future.

Science Week

Science Week ran from November 12^th -19th. This year’s theme was “Fact or Fiction …. Stop And Ask”. As part of Science Week 6th class attended a show entitled “Science of the Circus” in AIT. All other classes focused on experimental science for the week. Support teachers visited all classrooms to conduct experiments with the children as part of the Discover Primary Science Programme which will be ongoing in the school for this year.

Abbey Theatre Visit

5^th and 6^th Classes recently attended a play called “ Me Sara” in our school library. This specially commissioned monologue style drama and workshop was based on John Sygne’s “Playboy of the Western World”. It proved extremely popular with the children and they were captivated by the main actress “Sara.” This play was run in

conjunction with the Abbey Theatre and it is fantastic that we now have the space to showcase these type of events.

Sport

Clan nan Gael U12 success

Massive congratulations to all the boys from Cloonakilla N.S. who won the county U12 Football Final recently. Our very own Kenae Fallon was the team captain. Other boys involved in this wonderful success were Conor Naughton,

John Hurley, Aaron Hurley, Cian Duffy, James Doherty, Billy Glennon, Kevin Jordan, Sean Noone & Caimin Macken. Well done boys! We are very proud of you.

P.E.

Swimming

Session 2 of swimming lessons is in progress this term for 1st & 4th classes. This session will end at Christmas and this will conclude our swimming lessons for this school year.

Gaelic

Soccer

4^th, 5^th and 6^th classes started training on Friday 17^th November for upcoming soccer tournaments. The SPAR 5-a-side local competition will be held in Monksland before Christmas (weather permitting). Our school has also entered teams for the Roscommon and District League Schools Competition. This will be held in Lecarrow in January. We would like to wish both the boys and girls the best of luck in all competitions!

Green Schools

This year we are aiming for our 6th Green Flag. Out theme is Global Citizenship – litter and waste. Children are taught that we all have a responsibility for looking after our world. They will be learning about countries around the world in conjunction with highlighting a number of global issues that exist at present and continue to threaten our planet. As we revise content covered under the litter and waste banner our litter pickers are busy ensuring that our school yard is litter free. Meanwhile the Bin Police are constantly monitoring our bins to ensure that waste and recyclable materials are being disposed of properly. The Green Schools Committee meet once monthly to discuss our action plan. They then report back to their classes about how we can be better global citizens.

Attendance

School Self Evaluation

School Self Evaluation is on-going in the school. Once again we are striving to improve literacy levels with the continuation of the Literacy Lift Off Programme and the Shared Reading Programme. Please read with your children and encourage them to read any material you feel may be suitable for them.

We are currently working on Year 3 of our Numeracy Programme which focuses on problem solving across all strand areas and one other strand of the Maths Curriculum. Please talk to your children about what they are learning in Maths and encourage them to use their “Maths Eyes” at home and in the wider world around them.

Christmas Show

Senior Infants will attend a Christmas show “Rudolph Saves Christmas” in Dean Crowe Theatre on Thursday 21^st December. Class teachers will furnish you with exact details.

Library Quiz

5^th Class are looking forward to taking part in the Roscommon County Library Quiz on Monday 27^th November. Preparations are underway and we are busy choosing our team to represent our school.

Library Visit

On Thursday, November 16^th, 2^nd class visited Athlone Library. They were welcomed by the Librarian and a very talented writer, Mia Samovich. Mia is a transition year student at Our Lady’s Bower, Athlone. Mia’s love of animals came across as she read some of her stories to the children. With this fresh inspiration driving them on, second class then had a tour of the children’s library and a look at the many amazing books on show. Our children have all joined up and are excited at the prospect of becoming both great readers and writers!!

Artist in Residence

Frances Crowe, a local artist was recently appointed to our school through the Artist in Residence Scheme which is run in conjunction with Roscommon County Council. All of fifth class are participating in the ten week programme. Initially they were introduced to the concept of weaving horizontally and vertically. It then progressed to diagonal weaving.. We are currently in week 7 of the project. The final product, a large eight piece wall hanging is beginning to take shape and we can’t wait to see the finished design which we are hoping to unveil by Christmas. The design is incorporating several images of our local area and surrounding elements of our landscape. It is a huge undertaking and the children have proved quite the textile artists during this weaving project. A special mention must go to Christina Lorenzo who volunteers her time every Thursday to help us achieve our end goal. We are extremely grateful to her for her generosity and goodwill.

Parents Association

The PA will host ‘The Cube’ next March as a fundraiser for the school. See details below. Parents/guardians help may be sought with this significant fundraising event. Many thanks to all parents/guardians who volunteered for Super Valu bag pack in October. The PA committee continues to meets regularly. Details of this year’s committee members are on the PA page of school website. Feel free to contact any member with any queries.

Can you beat the Cube?

‘The Cube’ is on its way! The ’Cube’ will play-out on the 18th March next in the Athlone Springs Hotel and boasts a 1st Prize of €2,500. Do you think you have what it takes to beat the Cube? Entries and other enquiries to

e-mail: cloonakillacube@gmail.com. Clubs, businesses and individual participants are invited to enter. Brilliant night’s entertainment guaranteed!! Limited to 40 entries. More details to follow.

After school activities

Lego Club

Lego club commenced for 1^st & 2^nd classes in September. Every Thursday the children spend an hour working in teams on their lego creations. Lego develops children’s problem solving and fine motor skills as well as enhancing creativity, communication and critical thinking. Lego Club will be opened to 3^rd and 4^th class in the New Year.

Spanish lessons

Spanish Lessons continues on Monday and Thursday until Christmas with Begona Sammon.

Christmas

Christmas Concerts Schedule

Junior Infants: Friday, Dec 15^th @ 1.00 pm

Senior Infants: Monday 18^th @ 1.00 pm

1st Class: Tuesday 19^th Dec @ 12 noon

2nd Class: Friday, Dec 15^th @ 2.00 pm

3rd Class: Tuesday Dec 19^th @ 1.15pm

4th/5th/6th: Christmas Carol Service: To be confirmed

Carol Singing

The school choir has been invited by the Monksland Tidy Towns Committee to sing at the switching on of Christmas lights at Supervalu on Sunday Dec 10th. The children will sing carols from 5-5.30. You will be furnished with more information closer to the event.

Congratulations to Szymon Skoczen (4^th class) who won the Monksland Christmas Card Art Competition. He will have the honour of turning on the Christmas lights in Monksland on Dec 10^th.

Army band

The army band will officially launch the Christmas season in Cloonakilla with a performance for all classes on Tues, Nov 28th. This is always a wonderful occasion and we look forward once again to being entertained. It is also a great opportunity for the children to see the workings of an orchestra at first hand.

Cash for Clobber

Sincere thanks to all of you who participated in the Cash for Clobber Clothes Collection. We raised €850 which will help to stock our library.

New Staff

We would like to extend a warm welcome to Olga Harney (teacher) and Rosaleen McGrane (SNA) who have recently joined our staff. We hope they will be very happy here.

Yours sincerely,

___________________________

Mary O’Rourke (Principal)

September 2017 Newsletter

Bealnamulla, Athlone, Co Roscommon
Telephone 353 90 6492569

Email: cloonakillaschool@gmail.com, www.cloonakillans@gmail.com

September 2017 Newsletter

Dear Parents,

It is my privilege to welcome you all to our beautiful new school building which has exceeded all our expectations. Many people have toiled long and hard over the years to try and push this project forward. To you, I say a sincere and heartfelt thanks. I hope our present and future pupils enjoy many happy and fruitful years here. The project is not fully completed and of course there will be teething problems. Please consult our school website for further information as the project proceeds towards completion. Thank you for your cooperation and patience to date. The BOM have funded many extras that have accrued with the new school building to ensure that it is finished to the highest degree. We will be asking you, the parents, to engage in and support fundraising throughout the next two years to purchase the necessary outstanding items e.g. stocking of school library, gym, portable stage to mention but a few.

I would like to extend a special welcome to our new families both in Junior Infants and in the other classes throughout the school. I hope you will be happy among us and that this school year will be a rewarding experience for all.

I would like to draw your attention to the following matters:

School Calendar: Please see attached.

Swimming Lessons: The first session of swimming lessons will commence on Wednesday, 13th September for 1^st and 4^th classes.

School Policies: All relevant policies can be viewed on our school website.

School Insurance: Enclosed please find school insurance forms. If you wish to avail of same please return to the class teacher as soon as possible in a sealed envelope clearly marked “Insurance” as these are forwarded to the Parents Association for processing. All insurance forms should be returned to the school by Friday, Sept 16^th.

School Self–Evaluation: S.S.E. will be on-going in the school for the coming school year. For this school year we will be working on Year 3 of Numeracy which will focus specifically on Problem Solving and one other strand area.

Sacraments: Confirmation has been confirmed for Wednesday, 25^th April @ 11am in Ss Peter & Paul’s Church.

Parents Association: The PA would like to thank the BOM, Principal, teachers and staff for all their efforts to get the new school up and running and wish everyone the best of luck for the coming school year. We would like to also welcome parents who are new to the school. Please visit the Parents Association section of the school website for information about the PA.

Attendance of all parents at the Parents Association AGM is most welcome. It takes place on Wednesday 27th September at 8.30pm in the school. A bag pack fundraiser has also been organised in SuperValu, Monksland on Friday 6th and Saturday 7th October. It would be appreciated if parents could volunteer an hour or two to help with this. Details to follow.

I look forward to working with you all during the new school year.

Yours sincerely,

________________________________

Mary O’Rourke

Principal

Newsletter September 2016

Cloonakilla National School

5th September, 2016

Dear Parents,

Welcome to the start of another school year. I would like to extend a special welcome to our new families, both in Junior Infants and in the other classes throughout the school. I hope you will be happy among us and that this school year will be a rewarding experience for all.

Cloonakilla N.S. opens at 09.30am. Children will not be admitted into the school building before this time and may wait in the shelter area if weather is inclement. School ends at 03.10pm. However, the school yard will be supervised from 9.20am and until 3.20pm to facilitate drop off and collection of children. The Board of Management do not accept any responsibility for children who are on the premises outside of these times.

I would like to draw your attention also to the following matters;

Pupil Up-date Form: You are required to complete the attached Pupil Update Form and return to the school.

New School Building: This is a very exciting time in the life of our school community as finally construction of our new school has commenced. The construction is planned as a 2 phase process. Phase 1: Construction of new building. Phase 2: Demolition of old building. However, it is a time when we will all have to make allowances for disruption to our daily routine. Please note that the following adjustments have been made in order to cope with the demands of the building project..

A: Playtimes have been staggered as follows:

Junior Classes: Break-time: 1.45 – 10.55, Lunchtime: 12.15 – 12.45

Middle / Senior Classes: Break-time: 11.00 – 11.10, Lunchtime: 12.45 – 1.15

B: Ball games are prohibited during playtimes for Health & Safety reasons. For this year children will be encouraged to play traditional games e.g. hula hoops, hopscotch etc. In order to compensate for this, teachers will timetable an extra P.E. lesson per week. As the year progresses we hope to use the local soccer/GAA pitches for training purposes for middle/ senior classes. Disruption will be inevitable for this school year so I will need your co-operation and understanding.

School Car Park: It is of utmost importance that all parents adhere to the traffic management system in the carpark to facilitate the free-flow of traffic and the safety of all.

The Entrance and Exit system must be adhered to. It is not acceptable to disobey these signs.

The yellow box at the front gate is reserved for the school bus. Cars are NOT permitted to stop in this box to drop off children.
Please drop your children promptly and move on thus allowing others to do the same. Parents who congregate at the school gate are causing disruption for others.
Children in the old school building must enter and exit school at main school gate. This is for safety reasons.

Please observe parking spaces which are reserved for teachers’ parking.
Please do not park near Vincent Bannon’s private entrance (house beside school) as this denies the family access.
Cones have been placed at the exit of the carpark by Roscommon County Council for safety reasons (so as not to obstruct visibility on exit). Please do not remove these cones.

School Tracksuit Top: All children are expected to have the school tracksuit top. Tracksuit tops cost €20.00 each and can be purchased by calling to the staff room between 10.00am and 2.00pm. Please label tracksuit tops and uniform.

School Calendar: Please see attached.

Lost Property: There is a large selection of unclaimed coats/jackets etc. from last year. These can be reclaimed from the staffroom until Friday, 16^th September. After that date all clothes will go to recycling center.

Swimming Lessons: The first session of swimming lessons will commence on Wednesday, 7th September for 1^st, 5^th and 6^th classes.

School Policies: All relevant policies can be viewed on our school website.

School Insurance: Enclosed please find school insurance forms. If you wish to avail of same please return to the class teacher as soon as possible in a sealed envelope clearly marked as these are forwarded to the Parents Association for processing. All insurance forms should be returned to the school by Friday, Sept 16^th.

P.E. Class teachers will inform children of their P.E. Day. School Tracksuit tops must be worn on P.E. days and children may wear tracksuit bottoms of their choosing. Tracksuits are also to be worn on swimming day. The full school uniform must be worn on all other days. As stated in the school rules children are not allowed to wear studs, earrings and jewellery on P.E. days. This is for Health & Safety purposes.

Parent–Teacher Meetings: These will be held in November. You will be notified closer to the time. If you wish to speak to a teacher regarding your child please make an appointment to do so. Every effort will be made to facilitate you.

Birthday Invitations: We all know that often unnecessary and unintended hurt is caused to children who are not invited to parties. For that reason the B.O.M ask parents/children not to distribute such invitations either in the school itself or at the school gate in view of other children. We make such a request in order to cherish all children equally. We have attached a Consent Form for parents of Junior Infants to sign to allow us to distribute your contact details on request. Phone numbers of class groupings are available on request up to 2^nd class.

School Self–Evaluation: S.S.E. will be on-going in the school for the coming school year. Our 3 year plan for Literacy has concluded. For this school year we will be working on Year 2 Numeracy which will focus specifically on Problem Solving.

Sacraments: Confirmation has been confirmed for Tuesday, 4^th April @ 11am in Ss Peter & Paul’s Church.

First Communion will be on Saturday, May 13^th @ 11am.

Parents Association: Parents Association have organised a bag packing fundraiser at Tesco Golden Island on weekend of 23rd / 24th / 25th September. It would be appreciated if parents or family/friends could volunteer some time to do bag packing over these days. Details of time slots etc. will be circulated shortly.

I look forward to working with you all during the new school year.

Yours sincerely,

________________________

Mary O’Rourke

Principal

Cloonakilla National School

School Rules

Children using the school bus should line up in an orderly manner for evening bus.
On hearing the school bell children should form an orderly line in the morning and after break-times before entering the school building. Children should respond immediately to the school bell.
Children are not allowed leave the school grounds without the permission of the Principal.
Classrooms should be vacated during break times.
A written note is required for absences from school and also for early departures.

Children should bring a healthy, nutritious lunch to school. CHEWING GUM IS NOT ALLOWED.

Mobile phones are not permitted in school. Urgent messages will be conveyed to the pupils.
Children should respect themselves and their property. School uniform should be worn on all days except P.E. days when the P.E. tracksuit must be worn. Pupils are not allowed to wear studs, earrings and jewellery on P.E. days.
School yard, classrooms, toilets, etc. are to be kept litter free.
Dangerous games are prohibited, e.g. throwing of sticks, stones, etc.
Children should do their best in school by listening carefully, working as hard as they can and by completing homework.
Children must show courtesy and good manners to each other, to all school staff and visitors to the school.
Children should play only in their designated play areas. They must obey the playground rules which will be explained clearly by each class teacher.
Any f orm of bullying is NOT ALLOWED and will be dealt with in accordance with our Anti-Bullying Policy.

Cloonakilla National School

School Rules

Procedures for Dealing with Unacceptable Behaviour

Some of the following strategies will be used to show disapproval of unacceptable behaviour

Completion of “Think Sheet” (Incredible Years Programme)
Reasoning with pupils
Reprimand (including advice on how to improve)
Prescribed extra work
Communication with parents
Temporary separation from peers and/or loss of privileges
Referral to the Principal
Note to parents
Suspension/Expulsion (in accordance with Rule 130 of the Rules for National Schools as amended by Circular 7/88)`

Cloonakilla National School

Bealnamulla

Athlone

Co Roscommon Telephone 090 6492569

Email:cloonakillaschool@gmail.com

Website: http://cloonakillans.scoilnet.ie

School Calendar 2016-2017

Mid Term Break: Monday 31st October – Friday Nov 4th (Inclusive)

Parent / Teacher Meeting: November – Date to be confirmed

Christmas Holidays: Thursday, 22nd December (closing)

Monday, 9th January 2017 (re-opening)

Mid Term Break: Thursday 23rd & Friday 24th February

St Patricks: Friday, 17^th March

Easter Holidays: Friday 7^th April

Monday, 24^th April (re-opening)

May Bank Holiday: Monday, 1st May

June Bank Holiday: Monday, 5th June

Summer Holidays: Tuesday, 27th June

Please take cognisance of the above when planning family breaks. Written work will not be assigned to children on holidays during school term.

Sports Day 2016

We all had a very busy day.

It was great fun !

Newsletter February 2016

Cloonakilla School Newsletter, February 2016

Dear Parents,

Please find below details of forth coming events in our school and events we took part in.

New School Building

A contractor has been proposed for the construction of our new school. At present we are awaiting final approval from the DES to proceed with construction. You will be notified immediately once this final approval has been granted. The BOM are confident that the process will be completed shortly.

Catholic Schools Week

We celebrated Catholic Schools Week from Feb 1st – 5th. All classes partook in various activities which focussed on the importance of the Catholic ethos which permeates our school. On Feb 1st we celebrated St. Brigid’s Day and 4th class made St. Brigid’s Crosses to mark this occasion.

School Improvement Plan

(a) Literacy

During this term all classes will engage in shared reading. Please find time to read with your child at home, no matter what age, as it is an opportunity to engage with them in a quiet environment away from the distractions of technology for a short while.

The children in all classes are also developing work began last year on the writing genres. For this term they will use the Procedural and Explanative forms. All writing samples are displayed on noticeboards outside each classroom.

Junior/Senior Infants continue to learn through play using the Aistear Programme. Please encourage you children to share with you the new vocabulary they have learned through this medium of play.

After midterm Junior Classes will engage in Scribing as part of their homework. You, their parents will be asked to act as Scribe (Writer) for your child’s story. Class teachers will issue you with more information.

(b )Numeracy

We are continuing to work on improving problem solving skills throughout this school year. Children are engaged in Maths Circuits, games and problem of the week in order to develop the higher order skills of integrating and connecting. If children are working on problem solving for homework they should be able to illustrate to you how they move from the concrete – to the pictorial – to the abstract.

School Self-Evaluation

School Self Evaluation is ongoing in Science. We are presently analysing all evidence gathered from parents, pupils and teachers and this will inform our School Improvement Plan for Science which will commence in Sept 2016 All

teachers have engaged with 3 evenings of Continuous Professional Development in Science as part of this process.

Discover Primary Science Programme

All classes are participating in the Discover Primary Science Programme and are working on experiments which cover a variety of strands within the Science Curriculum. As part of the programme 2^nd Class will visit the Irish National Stud in Kildare after Easter. Here they will have an opportunity to learn about and observe horses close up in a natural and relaxed environment. An Astronautical Engineer will also visit the school in the coming weeks to address the senior classes on space science. Parents will have an opportunity to learn more about Science in Cloonakilla at our open-afternoon on Tuesday, April 12^th.

Lego Club

Children in 1^st-3^rd classes will have the opportunity to take part in an after school Lego Club organised by Ms. Kelly/Ms. Campbell. Lego has recently grown into a worldwide phenomenon where children can develop many different skills by using and exploring Lego in different ways. The club will commence after the mid-term break and should be an enjoyable experience for all those taking part.

Readathon Success

As a means of promoting literacy and to encourage children to read, children from 3^rd– 6^th classes took part in the MS Readathon. It was a huge success as the children read many books and raised a staggering €3073.85. The school earned 10% commission. This money will go towards purchase of books for introduction of Literacy Lift Off in Sept 2016. Well done to all those involved.

Dates for your diary

First Confessions: 9^th March

Non-Uniform Day: 16^th March

1916 Flag Raising Commemoration: Tuesday 15^th March

Discover Primary Science Open Afternoon: Tuesday, April 12, 1.30pm to 2.45-3.00pm

New Infants Induction: Thurs, April 21st @ 6pm

The Sacrament of Confirmation: Tuesday 26^th April @ 11 o’clock

Do this in Memory Masses: Sunday 28^th February, Sunday 10^th April

First Holy Communion: Saturday 14^th May @ 11 o’clock

Credit Union Schools’ Quiz

The annual Credit Union Schools’ Quiz was held on Sun, Jan 31st in the A.I.T. Unfortunately, we had no winners on this occasion but I would like to congratulate especially the 6th class team of Shane Cleary, Katie Keegan, Sarah Costello and Candice Lynch who were pipped at the post by merely 1 point. Many thanks to their teachers, Ms. Cunniffe, Ms Gately and Mr. Kilbride who prepared them for the quiz.

1916 Commemoration

At present 3^rd – 6^th classes are studying the 1916 Easter Rising as part of the History curriculum and they are also engaged in project work on this theme.

As part of the Ireland 2016 commemorations, “Me Mollser”, a specially commissioned monologue play visited our school on Wednesday February 10^th. 3^rd – 6^th classes attended this event which is being run nationwide in conjunction

with the Abbey Theatre. It told the story of the Easter 1916 Rising through the magical power of a performance and

workshop. We all thoroughly enjoyed the production. On March 15^th we will hold a special commemoration of 1916 when the Irish Flag is raised for the first time on school grounds. You will be furnished with more details closer to the event.

School Photographs

County Photos will be here to take the school photos on Tuesday, February 16^th. Children should wear full uniform on the day.

Beauty and the Beast

Sixth class attended Beauty and the Beast on Tuesday Feb 2^nd. Both Summerhill and St Aloysius College were involved in this impressive production. We thoroughly enjoyed it and were very impressed with the performances especially some of the past pupils from Cloonakilla. We thank both students and staff of Summerhill for the hospitality shown to us on the day.

Book Fair

Tara Book Company, Galway is holding a book fair in our school from Feb 22nd – 25th. The books will be displayed in the old school hall and children will have an opportunity to look at the books on display during school time. Parents can purchase books daily that week from 2.10- 3.00. Please use this opportunity to encourage your child to read. The school will receive 50% commission in free books on the total spend. This will help us to restock our class libraries at minimum cost.

Carpark

The BOM and PA issued a joint letter in January requesting you to please follow the carpark rules as a matter of extreme urgency. These rules are not intended to frustrate or make life more difficult but are necessary for the safety of your children. Sincere thanks to those of you who make a special effort to cooperate in this matter. Now that the reality of a new school is in sight it is important that we all work together to ensure the safety of all carpark users.

School Uniform

Full school uniform must be worn on all days except P.E. days. Again please note that earrings/jewellery must be removed for PE as matter of Health & Safety.

Junior Infant Enrolment

Our Junior Infant Enrolment Procedure has been completed this week and all successful applicants have been notified. If there are any siblings who have not completed this process they must do so immediately. An open evening for new Junior Infants will be held in the school on Thurs, April 21st at 6pm.

School Closures:

Midterm break : Thurs & Fri, Feb 18th/19th Feb:

School closed for polling station: Fri, Feb 26th

Easter holidays : Thurs, March 17th-Mon, April 4^th

Sport

We are awaiting news of the next stage of the Roscommon & District Football League. Both boys’ and girls’ teams have qualified. We have entered the FAI 5-a-side competition. We are really looking forward to this particular one to

see if we can build on last year’s success and to get to Aviva again! Cumann na mBunscol entry forms have been sent back and we will enter in the gaelic section. The fixtures booklets should be with us very soon when we will see who we are up against in this year’s competition. Gaelic Training will continue with Eamon Mc Manus (Clann na nGael) and Mr Kilbride for middle/senior classes. Soccer training will continue with Gerry Doyle and Ms Gately.

Green Schools

We have been working on our Biodiversity theme this term. Congratulations to Ava Meehan (6th class) who was the overall winner of the Green Code Competition. Pupils in all classes are now learning Ava’s Biodiversity Code.

We have worked on ways to attract more wildlife to our school grounds. Pupils in 6th Class constructed an Insect Hotel from recycled materials. We are hoping that this ‘hotel’ will provide a home and shelter to many mini beasts.

5th class pupils erected bird feeders around our school. We also put up a bird table to attract birds to our garden. Each classroom has a bird feeder outside their window so all pupils can keep a look out for birds and hopefully identify them. We are erecting extra bird boxes around the yard.

Other classes have been involved in planting flowers and keeping our grounds tidy. Our litter picking rota is working very well. This is encouraging all pupils to take care of the environment around us.

Our Biodiversity Action Day takes place on Wednesday 10th of February. All classes will be learning about food chains and the habitats that are around us. Martina Butler from Roscommon Co. Council is visiting us on the day. She will be doing biodiversity workshops with some classes. Pupils will take part in colouring and poster competitions on the day.

Parents Association

The Parents’ Association comprises of all parents and guardians of pupils attending Cloonakilla N.S. with an elected committee taking responsibility for the day to day work of the association. Our aim is to work closely and effectively with the school staff and to support and initiate activities that benefit our children’s education, development and well-being. The committee meets regularly to organise various events throughout the school year. Many thanks to the large number of parents and family members who helped out with the Tesco bag pack in December. Total raised was €1,217. If you or family/friends are in Tesco Golden Island, please place blue tokens in donation box for Cloonakilla NS. Current fundraising efforts will support the delivery of the Literacy Lift Off Programme to be introduced in September 2016 and this will benefit all children in the school. In addition to above, other fundraising efforts include seeking sponsorship from local businesses, another bag pack in Tesco on 23rd / 24th September 2016 and the copper trail (see below). Please feel free to get in touch with any members of the committee if you have any queries or ideas. Your help with future activities such as the First Communion Reception or bag packing would be much appreciated. See school website for committee contact details.

As a fundraising effort all children are asked to bring in unwanted coppers or spare change that may be lying around at home in jars etc. A collection bucket will be placed in each classroom from 22nd February to April 30th. The class with the highest amount raised will receive a treat!

Yours Sincerely,

___________________________

Mary O’Rourke

Principal

Newsletter September 2015

2nd September, 2015

Dear Parents,

You are not required to complete a pupil up-date form for this school year. However, if important information has changed e.g. mobile phone no’s, address, contact persons etc. you are asked to contact the school secretary either in writing or by phone as soon as possible and she will make the necessary adjustments.

I would like to draw your attention also to the following matters;

School Car Park: It is of utmost importance that all parents adhere to the traffic management system in the carpark to facilitate the free-flow of traffic and the safety of all.

The Entrance and Exit system must be adhered to. It is not acceptable to disobey these signs.

The yellow box at the front gate is reserved for the school bus. Cars are NOT permitted to stop in this box to drop off children.
Please drop your children promptly and move on thus allowing others to do the same. Parents who congregate at the school gate are causing disruption for others.
Children in the old school building must enter and exit school at main school gate. This is for safety reasons.

Please observe parking spaces which are reserved for teachers’ parking.
Please do not park near Vincent Bannon’s private entrance (house beside school) as this denies the family access.

School Calendar: Please see attached.

Lost Property: There is a large selection of unclaimed coats/jackets etc. from last year. These can be reclaimed from the staffroom until Friday, 11^th September. After that date all clothes will go to recycling center.

Swimming Lessons: The first session of swimming lessons will commence on Wednesday, 9th September for 1^st (Ms O’Keefe’s) and 3rd classes. The second session will commence on November 4^th for 1^st (Ms Shine’s), 4^th and 5^th classes. The session will comprise of 7 lessons and the cost will be €40 which includes pool and transport fee. The bus will leave school at 11.45am. Please return the fee with the section overleaf. Only children who have prepaid before Tuesday 8^th will be permitted to go swimming on Wed 9^th. Swimming is optional as children who don’t go will remain in class. Swimming lessons will not be offered to second class this year due to large numbers.

School Policies: All relevant policies can be viewed on our school website.

Anti-Bullying: For the month of September all classes will work on the theme of Anti-Bullying as part of the S.P.H.E. Curriculum. This will help to create an atmosphere within the school whereby bullying of any type is seen as unacceptable behaviour. A class charter will be drawn up in each classroom and children will be made aware of the procedures involved in the event of bullying occurring. Parents should make themselves familiar with policy which can be viewed on the school website. On October 1^st a seminar for children and parents will be held on Bullying. You will be notified of details nearer to the event.

School Insurance Enclosed please find school insurance forms. If you wish to avail of same please return to the class teacher as soon as possible in a sealed envelope clearly marked as these are forwarded to the Parents Association for processing.

Birthday Invitations: We all know that often unnecessary and unintended hurt is caused to children who are not invited to parties. For that reason the B.O.M ask parents/children not to distribute such invitations either in the school itself or at the school gate in view of other children. We make such a request in order to cherish all children equally. We have attached a Consent Form for parents of Junior Infants to sign to allow us to distribute your contact details on request.

Buddy Programme: A Buddy Programme will operate in the Junior Infant playground from September to Easter. This comprises of a rota of senior pupils who will ensure that all Junior Infant children are comfortable in the playground. They will encourage children to play together and will ensure no child is left on his/her own. We have found this programme to be very beneficial in the past.

School Self–Evaluation: S.S.E. will be on-going in the school for the school year. Our 3^rd subject for S.S.E. is Science. We will be working on Year 3 of our Literacy Plan and Year 1 of our Numeracy Plan. You will be informed with more details of our School Improvement Plan late in September.

I look forward to working with you all during the new school year.

Yours sincerely,

________________________

Mary O’Rourke

Principal

Cloonakilla National School

School Rules

Children using the school bus should line up in an orderly manner for evening bus.
On hearing the school bell children should form an orderly line in the morning and after break-times before entering the school building. Children should respond immediately to the school bell.
Children are not allowed leave the school grounds without the permission of the Principal.
Classrooms should be vacated during break times.
A written note is required for absences from school and also for early departures.

Children should bring a healthy, nutritious lunch to school. CHEWING GUM IS NOT ALLOWED.

Mobile phones are not permitted in school. Urgent messages will be conveyed to the pupils.
Children should respect themselves and their property. School uniform should be worn on all days except P.E. days when the P.E. tracksuit must be worn. Pupils are not allowed to wear studs, earrings and jewellery on P.E. days.
School yard, classrooms, toilets, etc. are to be kept litter free.
Dangerous games are prohibited, e.g. throwing of sticks, stones, etc.
Children should do their best in school by listening carefully, working as hard as they can and by completing homework.
Children must show courtesy and good manners to each other, to all school staff and visitors to the school.
Children should play only in their designated play areas. They must obey the playground rules which will be explained clearly by each class teacher.
Any form of bullying is NOT ALLOWED and will be dealt with in accordance with our Anti-Bullying Policy.

Cloonakilla National School

School Rules

Procedures for Dealing with Unacceptable Behaviour

Some of the following strategies will be used to show disapproval of unacceptable behaviour

Completion of “Think Sheet” (Incredible Years Programme)
Reasoning with pupils
Reprimand (including advice on how to improve)
Prescribed extra work
Communication with parents
Temporary separation from peers and/or loss of privileges
Referral to the Principal
Note to parents
Suspension/Expulsion (in accordance with Rule 130 of the Rules for National Schools as amended by Circular 7/88)`

Swimming Consent

I consent to allow my child to attend swimming lessons

Childs Name: ________________ Class:__________

Parents Consent: ________________

Cloonakilla National School

Bealnamulla

Athlone

Co Roscommon Telephone 090 6492569

Email:cloonakillaschool@gmail.com

Website: http://cloonakillans.scoilnet.ie

School Calendar 2015-2016

Mid Term Break: Monday 26^th October – Friday 30^st October (Inclusive)

Parent / Teacher Meeting: November – Date to be confirmed

Christmas Holidays: Tuesday, 22nd December (closing)

Wednesday, 6th January 2016 (re-opening)

Mid Term Break: Thursday 18th & Friday 19th February

Easter Holidays: Closing Wednesday, 16^th March

Monday, 4^th April (re-opening)

May Bank Holiday: Monday, 2nd May & Tuesday 3^rd May

June Bank Holiday: Monday, 6th June

Summer Holidays: Friday, 24th June

Please take cognisance of the above when planning family breaks. Written work will not be assigned to children on holidays during school term.

The Book Rental Scheme will continue for 3rd to 6th classes. Children have received application forms. Please return with money by May 31st. No late application forms will be accepted this year.

It is up to you the parents to ensure that everybody acts responsibly in the carpark. Traffic should run freely if everybody does the right thing ALL of the time.

The Book Rental Scheme will continue for 3^rdto 6^th classes. Children have received application forms. Please return with money by May 31st. No late application forms will be accepted this year.