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

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:

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.

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. 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

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.

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)

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.

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 will greatly reduce our paper usage.

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 check school website for regular updates

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, 13th September for 1^st and 4^th classes.

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.  Teachers will also work on the theme of Road Safety for the month of September.  It is important that you as parents discuss this theme with your children.

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.

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 3rd 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 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

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.

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

2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Children in the old school building must enter and exit school at main school gate. This is for safety reasons.

1. Please observe parking spaces which are reserved for teachers’ parking.
2. Please do not park near Vincent Bannon’s private entrance (house beside school) as this denies the family access.
3. 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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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 policy which can be viewed on the 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

1. Children using the school bus should line up in an orderly manner for evening bus.
3. 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.
5. Children are not allowed leave the school grounds without the permission of the Principal.
7. Classrooms should be vacated during break times.
9. 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.

2. Mobile phones are not permitted in school. Urgent messages will be conveyed to the pupils.
4. 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.
6. School yard, classrooms, toilets, etc. are to be kept litter free.
8. Dangerous games are prohibited, e.g. throwing of sticks, stones, etc.
10. Children should do their best in school by listening carefully, working as hard as they can and by completing homework.
12. Children must show courtesy and good manners to each other, to all school staff and visitors to the school.
14. Children should play only in their designated play areas. They must obey the playground rules which will be explained clearly by each class teacher.
16. 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

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.

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

2nd September, 2015

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.

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.

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

2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Children in the old school building must enter and exit school at main school gate. This is for safety reasons.

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

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 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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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

1. Children using the school bus should line up in an orderly manner for evening bus.
3. 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.
5. Children are not allowed leave the school grounds without the permission of the Principal.
7. Classrooms should be vacated during break times.
9. 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.

2. Mobile phones are not permitted in school. Urgent messages will be conveyed to the pupils.
4. 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.
6. School yard, classrooms, toilets, etc. are to be kept litter free.
8. Dangerous games are prohibited, e.g. throwing of sticks, stones, etc.
10. Children should do their best in school by listening carefully, working as hard as they can and by completing homework.
12. Children must show courtesy and good manners to each other, to all school staff and visitors to the school.
14. Children should play only in their designated play areas. They must obey the playground rules which will be explained clearly by each class teacher.
16. 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

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.