February Newsletter 2020

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 27th-31st. Mrs Cronolly introduced the programme each morning with a thought for the day and all classes partook in various activities which focussed on the Catholic ethos which permeates our school. During assembly 2nd-6th class children were afforded an opportunity to reflect on the theme for this week which was “Living in harmony with God’s creation”. A prayer service was also held during assembly. Fr John visited 2nd and 6th classes. They are preparing to receive the sacraments of Reconciliation, First Communion and Confirmation so we remember them in a special way in our thoughts and prayers this year. 4th class made St Brigid’s crosses to mark St Brigid’s Day on Feb 1st.

Dates for your Diary

Non Uniform Day: March 13^th

Do This in Memory Masses: Wednesday, 12^th February @ 7.30pm & Wednesday, March 11^th @7.30pm, Wednesday 1^st April @ 7.30pm & Saturday 13^th June @ 6.30pm.

Enrolment Ceremony for Confirmation: Tuesday 18th February at 7.30pm,

First Confessions: Wednesday, 25^th March @ 6pm in Ss Peter & Pauls Church

The Sacrament of Confirmation: Thursday, April 23^rd @ 11am

New Infants Induction Evening: Thursday, April 2nd @ 6 -7.30 pm

First Holy Communion: Saturday, May 9^th @11am

School Closures

Midterm break: Thursday & Friday 20th & 21st   February

St Patricks: Monday & Tuesday 16^th & 17^th March

Easter Holidays: Monday, 6^th April to Friday, 17^th April

N.B.  Cloonakilla N.S. will close at @ 12.30 on Friday, 28^th February for teachers’ in-service training in the New Primary Language Curriculum.

Sacramental Preparations

First Holy Communion

The children have been attending Mass as part of the “Do This in Memory Programme”. This is a very important part of your child’s preparation for the sacraments and attendance is required. Preparation for the sacraments of Reconciliation and First Holy Communion will commence in school after the midterm break. We thank you for your support and participation.

Confirmation

6^th class have been invited to attend the Confirmation Programme “Exploring our Faith” in Ss Peter & Paul’s Church on Tuesday, 18^th February @7.30pm.  The programme will continue on Thursday February 27^th, Thursday March 5^th, Thursday March 12^th at 7.00pm to 8pm.

School Self Evaluation

Year 2 of Our School Improvement Plan (2018-2020) is being implemented throughout the school. As already outlined we hope to increase our literacy levels with particular emphasis on Guided Reading and Comprehension Strategies. Please continue to read with your children at home and try to establish it as part of your daily routine. While improving your children’s reading skills it also helps instil a love of reading which is something your children can take with them into their adult lives.

Mrs McCabe is currently being trained as a Reading Recovery teacher. Mrs McCullagh presently implements the Reading Recovery Programme in our school. This programme is a literacy programme designed for children aged approx. 6 years who are struggling with reading. It involves a 20 week programme of daily one-to-one lessons for 30 minutes. It aims to reach age appropriate levels at the end of this 20 week period. We are fortunate to have 2 Reading Recovery teachers in our school as early intervention increases a child’s success in reading.

R.S.E. Programme

4^th/5th/6th classes will attend a “Growing Up” talk presented by Fiona Fallon on March 23^rd and 24th. You will be furnished with details nearer to the time.  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.

Stay Safe Programme

The Stay Safe Programme is currently being taught in Jun Infants, 1^st, 3^rd and 5^th 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, and the dangers of communicating with strangers. It is very important to encourage your child to discuss the content of these lessons at home. 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.

STEAM Education (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics)

STEAM, from an educational perspective is concerned with the aspects of Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics in the school environment. This initiative is being incorporated into a select number of primary schools. Cloonakilla N.S is thrilled to have been nominated again to participate in this initiative alongside local company Teleflex. The focus once again will be on ‘Engineering-in-a-Box’. The aim of this programme is to create a fun and challenging environment for children to both enhance and develop a knowledge of engineering. Both 5th classes will participate in the programme commencing Tuesday, February  11th  for a ten week period.

Maths Games at Cloonakilla

Children from Ms Ryan’s 1st class and Ms Connaughton’s 6th class have been taking part in our school Maths Games initiative. Every Monday, for a six week block, the 6th class pupils teach the 1st class a simple fun maths game, based on the maths curriculum for 1st class. The 1st class pupils then take the new game home to play with their families instead of maths homework for two nights during that week. The pupils from 1st class and their families have shown great engagement and enjoyment during the project. The 6th class have shown their leadership qualities and have been very patient while teaching the younger pupils – they are a credit to their families! Thank you and well done to all involved. Pupils from Ms Kilmartin’s 1st class and Ms Kiely’s 6th class will take part in this initiative after the midterm break.

Debating at Cloonakilla NS:

This year, our 6th class pupils are taking part in the Athlone Primary Schools Debating Competition run by Cllr Aengus O’Rourke and Athlone Drama Festival.  Aengus visited our 6th classes in January to speak to the children about the importance of public speaking to develop their confidence and to help them in their day to day lives as well as when they progress to second level education.

There are 13 schools participating in the competition. Each school will hold its own internal debating trials, a team will be chosen and that team will then go on and compete against other schools in a knockout format.

Our internal knockout was held on 30th Jan and the successful team comprised of Jay Maloney, Craig Kilmartin, Matthew Keegan and Jacob Kilmartin – well done boys! They were competing against a very eloquent team comprised of Rachel Murphy, Roqibat Idris, Abi O’Meara Fox and Ruby Rose O’Leary. The girls provided stiff competition and it was a close result.

For the next phase of the competition, our school team will debate against Scoil na gCeithre Maistri, here in Cloonakilla NS, on Wednesday 19th of February at 10am. The winning team will go onto the next phase of the league.

Parents are welcome to attend and support the team. 

World Book Day

World Book Day will be celebrated on Thursday, March 5th. Special activities will be held in all classes to mark this event and to promote further interest in reading. Please take a few minutes out of your busy schedules at home to mark this occasion with your children. Book tokens will be distributed to all classes so this is an opportunity for the children to purchase a book of their own choosing.

Library Visit

3rd Classes will visit the Aidan Heavey public library on March 20th for a reading by illustrator / storyteller Alan Nolan.  Alan is the author of Death by Chocolate and other very amusing and illustrated titles.  Children will have the opportunity to join the library if they so wish.

Poetry Competition

Children from 5th / 6th classes are busy writing poems to enter in this year’s Strokestown Poetry Festival.  The competition is open to all students attending a primary school in Roscommon.  We wish them well in their endeavours.

Spelling Bee

The annual Eason’s Spelling Bee county final took place on Monday February 10^th in the Abbey Hotel, Roscommon.  Following a very competitive in- school competition Lauren O’Brien from Ms Kiely’s 6^th class emerged as our school representative.  Lauren competed at the county final on Feb 10^th     and came 4th.   Well done Lauren!

Art/Texaco Art Competition

Congratulations to all the winners of our in-school Art Competition.  We now have 24 new pieces of art work framed and on display brightening up our corridors.  So well done to all our artists!

4^th classes have taken part in the Texaco Art Competition.  Their art works are currently on display in the school library.

Sport

Basketball

Basketball training for 5th & 6th class boys and girls has been on-going with Ms Kiely and Ms Connaughton at lunch time. Well done to all who participated in basketball training. A panel of players has now been selected and we are training for upcoming games.  On Monday, 2nd March, our basketball panels will travel to The Hub in Castlerea to compete in the Roscommon Primary School blitz. Our group includes Cloontuskert N.S, Castlerea N.S, Creggs N.S. and Boyle N.S.  We are also entering the Athlone Basketball League. On a monthly basis we will play local Westmeath schools, including Coosan, Moate, Cornamaddy and the Gaelscoil.  Participation in these basketball competitions promises to be fun and enjoyable, as well as promoting social interaction and a healthy lifestyle through team sports.

Soccer

The Spar 5 a-side will take place after the Easter holidays.  Training for the 5^th and 6^th class boys and girls has been ongoing since December.  Mr Kilbride is coaching the boys and Ms Martin and Ms Kilmartin have been training the girls.

Cumann na mBunscol

The training for the Cumann na mBunscol boys and girls will commence shortly with the competition taking place in May, initially against Ballybay, Summerhill and Cornafulla.  Mr Kilbride and Ms Fallon will be coaching the respective teams. The Cumann na mBunscol Sports Table Quiz will take place in March.  Also, a few lucky boys and girls will be selected to represent Cloonakilla in the mini 7’s in April, where they will be in with a chance of playing at half-time in a Roscommon Championship game in the summer.

Tag Rugby

Buccaneers RFC in conjunction with Connacht Rugby are holding a 10 a side tag rugby blitz on Thursday 26th March for 5th and 6th class boys and girls in Buccaneers RFC from 11 to 1pm.  There will be a training session in advance of the blitz.

Active Schools Flag

Our Active School Flag Committee are:

Brian Finneran and Szymon Sckozen (6^th class)

Marianne Molloy and Rachel Akahomen (5^th class)

Christina Waldron and Grace Meares (4nd class)

Isla Walsh and Chloe O’Callaghan (3rd class) and

Davy Warde and Alex O’Brien (2nd class).

• Well done to Aoibhinn Feery (3^rd class), Saoirse Dunne (3^rd class) and Orla Donohue (5^th class) as they represented our school in the All Ireland Schools Swimming competition on Sunday, February 9^th.  It was held in the National Aquatic Centre in Dublin.  The girls all got PB’s and Aoibhinn came 6^th in her category.  They thoroughly enjoyed taking part in such a huge competition.  We’re very proud of you all.
• A special word of thanks to all of the teachers who are helping out with coaching at lunchtimes.  Due to recent inclement weather conditions the pitches are not playable at the moment but hopefully they’ll be back in action very soon.
• Cube Initiative: To kickstart the new year and to promote our Active School Walkway we held a competition to see which class could “earn” the most cubes during break-times. 1^st to 6^th classes took on the challenge with great gusto and Ms Finnegan’s 3^rd class emerged as winners.  It was super to see everyone doing their talking as they were walking.  A total of 2849 km was walked during the 10 days of monitoring.  Well done everyone!
• In December all children who returned their “Active Month” activity chart were entered into a lucky dip for some surprises delivered by our hardworking Active Schools Committee.  The children were required to complete physical exercise as part of their homework.  It proved very popular.
• Cycle Right: course took place with both 6^th classes during December.  The course provided practical cycle safety and skills to promote competent and confident cyclists for the future.  A word of thanks to Noel Feely of Roscommon Partnership for facilitating this worthwhile workshop.
• Tug of War – Development Officer Cathy Sherrin will visit our school on Monday, 24^th February.  3^rd to 6^th classes will participate in a workshop on tug of war he skills and techniques.  The children are looking forward to using these news skills on Sports Day later on this year.
• Volunteers needed – are you involved in a career based on exercise?  We are looking for volunteers to come and share their ideas with the children during National Active Schools Week which takes place in May.  Please contact the school if you are interested in helping us out.

Yoga and Mindfulness

As part of staff wellbeing a four week yoga/ mindfulness course was organised for staff after school recently.  Avril Mullally conducted the course and it proved to be a very worthwhile exercise.

Ms Donnelly is currently running a series of yoga classes for 5th class girls.  Studies have found that this age girls tend to drop out of sports so we are encouraging them to keep as active as possible to reap the benefits in their future lives with increased confidence and self-esteem.

Green Schools

We are in the final stages of working towards our green flag, Global Citizenship and Energy.

The Green Schools committee have been very busy recently reinforcing all of our previous themes.  Litter picking has commenced daily on the yard, with all classes helping out to make our school a green space. The Green schools committee have reminded all classes to remain energy conscious and reduce their rubbish in their classrooms. Well done to the Green Schools Committee who continue to work very hard.  In March, we will have a Green School Awareness day. All classes will view an Energy PowerPoint, revising our theme. The Green Schools Committee will also show a PowerPoint to each class reminding everyone of all the hard work we have done over the past year and a half, working towards our green flag.   

We will have our An Taisce National Spring Clean Day on the 2nd of April in our school. This is a nationwide anti-litter campaign, which will take place during the month of April. Our whole school will get involved to clean up around our school and surrounding areas.

We will have a speaker visit our school in April from the SEAI (Sustainability Energy Authority of Ireland) who will carry out a workshop with the Senior Classes. This workshop will revise our energy theme while looking at issues surrounding energy on a global scale. It will focus on Climate Change, the most serious environmental problem of our time and is intrinsically linked to our energy use.  Our WOW Days will commence at the start of the summer months.

Book Fair

Our school book fair was a huge success.  We sold €3,612 worth of books and as a result received 220 new books for the library.  We also have €500 credit for Tara Book Company which will go towards the purchasing of novels for Guided Reading.  Many thanks to all who supported the Book Fair.

Sensory Room/Garden

Our Sensory Room provides many of our children with a calming space away from their busy classrooms.  It provides the children with an opportunity to engage their senses in a safe and comfortable environment.  Visits to the Sensory Room are closely supervised by SNAs.  Work on our Sensory Garden will begin this summer.

Non-Uniform Day

A non-uniform day will be held on Friday, March 13^th.  Children will be encouraged to wear green on this day as it marks Green Schools Awareness Day and it also coincides with the end of Seachtain na Gaeilge. All monies raised will go towards our new sensory garden.

Junior Infant Enrolment

Our Junior Infant Enrolment will be completed this week. All successful applicants have been notified pending return of required documents by Feb 14^th.  Incomplete applications will render the application null and void.

School Photographs

County Photos visited the school on January 31^st. Proofs have been distributed and all orders/monies should be returned to the class teacher by Monday 17^th February. The photographer will revisit the school on Monday 27^th of April for Confirmation photograph for 6^th class. Communion photograph will NOT be taken of First Communicants in school this year due to lack of interest.

Hoodies

In keeping with Cloonakilla N.S tradition, our 6^th class students have received their new personalised school hoodies which they can wear in lieu of their school uniform jumpers.

Delphi Adventure Centre School Tour

The 2^nd instalment of monies for the school tour to Delphi is due by Wednesday, 19^th February.  An alternative tour has been arranged for those not attending Delphi.

Parents Association

The Parents’ Association would like to thank all who attended and supported the Table Quiz on 7th February. Thank you also to all who helped on the night and helped to make it a success.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Parents Association for all their hard work in organising this event.  All monies raised enhance school life in Cloonakilla and for this we should all be very grateful.

Kind Regards,

Mary O’Rourke,

Principal

February Newsletter 2019

Catholic Schools Week

We celebrated Catholic Schools Week from Jan 28^th – Feb 1^st. Mrs Cronolly introduced the programme each day with a thought for the day and all classes partook in various activities which focussed on the Catholic ethos which permeates our school. A prayer service was held during assembly with 2^nd-6^th classes. 2^nd class marked Grandparents Day by inviting some of our grandparents to the school. It proved a very enjoyable afternoon with lots of chatting and memories shared. We thank God for the gift of grandparents.

Dates for your Diary

Non Uniform Day: March 15^th

Do This in Memory Masses: Wednesday, 20^th March @ 7.30pm & Wednesday, April 10^th @7.30pm

First Confessions: Wednesday, 27^th March @ 6pm in Ss Peter & Pauls Church

The Sacrament of Confirmation: Wednesday, April 3^rd @ 11am

New Infants Induction Evening: Thursday, April 11^th @6 -7.30 pm

First Holy Communion: Saturday, May 11^th @11pm

School Closures

Midterm break: Feb 20^th (Teachers In-Service Day), 21^st & 22^nd

St Patricks: Monday & Tuesday 18^th & 19^th March

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

Sacramental Preparations

First Holy Communion

The children have been attending Mass as part of the “Do This in Memory Programme”. This is a very important part of your child’s preparation for the sacraments and attendance is required. Preparation for the sacraments of Reconciliation and First Holy Communion will commence in school after the midterm break. We thank you for your support and participation.

Confirmation

6^th class have been invited to attend the Confirmation Programme “Exploring our Faith” in Ss Peter & Paul Church. The enrolment ceremony took place on Tuesday, Feb 12^th and the programme will continue on Thursday, Feb 28^th for 3 weeks.

School Self Evaluation

As part of School Self Evaluation a School Self Evaluation Report and School Improvement Plan (2018-2020) has been drawn up and is available on the school website. As already outlined we will be striving to increase our literacy levels with particular emphasis on reading and comprehension. The main focus will be on Literacy Lift Off Programme (1^st class & Senior Infants) and Guided Reading throughout the school. 1^st class have already benefitted from a 6 week intensive course in Literacy Lift Off and it is has now commenced in Ms Martin’s Senior Infants. Please continue to read with your children at home and try to establish a pattern whereby it forms part of your daily routine. While improving your child’s reading skills it also gives you an opportunity to spend some quality time with your child that is removed from the world of screens and online activity.

R.S.E. Programme

4^th/5th/6th classes will attend a “Growing Up” talk presented by Fiona Fallon on March 28^th/29^th. 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.

Stay Safe Programme

The Stay Safe Programme is currently being taught in Jun Infants, 1^st, 3^rd and 5^th 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, and the dangers of communicating with strangers. It is very important to encourage your child to discuss the content of these lessons at home. 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.

Health & Safety

In the interest of Health & Safety we have installed 2 special chairs for emergency evacuation down the stairs.  They will be used to evacuate anyone who may have difficulty using the stairs, in case of an emergency.  The chairs and training for staff members cost approx. €1800 and it was funded by the Dept. Of Education & Skills

Child Protection

Our Child Protection Policy now comprises of (1) Child Safeguarding Statement and (2) Risk Assessment. This can be viewed on our school website and a hard copy is available from the school office on request. If you have any queries/concerns with regard to child protection please contact: Mary O’Rourke (Designated Liason Person) or Heather McCullagh (Deputy Designated Liason Person).  If there are any comments you would like to make in regard to improving our Child Safeguarding Statement please contact me directly. This statement will be reviewed at our next Board of Management meeting.  Your comments will inform this review. Parents will be notified via email of this review.

STEAM Education (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics)

STEAM Education is a new initiative that is being rolled out in a select number of Primary schools. We, in Cloonakilla, are delighted to have been nominated for participation in this programme. “Engineering-in-a-box”will be co-delivered by STEAM employees from Athlone based company Teleflex, in both of our 5^th classes commencing on Wednesday, 13^th February for a 10 week programme.  STEAM Education bring STEM and Arts into primary schools in a series of fun and interesting demonstrations and experiments with the aim of fanning the flames of wonder and excitement that these subjects can bring to young inquiring minds. I would like to thank Kelly Marie & Dermot Neary (Parents of Eleanor Neary- Senior Infants) for nominating us for this programme.

I.C.T.

We are always adding to our library of apps on our ipads. This term we have purchased many apps including Britannica kids, Myths and Legends audio books, National Geographic World Atlas and Maths Drill. 

5th and 6th classes have been using their I.C.T skills during the Junior Entrepreneur Programme. They have used Microsoft Word to create persuasive advertising posters for their products as well as market research surveys and questionnaires. We also analysed the survey results and converted the data into bar charts and pie graphs using Microsoft Excel. The students on the storytelling teams have been busy keeping a digital record of our progress by conducting recorded interviews with the winning teams and taking photographs of our work, which they will use to create a PowerPoint presentation for our J.E.P showcase day.

Miss Harney’s 5^th class are participating in a project that integrates e-learning at a national level. Recently they compiled a bar chart detailing their favourite hobbies using Microsoft Excel and emailed it to their partner school. Miss Cunniffe’s 5th class have kept the school community updated on our Active School Flag activities. We recently created an Active School Flag page on our website where we record our activities.

We display the Frásaí na Míosa for Irish on the news ticker on the home page of our school website. We also have a new page on our school website hosting the names of websites that teachers recommend for parents to use with their children.

Junior Entrepreneur Program – JEP

Our 5^th and 6^th class students have been busy participating in the Junior Entrepreneur Programme, which provides opportunities to experience real-life business learning.

Successful local entrepreneurs, Kevin and Mary Dooley of Dooley’s Florists, visited our school to engage in a discussion with our students, which provided invaluable insight into the running of their business.

Recently, the students pitched their own product/service ideas to a panel of Dragons and one product was selected from each classroom. Our classrooms are now in the process of producing the chosen products and these will be available for sale soon at our J.E.P Showcase Day where we hope to sell the products to the pupils, staff and the general public.

Each individual in the class has a role to play in this project as part of the marketing team, the sales team, the designing and production team, the financial team or the storytelling team.

World Book Day

World Book Day will be celebrated on Thursday, March 7th. Special activities will be held in all classes to mark this event and to promote further interest in reading. Please take a few minutes out of your busy schedules at home to mark this occasion with your children. Book tokens will be distributed to all classes so this is an opportunity for the children to purchase a book of their own choosing.

Spelling Bee

The annual Eason’s Spelling Bee county final is due to take place on Thursday February 14^th in the Abbey Hotel, Roscommon.  After holding an in- school competition Kyra Brennan Donovan from Ms Kiely’s 6^th class emerged as our school representative.  Kyra will compete at the county final on Feb 14^th. We wish her the very best of luck. 

Sport

Basketball

Basketball training for 5^th & 6^th class boys and girls has been on-going with Ms Kiely and Ms Connaughton at lunch time. Well done to all who participated in basketball training.  A panel of twelve players has now been selected and all players are training for an upcoming Roscommon Primary Basketball Tournament.  Our group will see us play Cornafulla NS, Roosky NS, Lisaniskey NS and Frenchpark NS. The top team from each group will go forward to the semi-final in term 3. 

Badminton

Ms McCullagh has commenced badminton training for all those interested from 4^th class during lunchtime on Wednesdays.

Soccer

The Spar 5-a-side tournament will be taking place in April.  Training for 5^th & 6^th boys will commence this month with Mr Kilbride and the girls will be coached by Ms Kilmartin and Mr O’Leocháin.

Cumann na mBunscol

The Cumann na mBunscol sports quiz will take place on March 13^th.  A few lucky boys and girls will be selected to represent the school at the mini 7’s on April 10^th.  Selected children will be taking part in a tournament including Ballybay, Summerhill and Cornafulla in May.  Training commences in April with Mr Kilbride, Ms Fallon and Ms O’Keeffe.

Active Flag

Our Active School Flag Committee are:

Aoife Carroll and Sean Noone (6^th class)

Brian Finneran and Szymon Sckozen (5^th class)

Marianne Molloy and Rachel Akahomen (4^th class)

Christina Waldron and Grace Meares (3^rd class)

Isla Walsh and Chloe O’Callaghan (2^nd class) and

Davy Warde and Alex O’Brien (1^st class).

• Active Break Challenge

All pupils participated in the “Active Break Every Day Challenge” during Nov/Dec for a 4 week period.  It was a great way to generate whole school engagement with the Active School Flag process.  It also means that children gained more active minutes every day as the weather became colder and wetter.  Popular resources used were 10 @10 and Go Noodle.

Sporting Achievements

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

• Art Competition: 1^st to 4^th class are busy designing a poster to go with our slogan “Commit to be fit, don’t just sit” (Grace Meares) winners will be announced after the mid-term break.
• “Do your talking as you’re walking” Policy has been introduced on yard as part of our Active School Flag.  Anyone found loitering may get some star jumps or lunges to get them moving.  We also have an “Active Line” initiative.  Children from various classes are rostered to keep classes moving with a selection of exercises until their teacher collects them from their line. “Active Star” certificates will be distributed on Fridays to those children who make in the greatest effort.
• “Cycle Right” course with Ms Connaughton’s sixth class on March 5^th.  This course will provide practical cycle safety and skills training to promote competent and confident cyclists for the future. 
• Trisha McDermott, dance teacher and choreographer will carry out dance workshops with the following classes on Wednesday 27^th for 4 weeks.  1^st class (Ms Fallon), Sen Infants( Ms Donnelly) 3^rd class( Ms Finnegan) and 6^th class(Ms Kiely).

Volunteers Needed

Are you involved in a career based on physical activity? We are looking for volunteers to come and share their ideas/activities with the children during National Active School Week which takes place from May 7^th to 10^th.  If you can donate one hour of your time during that week please contact us.

Green Schools

Well done to Dylan Conway in 4th Class and Maebh Noone in 5th Class who were the overall winners of our new Green School Codes for our theme Global Citizenship and Energy. The winning codes will be displayed in all our classrooms and each class will learn our new Green School Codes.

Well done to all the children in each class who entered the competition.  There were a lot of creative and catchy codes and the art work was fantastic. The winners from each class are displayed on our green school’s noticeboard.

We will have “A Switch It Off Month” in March to promote saving energy in our school. “The Switch It Off Month” main aim is to reduce our electricity usage in our school. Mr. O’Leocháin will conduct energy lessons with the Senior Classes. Ray Foley from An Taisce will visit to conduct an energy workshop.

4th classes will be constructing projects at the end of February and March. They will be asked to focus on recycling objects when constructing their projects. These projects will promote recycling.

Amber Flag

Our mindfulness group meets each week to promote positive mental health.

All children from Junior Infants to 2^nd class have had lessons about how to use our lovely Buddy Bench.  Children who are feeling lonely can sit on the bench and a buddy invites them to play.  It is working very well. The winners of the Infant Buddy Bench colouring competition were:

Lilly and Kayden from Ms O’Keefe’s Junior Infants class

Clara and Christopher from Ms Sexton’s Junior Infants class   

Ryan and Mollie from Mrs Martin’s Senior Infants class

Kiersten and Matthew from Ms Donnelly’s Senior Infant class

Each winner received a certificate – Well done to all

Cooking All Stars

Children from Ms Harney’s 5^th class will soon be participating in Cooking All Stars in collaboration with Supervalu.  The children will learn food hygiene and preparation skills. They will try out some healthy recipes and will hopefully have fun and practise their new skills in the kitchen at home also!

Sensory Room/Garden

We are currently well on our way to finishing the kit-out of our Sensory Room.  Our hope is that it will be a relaxed and calm space where any child, at a time when they need it can de-stress in this supervised quiet environment. Its features will include lighting, sound, interactive equipment and soft play area.

Our Sensory Garden is at the planning stage and hopefully over the next few months work will begin on this outdoor area.  It will be a garden area where the children can enjoy a variety of sensory experiences with opportunities to stimulate their senses.

Non-Uniform Day

A non-uniform day will be held on Friday, March 15^th. All monies raised will go towards our new sensory garden. Plans are currently being drawn up for same.

Junior Infant Enrolment

Our Junior Infant Enrolment will be completed this week. All successful applicants have been notified pending return of required documents by Feb 15^th. Incomplete applications will render the application null and void.

School Photographs

County Photos visited the school on Feb 12th. Proofs will be distributed shortly and all orders/monies should be returned to the class teacher promptly. The photographer will revisit the school on Friday 5^th of April for Confirmation photograph for 6^th class. Communion photograph will be taken of children in their Communion Clothes on Monday 13^th May.

Hoodies

In keeping with Cloonakilla N.S tradition, our 6^th class students have received their new personalised school hoodies which they can wear in lieu of their school uniform jumpers.

MS Readathon Success

Congratulations to Muireann Lambe who won an ipad for her efforts during this year’s Readathon. Overall the children raised €3769.71 for Multiple Sclerosis and €414.36 was donated   to our school library.

After school activities

Lego Club

Lego club commenced for 3^rd and 4^th classes in January until February 25th.  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 re-commence 1^st – 4^th class on March 5th.

Spanish lessons

Spanish lessons continue on Tuesday evenings with Begona Sammon and a new session of lessons will commence on March 5^th.

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

1. 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.

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.  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.

1. Basketball

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

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

6. Classrooms should be vacated during break times.

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

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

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

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

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

12. 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.

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

14. The school yard and classrooms must be kept litter free.

15. Dangerous games are prohibited at all times.

16. 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.

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

18. Any form of bullying is NOT ALLOWED and will be dealt with in accordance with our Anti Bullying Policy
19. Children are not allowed to distribute birthday invitations in school.
20. 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, 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

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

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

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

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

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

6. Classrooms should be vacated during break times.

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

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

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

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

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

12. 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.

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

14. The school yard and classrooms must be kept litter free.

15. Dangerous games are prohibited at all times.

16. 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.

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

18. Any form of bullying is NOT ALLOWED and will be dealt with in accordance with our Anti Bullying Policy
19. Children are not allowed to distribute birthday invitations in school.
20. 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^th classes 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^rd to 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