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28/11/2023

Dates for your Diary

• The AGM of the Parent’s Association will be held on November 29th @ 7.30 p.m..
  At this meeting we will be choosing a mother and father to be members of the Board of Management for the next 4 years. Please attend.
• November 16th: Parent / Teacher meetings day, but they will be held throughout November in reality.
• 8th of December: Swimming starts for Rang 2 and Rang 4. Finishes on the 2nd of February 2024.
• * Christmas Concerts for Juniors, Seniors A and B and Ms. Galvin’s: Date: Tuesday 12^th of December | Times: All Seniors: 9.30 a.m. || Juniors: 10.00 a.m. || Rang 7: 10.30 a.m. Venue: School Hall.
• Christmas Carol Service in Emmet Square: Thursday 14th of December @ 7.00 p.m.  Rang 1- Rang 6
• Singing in Bushmount for Christmas: 18th of December @ 11.30 a.m.
• Singing in Clonakilty Hospital for Christmas: 19th of December @ 11.30 a.m. TBC
• Singing in Clonakilty Care Choice Nursing  Home on the 20th of December @ 11.30 a.m.
• Clonakilty GAA Mass: TBC
• December 22nd: The children get their Christmas Holidays @ 12.00 p.m.
• December 23rd – January 7th: Christmas holidays
• 8th of January 2024: Back to school after Christmas.
• 5th of February 2024: School closed, Bank Holiday.
• 7th of February 2024: Enrolment / Open Day in SnB. Places are offered to children for 2024/2025.
• 9th of February 2024: Swimming starts for half Rang 6 and all Rang 5/6. Finishes on 12th of April 2024.
• 15th & 16th of February 2024: School closed, mid term break.
• 21st of February 2024: Final date for accepting a place in SnB for 2024/2025.
• 18th of March 2024: School closed, St. Patrick’s Day.
• 22nd of March 2024: The children get their Easter Holidays @ 12.00 p.m.
• 23rd of March – 7th of April 2023: Easter Holidays.
• Back to school after Easter Holidays: 8th of April, 2024
• 19th of April 2024: Swimming starts for Rang 1 and the second half of Rang 6. Finishes on 24th of May.
• 6th of May 2024: School closed, Bank Holiday.
• 7th of May 2024: School closed.
• Saturday 18th of May, 2024 @ 11.00 a.m.: First Holy Communion: Saturday 18th of May, 2024 @ 11.00 a.m. in the Parish Church
• 3rd of June 2024: School closed, Bank Holiday.
• 4th of June 2024: School closed.
• 27th of June 2024: Sixth class party
• 27th of June 2024: The children get their Summer Holidays @ 12.00 p.m.
• 28th of June 2024: Summer school starts.

2023/2024 Calendar

Enrolment starts on 1st of October for 2024/2025

Enrolment starts on the 1st of October for 2024/2025. Please click here to view all information about the enrolment process and click the link to complete the online form to request an Enrolment form.

6th Class Podcasting in the Music Room

First Class Snb Visit First Class at St. Joesph’s

The Boys from First Class enjoyed a visit to meet 1st Class at St Joesph’s , great fun was had with a class Quiz and a Performace by Our Boys in First Class Snb!

4th Class FAI Soccer Blitz in Carrigaline

6th Class Trip to UCC

First Class Visit Dr. Sean Murray and All The Staff At – Clonakilty Medical Clinic:

Today first class went to Visit Dr. Sean Murray and all the staff at Clonakilty Medical Clinic. First class were shown all the different rooms , Dr Murray explained all the important jobs that are done at the clinic to help all the people in Clonakilty. Thank you to all the Staff at the Clinic and to Hugo O’ Keffee for organising the visit! What a Wonderful experience!

Sail cars in Fourth class

Fourth class made sail cars and some were made out of lego and other materials. Some were made of boxes of cardboard and tape to keep stuff together and cocktail sticks were used to keep the wheels together and the sail was made out of paper. On the first day we started making our sail cars it was so fun doing it we got to have fun while making them.

On Friday we started the races and some groups had really good cars. Some were fast and some were slow but they still worked. One group got 142 cm with their car as they had a built in drone! The next group got 129 cm. Their car was made of lego. They had a small car. Third place got 110 cm they made theirs out of cardboard.

By Aaron and Jack

Senior Infants B & 4th class in Bushmount 

Senior Infants B & 4th class have gone for a few walks together. Here are some photos of them in Bushmount 

Science Week

Science Week in Rang 3

We had great entertainment in 3^rd Class on Wednesday evening where the boys took part in creating their very own Rocket Launch for Science Week. The boys worked very well in their groups to set up the experiment which consisted of getting a piece of string through a straw before strapping the balloon onto the straw and getting ready for take off! The boys had great fun and enjoyed their afternoon. 

Science Week in 4th/5th

Science Week in 2nd Class

We had a great time on Wednesday afternoon in 2nd class where we completed three different experiments for Science Week. Firstly, we did the ‘Baking Soda Ballon’ where we mixed vinegar and baking soda in a bottle causing the balloon to inflate! We then looked at an experiment called ‘Magic Milk’. We mixed milk and food colouring to start with and then poured dish soap over the top. This caused the coloured milk to spread out creating wonderful patterns. The last experiment we did was a lava lamp. We had so much fun testing out all of these experiments and the boys really enjoyed it!

Bella Italia 

Rang 2 have been busy learning all about Italy. To enhance their learning experience, they made a traditional Italian dessert helped by rang 7.

The orange polenta cake was an all round winner.  

Orienteering in Doneraile by Finbarr O’Mahony and Ewan Bell

On the 16th of November 2023, 5th and 6th along with our teachers went to Doneraile to take part in an orienteering competition. We started off with a 2-hour bus journey to Doneraile so we had to come to school early at 8:20am.
When we arrived, we got out of the bus, and got our maps, SI Cards and poly-pockets. Next, we lined up and got ready for the course. Conor Moore, Matthew O’Regan, and Niall Harrington were the first three to run the course. They all went to the wrong checkpoint and warned us about going the wrong way. On the course there were 8 checkpoints, 9 including the finish. The course was 2.8km long. There were 81 competitiors in 5th running and 255 from 6th. There was a bog in-between checkpoint 7 and 8. Number 1 through 5 were all in a field, from number 5 to 6 there was a long steep road. Next to the road there was a field filled with deer. From 6 to 7 there was a bridge you had to cross to get to 7. From 7 to 8 we got stuck finding the checkpoint for quite a while so we asked someone for help and they told us roughly the direction to 8. Finally, we had a 110m sprint to the end. When we were finished, we sat down on a bench and ate our lunch before we left. When it was time to leave, we tidied up and got on the bus back to Clonakilty. It felt longer on the way back. We finally arrived in Clonakilty at 20 to 3. Before we left school the results were up. Here are the top 5 from each class starting with 5th class; 1st Finbarr O’Mahony 2nd Liam Ahern 3rd Danny Forristal 4th Cian Afonso and 5th Ewan Bell. Now for 6th class; 6th John Mc Carthy 7th Max Wade 10th Cillian Whooley 13th Pearse Nolan and 14th Aidan Whooley.
Overall, the school had a successful day and we think all the competitors had an amazing day in Doneraile. Our next event will be the Cork Championship in February or March.
Thank you to Noreeen who organised the buses for us. They were very comfy!

Rang 1 visit Blackpudding Factory

Christmas Shoebox Collection

Gentleman, PenMan, Gaeilgeoir, Lift Off Boy | November 2023

€760 raised for the Mercy Hospital

€760 was raised for the Mercy Hospital Heroes initiative recently at the Hallowe’en Fancy Dress Parade. Many thanks to everyone who supported.

4th Class History Projects – Celts

Sarah Lowney

Sarah Lowney has been with us for the last few weeks as part of her teaching practice. She finished up today, Friday. The boys made Rice Krispie buns as a thank you to Ms. Lowney. We wish her all the best in the years ahead. Thank you Ms. Lowney.

Rubix Cube Competition

Top so far

Conor McCarthy 34 seconds
Maroof Ali 39 seconds
Louis Kitagwa 48 seconds
Lovro Kordic 53 seconds
Ruari Harrison 58 seconds
Evan Lawless 66 seconds
JJ O’Donnell 71 seconds

1st Class -Woodland Warriors For The Day

The 1st Class boys had an amazing day in Castlefreke Woods , constructing dens , treking through the wood walks and lots of muddy fun in the great outdoors!

Juniors plant bulbs with Susan

The Junior Infant boys were very busy planting bulbs with Susan recently. We are looking forward to seeing them grow in the Spring. While Susan was helping the boys planting, some fifth class boys very kindly played maths games  while the boys waited for their turn. Well done everyone!

Juniors visit the Library for Hallowe’en

Hallowe’en Games in Rang 2

Hallowe’en 2023 Parade

Halloween Prizes 2023

Marie Forristal (Inf)    Noah Dowling and Adam Strot.
Therese Crowley (Seniors Inf)     Fillip Marek
Michelle O’Neill (Sen Inf)      Donnacha Lynch and Yuri Barsocchi De Meneres Braatz Mathias
Karen/Kathyrn (1^st)                 Malachy Lordan and Daniel Malone
Rebecca (2^nd)        Sam Alfonso and Giorgi Shoshiashvili
Laura  ( 2nd/3^rd)    Rory Harrison and Alex O’Sullivan
Ciaran (3^rd)            Luca O’Callaghan and Max Marek
Marie Hayes (4^th) Aaron Nash, Sean Kennedy and Logan Farrell Kelliher
Carol Ann (4^th/5^th)    Ciaran Dinneen and Finbarr O’Mahony
Sean (5^th/6^th)     Cian Alfonso and Max Wade
Niamh (6^th)        Maroof Ali, Aran Cronin and Leon O’Callaghan

Rang 1 Hallowe’en Disco

Hallowe’en Doors

Water Refiller

Presenting Projects in Rang 6

School Fees 2023/2024

Dear Parents, please find the list of fees for the coming year. Music enrolment is only by the App again this year. Guitar Rental: we are changing the guitar rental scheme this year as new instruments will have to be purchased. The new fee is non refundable but is reduced to €25 instead of €50. Closing date for all fees please is Saturday 30th of September 2023 (except for Milk and Swimming which are due on their due dates). If you are worried about any of the fees below – please don’t worry! Contact Barth Harrington on 023 8834487 to discuss the matter.

Art and Crafts (all classes, including Special Classes) (€12) + Drama/other activity (€2): €14.00 Christmas Magazine 2023/2024: €5.00 (all classes) Elocution (all classes except Ms. Galvin’s class): €8.50 French Lessons Term 1 (Rang 2 – Rang 6): €8.50 French Lessons Term 2: NO Charge as we are enrolled in the “Say Yes to Languages” Scheme and the Department is paying. Photocopying & Printing (all classes): €20.00 Rental Scheme (Rang 1 – Rang 6): No charge, this year as the Department of Education is paying. Swimming and Bus to pool (Rang 1 – Rang 6, including Special Classes): €52.00 – increase in price from the Leisure Centre and the bus company. Zumba dancing (Special classes, Junior Infants – Rang 6): €6.00 (to be confirmed – not on Aladdin) GAA (all classes including Special Classes) Term 1: €5.00 GAA (all classes including Special Classes) Term 2: €5.00

Optional Allianz Pupil Personal Accident Insurance – School hours only: €6.00 Allianz Pupil Personal Accident Insurance – 24 hours: €9.00 Milk Term 1 | September – Christmas 2023 (All Classes): €12.80 (Milk starts on Monday 4th of September.) Milk Term 2 | January – Easter 2024 (All Classes): €10.00. (Milk starts on Monday 8th of January.) Milk Term 3 | April – June 2024 (All Classes) | €10.80

Music Lessons (Optional) Music enrolment for 2023 /2024: Term 1 (these lessons are optional) Please note: your child can only study 2 instruments maximum. Cajon Lessons with Laurie Hedger (Rang 1 – Rang 6) €20 Drum Lessons with Laurie Hedger (Rang 3 – Rang 6): €40 Brass Instruments with Gerard Conlon (the instrument will be supplied to the child) (Rang 3 – Rang 6): €160 Kay O’Flynn: Guitar (Rang 2 – Rang 6): €84 Kay O’Flynn: Keyboard (Rang 2 – Rang 6): €84 Kay O’Flynn: Tin Whistle (Senior Infants – Rang 6): €84 Kay O’Flynn: Accordion (Individual lessons): (Rang 2 – Rang 6): €110 Following the surveys we conducted in 2019 with regard to music in our school, the Parent’s Association and the B.O.M. have put aside money for parents who may find the cost of the Music Lessons prohibitive.  Please contact Barth Harrington about this on 023 8834487. Also money is available to purchase instruments which can be loaned to children.  Many thanks to the P.A. and B.O.M. for this.  We purchased 22 guitars for the scheme.  These guitars are excellent and will have to be cared for by the boys.

P.E. / Soccer Timetable 2023

Class	Soccer	P.E.
Junior Infants (Mrs. Marie Forristal)	Not applicable	Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays
Senior Infants A (Miss Therese Crowley)	Fridays	Thursdays
Senior Infants B (Ms. Michelle O’Neill)	Fridays	Tuesdays and Thursdays
Rang 1 (Ms. Kathryn O’Shea / Ms. Karen O’Regan	Tuesdays and Thursdays	Tuesdays and Fridays
Rang 2 (Ms. Rebecca Hourihane)	Mondays & Wednesdays	Thursdays and Fridays
Rang 2/3 (Ms. Laura Connolly)	Mondays & Wednesdays for Rang 2 Mondays for Rang 3	Mondays and Fridays
Rang 3 (Mr. Ciarán Crowley)	Mondays	Mondays and Thursdays
Rang 4 (Mrs. Marie Hayes)	Tuesdays	Tuesdays
Rang 4/5 (Ms. Carol Ann O’Donovan)	Tuesdays for Rang 4 Wednesdays for Rang 5	Tuesdays and Wednesdays
Rang 5/6 (Mr. Seán Daly)	Wednesdays for Rang 5 Thursdays for Rang 6	Mondays and Fridays
Rang 6 (Ms. Niamh Mac Auley)	Thursdays	Tuesdays and Thursdays

New Extension begins

Before

Signing the contract

Machines move in

Completing the deadwork

Insulation

Pouring the floors

What’s going on? … in school and extra-curricular activities

Chess: is on Tuesday 3rd of October for Boys in Rang 4 only.
Rang 5 and Rang 6 are starting once Sciath na Scol is finished on Wednesdays after school.
Thanks to Ms. Niamh Mac Auley and Ms. Laura Connolly for their help with the players. Thanks to Ms. Gillian Galvin for her help with the Learners Chess Club.

Basketball 23/24: Basketball training is on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Thanks to Ms. Carol Anne O’Donovan / Seán Daly / Paul Carmody / Ciarán Crowley for assisting again with Basketball this year. This year it have to be run as last year – Tuesday will be for Rang 5 / Thursday will be for Rang 6.

Quizzard ‘23/24: is on Fridays at lunchtime. Classes from Rang 3 – Rang 6 will be participating. This will start in early October.

Soccer Competitions

Senior Infants Soccer
Held on Fridays only
Rang 1
Held on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Teams are on website.
Rang 2
Held on Mondays / Wednesday – depending on what team you are on. Teams are on the website.
Rang 3
Held on Mondays. Teams are on website.
Rang 4
Held on Tuesdays. Teams are on website.
Rang 5
Held on Wednesdays. Teams are on website.
Rang 6
Held on Thursdays. Teams are on website.

Multi-Media Authoring / Video Editing / Computer Lessons / Coderdojo – for Rang 2, Rang 3, Rang 4, Rang 5 and Rang 6 will hopefully start this year. Thanks to Mrs. Margaret Deegan for hopefully teaching Coder Dojo to Rang 2 each week.

Swimming: for Rang 2/3 and Ms. Galvin’s class starts on the 8th of September.

Wardens – every year Rang 6 and some Rang 5 act as School Wardens. Thanks to our team of SET teachers who are looking after the wardens again this year. Thanks also to Chris Hinchy for his help again this year.

GAA – Conan O’Donovan on Wednesdays.

Rugby – Finbarr O’Mahony on Fridays starting on the 2nd of September.

Sciath na Scol Competitions – training will start soon.

Advertising

If you would like to book an ad for the coming school year 2023 – 2024 please let Noreen know as soon as possible.  The number of ads is limited.  Our Links goes to all parents in the school – 10 times a year – at the beginning of each month. Now due to the fact that it’s online many more people will view the Links. The cost is €20 per issue or at a discount of €150 for the entire year!  Please ring 8834487 if you are interested.

Old Brewery Montessori School

Clonakilty Park Cinema

The Emmet Hotel

PPS Numbers

PPS. Numbers: Please send in your child’s PPS number if you have not already done so.  You can also add this yourself on the Aladdin App.

If you cannot find the PPS you can ring 023 – 8821900 and they will be able to locate the number and give it to you over the phone.  Noreen will be contacting parents who have not yet sent in their child’s PPS number later in September.

Contact Numbers

If you have moved, changed phone/mobile numbers or changed doctor or emergency contact person or got a new email address – please update these details on the Aladdin App yourself so that we can contact you in case of emergency. You can do this yourself, there is no need to ring in, just change it on the App and we will be notified automatically.

We will no longer be sending texts to parents – we will just use the Aladdin app.

“Cent” Box – Thorntree Project

“Cent” boxes will continue this year. Last year we raised €1000 for the Thorntree Project.
Rang 4/5 (Ms. Carol Ann O’Donovan) and Rang 5/6 (Mr. Seán Daly) will be in charge of this and will inform you later of how it will be organised. We have been assisting the Thorntree Project since 2015, when we release a Christmas single “Butterfly Child”. Please support this worthy cause, when asked to do so.

Nut Allergy – IMPORTANT!

Recycling – Green Waste

Over the past few years we have tried – in vain – to recycle our Green Waste and unfortunately it hasn’t worked out, probably because the only waste was fruit.
The Recycling bins have being attracting visitors that we don’t want! Because of this we are asking boys to bring home their apple cores, banana skins (organic waste) etc from now on.

Tin foil and uneaten lunches will be brought home also. Many thanks for your cooperation.

Roots of Empathy

Roots of Empathy is an international, universal,  evidence-based, classroom programme that has shown dramatic effect in reducing aggression among school children while raising social/emotional competence and increasing empathy. Barnardos was chosen as the lead agency to deliver the programme in Ireland in 2011.
The programme has been delivered in a hundred and thirty primary schools around Ireland with a small number of schools in Cork and Waterford already participating. As a result of support from the Tomar Trust, Barnardos is now in a position to roll out the programme in West Cork & Waterford schools. They are currently developing a three year plan to involve schools in Cork and Waterford in the Roots of Empathy programme. We have been chosen as one of the West Cork Schools and will be implementing the programme this coming year.