KILGARRIFFE NATIONAL SCHOOL WEEKLY NEWSLETTE

Week 28 (25/04/24)

County Final SPAR FAI Primary 5’s

Congratulations to the girls’ soccer team who competed in the county finals of the Spar FAI Primary 5s soccer tournament in Musgrave Park last Monday 22nd April.

They were fantastic and showed great skill, team support and sportsmanship throughout their games. Drew, won and lost games, finishing high up in the tournament. Well done.

Many thanks to the parents and staff who helped and supported them and especially to Caroline for their coaching sessions.

 

Bishop Colton’s Visit 

Bishop Paul Colton visited our school last Monday 22nd April, as part of his Silver Jubilee Programme of visits to parishes and schools in the Diocese. We all greatly enjoyed his visit, chats, planted an oak tree and ate cake!!

 

Swimming Lessons

Swimming lessons will continue for 3 more Mondays.

• 29th April

• 13th May

• 20th May

Children will travel by bus from school at 1:30pm to Clonakilty Park Leisure Centre & are to be collected from the leisure centre at 3pm after swimming. School bus children can travel home on the bus as usual. Parents of younger children may arrive early at 2:50pm to help their child with dressing.

 

Ukulele Lessons

Ukulele lessons continue next Monday 29th for 2nd- 6th classes.

 

Bus Éireann School Bus

School Transport Application Process for 2024/25 School year is now open on www.buseireann.ie/schooltransport for New Applicants to apply by this Fri 26th April 2024. Existing bus passengers will be sent a renewal e-mail. All bus fares MUST be paid online by Fri 7th June’24.

Further information is available on www.buseireann.ie/schooltransport.

The telephone number to contact Bus Éireann is 0818 919 910.

 

School shorts/skorts/skirts

Now that the weather is improving, children are welcome to wear navy or black shorts, skorts or skirts as part of their school uniform. The length of these needs to be appropriate for school classroom wear, so not too short!!

 

Clothing Collection Fundraiser

Our next used clothing collection will take place next Friday 3rd May. All clothing donations can be sent into school in black sacks.

 

Enrolment 2024

We are continuing to accept enrolments for September 2024. If you know anyone interested, please encourage them to get in touch. Places in all classes available.

 

6th Class Graduation

Graduation Day for 6th Class 2024 will take place at Kilgarriffe NS on Tues 25th June'24 (last day of school)

 

School Calendar 2024-2025

A copy of the next academic year’s calendar will be posted on Aladdin shortly.

School reopens for all pupils after the Summer break on Thursday 29th August’24.

 

Dates to Remember

Bus Éireann School Bus applications: Fri 26th April

School Swimming Lessons: 29th April, 13th & 20th May

Next Used Clothing Collection: Friday 3rd May ’24

May Bank Holiday Weekend: School Closed Monday 6th May ’24

BOM + Parents Playscape Work Morning: Saturday 25th May ‘24

Cork City Sports: Thurs 30th May’24

International Diversity Day: Friday 7th June ‘24

Clonakilty Primary School Sports: Wed 12th June at Ahamilla.

Kilgarriffe Sports Day: Fri 14th June (weather permitting)/ Fri 21st June (2nd option!)

New Infants (Teddy Bear’s Picnic): Thurs 20th June (9:15-11:30am)

Graduation Day 6th Class: Tues 25th June ‘24

 

Community Notices

Dúchas Clonakilty: Clonakilty talk on RNLI and Coast Guard Bicentenaries. Tonight 25th April at 8:30pm at the Clonakilty GAA Pavilon.

Galleyhead Lighthouse Open day: This Sunday 28th April’24

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Week 27 (18/4/24)

Girls’ Soccer County Final

Best of luck to our senior girls’ soccer team who will be competing in the county finals of the Spar FAI Primary 5s soccer tournament in Musgrave Park this Monday 22nd April. Bus leaving school at 9am and will be back for normal school collection.

Best of luck to all the team!

 

Bishop Colton’s Visit 

We look forward to welcoming school patron, Bishop Paul Colton, to Kilgarriffe NS this Monday 22nd April. This is part of his silver jubilee programme of visits to parishes and schools in the Diocese.

 

Swimming Lessons

Swimming lessons will continue for 4 more Mondays.

• 22nd April

• 29th April

• 13th May

• 20th May

Children will travel by bus from school at 1:30pm to Clonakilty Park Leisure Centre & are to be collected from the leisure centre at 3pm after swimming. School bus children can travel home on the bus as usual. Parents of younger children may arrive early at 2:50pm to help their child with dressing.

 

Ukulele Lessons

Ukulele lessons every Monday morning for 2nd- 6th classes for the next 5 weeks.

 

Bus Éireann School Bus

School Transport Application Process for 2024/25 School year is now open on www.buseireann.ie/schooltransport for New Applicants to apply by next Fri 26th April 2024. Existing bus passengers will be sent a renewal e-mail. All bus fares MUST be paid online by Fri 7th June’24.

Further information is available on www.buseireann.ie/schooltransport.

The telephone number to contact Bus Éireann is 0818 919 910.

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Middle Room Culture Outing

On Tuesday April'24 2nd to 4th Class will walk to the gallery in Asna Square to see work by local artists, including the work of Will Dahm, an artist that illustrated the book cover of 'Bendigo Gold', the class novel we are currently reading. They will also visit the Regional Museum and look at local historical artifacts while searching for answers to our quiz sheet. Weather permitting they will eat lunch in Bennet's Field and enjoy their biodiverse garden. 

 

Clothing Collection Fundraiser

Our next used clothing collection will take place on Friday 3rd May. The following items are welcome to be put into black sacks and delivered to school from this week onwards.

• Men’s, women’s, children’s clothing

• Paired shoes

• Handbags

• Belts

• Household textiles (curtains, towels, bed linen, cushion covers)

• Soft toys

Please Note: No duvets / pillows / cushion inserts

 

Enrolment 2024

We are continuing to accept enrolments for September 2024.

If you know anyone interested, please encourage them to get in touch.

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6th Class Graduation

Graduation Day for 6th Class 2024 will take place at Kilgarriffe NS on Tues 25th June'24 (last day of school)

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Dates to Remember

School Swimming Lessons: Monday 22nd, 29th April, 13th & 20th May

Girls’ Soccer County Finals: Monday 22nd April ’24

Bishop Colton’s Visit: Monday 22nd April ‘24

Next Used Clothing Collection: Friday 3rd May ’24

May Bank Holiday Weekend: School Closed Monday 6th May ’24

BOM + Parents Playscape Work Party: Saturday 25th May ‘24

International Diversity Day: Friday 7th June ‘24

6th Class Graduation: Tuesday 25th June'24

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Week 26 (11/04/24)

Swimming Lessons

We had a great opening session in the pool on Monday this week. Swimming lessons will continue for 5 more Mondays. The dates are

• 15th April

• 22nd April

• 29th April

• 13th May

• 20th May

On swimming days, children will travel by bus from school at 1:30pm to Clonakilty Park Leisure Centre. All children will need swim wear, hat, goggles & towel. Children are to be collected from the leisure centre at 3pm after swimming. School bus children can travel home on the bus as usual. Parents of younger children may arrive early at 2:50pm to help their child with dressing.

 

Ukulele Lessons

Ukulele lessons started again this week for 2nd- 6th classes. These will be continuing for the next 6 weeks.

 

Girls’ Soccer

Our senior girls’ soccer team will be competing in the county finals of the Spar FAI Primary 5s soccer tournament in Musgrave Park on Monday 22nd April. Best of luck to the team!

 

Bishop Colton’s Visit 

We look forward to welcoming school patron, Bishop Paul Colton, to Kilgarriffe on Monday 22nd April. This is part of his silver jubilee programme of visits to parishes and schools in the Diocese.

 

Clothing Collection Fundraiser

Our next used clothing collection will take place on Friday 3rd May. The following items are welcome to be put into black sacks and delivered to school in the coming weeks.

• Men’s, women’s, children’s clothing

• Paired shoes

• Handbags

• Belts

• Household textiles (curtains, towels, bed linen, cushion covers)

• Soft toys

Please Note: No duvets / pillows / cushion inserts

 

 

Board of Management Update

At the Board of Management meeting in March, the new Board spent some time discussing priorities for the school’s development. The Board would like to enhance play facilities in the school grounds and are inviting interested parents to come along to a work party in the school on Saturday 25th May at 10am to begin work on a Playscape. The Board also wishes to extend congratulations to the girls’ soccer team on reaching the county finals of the Spar FAI Primary 5s this year.

 

Enrolment 2024

We are continuing to accept enrolments for September 2024. If you know anyone interested, please encourage them to get in touch.

 

International Diversity Day

Plans are afoot for a special day to celebrate the international diversity in our school community on 7th June. Parents will be invited to join us in with events on the day. More details to follow.

 

Dates to Remember

School Swimming Lessons: Monday 15th, 22nd, 29th April, 13th & 20th May

Girls’ Soccer County Finals: Monday 22nd April ’24

Bishop Colton’s Visit: Monday 22nd April ‘24

Next Used Clothing Collection: Friday 3rd May ’24

May Bank Holiday Weekend: School Closed Monday 6th May ’24

BOM + Parents Playscape Work Party: Saturday 25th May ‘24

International Diversity Day: Friday 7th June ‘24

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Week 24 (14/03/24)

Bank Holiday

Next Monday 18th March is a Bank Holiday for St. Patrick’s Day. School closed that day.

 

Swimming Lessons

Swimming lessons for all classes will start immediately after the Easter holidays on Monday 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th April 13th & 20th May from 2-3pm. Lessons will take place at the Clonakilty Park Leisure Centre. The cost of these lessons is €50 per child for 6 weekly lessons including bus fare to the pool from school. Please can this payment be sent into school immediately or by next Fri 22nd March before the Easter holidays if at all possible, in a named envelope. All children are encouraged to participate, as this is an important part of our Physical Education curriculum and an important life skill to learn.

 

On swimming days, children will travel by bus from school at 1:30pm to the Clonakilty Park Leisure Centre. All children will need swim wear, hat, goggles & a towel. Infants may wear their swimwear under their uniform coming to school (don’t forget underwear in swim bag!). Children are to be collected from the Clonakilty Park Leisure Centre at 3pm after swimming. School bus children will travel home on bus as usual. Parents of younger children may arrive early at 2:50pm to help their child with dressing.

 

Easter Holidays

Reminder school closes next Friday 22nd March at 12noon for Easter holidays. School reopens Monday 8th April’23.

 

Easter Egg Hunt

On Fri 22nd Mar’24 all classes will take part in an Easter Egg Hunt in the playground as part of our Easter celebrations. Every child will receive some chocolate eggs.

 

Dates to Remember

St. Patrick’s Day Bank Holiday: Mon 18th Mar’24 (School closed)

Easter Holidays: Mon 25th Mar – Sun 7th April’24

School Swimming Lessons: Monday 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th April 13th & 20th May from 2-3pm

Girls SPAR Soccer Tournament: Mon 22nd April’24

Next Used Clothing Collection: Friday 3rd May’24

BOM + Parents Playscape work : Sat 25th May at 10am in school grounds for all interested in helping.

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Week 23 (07/03/24)

World Book Day

Today we celebrate ‘World Book Day’ with all children and staff invited to dress up as one of their favourite book characters for the day. Well done to all, fantastic creativity today!

 

Engineers Week

Engineer’s week is in progress as all our ‘budding engineers’ have fun taking part in lots of structural and creative engineering type STEM challenges and tasks throughout the week.

 

Spar Inter Schools Soccer Tournament

Well done to the Boys Soccer team who travelled to Blarney last Friday. They enjoyed the event, participated superbly & did very well getting to the semi final. Congrats to all.

 

Seachtaine na Gaeilge

Next week leading up to Lá le Pádraig is Seachtaine na Gaeilge. Children will be participating in lots of Irish language and cultural activities throughout the week.

 

Parent Contributions

Reminder that Parental contributions towards extra activities are still needed in order for us to continue offering extra activities to all children. €110 per child for the school year (€50 toward swimming & €60 towards all other extras). Please send into school in a named envelope at your convenience. This can be paid in small amounts or in full. Please contact school Principal if this is a major issue for any family.

Thank you to those that have contributed in full already.

 

Happy Mother’s Day

Happy Mother’s Day this Sunday 10th March to all the mum’s.

 

Dates to Remember

Seachtaine na Gaeilge: Mon 11th – 15th Mar’24

St. Patrick’s Day Bank Holiday: Mon 18th Mar’24 (School closed)

Easter Holidays: Mon 25th Mar – Sun 7th April’24

 

Community Notices

Funday Sunday this Sunday 10th Mar in the Parochial Hall from 11:15-12:30. Crafts, snack, songs & games. Hope you can make it! All children welcome.

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Week 22 (29/02/24)

Polar Explorers Workshop

Polar Explorer workshop last Friday 22nd Feb with Anthony Galvin (Heritage in Schools) was a great success. The children got to see gear that is worn and hear stories from Anthony’s own Polar Expeditions, as well as hearing the stories of famous Irish explorers in the past such as Tom Crean.

 

Grease the Musical

Today Thursday 29th Feb all children from 2nd to 6th Class travelled by bus to Bandon Grammar School to see their production of ‘Grease the Musical’ which was greatly enjoyed by all.

 

Spar Inter Schools Soccer Tournament

Tomorrow Fri 1st March’24 the Boys Soccer team will travel to Blarney to compete in this tournament.  Please be in school early as the bus leaves Kilgarriffe NS at 8:45am.

Best wishes to the team David (captain), Isaac, Valentino, Arsenii, Eduard, Ruadhán, Dennis and Alex.

 

Engineers Week

Next week is Engineer’s week (4th – 8th March’24). All classes will have fun and opportunities to take part in lots of structural and creative engineering type STEM challenges and tasks.

 

World Book Day

We will celebrate ‘World Book Day’ with the children next Thursday 7th March’24. All are invited to dress up as one of their favourite book characters for the day.

 

Congratulations Readers

Congratulations to all the children who have made great leaps in their reading this year. We are very proud of you all. Keep up the great work and it’s really helpful if parents can continue to sign their children’s reading sheets. Thank you.

 

Parent Contributions

Reminder that Parental contributions towards extra activities are still needed in order for us to continue offering extra activities to all children. €110 per child for the school year (€50 toward swimming & €60 towards all other extras). Please send into school in a named envelope at your convenience. This can be paid in small amounts or in full. Please contact school Principal if this is a major issue for any family.

Thank you to those that have contributed in full already.

 

Dates to Remember

World Book Day: Thurs 7th Mar’24 (kids & staff dress up as book character)

Engineer’s Week: Mon 4th-8th Mar’24

Mother’s Day: Sun 10th Mar’24

Seachtaine na Gaeilge: Mon 11th – 15th Mar’24

St. Patrick’s Day Bank Holiday: Mon 18th Mar’24 (School closed)

Easter Holidays: Mon 25th Mar – Sun 7th April’24

 

Community Notices

For those interested in Wildlife, there’s a family outing at Timoleague this Sunday 3rd March’24 run by the West Cork branch of Birdwatch Ireland. There will be scopes and binoculars on hand to show people close views of the birds on the estuary. Meet 12:30pm at Timoleague Abbey. More details are on the website below with other upcoming family events, including a talk on Barn Owls and the annual Dawn Chorus.

http://www.birdwatchirelandwestcork.ie/Events.htm

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Week 21 (22/02/24)

Parent Teacher Meetings

Parent teacher meetings will take place next week Mon 26th Feb – Fri 1st March. If you have not booked a time/day yet, please contact class teacher to do so.

 

Well-Being Survey

A short ‘Well-Being Survey’ will be available for completion by parents before/after parent teacher meetings next week. Please complete survey by ticking the boxes & leave in collection box or with a teacher. No names required. This is part of a ‘Well-Being’ school self-evaluation process required by the Department of Education this year. Thanking you in advance for taking your opportunity to participate in this process.

 

Polar Explorers Workshop

This Fri 22nd Feb, Anthony Galvin from Heritage in Schools, will deliver a workshop to all classes on ‘Polar Explorers’.

 

Grease the Musical

Next Thursday 29th Feb all children from 2nd to 6th Class have been invited to Bandon Grammar School to see their production of ‘Grease the Musical’. Children will travel by bus with their teachers. Bus leaves Kilgarriffe NS at 9:15am and €5 per child towards the cost of the bus please.

 

Step into Spring Walking Challenge

Continues for all pupils and staff for the last 15 minutes of each school day.

 

GAA Football

Continues every Monday for all classes (weather permitting).

 

Spar Inter Schools Soccer Tournament

Boys team will travel to Blarney next Fri 1st March’24 to compete in this Tournament.  

Bus leaves Kilgarriffe NS at 8:45am.

 

Parent Contributions

Reminder that Parental contributions towards extra activities are still needed in order for us to continue offering extra activities to all children. €110 per child for the school year (€50 toward swimming & €60 towards all other extras). Please send into school in a named envelope at your convenience. This can be paid in small amounts or in full. Please contact school Principal if this is a major issue for any family.

Thank you to those that have contributed in full already.

 

School Cleaner Needed

We are currently looking for a cleaner for our school if any parent would be interested or would know of anyone who might be interested, please contact Elaine (acting Principal) directly or on school phone 083 0658096. It’s for 10 hours a week, ideally 2 hours a day after school hours.

 

Garda Vetting

In order for Parents to help with any school activities regarding children, it’s a necessary requirement to be Garda Vetted. As we’re a small school it would be lovely to have lots of parents ‘Garda Vetted’ so that you’re free to help out whenever willing. Please ask a member of staff for a form to start the process. Thank you.

 

Dates to Remember

Parent Teacher Meetings: Mon 26th Feb – Fri 1st Mar’24

World Book Day: Thurs 7th Mar’24 (kids & staff dress up as book character)

Engineer’s Week: Mon 4th-8th Mar’24

Mother’s Day: Sun 10th Mar’24

Seachtaine na Gaeilge: Mon 11th – 15th Mar’24

St. Patrick’s Day Bank Holiday: Mon 18th Mar’24 (School closed)

Easter Holidays: Mon 25th Mar – Sun 7th April’24

 

Community Notices

Starcamp Easter Camp: Clonakilty Sports Centre 25th -28th Mar’24 (Flyer in sch bags)

Starcamp Summer Camp: Book now www.starcamp.ie or Tel: 021-4377900

(vouchers towards Summer Camp available from school if interested)

(Above full details on flyers in school bags & on Noticeboard)

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Week 20 (08/02/24)

Girls Spar Schools 5-a side Soccer Tournament

Congratulations to our fantastic Girls team who represented our school yesterday in the Spar School’s Soccer Tournament at Lakewood, Cork. They played 5 matches in total, won 4 of them, including the final, qualifying them to go forward to the county finals after the Easter holidays. Well done to the whole team, a brilliant achievement. Many thanks to Caroline for a great training session last Friday & to Orla and Miss. Buttimer for travelling with the team, helping and supporting them yesterday. 

 

Boys Spar Schools 5-a side Soccer Tournament

The Boys team will represent our school next. They are: David (Captain), Isaac, Alex, Arsenii, Valentino, Eduard, Ruadhán and Dennis. They’ll travel by bus to Blarney on Fri 1st March’24 to also compete in the SPAR Soccer Tournament.

We are still looking for a parent/helper to travel with the team and Miss. Buttimer that day. If anyone could help, please let us know. Thank you.

 

Kilgarriffe NS Open Day

Our ‘Open Day’ was very successful yesterday (despite the weather!), with lots of families visiting. Many thanks to everyone who helped prepare for it in many different ways. Appointments can always be made to visit at other times, if anyone knows any more families that wish to visit and couldn’t make it yesterday.

 

Enrolment 2024

New pupil enrolment paperwork for Sept’24, is due to be returned to school by next Thurs 15th Feb’24. Later enrolment is always possible should there be spaces in classes.

 

Chinese New Year

This week in school we are celebrating the ‘Chinese New Year’. Lots of classes are learning about the celebrations, culture and traditions associated with the Chinese New Year, participating in associated activities and artwork celebrating ‘the Year of the Wood Dragon’ this year.

 

Step into Spring Walking Challenge

This Spring, all pupils and staff are taking part in the Cork Sports Partnership ‘Step into Spring Challenge from 5th Feb to 16th March’24. For the last 15 minutes of each school day, all will walk laps of the school yard to try and achieve a target distance of at least 15km per walker. Achieving 15km earns us a Bronze Award, 20km a Silver Award and 50km a Gold Award. Good luck all and ‘Let’s Get Kilgarriffe NS Walking’.

 

Parent Teacher Meetings Parent teacher meetings will take place during the week of Mon 26th Feb – Fri 1st March. Parents can book a 10 min slot per child on Aladdin from this Friday to meet with their child’s teacher at a time and on a day that suits them.

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Midterm Break

Reminder that our school is closed next week from Mon to Friday for February midterm break.

School reopens Monday 19th Feb’24.

 

Dates to Remember

February Midterm: School closed Mon 12th – Fri 16th February’24

Parent Teacher Meetings: Mon 26th Feb – Fri 1st Mar’24

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Week 19 (01/02/24)

St. Brigid’s Day

Beannachtaí Lá Féile Bride (Happy St. Brigid’s Day) and welcome to the first day of Spring!

Next Monday 5th Feb’24 is a National Holiday for St. Brigid’s Day so NO School that day.

 

Kilgarriffe NS Open Day

Our ‘Open Day’ is next Tuesday 6th February ’24 from 10am to 3pm. Families who are interested in enrolling a child for next September or in the coming years are most welcome to visit our school that day.

 

Spar Schools 5-a side Soccer Tournament

The Girls team to represent our school are: Sarah (Captain), Leah, Rebecca, Hannah, Rachel, Gabriela and Samantha. They will travel by bus to Lakewood next Wednesday 7th Feb’24 to compete in the SPAR soccer tournament. Best of Luck to this team & thank you to Orla Buttimer for travelling with them and their teacher Miss. Buttimer for the day. The team will travel during school hours and be back before 3pm.

 

Credit Union Quiz

Well done to both our quiz teams at the Annual Primary Schools Credit Union Quiz last Sunday. No prizes this year but both teams did extremely well.

 

Volunteers of help

Thank you to the parents, pupils and teachers who volunteered and helped start the school grounds tidy up last Saturday. Your help was much appreciated and we hope to have a few more of these work mornings in the Springtime.

 

Enrolment 2024

New pupil enrolment is currently open for September 2024 for all classes.

If possible please could this paperwork be returned to school by 15th Feb’24.

Please spread the word to any friends, family, neighbours, etc. who may be interested. Later enrolment is always possible should there be spaces in classes.

 

Dates to Remember

St. Brigid’s February Bank Holiday weekend: School Closed Mon 5th February’24

February Midterm: School closed Mon 12th – Fri 16th February’24

Parent Teacher Meetings: Mon 26th Feb – Fri 1st Mar’24

 

Community Notes

Tarantella Drama Group for Kids: is coming to the Samara Centre, Casement Park, Clonakilty P85 V327.  Starts Wednesday 21st Feb for 6 weeks.. 5-8yrs at 3:30pm / 9-13yrs at 4:30pm. Contact Alex to book in 086- 3389180

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Week 18 (25/01/24)

Credit Union Quiz

The Annual Primary Schools Credit Union Quiz takes place this Sunday 28th January ‘24 at the Show Grounds in Clonakilty from 3-5pm.

Please can the teams be at the Show grounds hall by 2:45pm & collected by 5pm.

NO Uniform is required. Parents will NOT be allowed to stay & the children will be supervised by Mrs. Carolyn Buttimer.

Best of Luck to both our teams.

 

Volunteers of help

Reminder to all who volunteered that this Saturday morning 27th January ’24 from 10am – 12 noon is the day for help with some gardening, tidy-up and maintenance of the school grounds. Many thanks to those that have volunteered & any more willing helpers will be greatly welcomed on Saturday too.

 

School start time & Junior Room Reading

Every morning between 9-9:20am the Junior room have a lovely one to one reading time with members of our 6th Class. This daily supervised reading is invaluable for each of these young children to practice their reading & build their confidence alongside an older pupil.

Unfortunately, quite a few young pupils are missing out on this important time, as they are regularly late & 6th Class must return to their own lessons by 9:20am.

Please can everyone be reminded that the school doors open at 8:55am & teaching begins for all by 9:15am.

Thank you to 6th Class for helping with this important task.

 

Singing Class

Last Monday 22nd January the children from 2nd to 6th class all enjoyed a sing-a-long when we had a visit from Peter Stobart and his amazing voice.

 

Spar Schools 5-a side Soccer Tournament

Once again this year, our school will participate in this inter school’s tournament. This week the Boys & Girls from 4th – 6th class are having some Soccer trials to select our panel of 8 Boys & 8 Girls to represent our school. Caroline Buttimer from Lyre Soccer Club has kindly offered to come in to coach the teams on Friday 2nd February. Unfortunately, this year she’s unable to travel with the teams to their matches. We will need another adult to travel with Miss. Buttimer on the team bus, so if there’s any parents with a particular interest in Soccer that would be willing to help out with coaching and/or supervision on the tournament dates, please let us know.

Girls tournament: Wednesday 7th February in Lakewood.

Boys tournament: Friday 1st March in Blarney.

 

Enrolment 2024

Enrolment for new pupils wishing to start next September is currently open. The ‘Intention to Apply’ (Form 1) should be sought from the school or downloaded from our website, completed & returned. The full application form (Form 2) will then be issued, which needs to be returned by 15th February ’24. Please spread the word to any friends, family, neighbours, etc. who may be interested.

 

Kilgarriffe NS Open Day

Our ‘Open Day’ is on Tuesday 6th February ’24 from 10am to 3pm. Families who are interested in enrolling a child for next September or in coming years are most welcome to come and visit our school that day.

 

Parent Teacher Meetings

Parent teacher meetings will take place in the week of 26th February – 1st March ‘24. Parents will be able to book a meeting slot in advance via Aladdin.

 

Dates to Remember

St. Brigid’s February Bank Holiday weekend: School Closed Mon 5th February’24

February Midterm: School closed Mon 12th – Fri 16th February’24

 

Community Notes

Tarantella Drama Group for Kids: is coming to the Samara Centre, Casement Park, Clonakilty P85 V327. 

Starts Wednesday 21st Feb for 6 weeks.

5-8yrs at 3:30pm / 9-13yrs at 4:30pm. Contact Alex to book in 086- 3389180

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Week 17 (18/1/24)

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Credit Union Quiz

The Annual Primary Schools Credit Union Quiz takes place on Sunday 28th January ‘24 at the Show Grounds in Clonakilty from 3-5pm. The teams representing our school are:

 

Team A (under 11 yrs old) Hannah, Ruadhán, Luca & Ada.

Team B (under 13 yrs old) Isaac, Samanta, Gia & Valentino.

 

Enrolment 2024

Enrolment for new pupils wishing to start next September is currently open. The ‘Intention to Apply’ (Form 1) should be sought from the school or downloaded from our website, completed & returned. The full application form (Form 2) will then be issued, which needs to be returned by 15th February ’24. Please spread the word to any friends, family, neighbours, etc. who may be interested.

 

Kilgarriffe Open Day

We are planning an ‘Open Day’ on Tuesday 6th February ’24 for any prospective pupils and their parents. Families who are interested in enrolling a child for next September or in coming years are most welcome to come and visit between 10am and 3pm that day.

 

Help Wanted!

We are hoping to gather a group of willing and able volunteers for a work party on Saturday morning 27th January ’24 from 10am – 12 noon to help with some gardening, tidy-up and maintenance of the school grounds. Please let Ruadhán or Carolyn know if you are able to volunteer an hour or two.

 

Parent Teacher Meetings

Parent teacher meetings will take place in the week of 26th February – 1st March ‘24. Parents will be able to book a meeting slot in advance via Aladdin.

 

Dates to Remember

St. Brigid’s February Bank Holiday weekend: School Closed Mon 5th February’24

February Midterm: School closed Mon 12th – Fri 16th February’24

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KILGARRIFFE NATIONAL SCHOOL WEEKLY NEWSLETTER

Week 16 (11/1/24)

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Welcome

Happy New Year to everyone and welcome back. Hope you all had a lovely, restful Christmas break. We also welcome Helen Wilson O’Brien who will be teaching in the Junior room this term.

 

A Hint of Snow White

Congratulations to all the children on their wonderful performances at A Hint of Snow White in December. We were very proud of you all. A big thank you also to parents who collected, donated and organised raffle prizes, sold tickets, provided and served refreshments and helped with face painting, costumes, tidy up and lot more. A great community effort!

 

Credit Union Quiz

The Annual Primary Schools Credit Union Quiz takes place on Sunday 28th Jan’24 at the Show Grounds in Clonakilty from 3-5pm. All the children from 2nd to 6th Class have taken part in practice quizzes this week & 2 teams (under 11s and under 13s) will be chosen to represent our school.

 

Kilgarriffe NS Enrolment 2024

Enrolment is open in our school from 15th January’24, for new pupils wishing to start next Sept’24. First the ‘Intention to Enrolment form 1’ should be sought from school or downloaded from our website, completed & returned to school. Full enrolment forms 2&3 will then be issued, which need to be completed & returned to Kilgarriffe NS by 15th Feb’24.

 

Please spread the word to any friends, family, neighbours, etc. who may be interested in enrolling a child in our school for next September, especially those for Junior Infants.

 

Sporting Achievement

Well done to Leah Buttimer and Hannah Buttimer, who were part of the Lyre under 12 girls’ soccer team, on winning the U.12 Girl’s Shield final in December. Hannah played in goal and Leah played centre back. A great achievement for this team as it’s their first year playing in the West Cork league. They also came runners up in the U12 Girls Championship league. Congratulations girls!

 

Dates to Remember

St. Brigid’s February Bank Holiday weekend: School Closed Mon 5th February’24

February Midterm: School closed Mon 12th – Fri 16th February’24

 

Community Events

Funday Sunday: This Sunday in the Parochial Hall from 11.15 – 12.30. There will be games, craft, Bible stories, songs, snacks and more! It is suitable for anyone at primary school, so come along for the fun!

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KILGARRIFFE NATIONAL SCHOOL WEEKLY NEWSLETTER

Week 15 (14/12/23)

 

A Hint of Snow White

 

Dress Rehearsal – Friday 15th December

Our dress rehearsal takes place in the Parochial Hall tomorrow. All children from Junior Infants to 6th class are to be dropped to the Parochial Hall (P85 XC64) from 9.00 – 9.30am and will remain there for the school day. Junior and senior infant children are to be collected from the hall at 2.00pm and the remaining classes between 2.30 and 3.00pm. Arrangements have been made with the school bus drivers to accommodate this. Teachers will bring children’s costumes to the hall for the dress rehearsal. If your child is missing any part of their costume, please let your child’s class teacher know.

 

The Performance

After much practice and preparation, our school production of ‘A Hint of Snow White’ takes place next Wednesday 20th Dec in the Parochial Hall at 12 noon

All children are to be brought to the hall between 9.00 - 9:30am with a packed lunch.

The children will spend the morning at the hall getting ready & doing a short rehearsal on stage. Parents/guardians, siblings, grandparents, etc. are welcome to arrive from 12:00 noon and the show will begin at 12:15pm. We look forward to seeing you all there.

 

Children to be collected from the hall afterwards at 2:30 – 3.00pm.

The school bus will bring children to the hall in the morning but there will be NO SCHOOL BUS collection at 3.00pm on this day.

 

Welcome

A warm welcome to Lila who joined our school this week as a new pupil in Senior Infants.

 

MS Readathon

Well done to our Readathon participants: Luke Buttimer, Lucy Buttimer, Orson Woods, Maya La Trobe-Hogan, Daniel Buttimer, Luca Rú Kohler Cullum, Hannah Buttimer, David Abbott and Sarah Buttimer. They have read a total of 260 books collectively and raised a whopping €913.75 for MS Ireland!

 

Match Attax Football Cards

Please do not bring Match Attax cards into school. The trading of these cards is leading to lots of disagreement!

 

Christmas Holidays

This school term finishes with a half day on Friday 22nd December. Children to be collected at 12 noon.  School opens again on Monday 8th January, 2024.

Wishing everyone a happy and peaceful Christmas!

                                                                          

Dates to Remember

School Play: Weds 20th Dec ’23 12 noon.

Christmas Holidays: Half day Friday 22nd Dec’23. School reopens Mon 8th Jan ’24.

 

Community Notes

Carol Service: There will be a Christmas Carol Service in Kilgarriffe Church this Friday (15th December) at 8.30pm. All are welcome.

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KILGARRIFFE NATIONAL SCHOOL WEEKLY NEWSLETTER

Week 14 (7/12/23)

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A Hint of Snow White

The Senior Classroom had a very productive and enjoyable rehearsal day in the hall yesterday. The remaining two hall rehearsal days are:

• Tues 12th Dec – Middle and Senior Classrooms (2nd – 6th)

• Friday 15th Dec – All children (Junior Infants – 6th)

On these days, please drop children to the Parochial Hall (P85 XC64) any time from 9.00 – 9.30 and collect between 2.30 and 3.00 (Normal collection time of 2.00 for infants) Arrangements have been made with the school bus drivers to accommodate this.  

 

Please make sure all costumes have been sent into school in a named bag by tomorrow, Friday 8th December. Costume details are in the parent WhatsApp group and on Aladdin.

 

MS Readathon

Thank you to those who have returned sponsorship cards and money collected for MS Ireland. Any remaining participants, please return these by tomorrow, Friday 8th December.

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Christmas Cards

Christmas cards have arrived. Check school bags for packs of cards ordered.

 

Board of Management

Our newly elected Board of Management takes up office this month and will serve for a four-year period. A big thank you to all who have volunteered their time. The new board members are:

 

Trevor Sweetnam (Chairperson)

Kingsley Sutton (Patron’s rep)

Susan Hanbidge (Principal)

Elaine Buttimer (Teachers’ rep)

Katarzyna Marks (Parents’ rep)

Ruadhan Hogan (Parents’ rep)

Jamie Walker (Community rep)

Sylvia Helen (Community rep)

 

A sincere thank you also to outgoing Board members: Roy Buttimer (Chairperson), Ian Anderson (Community rep and treasurer), Andrew Codd and Carolyn Buttimer (Parents’ reps).

 

Lisavaird Art Competition

Congratulations to Alice Lennon Rynne (1st class) and Aela Graham Hughes (Senior Infants) who won first and second place respectively in the Lisavaird Christmas art competition. Well done girls!

 

Flu Vaccine

As part of the HSE Children’s Nasal flu Vaccination Programme, Senior Infants are being offered the flu vaccine in school by HSE vaccination teams. Consent forms have been sent home with Senior Infant pupils yesterday. Please return these by Monday 11th December indicating if you would like your child to receive the vaccine.                                       

 

Dates to Remember

School Play: Weds 20th Dec ’23 12 noon.

Christmas Holidays: Half day Friday 22nd Dec’23. School reopens Mon 8th Jan ’24.

 

Community Notes

Nativity Service: Kilgarriffe Union will hold a Nativity Service this Sunday 10th December in Kilmalooda Church (near Ballinascarthy). Everyone is very welcome to attend.

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KILGARRIFFE NATIONAL SCHOOL WEEKLY NEWSLETTER

Week 13 (30/11/23)

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Drama Rehearsals

A number of rehearsal days on stage in the Parochial Hall have been scheduled. These are:

• Weds 6th Dec – Senior Classroom (5th & 6th)

• Tues 12th Dec – Middle and Senior Classrooms (2nd – 6th)

• Friday 15th Dec – All children (Junior Infants – 6th)

On these days, please drop children to the Parochial Hall (P85 XC64) any time from 9.00 – 9.30 and collect between 2.30 and 3.00. Arrangements have been made with the school bus drivers to accommodate this.  

 

Costumes

Please send costumes into school in a named bag as soon as possible and before Friday 8th December. All costume details are in the parent WhatsApp group and on Aladdin.

 

MS Readathon

The MS Readathon concludes today! Please return sponsorship cards and any money collected in an envelope to your child’s class teacher as soon as possible.

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Dates to Remember

School Play: Weds 20th Dec ’23 12 noon.

Christmas Holidays: Half day Friday 22nd Dec’23. School reopens Mon 8th Jan ’24.

 

Community Notes

Heritage Talk on Christmas Traditions: The November Dúchas Clonakilty Heritage talk on Thursday 30th November, at the Clonakilty GAA Pavilion will have a seasonal theme. Starting at 8pm, the talk is entitled, “Back to the Beginning: The Magic and Rituals of Christmas”, and will be delivered by Shane Lehane, archaeologist and Course Director of Cultural and Heritage Studies at Cork College of Further Education and Training. A €5 (cash), entry fee applies on the night.

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