KILGARRIFFE NATIONAL SCHOOL WEEKLY NEWSLETTER
Week 9 (23/10/25)
Halloween Dress Up
Tomorrow Fri 24th Oct the children (and staff) are invited to dress in ‘Halloween Costume’ for the day. Costumes are to be age appropriate please (not too scary!). This Halloween to help promote a greener environment & reduce waste, children are encouraged where possible to opt for costumes made from recycled or upcycled materials, repurpose old clothing or costumes into new ones. We will be organising Halloween Fun and Games for them all to enjoy & are supporting the charity ‘Brú Columbanus’ as part of our dress up day. All donations welcome. Thank you.
Annual Contribution towards Extra Activities
Extras activities, art supplies & personal accident fees of €60 per pupil are due to be paid by tomorrow please. Thank you to those who have already contributed.
Midterm Break
Reminder school is closed next week for midterm break. School reopens Monday 3rd Nov’25.
‘Happy Halloween’ everyone.
Christmas School Play
This year our school will present ‘The Wizard of Oz’ on stage on Wed 17th Dec’25 in the Parochial hall. Auditions have taken place over the last week for the lead roles and these will be allocated before midterm along with their scripts to start learning!!
The rest of the parts & scripts will be distributed to all after midterm.
Christmas Card order
Once again this year, the children have designing their own individual Christmas card which were sent away to be printed professionally. Today each child has received a sample of their unique card, which they may keep.
Parents/guardians now have an opportunity to order packs of 10 (@ €8 per pack) of your child’s own Christmas card. Order forms are in schoolbags today. Orders and payment will need to be returned straight after midterm, so our order can be submitted & the cards returned in plenty of time before needed for Christmas.
Christmas Annuals
Christmas activity Annuals from educate.ie are now available to order for €2.50 each.
Samples of these are in classrooms for children to view. Orders can be made online
Green Flag
A part of working towards the Green School flag, our school has registered for the WEEE Ireland Schools Battery Recycling Competition. The challenge is to collect as many batteries as we can between now and April’26, recycle them with WEEE Ireland and be in with a chance to win sports equipment vouchers for our school. The campaign also supports the LauraLynn Children’s Hospice. Children can bring their waste batteries to school and place them in the blue battery boxes. Let’s get collecting!
Road Safety Webinar
Today Thursday 23rd Oct (Middle room) will participate in a Road Safety Webinar as part of their SPHE programme.
Star of the Week
This month of October we are working on ‘Kindness’ for our weekly ‘Star Awards’ which are awarded at assembly each Friday. Last week awards were given to Grace, Alice and Luca.
Active Flag Skip around the World
We’re all having fun this week participating in ‘Skip Around the World’, as we try to reach as many ‘Famous landmarks’ around the world as possible. This activity towards our ‘Active Flag’ will continue daily until midterm break on Fri 24th Oct’25.
Nasal Flu Vaccine For Children
Thank you to all who returned the Flu vaccine forms. Any parents who have given consent, will have the nasal vaccine admistered to your children in school after the mid term break.
Anyone who forgot to return the forms & still wishes for their child to receive this free flu protection, can still do so by arrangement with their GP or local pharmacy.
Team Hope Shoe Boxes
Flyers distributed to all children (check school bags) about the Team Hope ‘Shoe
Boxes’ appeal. If you’d like to put together a ‘Shoe box’ with your children over
midterm, please follow the guidelines on the flyer & return filled ‘Shoebox’ to school
after midterm. Thank you.
Dates to remember
Midterm Break: Sat 25th Oct to Sun 2nd November’25. School reopens Mon 3rd Nov ’25.
Christmas Play: Wednesday 17th Dec’25 in the Parochial Hall for all pupils. All parents & family members welcome.
Christmas Holidays: Fri 19th Dec’25 to Sun 4th Jan’26
School Closure: Staff Training Day 27th Jan 2026
School Closure: Staff Training Day 28th April 2026
Week 8 (16/10/25)
Green Flag
A part of working towards the Green School flag, our school has registered for the WEEE Ireland Schools Battery Recycling Competition. The challenge is to collect as many batteries as we can between now and April’26, recycle them with WEEE Ireland and be in with a chance to win sports equipment vouchers for our school. The campaign also supports the LauraLynn Children’s Hospice. Children can bring their waste batteries to school and place them in the blue battery boxes. Let’s get collecting!
Road Safety Webinar
Next Monday 20th Oct (Senior room) & Thursday 23rd Oct (Middle room) will participate in a Road Safety Webinar as part of their SPHE programme.
Star of the Week
This month of October we are working on ‘Kindness’ for our weekly ‘Star Awards’ which are awarded at assembly each Friday. Last week awards were given to Varvara, Maya and Rebeka.
Kindness & Helpfullness noticed
Also this week it has been noticed how kind and helpful some of our senior pupils are being towards the younger children, minding them so beautifully, particularly outside at break times. Well done, this is lovely to witness.
Active Flag Skip around the World
We’re all having fun this week participating in ‘Skip Around the World’, as we try to reach as many ‘Famous landmarks’ around the world as possible. This activity towards our ‘Active Flag’ will continue daily until midterm break on Fri 24th Oct’25.
Halloween Dress Up
Next Fri 24th Oct the children (and staff) are invited to dress in ‘Halloween Costume’ for the day. Costumes are to be age appropriate please (not too scary!) and we will be organising Halloween Fun and Games for them all to enjoy.
Annual Contribution towards Extra Activities
Extras activities, art supplies & personal accident fees of €60 per pupil are due to be paid by midterm break at the end of next week please. Thank you to those who have already contributed.
Nasal Flu Vaccine For Children
We are sending home consent forms for Nasal Flu Vaccine. Those who consent please include the name of the school and your child’s class on the form and return by Wedensday 22nd October. Late forms will not be accepted after this date.
Dates to remember
Midterm Break: Sat 25th Oct to Sun 2nd November’25. School reopens Mon 3rd Nov ’25.
Christmas Play: Wednesday 17th Dec’25 in the Parochial Hall for all pupils. All parents & family members welcome.
Christmas Holidays: Fri 19th Dec’25 to Sun 4th Jan’26
School Closure: Staff Training Day 27th Jan 2025
School Closure: Staff Training Day 28th April 2025
Week 7 (09/10/25)
Food Dudes
All children are participating in Phase 2 of Food Dudes this week. All new pupils have received a fruit & veg lunch box similar to the one all others got last year. Next week all children are encouraged to continue to bring at least one portion of fruit and veg to school each day as part of their daily lunch. 1 child’s handful = correct portion.
Active Flag Skip around the World
We’re all having fun this week participating in ‘Skip Around the World’, as we try to reach as many ‘Famous landmarks’ around the world as possible. This activity towards our ‘Active Flag’ will continue daily until midterm break on Fri 24th Oct’25.
Space Week
Lots of Space related fun and learning happening this week as we celebrate World Space Week.
Credit Union Art Competition
All pupils are currently working on their art work to enter into the annual Credit Union Art Competition which must be submitted before Fri 24th Oct’25.
This year’s theme is ‘The Future Is’. Photographic consent forms are being sent home this week to be signed and returned which MUST accompany each entrant. Please sign & return ASAP.
Road Safety Webinar
Next Thursday 2nd & 3rd Class will participate in a Road Safety Webinar as part of their SPHE programme.
Star of the Week
This month of October we are working on ‘Kindness’ for our weekly ‘Star Awards’ which are awarded at assembly each Friday.
School Uniform Sweatshirts
We still have lots of school jumpers coming into school unnamed or with the incorrect names on them! Please could you ensure that all your children’s school sweatshirts are CLEARLY NAMED.
Annual Contribution towards Extra Activities
Extras activities, art supplies & personal accident fees of €60 per pupil are due to be paid by midterm break at the end of October’25 please. Thank you to those who have already contributed.
Dates to remember
Midterm Break: Sat 25th Oct to Sun 2nd November’25. School reopens Mon 3rd Nov’25.
Week 6 (02/10/25)
Fís Film awards
Last term our school entered the films the children made with the ‘Adventure Boat’ into the Fís Film Awards. Our Junior & middle classrooms have won the ‘best new entry’ category & the Senior classroom has been ‘short-listed’ for one of the main awards. Congratulations to all the children involved and thanks to Sheila, Miss. Buttimer & Rev. Kingsley for their help, encouragement & involvement also. We look forward to a trip to the Helix in Dublin later this year to attend the awards ceremony. Well done all.
Food Dudes
Food Dudes returns to our school next week for Phase 2 of Food Dudes for all classes. This is following on from previous years of Food Dudes participation to maintain the healthy eating habits of eating 4-6 portions of fruit & veg each day. From next Mon 6th Oct to Fri 10th Oct’25, all children will be supplied with a portion of Fruit & Veg each day & will be encouraged to taste & try these as part of their lunch. There will be some fun videos & activities to participate with in the classroom, as well as a Home Booklet to complete with family. Information & consent letter in school bags today.
Active Flag Skip around the World
As we continue to work towards our Active Flag, next week all classes will participate in ‘Skip Around the World’. Each class will have an extra active break during every school day from Mon 5th Oct to Fri 24th Oct’25 to participate in skipping activities. Each skip = 1km as classes count their skips to travel to famous land marks around the World. Good luck everyone & let’s see how many landmarks we can all reach over the next 3 weeks!
Space Week
Next week is also Space week when classes will be taking part in lots of ‘Space’ related activities as part of our Curriculum.
Credit Union Art Competition
All pupils are currently working on their art work to enter into the annual Credit Union Art Competition which must be submitted before Fri 4th Oct’25.
This year’s theme is ‘The Future Is’
Star of the Week
This month of October we are working on ‘Kindness’ for our weekly ‘Star Awards’ which are awarded at assembly each Friday.
School Uniform Sweatshirts
We still have lots of school jumpers coming into school unnamed or with the incorrect names on them! Please could you ensure that all your children’s school sweatshirts are CLEARLY NAMED.
Annual Contribution towards Extra Activities
Extras activities, art supplies & personal accident fees of €60 per pupil are due to be paid by midterm break at the end of October’25 please. Thank you to those who have already contributed.
Secondary School enrolment applications for Sept’26
Reminder all Secondary School enrolment application portals are now open from 1st Oct’25 for 6th Class to be enrolled for next year 2026. This needs to be completed as soon as possible to ensure your child receives a place in your choice of secondary school.
Community Notes
Clonakilty Community College: Online enrolment application portal opens 1st October’25 for all students currently in 6th Class, who wish to enrol in 1st year for September 2026. Apply early on the Community College website enrolment page. Open Day at Clonakilty Community College 16th October’25 5:30-8pm for all 5th & 6th Class with their parents.
Sacred Heart Secondary School Clonakilty: Open Night takes place on Thursday 2nd October’25 for all 6th Class girls & their parents from 5-7pm. Enrolment open online on website.
Mount St. Michael Secondary School, Rosscarbery: Accepting applications for admissions for Sept’26 online on website from Wednesday 1st October’25 to Friday 24th October’25.
Week 5 (25/09/25)
Tag Rugby Blitz
All pupils from 2nd to 6th Class took part in the Primary School Touch Rugby Blitz at Clonakilty Rugby Club yesterday Wednesday 24th Sept’25. All had an enjoyable time with lovely sunshine. Thanks to Clonakilty Rugby Club for organising this event.
Diocesan Service
The annual Diocesan Schools Service took place today in St. Peter’s Church in Bandon. All classes from 2nd to 6th Class were in attendance & many took part in the service for Bishop Paul Colton’s final school service before his retirement.
Annual Contribution towards Extra Activities
Extras activities, art supplies & personal accident fees of €60 per pupil are due to be paid by midterm break at the end of October’25 please. Thank you to those who have already contributed.
Star of the Week
This month of September we are working on good manners and greetings for our weekly ‘Star Awards’ which are awarded at assembly each Friday. Congratulations to all the children who have received these awards this month.
Board of Management update
Thank you to Clive Buttimer who has joined the Board of Management as a parent father representative.
Community Notes
Clonakilty Community College: Online enrolment application portal opens 1st October’25 for all students currently in 6th Class, who wish to enrol in 1st year for September 2026. Apply early on the Community College website enrolment page. Open Day at Clonakilty Community College 16th October’25 5:30-8pm for all 5th & 6th Class with their parents.
Sacred Heart Secondary School Clonakilty: Open Night takes place on Thursday 2nd October’25 for all 6th Class girls & their parents from 5-7pm. Enrolment open online on website.
Mount St. Michael Secondary School, Rosscarbery: Accepting applications for admissions for Sept’26 online on website from Wednesday 1st October’25 to Friday 24th October’25.
Week 4 (18/09/25)
Tag Rugby Lessons & Blitz
All pupils from 1st to 6th Class will take part in some Tag Rugby lessons tomorrow Friday 19th Sept coached by Clonakilty Rugby Club, before the Primary School Blitz at Clonakilty Rugby Club next Wednesday 24th Sept’25.
Rugby Blitz Details: Wed 25th Sept’25
The Primary School Tag Rugby Blitz takes place at Clonakilty Rugby Club next Wednesday 24th Sept’25 for all children in 2nd to 6th Class. All children in these classes are to be dropped to the Rugby Club between 9-9:15am and collected there between 2:30 & 3pm. Children who usually travel on the school bus will be taken & collected by their bus. Sports clothes, coat, lunch, water & gum shield advised. Rubber studded boots (if have), otherwise runners for footwear please.
Diocesan Service
The annual Diocesan Schools Service takes place next Thursday 26th Sept’25 in St. Peter’s Church in Bandon. All classes from 2nd to 6th Class will travel to this by bus during the school day. Please ensure your child/children are in a full clean uniform, as we represent our school & many of the children are taking part in this service, which is the last one before Bishop Paul Colton retires.
Transition Programme for 6th Class
Clonakilty Youth Centre will be running a transition Programme for 6th class pupils to support them with the changes and challenges which they may face as they begin to navigate from Primary to Post-primary school journey.
The Programme will run every Monday (except Bank Holidays), during the school year, from 3:00-4:30 p.m., at "The Shack'' Youth Space in the Clonakilty Youth Centre (Deasy's Car park, P85 XY50).
Within the Transition Programme youth workers will support pupils to transition smoothly from primary to post-primary school through fun and engaging activities.
There is no cost to the young people for attendance at any of our activities or programmes. Parents/guardians would need to register their young people for this programme. They can do this by contacting me (Cindy) on 086-0327866 or by email cindy.kingston@ymca-ireland.net
Annual Contribution towards Extra Activities
Extras activities, art supplies & personal accident fees of €60 per pupil are due to be paid by midterm break at the end of October’25 please. Thank you to those who have already contributed.
Star of the Week
This month of September we are working on good manners and greetings for our weekly ‘Star Awards’ which are awarded at assembly each Friday.
Board of Management update
The Board of Management is still seeking a parent father representative for the Board. If interested, please contact Susan on school mobile (083 0658096) or chairperson Trevor Sweetnam. This involves a few BOM evening meetings per year to help run our school.
Community Notes
Clonakilty Guitar Festival: from 19th-21st Sept’25 at many venues this weekend.
Clonakilty Culture Night: Fri 19th Sept’25 All Ages Music Workshops at Clonakilty Library. Workshop 1: For children 7-7:45pm Workshop 2: Adults & families 7:45-8:30pm. Come & learn a new tune & song or just listen & play along to music from around the world. Instruments will be provided or bring own if you wish. No experience necessary.
Booking essential at Clon Library 023-8834275 or E.clonakilty.library@corkcoco.ie
Week 3 (11/09/25)
Tag Rugby Lessons & Blitz
All pupils from 1st to 6th Class will take part in some Tag Rugby lessons next Friday 19th Sept coached by Clonakilty Rugby Club. This will conclude with a Primary School Blitz at Clonakilty Rugby Club on Wednesday 24th Sept’25.
GAA Football
GAA football lessons with Conan started this week & will continue every Tuesday for all classes.
Annual Contribution towards Extra Activities
Extras activities, art supplies & personal accident fees of €60 per pupil are due to be paid by midterm break at the end of October’25 please. Thank you to those who have already contributed.
School Uniform Sweatshirts
Please could you ensure that all your children’s school sweatshirts are CLEARLY NAMED. Lots of lost & mixed up jumpers already this term!
Star of the Week
This month we are working on good manners and greetings for our weekly ‘Star Awards’ which are awarded at assembly each Friday.
Board of Management update
The Board of Management is still seeking a parent father representative for the Board. If interested, please contact Susan on school mobile or chairperson Trevor Sweetnam. This involves a few BOM evening meetings per year to help run our school.
Community Notes
Clonakilty Tennis Club: Coaching will begin on the week of the 15th Sept for 8 weeks.
Any parents/guardians interested in booking places for their children, please text Karen on 087 2995328.
Flyer on School noticeboard with full times & sessions available.
Week 2 (04/09/25)
Junior Infant Home time
Reminder Junior Infants will now stay until 2pm each day from next Monday 8th September’25.
Annual Contribution towards Extra Activities
Extras activities, art supplies & personal accident fees of €60 per pupil are due to be paid by midterm break at the end of October’25 please. There will be a charge of €50 per child for swimming lessons later in the school year, but if you wish to pay both together, that’s fine. Please send cash/cheque in a named envelope.
Thank you to those who have already contributed.
Pupil Personal Accident Insurance
Once paid as part of Annual contribution (above) children are covered for all costs, should they be injured in any accidents at home, school & at after school activities 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for 365 days a year.
School Uniform Sweatshirts
Please could you ensure that all your children’s school sweatshirts are CLEARLY NAMED. Once they are taken off in school, they are all the same and it’s impossible to know whose jumper it is.
GAA Football Lessons
GAA lessons with Conan will commence again next Tuesday for all pupils.
Upcoming events:
Tag Rugby Blitz: All pupils from 2nd to 6th Class will take part in a Primary School Blitz at Clonakilty Rugby Club on Wednesday 24th Sept’25.
Diocesan Schools Service: will take place on Thursday 25th Sept’25 in St. Peter’s Church. 2nd to 6th class will attend, travelling by bus during the school day.
Community Notes
Tarantella Drama for Kids: Newcomers are welcome to come and try out.
5-8 yrs at 3:30pm, 9-14yrs at 4:30pm on Thurs 11th Sept’25 at the Clonakilty Parish Centre, Western Road, Clonakilty. Contact 086 3389180 to book a place.
Week 1 (28/08/25)
Welcome Back
As we start a new school year, we would like to extend a very warm ‘welcome back’ to everyone. We hope that everyone had an enjoyable summer and are ready for all the fun & activities in the new school year ahead.
New Pupils and Families
A special welcome to the new pupils & their families who have joined our school: Marko, Theo, Orion & Marat in Junior Infants, Alice & Slava in 3rd Class.
We hope that everyone will help them to quickly settle into our school life.
Our Newsletter
Our school newsletter is issued every Thursday & displayed on our notice board outside school as well as on our website www.kilgarriffens.ie
A mobile phone version is available for your convenience.
This is our main way of communicating & informing families what’s happening in school, so please read it each week & it won’t be as long as this one each week!!
In it we hope to keep all families regularly informed about:
● As many aspects of school life as possible.
● Any student achievements and/or successes both from within and outside
school, so let us know when they happen, otherwise we may not know!
● Information from our Board of Management (BOM) that they may wish to inform
parents of.
If anyone wishes to contribute news or information to our newsletter please submit via text or What’s Ap to our school mobile (083 0658096), or by email to kilgarriffens.office@gmail.com before 3pm on a Wednesday and we will do our best to include it in the next day issue.
School Books & Stationary
Each child has received their ‘Free School books & copy books’ provided by the Dept. of Education this year. Please ensure your child has the required stationary and indoor shoes in school as soon as possible, thank you.
Annual Contribution (per child)
Extras activities, art supplies & personal accident fees of €60 per pupil are due to be paid by midterm break at the end of October’25 please. Later in the school year there will be a charge of €50 per child for swimming lessons, but if you wish to pay both payments together, that’s fine. Please send cash/cheque in a named envelope, whenever convenient. Thank you.
School Uniform Sweatshirts
Please could you ensure that all your children’s school sweatshirts are CLEARLY NAMED. Once they are taken off in school, they are all the same and it’s impossible to know whose jumper it is.
Drop-off and collection of children
Reminder that we operate a ‘Drive in drop off / collection’ system in the morning & at home times in the afternoon.
At home time, please allow the school bus to exit first at 3pm so the bus can depart quickly & easily, thus allowing plenty of space for cars to drive in, collect & drive out from school again.
Cars need to drive in from the hill above the school & exit out the lower part of the car park. If you need to park or queue for drop off/ collection, please do so above the school on the left hand side coming down the hill. Thank you for your co-operation with this to ensure the safety of all children coming to & departing from school. The few car park spaces outside the school wall are for teacher’s cars only.
School opening hours
Our school officially opens from 8:55am to 3pm. All pupils are expected to be in school to start class by 9.15am. Junior Infants finish at 12:15pm until Fri 12th Sept after which all Infant collection will be 2pm.
After 9.15am the school doors are secured for the safety & security of the children and late arrivals will have to wait for the doors to be released again. This causes disruption to classes that have started. A big effort to be ‘on time’ is greatly appreciated.
Parents/ visitors calling to school during the day, please let us know beforehand, via the school mobile (083 0658096).
Please don’t drop children at school much before 8:55am and always ensure that a member of staff is there and your child has gone through the school gate, before departing.
Absent Notes
Please remember that absent information is required on each occasion that a child is out of school for a day or longer. Please ensure that absences & reason are logged on your family Aladdin account, on the day that your child returns to school.
Parent/ Teacher Communication
As much as possible, please can communication be made to teachers through messages on our school mobile or through Aladdin. If a private, or more serious discussion is needed, please request a meeting with the Principal and/or class teacher and an appropriate time can be arranged, usually after school hours. Thank you for your co-operation.
Healthy Lunch Boxes
Children are encouraged to bring a ‘Healthy Lunch’ to school including some daily fruit and/or veg. Please keep sugary treats to a minimum & only on Fridays.
Any cutlery required for your child to eat with, must be provided in their lunch box.
Reminder that chewing gum & fizzy drinks are not permitted in school. Crisps & popcorn are also discouraged as they cause extra mess!!
To help preserve our environment, please can children use reusable drink bottles instead of a disposable plastic bottle every day!!
Indoor/ Outdoor Shoes
To help with the workload of keeping the school clean, all children are asked to have a clean pair of indoor shoes for use in the classrooms. These will stay in school & can be light canvas, trainers, crocs etc. but must have a proper sole, so they are safe & will not slip on floors & provide adequate support to young feet. Please also ensure child can easily put them on & off by themselves. Slippers are discouraged as they are often slippy & don’t support young feet.
Make up and mobile phones
Wearing of make-up & false eye lashes and using mobile phones are NOT permitted in school. If a child needs a mobile for walking home & after school communication, then parents need to inform the class teacher & the phone will remain switched off in the school office until after school hours.
GAA Football
All classes will start GAA football lessons throughout the day with Conan on Tuesdays, starting on Tues 9th Sept. (weather permitting).
Community News
Galleyhead Lighthouse Open Day: Sunday 14th Sept from 12-5pm. All welcome.
Week 36 (19/06/25)
RNLI Water Safety Webinar & lessons
All pupils will take part in a Water Safety Webinar in school today & some PAWS water safety lessons over the next few days as part of their SPHE lessons.
Sports Day
Sports Day is tomorrow Friday 20th June’25 from 11:30am to 2pm. Parents, siblings & friends are welcome to attend. The timetable is as follows:
11:30am - 12:30pm Children’s Fun races in their teams.
12:30 -1pm Lunchtime (weather permitting picnic together on grass area)
1-1:15pm Boat Video & BOM parent Rep. evection
1:20 – 1:30pm Toddler & Parent Obstacle Races
1:35 -1:45 Sack Race Relay
1:50 -1:55 Tidy up
2pm Ice Cream
2:15: Team Medals & Student of the Year presentations
2:45-3pm Home time
Boat Video Premiere
The school boat video that Rev. Kingsley has made with the children over the last few weeks will be ready for viewing at our lunch break at Sports Day tomorrow.
Board of Management
BOM are looking for a new parent father representative to go onto the Board. Nominations and election at Sports Day tomorrow during lunch interval. Any parent nominations or questions please contact Kingsley (087 4526186) or Trevor (087 4606256). Thank you.
School Tour payment
‘West Cork Secret’ school tour is next Wednesday 25th June’25. Please can any remaining payments (€35 per child) be submitted to school office by tomorrow Friday 20th June so we can finalise numbers. Thank you.
Swimming Lessons
Our last Swimming lesson is next Tuesday 24th June from 2-3pm.
As usual the children will travel by bus from school to the Clonakilty Park Leisure Centre & are to be collected from the pool, instead of school.
All children will need swim wear, hat, goggles & towel.
Cycling Days
Ulick will be in school next Monday for the full day & next Tuesday morning, for some fun cycle lessons and activities for all the children. Bicycles & helmets will be provided but if children want to bring their own, they are welcome to do so, if this is possible.
School Tour details
School Tour to the ‘West Cork Secret’ will take place next Wednesday 25th June.
Bus will leave school at 9:30am for Kilbrittain & will be back in school by 3:30 -4pm for collection. The children will be taking part in lots of land and water based activities throughout the day in their class groups, both individually & in teams.
On the day children will need:
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Old clothes to wear for adventure activities (tracksuit bottoms/ leggings, t-shirt/ long sleeved top & old pair of runners that will get wet.
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If children have a wetsuit they can wear it for the water based obstacle course & water slide. This is not compulsory.
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Raincoat for land based activities in case it rains!
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Towel and shampoo for shower at end of activities.
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Dry change of clothes for wearing going home.
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Plastic bag for bringing home wet & muddy clothes.
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Snack for morning break & bottle of water.
Pizza and juice will be provided to everyone at lunchtime. If child won’t eat pizza, please provide a good healthy lunch for them to bring with them.
Graduation Day
Next Thursday 26th June is 6th Class Graduation Day. This will start at 10:30am & all family members of 6th Class pupils are welcome to attend. Weather permitting, we hope to have this ceremony out in the school garden area. Otherwise it will take place in the Senior classroom. All classes are to wear their full school uniform that day. After Graduation, all pupils are free to go home about 12 noon.
School Reports
End of year school reports are in progress & will be shared on Aladdin next week.
Summer Holidays
Next Thursday 26th June’25 is our last day of school for this school year. Collection at 12 noon please. School reopens on Wed 27th August’25.
Have a lovely Summer break everyone.
Dates to Remember
School Fun Sports Day: Friday 20th June’25
Cycling Skills: Mon 23rd & Tues 24th June’25
Swimming Lessons: Tuesday 24th June from 2-3pm.
School Tour to West Cork Secret: Wed 25th June’25
6th Class Graduation Day: Thursday 26th June’25 (10:15am-12pm)
Community Events
Shannonvale Summer Fest: Fri 20th June from 5pm to Sunday 22nd
Week 35 (12/06/25)
Clon Sports, Ahamilla
Well done to all the athletes who took part in the Clonakilty Sports at Ahamilla today.
Congratulations to Emma, Leo, Luke & Arsenii who won medals & trophies.
Special congratulations to everyone who participated so well. Many children gave over & beyond their best against the top athletes from very big schools, well done. This was especially evident in our relay teams who worked together so well as teams. Many teams finished 4th just outside the prizes but the sportspersonship you showed was fantastic. Well done to all.
Teddy Bear’s Picnic
Tomorrow Friday 13th June’25 the Junior Infants to 3rd Class are invited to bring a ‘Teddy’ to school to take part in a Teddy’s Bear’s Picnic from 9:15-11:15am along with some new pupils joining us for the 2025/26 school year.
School Tour
‘West Cork Secret’ school tour is on Wednesday 25th June’25. Please can any remaining payments (€35 per child) be submitted to school office in a named envelope as soon as possible. Thank you.
Sports Day
Sports Day is next Friday 20th June’25 from 11am to 2pm. Parents, siblings & friends are welcome to attend.
Board of Management
BOM are looking for a new parent father representative to go onto the Board. Nominations and election at Sports Day (Fri 20th June’25) during lunch interval. Any parent nominations or questions please contact Kingsley (087 4526186) or Trevor (087 4606256). Thank you.
Swimming Lessons
Swimming lessons continue every Tuesday for the month of June. Tuesday 17th & 24th June from 2-3pm.
On swimming days, children will travel by bus from school at 1:30pm to the Clonakilty Park Leisure Centre & are to be collected from the pool, instead of school.
All children will need swim wear, hat, goggles & towel.
Dates to Remember
Swimming Lessons: Tuesday 17th & 24th June from 2-3pm.
Teddy Bear’s Picnic: Fri 13th June’25
School Fun Sports Day: Friday 20th June’25
Cycling Skills: Mon 23rd & Tues 24th June’25
School Tour to West Cork Secret: Wed 25th June’25
6th Class Graduation Day: Thursday 26th June’25 (10:15am-12pm)
Community Events
Clonakilty Street Carnival: Saturday 14th June’25. Food tickets are on sale at www.clonakilty.ie Food served 3-5pm and entertainment is free all day from 11am.
Shannonvale Summer Fest: Fri 20th June from 5pm to Sunday 22nd
Week 34 (06/06/25)
Cork City Sports
Well done to all the children who took part in Cork City Sports last week. You were all amazing and a pleasure to take to a very big sports event. A big thank you also to all the amazing parents who travelled with our team to help, we couldn’t manage without you all. Well done to the following athletes who brought home trophies:
Girls Relay 2nd (Rebecca, Mathilda, Leah & Hannah)
2016 (60m) 3rd Evie Kingston
2017 (60m) 1st Lila Bullock
2018 (60m) 2nd Xavi La Trobe-Hogan/ 3rd Varvara Kushyn
Clonakilty Agricultural Show Winners
Well done to all our pupils for all their super entries for Clon Show this year. The following children won prizes which can be collected after 4:30pm at the show this Sunday 8th June’25. If you are unable to collect on the day, trophies etc. will be given to school to award to you. Well done to:
Art: 3rd Sebi Gondas (Jun Infants) / 2nd Aela Graham Hughes (1st Class)
Hand Writing: 1st Rachel Hong (6th Class)
Computer Aided Drawing: 1st Maya La Trobe Hogan (4th Class)
2nd Alex Marks (5th Class)
Clon Sports, Ahamilla
Next Thursday 12th June, the Clonakilty Parish Athletics will take place at Ahamilla (GAA sports rounds), Clonakilty. This Sports involves flat sprint & relay races between the 6 Clonakilty Parish schools and all children will be taking part throughout the day.
Please arrive at Ahamilla between 9-9:15am & collect again to go home by 2pm from Ahamilla. Children who normally travel on the school bus will be brought to & collected from there by their bus.
There will be nobody at school that day.
All need to wear shorts, t-shirt, sun hat/cap, tracksuit bottoms, warm hoodie/sweatshirt, coat & sports shoes. Sun cream to be applied before arrival. Please also bring a good healthy packed lunch & drinks.
No phones or other electronic devices to be brought on the day please.
There will be a small sweet/ ice cream shop there, so a few euros needed if desired!
If any of the children who usually walk to school need transport to Ahamilla Sports grounds, please let your teacher know & we’ll try to organise this for you.
Permission for Ahamilla on Aladdin
Can everyone please access & sign the Ahamilla Sports Day permission to participate on Aladdin. Also due to GDPR there are to be no videos to be taken of the sports & the stewards decision is final regarding races. Thank You.
Teddy Bear’s Picnic
Next Friday 13th June’25 the Junior Infants to 3rd Class are invited to bring a ‘Teddy’ to school to take part in a Teddy’s Bear’s Picnic from 9:15-11:15am along with some new pupils joining us for the 2025/26 school year.
School Tour
‘West Cork Secret’ school tour is on Wednesday 25th June’25. Payments of €35 per child can be submitted to school office in a named enveloped whenever convenient over the next few weeks. Thank you.
Sports Day
Sports Day re-scheduled to Friday 20th June’25
Board of Management
BOM are looking for a new parent father representative to go onto the Board. Nominations and election at Sports Day (Thurs 5th June’25) during lunch interval. Any parent nominations or questions please contact Kingsley (087 4526186) or Trevor (087 4606256). Thank you.
Swimming Lessons
Swimming lessons continue every Tuesday for the month of June. Tuesday 10th, 17th, 24th June from 2-3pm. On swimming days, children will travel by bus from school at 1:30pm to the Clonakilty Park Leisure Centre & are to be collected from the pool, instead of school.
All children will need swim wear, hat, goggles & towel.
Dates to Remember
Swimming Lessons: Tuesday 10th, 17th, 24th June from 2-3pm.
Ahamilla Sports: Thurs 12th June’25
Teddy Bear’s Picnic: Fri 13th June’25
School Fun Sports Day: Friday 20th June’25
Cycling Skills: Mon 23rd & Tues 24th June’25
School Tour to West Cork Secret: Wed 25th June’25
6th Class Graduation Day: Thursday 26th June’25 (10:15am-12pm)
Community Events
Clonakilty Agricultural Show: This Sunday 8th June’25 in Clonakility showgrounds. A family fun day out.
Clonakilty Street Carnival: Saturday 14th June’25. Food tickets are on sale at www.clonakilty.ie Food served 3-5pm and entertainment is free all day from 11am.
Shannonvale Summer Fest: Fri 20th June from 5pm to Sunday 22nd
Week 33 (29/05/25)
Cork City Sports
Good Luck to all our pupils who are competing in the Primary Schools Cork City Sports today at MTU in Cork City.
Bank Holiday Weekend
Reminder that this weekend is the June Bank Holiday. No school next Monday 2nd June’25.
Sports Day
Next Thursday 5th June’25 is our school fun Sports Day for all (weather permitting!)
Parents, family & friends are welcome to attend from 11:30am. Lunch break & family picnic at 12:45-01:15pm, followed by pre-school & Parents Races. Ice cream, medal presentation & Student of the year cup from 2pm. All welcome.
Green Flag Update
Our school is now using recycled, compostable paper towel for drying hands. Thank you to all the children who have worked hard to hugely reduce our consumption of waste paper towels. Well done all & especially to Tina (SNA) who has put lots of thought & work into all parts of the Green Flag process this year.
Board of Management
BOM are looking for a new parent father representative to go onto the Board. Nominations and election at Sports Day (Thurs 5th June’25) during lunch interval. Any parent nominations or questions please contact Kingsley (087 4526186) or Trevor (087 4606256). Thank you.
Swimming Lessons
Swimming lessons continue every Tuesday for the month of June. Tuesday 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th June from 2-3pm.
On swimming days, children will travel by bus from school at 1:30pm to the Clonakilty Park Leisure Centre & are to be collected from the pool, instead of school.
All children will need swim wear, hat, goggles & towel.
School Tour
‘West Cork Secret’ school tour is on Wednesday 25th June’25. Payments of €35 per child can be submitted to school office in a named enveloped whenever convenient over the next few weeks. Thank you.
Dates to Remember
Swimming Lessons: Tuesday 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th June from 2-3pm.
Bank Holiday: Mon 2nd June’25 No School.
School Fun Sports Day: Thursday 5th June’25
Ahamilla Sports: Thurs 12th June’25
Cycling Skills: Mon 23rd & Tues 24th June’25
School Tour to West Cork Secret: Wed 25th June’25
6th Class Graduation Day: Thursday 26th June’25 (10:15am-12pm)
Community Events
Courtmacsherry Lifeboat Open Day: Saturday 31st May’25 from 2-5pm at the pier pontoon featuring guided tours of the lifeboat & station house, as well as a display of model lifeboats, as part of the 200th anniversary of the lifeboat in Courtmac.
Clonakilty Agricultural Show: Sunday 8th June’25 in Clonakility showgrounds. A family fun day out.
Week 32 (22/05/25)
Board of Management
BOM are looking for a new parent father representative to go onto the Board. Nominations and election at Sports Day (Thurs 5th June’25) during lunch interval. Any parent nominations or questions please contact Kingsley (087 4526186) or Trevor (087 4606256). Thank you.
Cork City Sports
Next Thursday 29th May’25 a team of 25 children will travel by bus to the annual Cork City and County Primary School Sports in MTU Bishopstown, Cork. Bus leaves school at 9:30am and will return by 4pm for children to be collected at school.
€15 per person to be sent into school BEFORE next Thursday 29th May please to contribute to the cost of the bus.
The teams are:
2012 (100m) Eduard Ulianov, Arsenii Driuchnyn, Rebecca Huggins, Mathilda Fitzpatrick
2013 (80m) Ru Barrett, Luca Kohler Cullum, Hannah Buttimer, Ida Radicini
2014 (60m) Daniel Buttimer, Maya La Trobe-Hogan
2015 (60m) Cillian Barrett, Bodhi La Trobe-Hogan, Ada Marks
2016 (60m) Eduard Acasandrei, Finley Kohler Cullum, Lucy Buttimer, Evie Kingston
2017 (60m) Luke Buttimer, Jakub Kicinski, Aela Graham Hughes, Lila Bullock
2018 (60m) Sam Buttimer, Xavi La Trobe-Hogan, Varvara Kushyn
Boys Relay: Cillian Barrett, Ru Barrett, Luca Kohler Cullum, Eduard Ulianov
Girls Relay: Rebecca Huggins, Mathilda Fitzpatrick, Leah Buttimer, Hannah Buttimer
Any parents who wish to travel on bus & help staff with the team on the day, please let us know via school mobile 083 0658096
Swimming Lessons
Swimming lessons for all classes have begun & will continue every Tuesday now until the end of term. Tuesday 27th May and 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th June from 2-3pm.
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 & towel.
School Tour
‘West Cork Secret’ school tour is on Wednesday 25th June’25. Payments of €35 per child can be submitted to school office in a named enveloped whenever convenient over the next few weeks. Thank you.
First Communion
This Saturday 24th Leo O’Donovan (2nd Class) will receive his First Holy Communion along with the pupils from Knockskeagh NS in the Parish Church. We wish Leo & his family a very lovely and special day from all at Kilgarriffe NS.
Standardised Tests
Standardised Tests are being administered to 1st-6th class this week in English and next week in Maths. All results will be on children’s end of year school reports.
Dates to Remember
Swimming Lessons: Tuesday 27th May and 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th June from 2-3pm.
Cork City Sports: Thursday 29th May’25
Bank Holiday: Mon 2nd June’25 No School.
School Fun Sports Day: Thursday 5th June’25
Ahamilla Sports: Thurs 12th June’25
Cycling Skills: Mon 23rd & Tues 24th June’25
School Tour to West Cork Secret: Wed 25th June’25
6th Class Graduation Day: Thursday 26th June’25 (10:15am-12pm)
Week 31 (15/05/25)
Swimming Lessons
Swimming lessons for all classes are starting next Tuesday 20th May’25. These will continue every Tuesday for 6 weeks. Tuesday 20th, 27th May and 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th June from 2-3pm.
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 & 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.
Sprints & Relay Training
Running and relay training has begun in anticipation for the upcoming Cork City & County Sports (Thurs 29th May) and Clonakilty School Sports (Thurs 12th June’25).
School Tour
This year our whole school tour will be to the ‘West Cork Secret’ outdoor activity centre on Wednesday 25th June’25. The cost of this fun day out is €35 per child including bus transport to & from West Cork Secret, a fun day of outdoor activities & pizza for all for lunch. Payments can be submitted to school office in a named enveloped whenever convenient over the next few weeks. If your child is unable to attend, please let us know so we can adjust our booking numbers. Thank you.
Standardised Tests
Standardised Tests are being administered to 1st -6th class next week and the following week in English and Maths. All results will be on children’s end of year school reports.
Dates to Remember
Swimming Lessons: Tuesday 20th, 27th May and 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th June from 2-3pm.
Cork City Sports: Thursday 29th May’25
Bank Holiday: Mon 2nd June’25 No School.
School Fun Sports Day: Thursday 5th June’25
Ahamilla Sports: Thurs 12th June’25
Cycling Skills: Mon 23rd & Tues 24th June’25
School Tour to West Cork Secret: Wed 25th June’25
6th Class Graduation Day: Thursday 26th June’25 (10:15am-12pm)
Week 30 (08/05/25)
Oklahoma Drama Outing
Tomorrow Friday 9th May’25 4th 5th & 6th Class will travel by bus to Bandon Grammar School to watch their production of ‘Oklahoma Musical’. Bus leaving 9:15am & will return by 2pm. €5 please per pupil to contribute towards cost of bus transport.
Active Flag ‘Skip Around Europe’ Challenge
This is our final & fourth week of the ‘Skip Around Europe’ Challenge. Well done to everyone for all the fantastic skipping.
Active School Week
This is our ‘Active School Week’ and we are doing lots of extra activities during each day including skipping, Gaelic football, 5 –a side Soccer tournament, Rounders & Multi activity Challenges. Well done to all for great participation & thank you to the recent good weather for making it extra special.
Green Flag
‘Picker Pal’ environmental challenge starts this weekend for2nd & 3rd Class. Don’t forget to safely collect some rubbish from the local environment, take a photo of what you managed to collected, submit photo to the school mobile (083 0658096) on Whats App, and dispose of the rubbish in the correct bin at home.
Swimming Lessons
Swimming lessons for all classes are starting soon on Tuesday 20th May’25. Anyone still owing €50 per child for these lessons, please can this payment be sent into school immediately. Thank you.
School Tour
This year our whole school tour will be to the ‘West Cork Secret’ outdoor activity centre on Wednesday 25th June’25. The cost of this fun day out is €35 per child including bus transport to & from West Cork Secret, a fun day of outdoor activities & pizza for all for lunch. Payments can be submitted to school office in a named enveloped whenever convenient over the next few weeks. If your child is unable to attend, please let us know so we can adjust our booking numbers. Thank you.
Dates to Remember
Swimming Lessons: Tuesday 20th, 27th May and 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th June from 2-3pm.
Cork City Sports: Thursday 29th May’25
Bank Holiday: Mon 2nd June’25 No School.
School Fun Sports Day: Thursday 5th June’25
Ahamilla Sports: Thurs 12th June’25
School Tour to West Cork Secret: Wed 25th June’25
6th Class Graduation Day: Thursday 26th June’25 (10:15am-12pm)
Week 29 (01/05/25)
Bank Holiday
Reminder next Monday 5th May is a Bank Holiday & there will be NO school.
Oklahoma Drama Outing
Next Friday 9th May’25 4th 5th & 6th Class will travel by bus to Bandon Grammar School to watch their production of ‘Oklahoma Musical’. Bus leaving 9:15am & will return by 2pm. €5 please per pupil to contribute towards cost of bus transport.
Active Flag
We are on our third week of the ‘Skip Around Europe’ Challenge and we are almost finished skipping to all the countries assigned. Next week we will continue skipping as part of ‘Active School Week’, but will be learning some new skipping skills & tricks instead of distance skipping.
Green Flag
As part of the Green Flag activities, the Middle classroom will be taking part in the ‘Picker Pal’ environmental challenge over the next few weeks. Each weekend two children will take home the litter pickers to safely collect some rubbish from their local environment over the weekend. They will take a photo of what they managed to collected & submit this photo to the school mobile (083 0658096) on What’s Ap, before disposing of the rubbish in the correct bin at home.
On return to school the Picker Pal children will tell the others in their class about where they helped the environment on their Picker Pal adventure & show the photo of what rubbish they managed to collect.
Uniform Shorts
As the weather improves, all children are welcome to wear shorts to school as part of their uniform. Shorts must be navy or black & an appropriate length for wearing in the classroom (ideally mid length between thigh & knee) for comfort & decency.
Swimming Lessons
Swimming lessons for all classes starting soon. The dates are Tuesday 20th, 27th May and 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th June 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 as soon as possible. Thank you to those who have already done so.
Enrolment 2025
We are continuing to accept enrolments for September 2025. If you know anyone interested, please encourage them to get in touch.
Community News
Coffee Morning & Sale in Ballinascarthy Community Hall (eircode P85 PH04) this Saturday 3rd May’25 10:30am -1:30pm in aid of Kilmalooda, Timoleague & Courtmacsherry parishes. All Welcome.
Dates to Remember
Bank Holidays: Mon 5th May’25 & Mon 2nd June’25 No School on these days.
Swimming Lessons: Tuesday 20th, 27th May and 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th June from 2-3pm.
Cork City Sports: Thursday 29th May’25
Ahamilla Sports: Thurs 12th June’25
6th Class Graduation Day: Thursday 26th June’25 (10:15am-12pm)