KILGARRIFFE NATIONAL SCHOOL WEEKLY NEWSLETTER
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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.
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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)
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Week 29 (01/05/25)
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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.
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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)
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Week 28 (10/04/25)
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Easter Holidays
This Friday 11th April’25 school closes at 12 noon for Easter holidays. School reopens on Monday 28th April’25. Have a lovely break & Happy Easter.
Easter Egg Hunt
All classes will take part in an Easter Egg Hunt on Friday morning. Have fun everyone.
Congratulations
Congratulations to the Trevor (BOM chairman) & Cathy Sweetnam on the birth of their new baby son Rory, a little brother for Eoghan (Junior Infants) & Aoife.
Active Flag
‘Skip Around the World’ Challenge is going well with lots of sunshine skipping this week. We have skipped to Czech Republic, Lithuania, Bulgaria, Romania, Belgium & Denmark this week. Well done everyone.
Green Flag update
Well done everyone, we have cut our hand drying waste paper consumption in half since January. Keep up the good work.
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 in May. 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.
Bus Éireann School Bus
School Transport Application Process for 2025/26 School year is now open on www.buseireann.ie/schooltransport for New Applicants to apply by Fri 25th April 2025. Existing bus passengers will be sent a renewal e-mail. All bus fares MUST be paid online by Fri 6th June’25.
Further information is available on www.buseireann.ie/schooltransport.
The telephone number to contact Bus Éireann is 0818 919 910.
Community News
Kilgarriffe Parish
Come and follow Nessie the real live donkey to Kilgarriffe church this coming Sunday 13th April! Everyone is welcome to gather at Asna Square at 11.15am as we follow Nessie up the Main Street to church. It will be an all age service with crafts, a giant word search, songs and more. We’d love to see you there!
Dates to Remember
Easter Holidays: Fri 11th April’25 (Half Day 12 noon close) to Mon 28th April’25
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
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Week 27 (03/04/25)
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Active Flag
‘Skip Around the World’ Challenge has started. Everyone has a short daily skipping break to work together, combining skips to bring them to many capital cities across Europe. 1 skip = 1km. We have already skipped to Latvia, Portugal & the Ukraine.
Well done everyone.
Green Flag update
Posters have been chosen from all the individual pupil entries to laminate & post beside the paper dispensers. These are to remind everyone to ‘use less paper’ when drying hands. Well done to everyone for all the fantastic entries.
Swimming Lessons
Swimming lessons for all classes in May. 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 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.
Enrolment 2025
We are continuing to accept enrolments for September 2025. If you know anyone interested, please encourage them to get in touch.
Bus Éireann School Bus
School Transport Application Process for 2025/26 School year is now open on www.buseireann.ie/schooltransport for New Applicants to apply by Fri 25th April 2025. Existing bus passengers will be sent a renewal e-mail. All bus fares MUST be paid online by Fri 6th June’25.
Further information is available on www.buseireann.ie/schooltransport.
The telephone number to contact Bus Éireann is 0818 919 910.
Gaeilge sa Bhaile
Cá bhfuil an….? (Where is the…. ?)
Dates to Remember
Easter Holidays: Fri 11th April’25 (Half Day 12 noon close) to Mon 28th April’25
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Week 26 (27/03/25)
Daffodil Day
This Friday 28th March is National Daffodil Day for the Irish Cancer Society. All children are invited to wear yellow and/or green to school on Friday & donate a small amount to this worthy cause if possible. Donation bucket will be in classrooms.
Engineers Week
This week all classes are having fun participating in lots of design and construction challenges for our Engineers week.
Active Flag
‘Skip Around the World’ Challenge starts next Monday 31st March to Fri 9th May for all classes, prioritising participation, inclusion & fun. Each classroom will have a short daily skipping break. Working together, their combined skips will bring them to many capital cities across Europe. 1 skip = 1km. Have fun everyone!
Green Flag update
Our Green Flag committee would like everyone to remember to use less paper hand towel when drying their hands and to put it in the correct bin so it can be composted. Thank you.
Welcome
Welcome to our new pupil Lars in 5th Class & hope he’s settling well into our school community.
Used Clothing Collection Fundraiser
€100 was received from our used clothing collection. Thank you to all who contributed.
Cork City Sports
Lots of running races have taken place over the last few weeks to give everyone plenty of training & practise, before we choose our teams for the Primary School Cork City Sports, which takes place on the 29th May’25.
The teams are:
2012 (100m) Eduard Ulianov, Arsenii D, Rebecca Huggins, Mathilda Fitzpatrick
2013 (80m) Hannah Buttimer, Ida Radicini, Ruadhán Barrett, Luca Kohler Cullum
2014 (60m) Daniel Buttimer, Maya La Trobe Hogan, Sophie Huggins
2015 (60m) Cillian Barrett, Bodhi La Trobe Hogan, Ada Marks
2016 (60m) Eduard Ascandrei, 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, Vavara Kushyk
Boys Relay:
Eduard Ulianov, Ruadhán Barrett, Luca Kohler Cullum, Alex Marks (sub Cillian Barrett)
Girls Relay:
Leah Buttimer, Rebecca Huggins, Mathilda Fitzpatrick, Hannah Buttimer (sub Maya)
Enrolment 2025
We are continuing to accept enrolments for September 2025. If you know anyone interested, please encourage them to get in touch.
Bus Éireann School Bus
School Transport Application Process for 2025/26 School year is now open on www.buseireann.ie/schooltransport for New Applicants to apply by Fri 25th April 2025. Existing bus passengers will be sent a renewal e-mail. All bus fares MUST be paid online by Fri 6th June’25.
Further information is available on www.buseireann.ie/schooltransport.
The telephone number to contact Bus Éireann is 0818 919 910.
Happy Mother’s Day
Happy Mother’s Day this Sunday 30th March to all the mum’s.
Gaeilge sa Bhaile
Cuir do bróga ar an t-seilf/ sa bhosca. (Put your shoes on the shelf/ in the box)
Dates to Remember
Daffodil Day: Fri 28th March’25
Easter Holidays: Fri 11th April’25 (Half Day 12 noon close) to Mon 28th April’25
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Week 25 (20/03/25)
Used Clothing Collection Fundraiser
Today our used clothing was collected. Thank you to all who contributed.
Engineers Week
Next week is our Engineers week, when we will have lots of design and construction challenges for the children to participate in.
Active Flag
Our Active Flag committee are busy organising different sporting activities each day at break times for all, including rounders, soccer, basketball, skipping, tennis, hopscotch, capture the flag, etc.
Green Flag update
Our Green Flag committee have been busy doing litter and waste surveys. The quantity of hand paper being used is our biggest waste going into school bins.
All classes have participated in a poster campaign to design a poster to remind us all, not to take & waste more paper towel than we need when drying our hands. The best posters will be posted beside the dispensers shortly. Well done everyone who designed a poster & let’s hope we can work together & reduce our waste!
Cork City Sports
Lots of running races have taken place over the last few weeks to give everyone plenty of training & practise, before we have to choose & submit our teams by the end of next week for the Primary School Cork City Sports, which takes place on the 29th May’25.
Gaeilge sa Bhaile
Croch suas do cóta. (Hang up your coat)
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Week 24 (13/03/25)
Half Day Closure
Reminder that this Friday 14th March is a half day closure (12 noon collection), for all children, as all staff work together to finalise the new Bí Cinéalta wellbeing & anti bullying policy. Thank you to parents & children who completed the recent surveys related to this.
St. Patrick Bank Holiday Weekend
This weekend is the St. Patrick’s Bank Holiday weekend. School closed Monday 17th March, reopens Tuesday 18th March’25 at usual time.
Used Clothing Collection Fundraiser
Our next used clothing collection fundraiser will be on Thurs 20th March’25
The following items will be accepted:
Men’s, ladies & children’s clothing.
Paired shoes (tied together)
Handbags, ties, belts & hats
Soft Toys
Uniforms (without logos)
Towels, sheets, curtains & blankets (in separate bag)
Duvets, pillows, cushions, rugs, mats, soiled or worn out clothes are NOT ACCEPTED.
Please put any donations in a black sack & deliver to school. Thank you.
Seachtaine na Gaeilge
This week we are celebrating Seachtaine na Gaeilge. Children are being encouraged to use their ‘cúpla focail’ as much as possible, along with some fun activities to help celebrate our Irish Nationality & culture.
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Confirmation
Best wishes to Alexander Marks (5th Class) who will celebrate his confirmation next Thursday 20th March in the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Clonakilty.
Dates to Remember
Seachtaine na Gaeilge: Next Week Mon 10th – Fri 14th March
Bí Cinéalta policy half day school closure: Fri 14th March 12noon.
St. Patrick’s Day: Mon 17th March’25: School closed for Bank Holiday.
Used Clothing Collection Fundraiser: Thurs 20th March’25
Gaeilge sa Bhaile:
This week’s phrase is: Lá Fhéile Pádraig sona duit. (Happy St. Patrick’s Day to you)
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Week 23 (05/03/25)
Shrove Tuesday / Pancake Day
Great fun & a tasty treat was had by all last Tuesday, as all children got to make & eat pancakes. Yum!
World Book Day
Today is World Book Day. Fab dress-up’s, as all staff & children dressed as their favourite book character for a fun day of book related activities. Well done all.
Fence Repair
Thank you to Conor Wilson for repairing one of our side fences that blew down in the last storm. Great to have a past pupil come to our rescue.
Thanks again Conor, you’re a star.
Half Day Closure
Reminder that next Friday 14th March is a half day closure (12 noon collection), for all children, as all staff work together to finalise the new Bí Cinéalta wellbeing & anti bullying policy. Thank you to parents & children who completed the recent surveys related to this.
Used Clothing Collection Fundraiser
Our next used clothing collection fundraiser will be on Thurs 20th March’25
The following items will be accepted:
Men’s, ladies & children’s clothing.
Paired shoes (tied together)
Handbags, ties, belts & hats
Soft Toys
Uniforms (without logos)
Towels, sheets, curtains & blankets (in separate bag)
Duvets, pillows, cushions, rugs, mats, soiled or worn out clothes are NOT ACCEPTED.
Please put any donations in a black sack & deliver to school. Thank you.
Seachtaine na Gaeilge
Next week we will celebrate Seachtaine na Gaeilge, when all children will be encouraged to use their ‘cúpla focail’ as much as possible, along with some fun activities to help celebrate our Irish Nationality & culture.
Dates to Remember
Funday Sunday: takes place this Sunday 9th March’25 from 11:15-12:30 in the Parochial Hall. All children welcome to attend.
Seachtaine na Gaeilge: Next Week Mon 10th – Fri 14th March
Bí Cinéalta policy half day school closure: Fri 14th March 12noon.
St. Patrick’s Day: Mon 17th March’25: School closed for Bank Holiday.
Used Clothing Collection Fundraiser: Thurs 20th March’25
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Week 22 (27/02/25)
Soccer Blitz Coaching
Many thanks to Caroline Buttimer for all her time & expertise coaching both the Boys & the Girls 5-side Soccer teams for the FAI Primary School Blitz.
Well done to both teams for their participation. Unfortunately, neither team will progress to the next round.
‘Waste Not, Want Not’ Workshop
Last Monday 24th Feb (Infants – 3rd Class) & today Thurs 27th Feb (4th – 6th Class), chef Gillian Hegarty came into our school & did a Food Waste & Cookery demonstration workshop to teach the children how they can make some yummy, healthy snacks for their lunchbox. The idea is that if the children help pack their lunchbox, they are more likely to eat the food & not waste it. Breakfast muffins, crackers, humus & vegetable sticks were made & devoured by all!
All children received the recipes to try at home.
Shrove Tuesday
Shrove Tuesday is next week on Tuesday 4th March’25. All children will receive a freshly made pancake. School will supply the traditional lemon & sugar topping. If your child wishes to have a different topping, please add to their lunchbox.
World Book Day
Next Thursday 6th March’25 is World Book Day. The children (and staff) are invited to dress-up as their favourite book character for a fun day of book related activities.
Used Clothing Collection Fundraiser
Our next used clothing collection fundraiser will be on Thurs 20th March’25
The following items will be accepted:
Men’s, ladies & children’s clothing.
Paired shoes (tied together)
Handbags, ties, belts & hats
Soft Toys
Uniforms (without logos)
Towels, sheets, curtains & blankets (in separate bag)
Duvets, pillows, cushions, rugs, mats, soiled or worn out clothes are NOT ACCEPTED.
Please put any donations in a black sack & deliver to school. Thank you.
Dates to Remember
Shrove Tuesday: Tuesday 4th March Pancakes in school
World Book Day:Thursday 6th March Dress up as favourite book character.
Bí Cinéalta policy half day school closure: Fri 14th March 12noon.
St. Patrick’s Day: Mon 17th March’25: School closed for Bank Holiday.
Used Clothing Collection Fundraiser: Thurs 20th March’25
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Week 21 (12/02/25)
ESB Electricity Supply Interruption
Reminder that there is NO SCHOOL this Fri 14th Feb’25 due to the ESB switching power off from 9am to 6pm for upgrade of existing service.
Parent Teacher Meetings
Parent teacher meetings will take place in the week of Mon 24th to Fri 28th Feb‘25. Please can parents book a meeting slot in advance via Aladdin by the end of this week if possible.
Midterm Break
Midterm break next week. School closed until Monday 24th Feb’25.
Credit Union Quiz
Well done to both teams that proudly represented our school at the annual Primary Schools Credit Union Quiz last Sunday 9th Feb’25 at Ahamilla Sports Centre.
Boys Soccer Blitz
Well done to all the 4th to 6th Class boys who took part in the first round of the FAI 5-a side Schools Soccer Tournament in Bantry yesterday.
Girls Soccer Blitz
Senior room Girls will take part in the FAI Girls 5-a side Schools Soccer Blitz on Monday 24th February during the school day. Bus leaving school at 11am & returns at 3:30pm. Same info as boys’ team, on what’s Ap message. Good luck team.
‘Waste Not, Want Not’ Workshop
On Monday 24th Feb (Infants – 3rd Class) & Thurs 27th Feb (4th – 6th Class), chef Gillian Hegarty will be coming into our school, to do a programme with the children on the topic of food appreciation & reducing food waste. This will include an overview of food waste reduction with topics like packing own school lunch, making own snacks, using left over food & demonstrating a few recipes. This is part of a new food waste reduction initiative ‘Waste Not, Want Not’ in Clonakilty town.
Dates to Remember
No school – ESB power interruption: Fri 14th Feb’25
February Midterm: School closed Mon 17th – Fri 21st February’25
Parent/ Teacher meetings: Mon 24th to Fri 28th Feb’25
Girls Soccer Blitz: Mon 24th Feb’25
Food Waste Workshop: Mon 24th & Thurs 27th Feb'25
Bí Cinéalta policy half day school closure: Fri 14th March 12noon.
Gaeilge sa Bhaile:
This week’s phrase is: Las an solas. Múch an solas. (Switch on light. Turn off light.)
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Week 20 (05/02/25)
ESB Electricity Supply Interruption
We received notice today that we will have No Electricity in school on Fri 14th Feb’25 from 9am to 6pm. Therefore, the school will remain closed that day. Sorry for any inconvenience caused, but this is beyond our control.
Credit Union Quiz
The Annual Primary Schools Credit Union Quiz takes place this Sunday 9th Feb’25 at Ahamilla Sports Centre from 3-4:30pm. Please can teams be at Ahamilla by 2:45pm & collected afterwards at 4:30pm. No school uniform is required. No parents or mobile phones are permitted. Miss. Buttimer will be there to look after the teams.
Good Luck to all our team members.
Under 11 years: Daniel, Maya, Cillian & Bodhi.
Over 11 years: Mathilda, Rebecca, Ruadhán & Luca.
Gardening Workshop
Tomorrow Thursday 6th February’25 all classes will be doing a gardening workshop with Jean Perry during the school day. This is part of the new ‘Clonakilty Children’s Food Revolution’ programme which was launched last Fri 31st Jan’25 in Clonakilty.
Boys Soccer Blitz
Next Tuesday 11th Feb’25 a Boys’ Team from the Senior Classroom will take part in the first round of the FAI 5-a side Schools Soccer Tournament in Bantry. They leave school by bus at 10:30am & are due to return to school by 3:30pm. If return time changes, we will contact all concerned via What’s Ap, as finish time depends on how they progress in the tournament. Good luck to all the boys.
Parent Teacher Meetings
Parent teacher meetings will take place in the week of Mon 24th to Fri 28th Feb‘25. Parents can now book a meeting slot in advance via Aladdin.
Kilgarriffe Pre School
We are still hoping to open a Pre School at Kilgarriffe NS next Sept’25 but will need 8-10 children enrolled for it to be viable. Please spread this information to anyone who may be looking for pre-school places for Sept’25.
Dates to Remember
Credit Union Schools Quiz: Sunday 9th February’25
Boys FAI Soccer tournament: Tues 11th Feb’25
No school – ESB power interruption: Fri 14th Feb’25
February Midterm: School closed Mon 17th – Fri 21st February’25
Parent/ Teacher meetings: Mon 24th to Fri 28th Feb’25
Bí Cinéalta policy half day school closure: Fri 14th March 12noon.
Gaeilge sa Bhaile:
This week’s phrase is: Cé leis é? Is liomsa é. (Who’s is it? It’s mine.)
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Week 19 (30/01/25)
​St. Brigid’s Day Holiday
This weekend is the St. Brigid’s holiday weekend. School is closed on Monday 3rd February’25 for this long weekend.
Kilgarriffe NS Open Day
Our ‘Open Day’ took place last Tuesday 28th January ’25. If you know anyone who may wish to register their child for future years, they may still contact the school office for an appointment to visit our school & receive enrolment paperwork.
Kilgarriffe Pre School
We are still hoping to open a Pre School at Kilgarriffe NS next Sept’25 but will need 8-10 children enrolled for it to be viable. Please spread this information to anyone who may be looking for pre school places for Sept’25.
Parent Teacher Meetings
Parent teacher meetings will take place in the week of Mon 24th to Fri 28th Feb‘25. Parents can now book a meeting slot in advance via Aladdin.
Clonakilty Community College Assessments
All 6th Class pupils who have registered to attend Clonakilty Community College (CCC) next year have their assessment day next Wednesday 5th Feb’25 at 9:15am to 1:15pm.
Credit Union Quiz
The Annual Primary Schools Credit Union Quiz takes place on Sunday 9th Feb’25 at Ahamilla Sports Centre from 3-4:30pm.
Gardening Workshop
Next Thursday 6th February’25 all classes will be doing a gardening workshop with Jean Perry during the school day. This is part of the new ‘Clonakilty Children’s Food Revolution’ programme which will be launched this Fri 31st Jan’25 in Clonakilty.
Dates to Remember
St. Brigid’s February Bank Holiday weekend: School Closed Mon 3rd February’25
Clonakilty Community College assessments: Wed 5th Feb’25
Credit Union Schools Quiz: Sunday 9th February’25
February Midterm: School closed Mon 17th – Fri 21st February’25
Parent/ Teacher meetings: Mon 24th to Fri 28th Feb’25
Gaeilge sa Bhaile:
This week’s phrase is: Tóg amach do lón. (Take out your lunch)
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Week 18 (23/01/25)
Weather Warning
Due to the Red Storm Weather Warning, all schools are closed tomorrow Friday 24th January’24. Everyone is advised to stay inside & at home. Take care everyone.
Kilgarriffe NS Open Day
Our ‘Open Day’ is next Tuesday 28th January ’25 for any prospective pupils and their parents. Families who are interested in enrolling a child next September or in coming years are most welcome to come and visit between 10am and 3pm.
Kilgarriffe NS Enrolment 2025
Enrolment is open in our school for new pupils wishing to start next Sept’25.
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.
Clonakilty Community College Assessments
All 6th Class pupils who have registered to attend Clonakilty Community College (CCC) next year have their assessment day on Wednesday 5th Feb’25 at 9:15am to 1:15pm.
Credit Union Quiz
The Annual Primary Schools Credit Union Quiz takes place on Sunday 9th Feb’25 at Ahamilla Sports Centre from 3-4:30pm. Our teams are:
Under 11 years: Daniel, Maya, Cillian & Bodhi.
Over 11 years: Mathilda, Rebecca, Ruadhán & Luca
Parent Teacher Meetings
Parent teacher meetings will take place in the week of Mon 24th to Fri 28th Feb‘25. Parents will be able to book a meeting slot in advance via Aladdin.
‘Waste Not, Want Not’ Workshop
Unfortunately, this workshop was postponed by organisers this week & is now rescheduled for Monday 24th Feb (Infants to 3rd Class) and Thursday 27th Feb (4-6th Class).
Dates to Remember
St. Brigid’s February Bank Holiday weekend: School Closed Mon 3rd February’25
February Midterm: School closed Mon 17th – Fri 21st February’25
Parent/ Teacher meetings: Mon 24th to Fri 28th Feb’25
Gaeilge sa Bhaile:
This week’s phrase is: Dia duit. Dia is Muire duit. (Welcome. Welcome to you too)
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Week 17 (16/01/25)​
Welcome Back
Happy New Year to everyone and welcome back. Thank you to everyone for all their patience & understanding with the difficult weather disruptions we had on re-opening school last week.
Welcome
Welcome to Ida who has joined 5th Class this term and hope everyone helps her settle quickly into our school community & her family into the Clonakilty area.
Credit Union Quiz
The Annual Primary Schools Credit Union Quiz takes place on Sunday 9th Feb’25 at Ahamilla Sports Centre from 3-4:30pm. All the children from 2nd to 6th Class have taken part in practice quizzes this week & 2 teams (under 11s and under 13s) are being chosen to represent our school.
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‘Waste Not, Want Not’ Workshop
Next Monday 20th Jan (Infants – 3rd Class) & Thurs 23rdJan (4th – 6th Class), chef Gillian Hegarty will be coming into our school, to do a programme with the children on the topic of food appreciation & reducing food waste. This will include an overview of food waste reduction with topics like packing own school lunch, making own snacks, using left over food & demonstrating a few recipes. This is part of a new food waste reduction initiative ‘Waste Not, Want Not’ in Clonakilty town.
Kilgarriffe NS Enrolment 2025
Enrolment is open in our school for new pupils wishing to start next Sept’25.
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.
Kilgarriffe NS Open Day
We are planning an ‘Open Day’ on Tuesday 28th January ’25 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.
Parent Teacher Meetings
Parent teacher meetings will take place in the week of Mon 24th to Fri 28th Feb‘25. 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 3rd February’25
February Midterm: School closed Mon 17th – Fri 21st February’25
Parent/ Teacher meetings: Mon 24th to Fri 28th Feb’25
Gaeilge sa Bhaile This week’s phrase is: Cad is ainm duit? ............... is ainm dom.
(What is your name? ............... is my name.
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Week 15 (19/12/24)
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Hoodwinked Performance
Congratulations to every one of the ‘Hoodwinked’ cast for a fabulous performance yesterday in the Parochial Hall. You were all brilliant. Many thanks too, to all the parents who helped at home with practice & costumes, helped yesterday in the hall with face painting, refreshments, baking, raffle, tidy up, etc. ….you are all much appreciated. Thanks also to Dean Cliff & Rev. Kingsley for helping hang the set, providing & working the sound system & making sure it all worked perfectly for our performance.
Raffle Prizes
Thank you to Shana & Heather for collecting & organising all the wonderful Raffle prizes yesterday. Huge thanks too, to all the families & local businesses for donating all these fab prizes.
Outdoor Classroom
Well done to Sheila & the BOM for finding, purchasing & organising delivery last weekend of our new ‘outdoor classroom boat’. Big thanks to Clive & Trevor
for preparing the site for its arrival & ensuring it’s now anchored securely in its new ‘safe harbour’.
Thank you also to several parents, who gave up some of their Sunday, to begin some renovation that’s needed, before we can allow the children access to it.
Christmas Holidays
Tomorrow Fri 20th Dec, school closes at 12 noon for the Christmas Holidays. No uniform is required & Christmas/ bright jumpers & hats are welcomed.
Wishing all a ‘Happy Christmas’ & school reopens on Monday 6th January’25.
Gaeilge at home
This week’s phrase is ‘Nollaig Shona duit’ (Happy Christmas to you).
Community Events
Christmas Market stalls outside O’Donovan’s Hotel, Clonakilty Sat 21st Dec’24
School Dates to Remember
Christmas Holidays: Half day Fri 20th Dec’24. Collection at 12 noon please.
School reopens: Mon 6th Jan’25
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Week 14 (11/12/24)
School Play Costumes
Costume needs for all the different parts have been posted on Aladdin, Parent’s What’s Ap group & Newsletter last week for all to view. Please can we have all costumes, in a named bag by tomorrow Thursday 12th Dec. Full Dress rehearsal in hall on Fri 13th Dec’24.
School Play Hall Practice
This Friday 13th Dec'24 we will have another practice day & dress rehearsal for our school play ‘Hoodwinked’ in the Parochial Hall Clonakilty (eircode P85 XC64). The children are to be dropped & collected from this hall at usual school times, instead of at school. School buses will deliver & collect from the hall.
Raffle Prizes
If any families would like to donate a Raffle prize for our big Raffle on the day of our ‘Hoodwinked’ performance, please send in to the school office. The proceeds of this Raffle helps to cover the costs of props, costumes, sets, etc. for our performance. Thank you in advance.
Hoodwinked Performance
The children will perform ‘Hoodwinked’ on stage for all our families to attend at 12 noon on Wednesday 18th Dec’24 in the Parochial Hall Clonakilty. All parents, siblings, other family members & friends are welcome to attend. The children are to be brought to the hall between 9-9:30am to prepare for their show. Audience welcome to arrive at 11:30am for refreshments before performance starts at 12 noon.
Children go home after performance at about 1:30-2pm. School bus will take children to the hall in the morning but there will be NO SCHOOL BUS after the performance.
Help required
School staff will require some helpers on the day of our Hoodwinked Drama performance with the following:
Supply some baked goods to serve with refreshments
Face painting 10-11:30am
Setting up & serving refreshments (10:30-12noon)
Selling raffle tickets (11:30am)
Wash up after refreshments/ performance (1:30-2pm)
Tidy up of hall after performance (1:30-2pm)
If you are free & willing to help with any of the above, please let staff know on school mobile 083 0658096. Thank you all & hope everyone enjoys this event.
Lisavaird Co-op Art Competition
Congratulations to Xavi La Trobe Hogan (Sen Infants), Aela Graham Hughes (1st Class) & Ada Marks (3rd Class) for all winning their class sections in this Art Competition. Our school also won one of the two school laptops that Lisavaird sponsor. Well done to all involved.
Christmas Songs at Bushmount
Thank you to all the children from the Junior & Middle classrooms who sang well along with Rev. Kingsley on his guitar, for the elderly residents of Bushmount at their Christmas party today.
Nasal Flu Vaccines
Nasal Flu vaccines will be administered to all pupils whose parents/guardians have requested them, during the school day next Monday 16th Dec’24.
Gaeilge at home
To help the children to increase their daily use of the ‘Irish language’ (Gaeilge) we are concentrating on one phrase every week. It would be great if these phrases could be used regularly at home too. This week’s phrase is ‘Go raibh maith agat’ (thank you).
Community Events
Christmas Market stalls outside O’Donovan’s Hotel, Clonakilty Sat 14th & 21st Dec’24
School Dates to Remember
Hoodwinked Musical: 12 noon on Wednesday 18thDec’24 in Parochial Hall, Clonakilty.
Christmas Holidays: Half day Fri 20th Dec’24. School reopens Mon 6th Jan’25
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Week 13 (05/12/24)​
ExtraOrdinary Prayer Event
Today all pupils from the middle & Senior classrooms visit the ExtraOrdinary Prayer Event in the Parochial Hall as part of their RE programme. We hope all enjoy this special visit.
School Play Costumes
Costume needs for all the different parts have been posted on Aladdin & below here for all to view. Please can we have all costumes, in school in a bag named with your child’s name, as soon as possible. Dress rehearsal Fri 13th Dec’24.
Robin Hood: Green/brown leggings and top, long green knee socks (hats and cloak provided)
Marion: Medieval style flowing dress – see pic in parents’ WhatsApp
Sheriff: Black base layer, silver armour – see pics sent for ideas
Deputy: Black base layer, silver armour
Narrator: Colourful costume e.g. pantaloons, knee socks, colourful shirt (he is a travelling storyteller) King Richard: Black base layer (cloak and crown provided), brown habit/cloak needed for disguise as friar
Merry Men: (inc Will Scarlett & Little John) Green/brown leggings and top, long green knee socks. belts (hats and cloak provided)
Villagers: Black base layer (smocks provided) Friars (inc Friar Tuck) Black or brown base layer (habits provided)
Lord: Black base layer (cloak provided)
Lady: Medieval style dress (similar to maid Marion’s ladies) see pic in parents’ WhatsApp
Servant: Black base layer (tunic provided)
Jester: Black base layer (cloak and hat provided)
Guards: Tunics needed – see pic sent Announcer Long colourful coat/cloak for over base layer
Town Criers: Town crier hat
Animals: Woodland animal costumes
School Play Hall Practices
Next week we will have 2 days when the children will be practicing their school play ‘Hoodwinked’ on stage in the Parochial Hall Clonakilty (eircode P85 XC64). The children are to be dropped & collected from this hall at usual times, instead of school on Wednesday 11th & Friday 13th Dec’24. School buses will deliver & collect from hall.
Christmas Songs at Bushmount
Next Wednesday 11th Dec’24 the children from the Junior & Middle classrooms will be singing Christmas songs, accompanied by Rev. Kingsley on guitar, to the elderly residents of Bushmount at their Christmas party. Please can each child bring a Christmas hat & their coat to school that day. We will walk over & back to Bushmount Nursing home from the Parochial Hall that day.
Raffle Prizes
Raffle prizes are needed for our big Raffle in the hall on the day of our ‘Hoodwinked’ performance. If anyone would like to donate a prize (voucher, chocolates, flowers, plants, beauty products, candles etc.), please send into school to class teachers, marked ‘Raffle’. The proceeds of this Raffle helps to cover the costs of props, costumes, sets, etc. for our performance. Thank you in advance.
Christmas Cards
Orders sent & will be distributed as soon as they return from printers.
Food Dudes
Gold awards will be presented to many at assembly on Friday. Well done to everyone who’s keeping up the great fruit & veg eating.
Gaeilge at home
To help the children to increase their daily use of the ‘Irish language’ (Gaeilge) we are concentrating on one phrase every week. It would be great if these phrases could be used regularly at home too. This week’s phrase is ‘Oscail an doras’ (open the door).
Community Events
ExtraOrdinary Prayer event: Open to all the public, come & experience at the Parochial Hall (P85 XC64) 4th Dec 12 noon to 9pm, Thurs 5th Dec 9am to 9pm & Fri 6th Dec 9am to 2pm.
Kilmalooda Nativity: takes place on Sun 8th Dec’24 at 11am in Kilmalooda Church (P85 RD28). The next rehearsal is on Sat 7th Dec in Kilmalooda Church (eircode P85 RD28). All welcome to come along.
Christmas Market outside O’Donovan’s Hotel, Clonakilty Sat 14th & 21st Dec’24
School Dates to Remember
Hoodwinked Musical: 12 noon on Wednesday 18thDec’24 in Parochial Hall, Clonakilty.
Christmas Holidays: Half day Fri 20th Dec’24. School reopens Mon 6th Jan’25
Week 12 (28/11/24)
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Christmas Cards
Orders sent & will be distributed as soon as they return from printers.
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Food Dudes
Daily portions of fruit & Veg in lunch boxes to continue. Well done to all for the great efforts.
School Play
Hoodwinked school play practices continue each day. Costume needs will be shared soon. Assistance with practice of lines at home too, would be greatly appreciated.
Active Flag
‘Active Busy Breaks’ initiative for the next 3 weeks continues.
Leap Scarecrow Art Competition
Congratulations to Sebastian (Jun Infants) who recently won a prize for his lovely picture entered in the Leap Scarecrow Art Competition. Well done Sebi.
Gaeilge at home
To help the children to increase their daily use of the ‘Irish language’ (Gaeilge) we are concentrating on one phrase every week. It would be great if these phrases could be used regularly at home too. This week’s phrase is ‘Dún an doras’ (close the door).
Raffle Prizes
Raffle prizes are needed for our big Raffle in the hall on the day of our ‘Hoodwinked’ performance. If anyone would like to donate a prize (voucher, chocolates, flowers, plants, beauty products, candles etc.), please send into school to class teachers, marked ‘Raffle’. The proceeds of this Raffle helps to cover the costs of props, costumes, sets, etc. for our performance. Thank you in advance.
Community Events
Kilgarriffe Parish Christmas Fayre: Sat 30th Nov’24 in the Parochial Hall from 2:30pm. Flyers in school bags.
Kilmalooda Nativity: takes place on Sun 8th Dec’24 at 11am in Kilmalooda Church (P85 RD28). The next rehearsal is on Sat 7th Dec in Kilmalooda Church (eircode P85 RD28). All welcome to come along.
School Dates to Remember
Hoodwinked Musical: 12 noon on Wednesday 18thDec’24 in Parochial Hall, Clonakilty.
Christmas Holidays: Half day Fri 20th Dec’24. School reopens Mon 6th Jan’25
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