Newsletter
As we draw to the close of another school year, I’d like to take this opportunity to thank you for your continued support throughout the school year The staff and I are most grateful for this as we seek to further develop the school and the learning opportunities for all the students As you are aware we had a recent Whole School Evaluation (WSE) and before this our last WSE was back in 2007
The inspector’s report should be published in September/October, but the initial ratings were good to very good The recommendations that were given will be acted upon as we all strive to improve the teaching and learning throughout the school I would also like to thank all the staff for their dedication and efforts during the past year We have a lot to reflect upon this past academic year and I hope this newsletter goes some way to capturing the many happy moments that have occurred so far in 2024 Wishing you all a peaceful and pleasant summer holidays With all best wishes
NEW SCHOOL UPDATE
Our new school project is now at Stage 2A which means we are closing in on a finalised design of the project Stage 2A is essentially preparation for the following stage which is putting together the planning application See below some 3D renders of the proposed building We are sure you are as excited as we are to see it coming to life
Creative
As you may be aware we have just completed our Creative Clusters initiative which focused on providing our students with opportunities to learn and develop the key skills and competencies of collaboration, critical thinking, problem-solving, and innovation. These skills were encouraged through engagement with creativity and through access to a creative education in a range of formal and informal learning activities.
Our Creative Cluster included Kolbe Special School, St Francis Special School Portlaoise, St. Ann’s Roscrea, and Offaly School of Special Education. The leaders in each of the schools were committed to the cluster and to mobilising their school community to engage with their individual projects under the theme “Outdoor Learning.”
As a result of the initiative our school representative Niamh utilised the Creative Cluster funding to engage artist Orla McDonagh in a unique whole school project. Orla collaborated with the students, incorporating their ideas and interests to design a vibrant mural on the school walls. Everyone collaborated on mixing and applying paint to the walls, resulting in stunning artworks featuring Disney characters, music, and nature.
Team Effort!
Kate & Orla
Luke ‘Picasso’!
Clusters
The project, named ‘The Play Zone’s’, involved students and staff working closely with Orla to transform the outdoor space into interactive play areas. At our school, we strive to create a welcoming and inclusive environment through our murals and play zones. These spaces in our outdoor area are designed to be vibrant, engaging, and enjoyable for all students.
Collaborating with members of our community, like the talented artist Orla, provides students with exciting opportunities to showcase their creativity and interests on the walls of our school.
In addition to the mural project, the school acquired a mini polytunnel for the garden. Students enthusiastically planted herbs, vegetables, and fruits in the garden space, enhancing their understanding of gardening and sustainable practices, fostering a deeper connection with nature and promoting environmental awareness. These initiatives not only encourage sustainable practices but also offer valuable experiences in growing food.
What’s Next?
We hope to host an open day in the Autumn to celebrate this whole school project – watch this space!
Inspired by Aoibhín
Lorcan Van Gogh!
Killian da Vinci!
Family
We recently held our annual soccer tournament alongside our Family Fun Day. It was once again a fabulous occasion We subsequently held a raffle, and we are delighted to announce that altogether we raised €8050 This money will be divided between the classes to cover the cost of any specific classroom needs for educational resources A massive thank you to all who contributed to making this such a success From the organising Committee Kieran, Caroline, Irene, Katie, Maria, Michaela, Michelle, Chloe and Triona, to staff and parents for providing refreshments, to those who volunteered on the day and those who bought and sold tickets and provided spot prizes or helped in any way Without you all, this would not be possible
Fun Day
Our gratitude is also extended to the businesses that sponsored the event, in particular to our main sponsor and generous supporter of our school : Other sponsors included D&S Hardware, Gerry Egan Bus Hire, Kellys Bar Kilcormac, Doolans Kilcormac & Centra Kilcormac. A special mention to North Offaly Vintage & Classic Car Club for coming out on the day, the cars were a lovely addition. And last but by no means least thank you to the soccer players and Tullamore Town Soccer Club for the use of their premises and their continued support of our school.
Out & About
With The Blue Class
School Tour Fun
Friendship Week
Earlier in the year our Silver Class celebrated Friendship Week by visiting the local emergency services. They paid a visit to our friends in the Garda Station and the Fire Station.
It is heartwarming to see the friendships that have developed in this class. As the saying goes…a picture paints a thousand words…
Art Competition
We are very proud of our Purple Class who came 3rd in the 2024 Catholic Primary Schools Management Association (CPSMA) National Art Competition – the theme of which was ‘Ireland’s Got Saints’
Their entry was one of 3,000 from schools across Ireland.
Here is their winning creation which depicts St Kevin’s Church and the round tower at the ‘Monastic City’ of Glendalough, using the medium of collage. We are sure you will agree was a worthy winner!
Graduation
Last week we celebrated Josh’s graduation. Josh is one of our much-loved students. He has been a pupil here for 12 years. A member of the Green Class, Josh is a great friend to his classmates Morgan, Ava, Lokas, Tyler and Alannah. Josh has a permanent smile and a wonderful personality. In the words of his idol Freddie Mercury...
We will, we will .... rock miss you!
Food Dudes
Our Red Class teacher and Food Dudes coordinator, Carla Carey, recently joined primary school teachers from across the region for a Food Dudes Presentation Day at the Bridge Hotel, Tullamore to celebrate the achievements of schools that have completed their four-year participation in the award-winning Food Dudes Programme. The four-year curriculum-linked programme includes a year of intervention, followed by three in-school Food Dudes Weeks, aimed at promoting health eating habits amongst primary schoolchildren. The healthy eating programme encourages children to eat more fresh produce and is based on repeated tastings of fresh fruit and vegetables, rewards and positive role models.
Board of Management
Earlier this year a new Board of Management was appointed as follows:
Frank Brennan
Edmund Graham
Caroline Kelly
Fr Joe Gallagher
Stephen Kelleher
Alan Loughrey
Aimee Buckley
John Cummins
Patron & Chairperson
Secretary
Teacher Representative
Patron Representative
Treasurer & Community Representative
Parent Representative
Parent Representative
Community Representative