January/February School Newsletter 2025

10th February 2025

Dear Parents & Guardians,

Please find below a list of recent & upcoming events/dates.

School Closures / Storm Éowyn

Thank you all for your understanding & patience during the recent school closures following the damage caused by Storm Éowyn. The red weather warning for Friday 24th January meant that the school had to close. The school then had to remain closed from Monday 27th January to Thursday 30th inclusive due to having no electricity, water & the damage to trees/perimeter fencing. The Board of Management will follow guidelines from the Department of Education on how best to make up for the time lost. We will communicate with you once a decision has been reached.

Reading World Cup

Our annual Reading World Cup is ongoing at the moment for children from 1st–4th class. This is one of our initiatives to promote reading in the school. It might be a nice idea to get your child to retell the story of the book they are reading in sequence. The children in 5th & 6th will commence their Reading World Cup after the Mid-term break.

Catholic Schools Week

We celebrated Catholic Schools Week from Monday 20th – Thursday 23rd of January. The theme was Alive in Christ. Unfortunately, the week was disrupted by the Red Weather warning on Friday 24th January.

Christmas Concerts

I would like to congratulate & commend the children for their performances at this year’s Christmas Concerts. The children really enjoyed performing for you. Thanks to Eimhín & Drumadore for the drumming lessons & the performances on the day. In addition, I would also like to thank the teachers for preparing the children so well. Our thanks to Richard Egan & St Thomas’ GAA club for the use of the hall.

Swimming Lessons

There has been disruption to swimming lessons in the last few weeks due to considerable damage to the roof in Kilcornan Swimming Pool. They are hopeful that they will have the pool open for the lesson on Wednesday 19th of February. The last three swimming lessons had to be cancelled. Every effort will be made to ensure these lessons are made up.

Enrolment for September 2025

The school is now taking enrolments for September 2025. If you know anyone who might be interested in enrolling their child, please ask them to contact the school office by phone or email. The admissions notice has also been posted on the school’s website.

Table Quiz

The Inter-schools fundraising Table Quiz held on Thursday 23rd of January was a great success. We had a huge number of teams entered from all over the County. Thanks to all who helped on the night—collectors, correctors & scoreboard. Special word of thanks to Sean Connolly, Principal of St Brigid’s College, for the use of the hall & to school caretaker Seamus Keogh for setting up the hall for us. Congratulations to the winning teams: U-11 Peterswell & U-13 Ardrahan N.S.

Credit Union Quiz

Congratulations to our School Quiz teams that competed in the Credit Union Quiz in St Brigid’s College Loughrea on Saturday 8th of February. Our U-11 team of Sean Burke, Charlie Murray, Ada Gallagher & Noah Fahy came 3rd overall, finishing 1 point behind 2nd place. The U-13 team of Liam Burke, Greta Gallagher, Sarah Smyth & Madison Mahony came 2nd overall, finishing 1 point behind the winners. Thanks to Ms Keely for preparing the children so well & attending the quiz on the night.

St Brigid’s College Musical

The children from 5th & 6th class were invited to see the musical Sister Act presented by the students of St Brigid’s College on Wednesday 15th of January. The children thoroughly enjoyed the show. It was lovely to see so many past pupils performing so brilliantly.

Teaching Practice Student

We are delighted to have past pupil Laura Headd currently completing her Teaching Practice in 1st & 2nd class.

Tin Whistle Lessons

Tin whistle lessons re-commenced for children from 1st–6th classes on Tuesday 14th January with Yvonne Barrett. Yvonne will communicate with you directly regarding payment.

Dates for your attention: School Closures

• Mid-Term Break: Thursday 20th & Friday 21st February
• School In-Service: Friday 14th March
• St Patrick’s Day Bank Holiday: Monday 17th March

If you have any further queries in relation to any of the above, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Yours sincerely,

Francis O’Connor
Principal