School Newsletter – March 2025

26th March 2025

Dear Parents & Guardians,

I hope you are all keeping well. Please find below a list of recent & upcoming events.

School Closures during Storm Éowyn

The school was closed for four days following the aftermath of Storm Éowyn. At the recent Board of Management meeting all options were explored on how best to make up for the loss of time. It was decided that over the next few months the school will prioritise tuition time over extra-curricular activities. This is one of the recommendations from the Department of Education. Activities such as school trips, trails, active school weeks, half-day closures, and other such events will either not take place or be reduced.

6th Class Trip to Dublin

The girls & boys in 6th class had a very enjoyable trip to Dublin on Wednesday 13th of March. The children visited Kilmainham Gaol, Island Bridge & the EPIC Emigration Museum. The trip was very kindly organised by Fr Roche for all the 6th class children from the schools in his parishes.

Stay Safe Programme

The Stay Safe Programme will be taught in all classes over the next few weeks. Its aim is to teach children personal safety skills so they can look after themselves in upsetting or dangerous situations. The programme is part of the school’s SPHE curriculum. Parents are encouraged to discuss the content with their children. Worksheets may be sent home. You can view the programme at www.staysafe.ie/teachers/resources.htm.

Think Smart Cyber Safety & Mind-set Talk

The Parents Association, in conjunction with Peterswell N.S., has organised a talk by Aoife Noone on Cyber Safety. It takes place on Monday 31st March in St Thomas’ GAA Hall from 7:30–9:00pm. Entry is €5 cash at the door. This event is open to parents, caregivers, teachers, and coaches. Thanks to Regina Fahy & the Parents Council for organising it.

Parent/Teacher Communication

To improve communication, teachers have created dedicated email addresses. Please use the following:

• Junior & Senior Infants: elainemartinkilchreestns@gmail.com
• 1st & 2nd Class: mrsniamhcusack@gmail.com
• 3rd & 4th Class: hflanagankilchreestns@gmail.com
• 5th & 6th Class: foconnorkilchreestns@gmail.com

6th Class Graduation

The 6th Class Graduation Ceremony will take place on Tuesday 24th of June at 1:00pm in the school hall.

World Book Day / Lá Glas

Well done to the children and parents for their fantastic effort during these events—great excitement was had by all!

School Tour

All classes will go to the Wildlands Outdoor Activity Centre in Moycullen on Friday 16th of May. More information about cost and itinerary will follow soon.

The Power of Design

Past pupil & engineer Christopher Kelly is running workshops for 5th & 6th class on Thursdays over the coming weeks as part of the school’s STEM programme.

First Holy Communion

Our 2nd class children will make their First Holy Communion on Saturday 31st of May in Castledaly Church at 12pm.

Garda Camogie Tournament

Our girls’ camogie team participated in a 7-a-side tournament on Thursday 20th of March in Ballindereen GAA grounds. Thanks to Ms Kelly for coaching on the day.

Special Visitors

5th class pupil Aron Glynn-Holland & his mum Linda brought four lambs to school for all classes to see on Wednesday 26th of March. It was a lovely seasonal experience for the children.

LEGO League Showcase

3rd & 4th class are currently participating in the LEGO League. Parents are invited to a showcase on Friday 9th of May from 2:15–3:00pm.

Parental Complaints Policy

The updated Parental Complaints Procedure is available on the school website: www.kilchreestns.com.

School Accounts

The 2023–24 school year end-of-year accounts were approved at the recent Board of Management meeting. A summary page is attached to this email for your review.

Upcoming Closures

• Friday 11th April: School closes at 3:00pm for Easter holidays (buses will run as normal).
• Monday 28th April: School reopens.

Standardised Tests

• Tuesday 27th May: Drumcondra English
• Thursday 29th May: Drumcondra Gaeilge
• Thursday 5th June: Drumcondra Maths

After-School Craft Classes

Trish Gallagher, pre-school teacher at Bright Beginnings, will run a craft class for children from 3rd–6th class on a trial basis:

• Dates: Friday 28th of March & Friday 4th of April
• Time: 3:00–4:00pm in Aisling’s prefab (Bright Beginnings)
• Cost: €5 per child to cover materials

Any leftover funds will be donated to the Parents Council. Spaces are limited to 10 children. First come, first served. To book, contact Trish Gallagher at 086 8410995.

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