April Newsletter

Dear Parent(s),

Dates for your diary;

Friday 26th April – Confirmation at 5pm in St. James’ Church, Killorglin
Monday 6th May - Bank Holiday, School Closed
Saturday 18th May - First Holy Communion at 12 noon in St. James' Church, Killorglin
Monday 3rd June - Bank Holiday, School Closed
Friday 7th June - School in use as Polling Station, School Closed

Internet Safety Sessions:

Mr. Ger Brick will attend Glounaguillagh NS on Monday 13th May to speak to the children from 3rd – 6th class about internet safety / cyberbullying. He will also present a parent information evening that same evening, Monday 13th May at 7pm at the school, which is open to parents from all classes to attend. We would hope to see a good attendance on the evening. In the age of devices and every changing apps, it is vital that parents are as informed as possible.

Solar Panels:

Our new solar panels were installed on the roof over Easter. The solar panels have been installed as part of the Department of Education's Solar PV Programme. The scheme involves funding for up to 6 kWp of roof-mounted photo voltaic solar panels. It also includes connection to the grid as well as a display screen installed in the school to monitor usage & for use as a teaching aid. Final electrical and connection works are to be carried out in the coming days to get us up-and-running.

Polling Station:

As per my earlier email, the Returning Officer has been in contact to let us know that the school building has been requisitioned for use as a polling booth on Friday 7th June, 2024. As a result, the school will be closed to staff and pupils on that day. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

Confirmation:

Best of luck to the children in 6th Class who are making their Confirmation on Friday. We hope you all have a special day with your friends and families. Our thanks to the children who are partaking in the choir on Friday evening and to Seán Treacy for his help. The choir and music really add to the occasion. We are very grateful for your help and support.

Time to Count:

The Time to Count programme got underway in 3rd class recently with the launch taking place on Wednesday 10th April. The volunteers were back last week and the children thoroughly enjoyed their first day. Thank you to Cliona, Fexco, and Eileen, Business in the Community Ireland, for their assistance in the running of this successful programme. We are delighted to get underway and are very excited to complete this programme again this year. This is the 9th year of our partnership with BITC and Fexco. A final thank you to the fantastic volunteers from Fexco who will visit our school to work with the children.

Junior Achievement Ireland:

We will complete one more programme with Junior Achievement Ireland programme before the end of the year. Anne will work on the theme "Our Community" with the children in 1st & 2nd Class. Our Community introduces students to a community and some of the people who live and work there. Through interactive activities, the students learn about workers, the work they perform, why they are paid, what taxes are etc.

Soccer:

Well done to the boys and girls who took part in the FAI Schools Primary 5s competitions in Mounthawk Park and Killarney Celtic recently. Thank you to Mrs. Doyle and Nuala who accompanied the girls on Thursday last and to Peter and his team at FAI Kerry for the well organised competitions.

Football:

Well done to our Boys Mini 7s Football Team who competed in the Mid Kerry Mini 7s competition recently. Unfortunately, the boys lost to two strong teams, Castledrum and Cullina. The boys showed some excellent teamwork and great heart throughout. Thanks to Kevin and Mary Jo and all involved for organising two great days.

School Tours:

Junior & Senior Infants – Kennedy’s Pet Farm – Friday 24th May
1st – 3rd Class – Active Kingdom, Tralee – Wednesday 29th May
4th – 6th Class – Ballyhass, Mallow – Thursday 16th May

Class teachers will be in touch with you regarding arrangements, etc.

Congratulations to:

Megan Quigg, 6th Class, who lined out with the Kerry Primary Game team at half-time in the Kerry vs Cork Munster Championship Semi-Final on Saturday in Fitzgerald Stadium.
Amy Mangan, 6th Class, who was crowned the U12 Karate World Champion at the Malta World Championships in March.

Good luck to:

Ryan McGillycuddy, Cormac Doherty and Dylan Scott who are representing the school at the Mid Kerry Primary Boys Skills competition tomorrow in Keel.
Megan Quigg, Mia Robertson and Kayla Moriarty who are representing the school at the Mid Kerry Primary Girls Skills competition on Wednesday in Keel.

Kind Regards,

Sinéad Pigott

Principal