Scoil Chíaráin Naofa, Dubhras, Cinn Mhara, Co. na Gaillimhe

Home

2017/2018!!

Scoil Chiaráin Naofa—Dubhras;

Cushioned in the quaint peninsula of Doorus,Kinvarra, Scoil Chiaráin has witnessed an exciting,adventurous and fulfilling year as it sailed on the seas of erudition, while docking many times on the shores of success. Scoil Chiaráin welcomes into its academy of learning this year 96 pupils daily.

In September 2017 we welcomed our New Students Emmet Fahy, James Mitchell, Jonah Green, Jonah O'Connor, Kyle Mahon, Luke Huban, Nathan Hynes, Rian Gill, Cuan Lordan, Sorcha Costello, Isabelle Lordan and Keeva Huban into our Junior Infant classroom –....

We hope that our Junior Infant class together with their parents have a happy, memorable and educational first year with us!!

Attached to Scoil Chiaráin is our Doorus Community Montessori /Preschool which not only provides preschool education to our pre-schoolers but also provides to our school community early bird and afterschool services from 8a.m to 6p.m daily .

Our Montessori welcomed 22 eager new students.this year .

Each morning Aoibheann and Siobhan opens their doors at 8a.m and welcomes in all the early chicks!!

Daily at 9.30 a.m., the Montessori begins its daily classes to 22 young enthuastic pre-schoolers.

From 2.15p.m. daily the Montessori offers an After-School service to the pupils attending the National school until 6p.m daily. Thus everyday is a busy one in Doorus Montessori Preschool.

The library had been restructured and offers interesting new resources/space for our Montessori students and afterschool pupils daily.

Scoil Chiaráin is home to 118 pupils daily on its campus!! A busy and exciting place to be !!

Scoil Chiaráin as every year has a daily bustle of activity as students ventured into their classrooms, mastered the learning objectives of the Primary School Curriculum but also engaged themselves in extra curricular activities in all areas of learning .

Scoil Chiaráin enjoyed many successful highs during the past year --too numerous to put on paper but there were many special times which have etched into treasured memoirs .

Promoting a healthy Life style ;

Encouraging and promoting a healthy life style is an integral part of our school Day.This year , for the second year Scoil Chiaráin participated in the ‘Laya Health-care Programme’ . As part of daily class work/obair bhaile the children involve themselves in a 15-20 minute vigorous activity as advised on the ‘Laya Diary programme at school .The children are given a diary to follow daily at home with their parents.If the day is too wet,students dance to the beat on www.gonoodle.com as part of our active lifestyle in our classrooms!!

In addition to endorsing an active lifestyle Scoil Chiaráin encourages all of our students to maintain a healthy diet and this message is taught diligently in all classes as part of our S.P.H.E. curriculum .

As a practical classroom action in enhancing this message -- at 10.30am each day children down tools and crunch on part of their ‘5-a-day ‘ during ‘Fruit break.

Food Dudes

We were honoured in Scoil Chiaráin Naofa this year to involve the children in the ‘Food Dudes Programme .This was an amazing and delicious Programme of events which involved tasting a wide variety of fresh Fruit and vegetable combinations which arrived to us daily over a sixteen day period .

The philosophy of the programme is to encourage all students to taste an assortment of Fruit and Veg. After the tasting period children are invigorated to continue eating their Fruit and Vegetable combinations Their efforts are rewarded with Bronze/Silver/Gold Certificates and attractive awards.The Food Dudes team monitor the programme throughout the year .

The Food Dudes Programme is invaluable in setting habits of healthy Eating in its practical and educational approach.Food Dudes can be checked out on www.fooddudes.ie

Sport in Scoil Chiaráin–is a vital part of our daily timetable. During Sos and Corp-Oideachas time children learn the basic skills of a wide variety of Sports. Formal games of Football,Soccer,Hurling Co-operative Games ,Volleyball,Badminton,Olympic Handball ,Dance and movement among others are taught and played throughout the school year.

School Aquatics .

Children from 1^st-6^th class are invited to participate in the School Aquatics Programme in January every year. Children from 1st-6th are invited to The Lady Gregory Swimming pool over a six week period as they enjoy instruction on Basic Swimming Strokes /Life Saving Techniques and time to perfect their swimming stamina. This proves to be enjoyable and beneficial to the chidren. Each January we have a full bus as we set off to the classes.

Sporting Competitions

Participation in Sporting Competitions especially in the Senior Classes provide students with the opportunity to challenge themselves in a competitive environment ,meet other students from different schools and demonstrate individual and team skill. Students participated in ‘The Hurling,Football,Camogie Mini 7’s .Cumann na Mbunscoil and Garda Tournaments again this year For the first time we,in Scoil Chiarain entered in the 5-a-side Spar Soccer Championship .

Every year the Galway Olympic Handball Under 11,Under 13 and Mixed under 12 Competition Leagues have been an integral part of our School Sporting Programme and this year has not been an exception…And for the first time we participated in the Galway City cross country and Athletics Championship.

Not only did we enjoy participation this year but we also experienced many

Sporting highlights included ;

The SPAR FAI Primary School 5s 2017

Ø The Biggest Competition in Primary Schools’ Soccer –This year representing Scoil Chiaráin ‘the Boys AND Girls –contested in a 5 –a-side soccer County Competition on March 21^st(Boy’s)/22^nd (Girls)in Devon park in Saltill in Galway City…Over 32 schools from the Galway area contested in the Competition in Devon Park,You can imagine our excitement as both our Boys and Girls team qualified for the Final .Our Girls were pipped at the post alas by a team from Abbey .

Our Boy’s Team proved that they were second to none and emerged as County Galway 5—-a-side Champions!!

Ø Connaught Status was next in contention . Heart –stopping moments unfolded during the 1o minute a-side games .Our adept goalie –Cathal did not concede one goal and Once again the Scoil Chiaráin Boys Soccer team left a trail of Success behind them .The boys defeated the County Champions of Mayo,Roscommon,Leitrim and Sligo and consequently became

The Connaught 5-a-s-ide Champions of 2017—A proud moment for us all..Thus..

Ø The Biggest Competition in Primary Schools’ Soccer –The Connaught Soccer 5-a-side Cup had etched its way to Doorus N.S. ..And..Scoil Chiaráin had earned a place in the Aviva Stadium as Connaught Champions.

Ø This year representing Scoil Chiaráin ,Galway and Connaught ‘the Boys –played in the Aviva on May 31^st.

Ø The whole school was invited and it was a great honour as you can imagine for Scoil Chiaráin to achieve this status.

Our skillful team.. INCLUDED Cathal Corless ,Steven Faul, Andrew Horan. Adam Huban,Adam Noone, Michael Mac Sweeney Joshua O Connor and Padraig Pearl----The boys beat the qualifiers of Leinster in their inaugral and nail biting match 3-1 .

In our second contest against the Munster Champions we were down 2-0 at half time . 10 minutes into the second half we had secured a 2- all draw .Alas the skillful forward from Munster broke through at 3 minutes to go and stole our victory .We were defeated by 3-2.

In our final match we were battled scarred but determined .We took on the Champions of Ulster and beat them 4-1...As the points and goal differences were calculated .,we realised that we had drawn with the Munster Champions in equal scoring .

What we had not realised was that the rules of the competition in equal scoring ;WERE... THAT...the team who had lost out in the head to head had to settle for second place..Alas that was US!!

We were disppointed that we had not raised the first place trophy..BUT we were so proud of our achievements!!

Ø This opportunity is a great occasion for us all as a school and Parish Community. It is a testimony of all the hard work that our parents , Kinvarra and Mervue Soccer Club ,their organisers and trainers ,fellow team-mates and players have fostered in our School and Community.

We also achieved this year IN OUR SCHOOL JERSEYS!!;

ØDouble success in Gort Garda Tournament 2016-2017 ,It was a proud moment in October as Adam Huban accepted the Division D football Trophy and once again Adam accepted the Division C Hurling Trophy in May on behalf of his fellow teammates…Dual Success!!

Ø . County winning status was achieved in Olympic Hand ball in February when our Mixed Boys’/Girls team left a trail of triumph after them and escorted the Under 12 Mixed School trophy home to Scoil Chiaráin in February.

ØThe Boys and Girls teams participated in The Under 11 Competitions in October and the Senior Competitions in March .Olympic Handball is a wonderful Game and is highly suited in keeping us fit in the Winter .It is played indoors.All of our competitions are played in Knocknacarra Hall and in total 32 schools are involved in the Galway Area in each competition..It is a growing sport internationally and its brilliance was exceptionally displayed as an Olympic Sport in 2016.

The Boys Football and Hurling Team won the double County Title this year in County Cumann na mBunscoile Finals in JUNE 2017 ,

The Boys defeated a talented Tynagh Team... on June 1st in Annaghdown ...On June 13th they defeated a skillful Moylough Team ..

Another victory journey home....to rousing bonfires and welcomes from our proud parents....

The Girls also enjoyed an exciting Football Blitz in Craughwell in May as part of their journey to the County Girls Football title .But in the Final the girls lost out to a gallant Cappatagle side

In the Ballymana Cup the Boys and Girls Football Teams again enjoyed triumph as both teams clench the Ballymana Cup and took it home to settle among the silver ware in our display cabinet.The Ballymana Cup is an enjoyable day during which we share a day of football,lunch and chat with our fellow school mates in Ballymana annually. This is our 6th year in which we have contested this cup.

We look forward to many more!!

Cross Country /Athletics is enjoyed by all students from 1^st-6^th almost every morning pre-school starting time.

In Renmore in September 2016 25 children completed the cross country trail and emerged as the overall thirteenth placed school .Many of our students are involved in Athletics afterschool with Ballindereen and Dangan Running Clubs.

Padraic Adam Lisa Marie Andrew and Conor represented Kinvarra in the Community Games this year

Our Sports Day which was held during School Active week in June was a memorable occasion..Not only did every student from Montessori to sixth enjoy competitive races in 220m/6oo m short and long races but each child participated in fun races such as spud and spoon/3 legged /sack race/watersponge relay and the slow bicycle race.

After wards thanks to our parents Council who organised the Ice-cream Van for us--we all enjoyed a delicious icecream treat..

Then the students watched eagerly as the teachers played the annual Pupils V Teachers Soccer game..I won't tell you the score but I don't think that I will be asked to play in Goals for ManU!!if they want to win the premiership!!

ØIndoor games become part of the norm during the dark and wet Winter school –breaks,They also give us a chance to perfect our ‘Board Game Skills’This year Shay Mooney achieved individual success

on winning a county silver medal with the Kinvara u10 draughts team.—a wonderful achievement!!

Dance is an important part of After School Activities in Scoil Chiaráin .Our Girls are very active in The Dance workshops and Competitions in Kinvarra weekly practicing their modern tap,ballet jazz and contemporary steps ,

To date they have enjoyed success and feat on the stages of W.L.D.F(World Lyrical Dance Federation ) on February 12^th in Co.Meath where they achieved a gold Medal A highly entertaining performance was given by the Dance Group and their teacher Liz hit the stage in Glór in Ennis in May.

This term we also enjoyed perfecting our Basketball skills..and Sarah Costello represented us so well on the Gort Girls Under 12/14 Basketball Team.The Girls Team this year won the County Basketball Final by beating Maree in April..Well Done Sarah..

After school –classes are weekly in operation in Scoil Chiarain and include;

Campa Spraoi—Gach Dé Luain with Padraig .The children immerse themselves in ceol, craic agus an teanga ghaelach

Irish DanceClass Gach De Mháirt from 3.10p.m weekly with Irene

Speech and Drama..with Alva each Thursday from 3-4pm.

Sewing/Patchwork Class continued throughout the year with 5/6^th class. The participants learnt and practiced the traditional skills of crotchet ,sewing patchwork and decoupage every Friday afternoon.. They also worked the sewing machine.This year we were priviledged to be joined by Crispini French a talented seamstress from America who joined our school Community /.Crispini gave us valuable tips in upscaling our Fabrics and in using her modern sewing machine.

The girls have created many colourful items including a patchwork Quilt for their beds, a Christmas Centre-piece and wall-hanging. Class is enjoyed by all on Friday afternoon and the cuppa tea,chat and week review is part and parcel of the evenings activities.

A thoughtful and generous project was initiated in October when the girls decided to put their crotchet skills to creative use by each crocheting

Squares and sewing them together to create a beautiful blanket for a child’s bed.

This blanket was sent as part of the TEAM HOPE shoebox appeal together with a knitted doll and other useful items from the Friday class for the special receipant at the end of the Team Hope journey.We await everyday a response from the ‘’message in the bottle ‘that we have included.

Our Art press was constantly raided this year..

Easter Display by Rang 3/4 Our Hands ..by Junior/Senior Infants Busy cutting and pasting..Rang 1/2nd

Our Olympic Rings carefully manipulated in clay.. .Ogham--creafted in clay

.Paper crafting.. Decoupage of one of our 'Age of Exploration Ships ..

The Star over Bethlehem in Paper orgami

Our Fabric and Fibre,Scarecrow.

.,,.. And...Funky Hairstyles...a sample of what creative hands can make from our art press!!

And our Culinary Skills knew no bounds. ..

Intercultural Day in Rang 3/4th--A taste of Thai !!

Apple Pie in Rang 5/6th..WHAT ABOUT THE apples??

Generous Appeals Fulfilled in Scoil Chiaráin

The generosity of the pupils of Scoil Chiaráin know no bounds!

During the International Team Hope Appeal in November 67 boxes packed shoeboxes were propelled from Scoil Chiarain. and one of these boxes contained a beautiful handcrotched blanket from the girls in 5th and sixth class

What a display of generosity and children helping children.

Jersey Day in February gathered 140 Euro for our local Defibrillators in Kinvarra.

Many of the Staff involved themselves in training or upgrading of their skills in operating the local defibrillators

Clean-Up in Trácht Beach In April as part of our National clean up beach Day ,the children of Scoil Chiaráin and Northhampton spent a hardworking Day cleaning up Trácht Beach—Please keep it Clean is their advice to us all!!

Science in Scoil Chiaráin this year!!

OUR SCHOOL SHORE –is part of who we are .Termly we trudge to the seashore with buckets in hand and carefully explore what our seashore has to offer on our ‘Seashore Safari. Each term we bring home some specimens and fill our School Aquarium. Daily we care for our visitors ,write up a diary and observe our water friends lifestyles and habits.Our Aquarium is an important part of our School Science programme as we observe the dynamics of Seashore life;

Our Class Egg –Incubator;sets the stage for an exciting Science adventure in June .Each year we incubate hen eggs and wait patiently for 21 days until our Baby Chicks hatch out .What excitement we experienced on June 21st as the first egg began to crack and we watched the first chick hatch!!This year we welcomed 10 new additions to our chick family

Digi-Flag-2017-2018

We have applied for our Digi-Flag-which requires us to complete a serious of tasks which involve I C T in the classroom and as a resource to our teaching methodologies over the coming year.Each class level is assigned a class learning skill objective which they work to achieve throughout the year

Each child has access to a class laptop and there are a number of tablets available in the school which enhance and support class learning and learning support.The Senior Classes purchase at the beginning of the year a class licence for Mathsletics(which is an online based Maths programme ) and Reading Eggs (which is an on-line reading Programme).The children can access this programme at home and at school and can even play against children from other Continents in Challenges

In Scoil Chiaráin the children have had the opportunity to design Class –Based Gaming and information programmes with the aid of ‘Scratch’.We are so grateful to Oisin Hill’s Dad /Mum--Russell and Una Hill in organising and developing our Scratch Programming Skills.

Russell organised a project/Competition for us in 5^th/6^th Class.Each child had to design a Game/Educational Presentation using the Scratch Programme The date of adjudication was on May 19^th.

Scratch projects were judged by Russell Hill ---

All projects were amazing unique,original and ranged from Gaming themes to Factual journeys.

Awarded ;

First place was Cian Sobrino-Purschke

In second place --Oisin Hill

In third place-- Aoife Corless

In Fourth place---Cathal Corless—Check out our projects on www.doorusns.ie

Using Technology to enhance our Education is a vital part of our Future .Daily we utilise the I.T. that we have available in our Classrooms including the Internet Word Processing Powerpoint,Excel Scratch,coding,online Educational sites and Challenges.And if we need an answer to a Query we always ‘’talk to ..not Joe!!BUT ‘’Google!!

Presently in Scoil Chiaráin we are involved in ‘Beo ‘This is an online Photographic History of Ireland through life as it was in our National Schools We are collecting photos of Past Students and life in the Doorus Pennisula and would be grateful of any Photo from past pupils or from our school Community to place on our Scoil Chiaráin Beo Page Check out other photographic School History on www.beo,com

; ;

We , have the ground work prepared and we ,in Scoil Chiaráin look forward to achieving our Digital Flag on assessment of our digital Brilliance in 2017-2018 schoolyear

Important Celebrations in Scoil Chiaráin this year included our;

Annual Christmas Concert ..during which amazing drama,singing ,music and choirs representing all classes hit the stage!!

Our School Concert was so wonderful.Our Junior infants wriggled their way through the Nativity story;

First and Second class acted out so brilliantly the story of the baby in the stable who wouldn’t stop crying . The little shepherd boy saved the day by advising us of the true meaning of Christmas love and gifts. This gift was the present that pacified the little baby

5^th and 6^th class played a melody of Tin Whistle tunes including Silent Night /individual and group vocals from the girls .Steven Faul and Oisin Hill displayed their guitar skills ..Ed Sheeran watch out!!

Finally the show was concluded with a repertoire of Festive Songs which were sung so beautifully by the choir.

Communion Day on May 27^th The children who received Communion this year included Ciara and Emma Costello,Michael Costello,Luke Marchant.Mathew Curtin,Callum Huban.Grace Coy,Róan O Mhártín –Cassidy,Mia Noone Amber Horan and Noah Huban.Lorna made her Communion last year in her school in Great Britain but she and Kitty will partake with us in the ceremony on the day

An exciting and Spiritual Day was had by all .with many memories to treasure .

Confirmation Day .

Confirmation was held in Kinvarra on March 11^th 14 boys and Girls received Confirmation on that day . The Boys and Girls who received Confirmation and this year will leave Scoil Chiaráin where they will embark upon their Secondary Education include ;James Donnellan,Ailish McHugh,Padraic Pearl,Steven Faul,Adam Huban,Joshua O Connor,Clodagh De Courcy MacDonnald,Caoimhe Colgan,Meabh Keane Oisin Hill,Thomas HubanJada Comyn Cian Sobrino-Purschke and Aoife Corless,

Graduation Day 2017

What a graduation Day our 2017 6ht class had!! ..On Thursday June 21st , the 5th and 6th class cycled to the quaint penninsula of Aughinish where we enjoyed a delicious lunch and played some sea shore games on the sand.

On arriving back at school for 2p.m...Our 6th class boys and girls were lead into A PACKED hall by our former pupil Ronan Beggan .

Ronan is presently a professional Bag-pipe plyer and resides in Australia. The 6th class were given a guard of honour and a rousing reception from pupils and parents as they entered the hall There they each reminisced on their years in Scoil Chiaráin,received a graduation medal and a year book which was so professionally prepared by Fiona Colgan and sponsored by our kind Parent's Council.

The Football and Hurling Teams were presented with their County medals.TheSoccer 5 a-s-ide team were presented with their Connacht Training Jerseys .Finally Ronan played a beautiful repetoire as he le dthem to the school gate .We bade them an emotional farewell .

But shortly afterwards they rejoined us and we all returned to the hall for a cuppa/chat.. and the traditional signing of school shirts.

As they prepare to leave ‘ the nest’ and soar to the skies of Opportunity , ambititon and their Secondary port of call we will miss them dearly in Scoil Chiar,áin and send with them every blessing of Good Health ,Fortune and success throughout their lives.

As I put pen to paper/this website... in communicating to you all a fraction of the many memories of School year 2016--2017..I reflect on what a momentus year we have had...I wish you all a safe enjoyable and happy Summer and look forward to opening the doors on a new school year..when we will sail on the seas of intellect once again..

School reopens on Thursday;August 31st 2017..Go dté sibh slán ...

Let me highlight some of our Annual Reminders!!

School Times – School begins at 9.30 a.m. (Bus drop – off time does not allow us to begin earlier than this) and finishes for Infants at 2.10 p.m. and 3.10 p.m. for all the other classes. The Montessori school will open at 8.00 a.m. daily and children are supervised from this time with the Early Bird Service. School finishes at 3.10 p.m. daily and children are only supervised until 3.20 p.m. – bus time....unless they wish to avail of the Afterschool service which is available in the Montessori until 6 p.m.

But of course... in case of Emergency / Late Collection ... please notify school and your child / children will be taken care of.

Early Bird ................... Scoil Chiarain will open its doors for all of its early bird arrivals from 8 a.m. every morning. This will run from September 1st.

After school is available from 2.10 p.m. and is open to all students who require its services until 6 p.m. daily. Please contact the Montessori on 091 638 927 if you have any further queries to any of the above.

Montessori News – Siobhan and Aoibheann will welcome their children this year into Pre-school. on August 31st 2017

Irish Dancing – Irish dancing will start back in September. It will take place in the school hall at 3.10 p.m. for an hour with Irene. If interested, just call in and Irene will give you all the details.

Ranganna Ghaeilge ---After school Classes were enjoyed by the students from September -Christmas 2017.Classes were hosted by Padraig and bhain na páistí a lán taitneamh asaibh...

Speech and Drama---Classes are in session after school every Thursday .Classes are hosted by Ailbhe McGovern. Please contact Ailbhe if you are interested in participating in Speech and Drama Classes

Staff – Ms. O’ Riordan teaches Junior and Senior Infant Classes. Ms. Taylor teaches 1st & 2nd Classes. Mr. McNamara teaches 3rd & 4th Classes and Ms. Martina Tarpey teaches 5th & 6th Classes. Ms. O’Sullivan is our shared support teacher. Mr. Patrick Bonner is our Support Teacher. Lorraine is our Special Needs Assistants. Caroline carries out secretarial work on a Monday.

Uniform – It is essential that every student wear our black pants / skirt, yellow polo shirt and green sweatshirt daily to school. Once the weather begins to deteriorate and our pitch softens, children will need to have indoor shoes / slippers for indoor wear.

Bus – We are so thankful to our Bus Driver who takes us to and from school daily... All children are required to behave themselves on the bus while travelling to and from school. Children while ascending and descending to and from the bus, must do so in an orderly fashion. Bullying on the bus and on school grounds and during recess will not be tolerated. Our Code of Behaviour is available on our Websitedoorusns.ie

Safety – Again, parents please try to operate the ‘drop off and go around system’. It proves to be the most successful in keeping the traffic flowing.. and under no circumstances, turn at the school gate or S. Fahy’s gate as it is too dangerous with so many children walking into school – especially at drop off and pick up times. Turning at the gate is prohibited at all times. Our neighbour Colm Corless as outlined in previous years, has asked parents / guardians / school transporters, ‘not to turn at his gate’ and respect his property. At collection times, please parents, collect your children from the front gate / front door and don’t call them to you if parked accross the road. Children will just dash out on the road with the excitement of going home. Our staff will park across the road to allow parents to please park at wall of school for safety and if possible not to park across the road.We strive daily to ensure that children are safe in their journey to and from school.

Cycling to School - Children who cycle to school, please wear your helmets and those who walk or cycle, please wear your high – visibility vests. Well done to all who cycle. Always be careful and cycle safely. Our ‘walk to school’ on Friday morning will begin in Sept 2017, and will continue throughout the year.

Our bicycle rack is in operation and is situated at the back of the school. Children need to dismount at the gate and walk to the bicycle parking area in the morning and again walk to gate in the evening. Please, parents of cyclists, advise your child / children of this rule as cycling in the school grounds is unsafe and will not be tolerated.

Absences – Please write a short note to the teacher whenever there is an absence and state the reason for the absence. Be aware that we must notify the National Welfare Board when a child reaches 20 days absence for chidren aged 6 and above.

This school year,in order to encourage and reward excellent attendance ,teachers have agreed to offer an academic prize to top attenders in each class..We are looking forward to the challenge!!

Party Invitations – Please do not send out birthday party invitations etc., inside the school or at the gates. This can cause great upset if children are left out.

Lunches –Each day, I am in awe with the amazing lunches that our children eat daily and proud of the work that school Chiaráin has promoted together with the support of our parents in encouraging a healthy lunch policy. We will continue the great work as advocated by the 'FOOD-Dude 'Programme.

Please continue to foster good eating habits with your child daily. Our fruit break happens daily at about 10.30 a.m so don’t forget to include a piece of fruit for fruit break. We allow a treat on a Friday but please eliminate any junk food on the other days.

Appointments with Teachers / Principal – We see it as imperative that teachers can begin classes every morning at 9.30 a.m. when the bell rings. However, if you need to see a teacher with regards to a 1-2 minute information-giving message then you can do so first thing before 9.30 a.m. This may be informing us that your child didn’t feel well and where you will be for contact. Otherwise, if the issue will take longer than 1-2 minutes, you should phone at break time to arrange an appointment or write to the teacher and indicate what the nature of the meeting you are seeking is. The teacher will contact you to arrange a time which is convenient outside class time. Needless to say, the issue above should be of a serious nature. Annual Parent / Teacher meetings will be held in November.

Mass Serving – Fr. Horgan welcomes children who would be interested in serving mass (3rd class – 6th class). If your child wishes to be involved, please ask them to let their class teacher know and forward in the permission slip which has been sent home.We will then organise with Fr David

Confirmation Date ;as yet unknown;

Communion Date ;as yet unknown ..But we will notify you once dates have been received

Book Rental –Rental Books are made available in all classes Please ensure all books are labelled and name tags are on all personal items esp. uniform, jumpers, coats etc., Please take care of all books.

Booklists are issued during the Summer and are available on the website--Please ensure that children have their books covered and named .

Website – Our website is up and running so please log onto it at www.doorusns.ie

Safe use of the Internet is obligatory in Scoil Chiarain at all times and we encourage children to use Internet as part of research for school purposes. There are many educational sites and we are linking as many as possible to our website. We encourage your children to have a safe and responsible attitude to the Internet at all times. Special Needs policy/Literacy/Numeracy Policies were updated by staff and are available on website. .

Parental reviews /and submissions are welcome via an email address which directly links to our Parents Rep. on the B.O.M.--A number of updated policies have been placed on the website in June ..Please have a look at them and if you wish to add a comment please do so via the parents rep email..Ratification by the B.O.M. of these policies will occur in Sept 2017

Mobile Phones – Mobile Phones, Nintendos etc., are not to be brought into Scoil Chiarain as they can be stolen, interfered with and misused. If parents require their child to have a mobile phone at school, please discuss with relevant teacher. If mobile phones are brought in, they will be taken up and ‘phonesat’ for the day and then returned to parents. Again, please encourage children to use their mobile phones in a responsible way. ‘Bullying’ through text messaging / facebook is nationally becoming an issue, outside of school hours. School will educate your child as best it can in appropriate use of texting / facebook etc., through its S.P.H.E. lessons but it is our responsibility as parents oversee their use. All children are contactable in Scoil Chiarain at all times on our school phone.

Safety on the Internet for all children is advoacted by Scoil Chiarain Naofa and endorse by our A.U.P. Policy

If there is a demand for a ’Cyber –Bullying Talk ‘ which is presented so professionally by Brendan Smyth, I will arrange as soon as he has a date available.. Let me know!!

School Calendar – Please visit the down load section for our School Calendar 2017-2018 This year, our newsletters, calendar and other important events will be available on our website so please check it out.

Enrolment Forms -We hope to update our records on a yearly basis. Please ensure that you have sent in/filled in the enrolment form/forms for each child. Certain details do change so it is important to return to school a.s.a.p.

Please circle preferred mobile number to be used. If not circled, we will take the first one on the enrolment form. This number is necessary for text a parent purposes. We would appreciate if you could forward your email addresswhich can be written into the enrolment form attached as we can forward emails to you and also facilitate the use of our dropbox I.T. system.

Parents Association;

We are so lucky in Scoil Chiaráin Naofa to have such a hardworking and co-operative Parents Association.During our school-year 2016-2017

The Parents Association held fundraising Activiies which enabled the provided the children with needed resources thus enhancing daily school activities in Scoil Chiaráin.These included part funding of our Artificial Grass in the school sport’s field,the purchase of School Sports Jerseys and the placement of safety foam around the Basketball courts in Sept 2016.

The Parents Council were also very active and supportive during the school year and helped out on our Special Celebratory Days including our Communion /Sports Day and Graduation Ceremony Party

,Parents Fundraising 6k.m Walk in collaboration with our Greenschools Walk to School programme, was organised by the Parents Council and our Our Parents Council aided in perfecting our library resources and display together with our Montessori teachers—Siobhan and Aoibheann.We look forward to another exciting and supportive year with our Parents Council .And...we also welcome new members to the Parent’s Council

On November 18TH,2017 the B.O.M have organised an important BINGO NIGHT FUNDRAISER..This is an important Fundraiser as the B..O.M.intend to lay Artificial Grass on the School Pitch during Summer 2018--A much needed resource you may agree .So get practising at those Bingo Skills...

More information on this night will follow in September!!

Thank you for your continuous support.

And for Some Memories of !!--Our First Term -2016

Ruby comes to school

HAVE YOU HEARD THE STORY OF Ruby??

Two young girls from Rang 3-Ciara Hill and Ciarra Mitchell were sitting on Seamus Fahy’s wall on Thursday sos -time munching on their lunch and reflecting on their day’s study .All of a sudden they spotted on … what looked like a tropical shell wadding through the grass.They called in the third class version of Bear Gryllis –Aaron McGann who leapt the wall gathered up the specimen announcing to all the gathering on- lookers that they had captured a young tortoise !!Ruby was a big hit during Thursday lunch-time and was placed in a comfortable display unit with grass and leaves as students gossiped on the events of lunch –time It is not often that a tortoise wades by!!As the school day resumed to normality, Investigations began in order to sort out where Tropical Ruby came from .Jade O Connor in 6^th class threw some light on the investigation by informing Mr Mac that a lady down in Gaoithe had a pet tortoise who went missing during the Summer.Vicky was contacted and arrived excitedly within minutes..Yes! Ruby belonged to her son and she informed us that Ruby had been missing for about 6 weeks !What a happy ending!What a journey Ruby had taken –She had trudged about 2 km ,crossed a road mounted 4/5 walls trudged through high grass put up with the Irish fluctuating temperatures while avoiding the munching jaws of Seamus Fahy’s cows !!An amazing adventure. Ruby stayed with us until hometime on Friday.. , posed for pictures , had his portrait painted and enhanced our Science classes.Ruby was happily re-united with Vicky on Friday evening as we sadly bade farewell to our school visitor of 9/11 2015!!

Sport

.In our School Jerseys!!

The Garda Football /Hurling Tournament is annually a very exciting day for our Boys Football Team/Hurling Teams.

We won Division C this year in Hurling and Football ..thus maintaining our third year at retaining the Division Three trophy .

Adam Huban collected our Trophy on behalf of our School Football Team And we had a lucky mascot

We attended Olympic Handball Season.Under 11 /Mixed Under 12 and Senior competitions .

…

Again.!!!We are so thankful to our parents for the lifts that we were offered to all our Sports Venues..this year

Green Schools!!

This school year 2017-2018 Scoil Chiaráin will be working assiduously towards gaining its sixth Green School Flag. Our theme this year will be based on Biodiversity and will also involve our conservation of energy awareness programme / walking /cycling to school /school garden and keeping our school green and clean.We are looking forward to the challenges and environmental awareness that it will enrich us with along the route.

Can I remind you, our parents to be extra vigilant on our school routes at opening/closing times because it is wonderful to see the children using their bikes and feet to take them to school--..and thank you to all the parents who take the time to walk /cycle with us on Friday or any of the other days of the week.I’m in no doubt that in future reminiscing years .walking to school with Mum/Dad will be an significant treasured memory.

Our School Garden—is very important to us and the tiny seedlings took root in September and will continue to increase in size during our Summer Break..We look forwrd to a bumper Harvest in the Fall!!

s, ..And in our Biodiversity plans there is room for our little frinds ..or should I say ..'Foes!!

Collecting for our Aquarium Tank--

Our Hurley Portraits!!was a memorable success

Artist in residence

Chris Banahan came to us weekly on Thursday morning and taught us the skills of painting portraitsThis was part of a Artist in Residence scheme which we have been lucky to participate in 5th and 6th class .Each child had their portraits painted on their hurley or block of timber. Check out our work in progress on .We then hurley portraits are completed .Children are also welcome to paint their portraits on a block of firewood ...This course is so enjoyable

Watch “HURLEY PORTRAITS 4” on Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/144877333

This is the story of our Hurley portraits..If you get a few minutes please log into above Art Displays in 1/2/3/4th classes

Team Hope—

;Thinking of others

Wellbeing;

Amanda Horan visited the 4/5/6^th S.P.H.E.classes during a 6 week course and guided us through ‘’well-being ’exercises and reflections ..I am very grateful to Amanda for giving to us her time and expertise.Each child who participated received a Certificate of Participation from Amanda--We look forward to workinhg with Amanda again

Activity Schools

. As with last year ,Scoil Chiaráin will be involved in a quest to be more aware of our fitness ,Healthy living and overall well-being in September 2017-2018--

Halloween Activity Dance!!

Each child as part of homework and class work takes some time out to, follow the exercise activities on their activity diary ..’Check out ‘’www.gonoodle for energetic dance moves

Board Of Management

Our new B.O.M strive behingd the scenes yearly to ensure the Success of our school .We are greatly appreciative of their hard work

Breege Huban and Francis Costello are our Parents Reps..,Joe Mahon has resumed as Chairperson ,Thomas Mahon is our pastrol Rep,Paula Fahy and Teresa Hynes are our Community Reps and Helen and Martina -- our Teacher Reps.

D..E.A.R.--Drop Everything and Read--That's what we do every ..

Christmas stockings for the Christmas Tree in Kinvarra.

Santa 's visits

;

Memories of 1916—Commemoration…Ceremony;

On Jan.18^th 2016 Scoil Chiaráin has been received the Irish Flag.We dressed up as young boys and girls of 1916

Michael Costello and Isabelle English (who by the way are our eldest and youngest students in Scoil Chiarain) accepted the flag on our behalf.On March 15th all schools in Ireland hoisted the Irish Flag.

.During the second term we studied the events leading up to the rising and the events that happened during the Easter of 1916.Each class also wrote a proclamtion We hoisted the flag at 12 noon on that day and many of our parents came..and LOOK!!we had a special visitor!! .Also each class presented their Proclamation danced and sang some Irish favourites .All in all ..a day to be remembered!!