Scoil Mhuire na Dea Chomhairle Phone 061 367289

Kilkishen Email:kilkishennationalschool@gmail.com
Co. Clare Website: kilkishen.weebly.com
Roll Number: 13870E Twitter: @kilkishenns

April 2024 Newsletter

Dear Parents/Guardians,

I would like to bring the following announcements to your attention:

I.N.T.O. Camogie Mini 7s: Kilkishen camogie team competed in the I.N.T.O. mini 7s camogie blitz held at
Tulla G.A.A. grounds on Tuesday April 9. Kilkishen played 4 matches against Kilmurry N.S., Clooney N.S.,
Tulla N.S. and Parteen N.S. playing some superb camogie throughout. Well done to all our girls from 4th to
6th classes that represented the school so well. We now look forward to competing in the Cumann na
mBunscol Division 1 competition later this term.

Cumann na mBunscol Hurling and Camogie: The senior boys and girls will compete in the Cumann na
mBunscol Divison 3 and Division 1 primary school competitions taking place later this term. Kilkishen N.S.
and O’Callaghan’s Mills N.S. will amalgamate for both competitions. Dates, times and venues for these
matches will be arranged during April and May.
Eason’s Spelling Bee Clare Finals: Congratulations to Hudson Donovan 5th class, on qualifying to
represent Kilkishen N.S. at the Clare Spelling Bee Finals held at Scoil Chríost Rí Ennis on Wednesday April
10. Hudson won our school Spelling Bee competition held before Easter open to all pupils from 4 th to 6th
classes. Well done Hudson from everyone at Kilkishen N.S.

National School Attendance Campaign Poster Competition: Pupils in all classes took part in the National
School Attendance Campaign Poster Competition. The focus of the competition is for schools to raise
awareness of attendance and the importance of being on time for school. Congratulations to our winning
entries.

Junior Entry: Zoey Hayes First Class Senior Entry: Moya Nash 5th Class
Cumann na mBunscol Primary Game Hurling: Congratulations to Ruairí Frost on his selection to
represent Clare Primary Schools at halftime in the Clare v Limerick Senior Hurling Munster Championship
match at Cusack Park on Sunday April 21. Everyone at Kilkishen N.S. wishes Ruairí the very best on the
day.

Confirmation and First Holy Communion: Pupils in 6th class will make Confirmation on Saturday April
20 at O’Callaghans Mills church at 3pm. Bishop Fintan Monaghan will celebrate the ceremony with Fr.
Donal Dwyer. Pupils in Second class will receive the sacrament of Fist Holy Communion on Saturday May
4 at 11am at Kilkishen church. Kilkishen school choir will perform at both ceremonies. Kevin Donovan,
photographer, will be in attendance both days before and after the ceremony for families that wish to have
their photograph taken.

Agree to Agree Project: Kilkishen N.S. are one of 10 primary schools in Co. Clare taking part in a project
called "Agree to Agree" run by Clare Education Centre and guided by Dr. Maureen Griffin, Forensic
Psychologist, which is aiming to enhance the digital well-being of school communities. The project guides
school communities through a collaborative process aimed at implementing positive change, fostering
agreement and understanding among school stakeholders in order to establish a new norm for children’s use
of internet enabled devices. Thank you to all parents that provided feedback on this topic and responded to
the online survey compiled by our PAC. The data garnered from this survey will be used to identify two key
issues which will be prioritised next year, and a further two issues in year 2 and 3 of the Agreement. The
new voluntary Internet Use Agreement will be in place for the new school year starting September 2024.

Building Update: A planning application for a 2 x Special Educational Needs Base, shared activity room,
sensory room, independent rooms and outdoor playground was submitted to Clare County Council before
Christmas. The Council have sought additional information relating to two issues which are being prepared
by our Consultant Engineers. It is hoped that the additional information requested by the council will be
resubmitted shortly after the Department and our Consultant Engineers have agreed on the additional
requests. Once the information has been submitted the Council has 4 weeks to review the new information
before making a decision.

Students Council Bake Sale: Our Annual Bake Sale organized by our Students Council will take place on
Friday May 17. The money raised will go towards paying for the buses for each class school tour. Our
Students Council will promote the fundraiser in the coming weeks and operate the sale from the school
staffroom on the day. Donations and support are greatly appreciated.
Astro-Turf Extension Update: The Astro Turf extension is now fully completed with the arrival and
installation of new goals on Tuesday April 9. We are delighted to have the new facility open and operating
which will be a fantastic resource for our school and community for years to come. A sincere Thank You to
everyone that supported this project and for your patience since construction started last August. Bookings
can be made by contacting Kilkishen Development CLG member and bookings coordinator Mike Hogan.

Sports Capital Grant 2023 Application: An application to secure funding under the Sports Capital Grant
2023 scheme was submitted in September 2023. The school was informed that decisions on all capital
project applications are due by the end of May 2024. Phase 3 of our sports development aims to install LED
lighting to our new and extended Astro-Turf pitch and Ball Wall facility, as well as developing our
remaining school field in to a juvenile grass playing pitch with new drainage, running lanes and upgrade
works.
Senior School 5-a-side Soccer League: Our senior soccer league continues during lunchtime for pupils
from 4th to 6th classes. Eight teams and 52 pupils are taking part in the league. The finals day which will take
place later this month will see teams qualify based on their position in each group table. We hope to have
Clare Schools Soccer coach in attendance on Finals Day. Best of luck to all teams taking part.
Social Personal Health Education: S.P.H.E. Stay Safe Programme Commencing on Wednesday April
17 and continuing throughout May, all pupils will be carrying out Stay Safe lessons which aim to teach
pupils personal safety skills so they can look after themselves in situations which could be upsetting or
dangerous. The program deals with common situations which most children will experience at some stage or
other and emphasises the importance of telling a trusted adult about any problems they have. Your child may
bring home worksheets which will inform you on the topics being covered in class. You can familiarise
yourself with the content of these lessons at www.staysafe.ie/teachers/resources.htm. Senior pupils will
carry out lessons dealing with topics such as online safety and cyber bullying.

After School Club: Glór na nÓg Preschool are seeking expressions of interest for the following services for
the 2024-2025 school year.
 Breakfast Club before school from 8am.
 Collection and supervision of Junior and Senior Infants finishing at 1:40pm until 2:40pm
 Homework Club for all primary pupils from 2:40pm to 5:45pm.

Daily Mile Marathon Challenge: The Daily Mile is a school initiative which aims to improve the physical,
social, emotional and mental health and wellbeing of our children – regardless of age, ability or personal
circumstances. From Friday April 12 every child at Kilkishen N.S. will have an opportunity to run, jog or
walk for 15 minutes each day to complete 1 mile which is just over 8 laps of our Astro Turf pitch. The
challenge will take place over 26 school days finishing on Friday May 24 which will see all pupils
complete a marathon distance of 26 miles. The reported benefits of the Daily Mile initiative include:
 It takes place in 15 minutes, with most children averaging a mile, or more, each day.

Children run outside in the fresh air – and the weather is a benefit, not a barrier.

Children run in their uniforms so no kit or changing time is needed.

It’s social, non-competitive and fun.

The children return to class ready to learn.

It helps to improve fitness.

It encourages children to be aware of their health.

Parents Association Committee Church Gate Collection: Thank you to everyone that supported our
Parents Association Committee church gate collection fundraiser on March 31 Easter Sunday. A total of
€397.15 was raised. Your support is greatly appreciated.
Individual and Class Photographs: Local photographer, Kevin Donovan, will visit Kilkishen N.S. at the
beginning of May to capture individual and class photographs. A price list and Online order form will be
sent out using Aladdin shortly confirming the exact date and time.
Important Dates in Term 3:
 Confirmation Saturday April 20 at O’Callaghan’s Mills church at 3pm. (Kevin Donovan
photographer 086 6008007 will be in attendance before and after the ceremony.)
 First Holy Communion Saturday May 4 at 11am at Kilkihsen church. (Kevin Donovan
photographer 086 6008007 will be in attendance before and after the ceremony.)
 School is closed Bank Holiday Monday May 6- Friday May 10 inclusive.
 Students Council Bake Sale Friday May 17.
 4th -6th classes school tour to Tralee on Wednesday June 19. Junior Infants-First Class tour to Turoe
Pet Farm on Thursday June 20. Second and Third Class Tour Tuesday June 25.
 School Sports Day Friday June 21.
 6th Class graduation and sports day award ceremony on Monday June 24 at G.A.A. clubhouse
starting at 10am.
 School year finishes at 12 noon on Friday June 28.

The School Calendar for 2024-2025 has been released. Pupils return on Thursday August 29 2024. School
will be closed Thursday and Friday May 29 & 30 2025. School finishes on Wednesday June 25 2025.

Yours sincerely,

Principal Kilkishen N.S.

 Kilkishen N.S. Calendar 2023-2024
2023-24 M T W T F S S M T W T F S S M T W T F S S M T W T F S S M T W T F S S M T
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31
August

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
September

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31
October

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
November

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31
December

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31
January

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29
February

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31
March

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
April

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31
May

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
June

School Reopens/Ends for Pupils School Holidays Bank Holidays Weekends Staff Return on Tuesday August 29
 Kilkishen N.S. Calendar 2024-2025
2024-25 M T W T F S S M T W T F S S M T W T F S S M T W T F S S M T W T F S S M T
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31
August
2 days
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
September

21 days
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31
October
19 days
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
November
20 days
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31
December
15 Days
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31
January
20 Days
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28
February
17 Days
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31
March
20 Days
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
April
12 Days
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31
May
19 Days
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
June
17 Days
Total 182 days WEEKENDS CLOSURES BANK HOLIDAYS SCHOOL OPEN STAFF RETURN ½ DAY