Castleisland, Co. Kerry.

Phone: 066-7141147
Email: info@muiregansmal.ie

April 2019 Newsletter

Dia dhíbh go léir! Hello everyone!

I’m sure that at this stage everyone is looking forward to their Easter break and that you are all looking forward to enjoying a few days away from school. As usual school has been very busy and very active this term. I’ve just completed

my first full year as Principal of Muire Gan Smál and it has been a very eventful year. I’d like to thank the staff, parents and community here in Castleisland for being so welcoming and supportive. It’s been a very busy 12 months but it’s been very rewarding and exciting as well.

As part of our school’s self-evaluation plan we have decided to concentrate on Gaeilge ó bhéal (oral Irish) over the next 2 years. We would encourage you to support us in this by taking an interest in your child’s Irish homework.

• Más féidir leat, léigh leabhar le do pháiste, nó éist le do pháiste ag léamh.

• If you can, read Irish books with your child or listen to your child reading.

• There are many Irish language books available including those from the Séideán Sí series. They suit every age level in primary school.

Thanks to everyone who supported our Easter raffle. I hope the winners enjoy their hampers! We will be using the money to develop IT in the school including installing Wi-Fi, updating computers and interactive whiteboards and purchasing iPads.

Finally, congratulations to Aga on the birth of her baby girl.

Happy Easter everyone,

Máire Ní Loingsigh (Príomh Oide)

 

Céad Faoistin agus Céad Chomaoineadh/ First Confession and First Communion

Huge congratulations to Ms. Murphy's 2nd class girls and the boys from Mr O’ Leary’s class who made their First Confession in February. It was a beautiful ceremony. Preparation is now under way for the First Holy Communion which will take place on Saturday May 4th at 11am. We wish everyone the very best on their big day. Our school choir will be singing at the ceremony. We look forward to hearing them. A big thank you to everyone involved.

 

Cóineartú/Confirmation

Congratulations to all our Sixth Class students who made their Confirmation on Tuesday 26th March. We hope everyone enjoyed their special day.

 

Lá Glas

Our Lá Glas took place over a full day in the school hall. A céilí mór was held for everyone. Each class performed songs and poems and some of our parents come in to watch. Some students played music for us. The Irish dancers gave us a fabulous performance. We’d like to thank the Castleisland Community College students and teachers who visited on the day and organised games with all the classes as Gaeilge. Bhí ceol agus craic againn. We finished the day with a Tráth na gCeist which the Boys School took part in. This year the boys were successful and won the Tráth na gCeist shield. Beidh lá eile ag an bPaorach! There’s always next year! Go raibh maith agat to Ms Mc Carthy for organising the day and to Gerdie Murphy for sponsoring the shield.

 

Badmantan/Badminton

Congratulations to the Badminton team who travelled to Dublin recently. Thank you to the Parent’s Association for providing us with the money for the bus.

 

Peil/Football

Well done to the girls who played in the Mini-7’s. It was a great day. Thanks to Joanne Brosnan and Kilmurry School for organising the competition. We will also be taking part in the Gaelic Football competitions with Cumann na mBunscol.

 

Díospóireacht/ Debating

Our school was successful in reaching the semi-finals of the county league primary debating competition. The team consisted of Colene O Callaghan as chairperson; Bláithín O Mahony as Captain, Amy Mc Carthy as first speaker, Eilís Enright as second speaker; Robyn Hayes as time keeper & Katelyn O Sullivan as researcher. We opposed the motion that books should replace computers for good. A big thank you to Mrs. O Mahony who coaches the teams and runs the debating club. From the debating club each year a school team is formed and all club members assist in research & mock debates. Pupils from 4th to 6th are invited to attend.

 

Aonach na Leabhar/ Book Fair

The book fair took place from March 22nd to 28th. Children enjoyed browsing different genres of books and swopping book recommendations with their friends. A dress up as your favourite book character day was held. A winner was chosen from each class & received a prize of either a book voucher or poster. Our school was rewarded €1050 in free books due to the extent of our book & stationery sales. Thanks for your support.

 

Tráth na gCeist/Quiz

Congratulations to the quiz team who represented us so well at the Credit Union Quiz and the Irish Science Teachers’ Association Quiz. The team consisted of Eilís Enright, Bella Harmon, Bláithín O’Mahony and Colene O’Callaghan. They came second in the regionals and fourth in the county finals of the Credit Union Quiz. This is a huge achievement and we’re very proud of them!

 

Seachtain Gníomach/Active School Week - 7th - 10th May 2019

Our Active School Week will take place from May 7th – 10th 2019. For the past few years we have hosted Active Schools Week and they have been a great success! It involves items such as ‘Try Something New’ day, Drop Everything and Dance day, Wake up, Shake Up Exercises, Tug of War Challenge etc. We will keep you posted with further information on our Facebook page! We are working hard towards achieving ‘The Active School’ Flag for the 2018/2019 school year! #BeActive #BeHealthy #BeHappy 

 

(Science,Technology, Engineering and Maths)

5th & 6th class attended three STEM workshops in St. Josephs Secondary School this term where they experienced working with virtual reality headsets and 3D printer pens. The project is ongoing with the aim of inspiring interest in STEM and increasing the participation of girls in science.

 

Autism Day Coffee Morning

Muire Gan Smál wish to thank everyone who helped to make our Coffee Morning on Tuesday 2nd of April, such a success! What a wonderful way to celebrate World Autism Day and to showcase just how generous the community of Castleisland are. We as a staff are very passionate about our jobs and feel privileged to be working with such talented, creative and amazing children and loved having the opportunity to fundraise for our ASD classes and also greatly appreciated the super turnout on the day. We would like to thank our main sponsors; Jerry Flannery’s Bar Limerick, Lee Strand, Aldi Castleisland, Total Cleaning Supplies, Kerry Agri Business – Tralee Road, Sheehy’s Supermarket Dingle, Knocknagoshal Community Centre, Hygi-Care, The Crumb, O’Callaghan Brothers, Vincent Murphy Sports Shop, The River Island Hotel and Tomo Burke – especially Jeremy for putting a roof over our head for the day! Special mention to the Presentation Sisters, The Boy’s National School and Cara Credit Union Castleisland for their support on the day, it was very much appreciated. Thank you to everyone who provided baked goods – they were delicious and went down a treat!!!! We have to acknowledge Lisa Curran who managed to find fabulous forms of entertainment for us. The performers Lauryn Griffin, Owen Rua Music and Keith Freeman all gave their time freely and these three talented people created an atmosphere and ambiance in our pop-up café that resulted in a really lovely experience. Keep an eye out for these artists, because I’m sure they’re future stars! Steve Mills proved a huge hit with the children when he arrived for his magic show in the afternoon! We thank you all for your time and support!

Castleisland,
Co. Kerry.
Phone: 066-7141147
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

School Roll:14952L