January Newsletter 2024

Welcome back to school. We trust everyone enjoyed their Christmas holiday and had a fun family time.

Peace Prom Information

The Peace Prom Concert will be at 2pm on Saturday 3^rd February.  The children will have to participate in a rehearsal at 11.30am so we will leave the school by bus at 9.15am.  Parents are welcome to travel with us on the bus and may go to the local shopping centre during the rehearsal.  Doors for parents will open at 1pm.  Pupils will need to wear a plain white    t-shirt without a logo or collar.  They need to wear dark leggings/trousers and soft shoes/runners.  Every child also needs a pair of sunglasses. 

Children will need a large sensible lunch – Yoghurts/crisps/popcorn/nuts/fizzy drinks are not allowed.   We will stop at Applegreen on the way home.

Children are not allowed to bring their phones.

Concert tickets for parents are €28 each.  Mrs. Crawford has booked tickets so please forward €28 with your name to the school please a.s.a.p.

P.E.

P.E. this term is on Wednesdays with Brian Parker.  Please wear P.E. clothes and runners.

Open Day

Our Open Day will be held on Thursday 8^th February from 2pm for pupils who hope to enrol in September 2024.  Please inform any new families who may be interested in attending the school.

School Closures

Monday 5^th February                                            St. Brigid’s Day

Thurs/Friday 15^th/16^th February                        Half Term

Hot Lunches

Aladdin, The Pantomime            Holly

On Tuesday 12^th December we travelled by bus to Armagh to the Market Place Theatre to see the pantomime Aladdin.  The story had many characters: Aladdin, Princess Jasmin, Genie, the baddie, Widow Twankie, the queen, the Fairy of the Ring and the Policeman.  Aladdin loved Princess Jasmin.  I laughed when Aladdin’s mum and Princess Jasmin’s mum had a roast battle.  My favourite  bit was when the Fairy of the Ring and Aladdin went to the land where Jasmin was, on a magic carpet that went out over the audience, and they met Widow Twankie and the Policemanwho was on a horse called Klip Klop.  The baddie wanted the lamp so he could make the wishes.  Aladdin found the lamp and was granted 3 wishes.  The first wish was that Jasmin would fall in love with him.  It didn’t work as she was already in love with him.  The second wish was that he would become rich and his third wish was that the Genie would be free from the lamp.  Aladdin and Jasmin ended up together.  It was a great pantomime.

Christmas Play                   Bethany, Leah & Lexi

On Tuesday 19^th December we held our Christmas Play in Braddox at 7pm.  A lot of people came, including past pupils.  The Junior Room started with a Christmas poem.  The play was called “Twas the Night Before Christmas”.  The characters were the Elves, the narrators, animals, trees, angels and the Biggins family.  We sang, danced and were very energetic.  When we were finished we marched off the stage.  We had supper and people spent time chatting together.

Movie Morning                       Reuben & Daniel

After the play in school on Wednesday 20^th December we watched Puppy Paws the movie.  In the movie the people didn’t believe in Christmas.  Then the Christmas icicle was melting because they didn’t believe.  Puppy Paws was supposed to be Santa Puppy but he wanted to be normal so he ran away.  He found 5 dogs who didn’t believe in Christmas.  He then showed them the true meaning of Christmas.  The head elf dog and head elf when to look for him.  They found him and he was happy to go home with them and take the 5 dogs with him. 

It was Holly’s birthday and there was cake and drinking chocolate for everyone in school as a treat after the movie.  It was a great day after all the practising for the play.

Christmas Art                     Adam & Joseph B

On the 20^th December we had an art afternoon after our movie morning.  We all worked together – we put our ideas together.  We had a baby in a manger and Santa setting up to get ready for Christmas Eve.  We had the Northern Lights.  Zac sprinkled paint to get a lovely effect of the stars.  Adam made a house for the elves.  They were messing about, Joseph and Lexi made them.  Adam had a garage for Santa’s sleigh, which was hidden.  It was a fun day after our play the night before.

Last Day of Term                            Jack & Joel

On Friday 22^nd December we got our Christmas holidays.  We played some games that morning.   ‘Musical Chairs’, ‘Last Over The Mat’ and ‘Pictionary’ were some of the games.  Then Santa came and brought us all presents.  They were great presents and we were very pleased with them.  We sang Happy Birthday to Joseph McC as he was 12.  We sang to Holly the day before as she also was 12.  We finished at 12 and went home delighted with our presents.

December 2023

Dear Parent,

• Our Christmas School Play is tonight – “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas” at 7.00pm in Braddox Presbyterian Church Hall. We hope to see you all there tonight, as the children have put in so much hard work.  There will be a donation basket at the door for school funds.
• P.E. next term will be with Brian on Wednesdays, so P.E. gear and runners should be worn then.
• Our pupils will avail of funded hot school meals after Easter.
• Christmas jumpers may be worn on Thursday and Friday 21st and 22nd December.          
• School will close on Friday 22^nd December at 12 noon and will reopen on Monday 8^th January 2024.

Aladdin – by Joshua

On Tuesday 12^th December we went to the Pantomime in Armagh.  The characters were Aladdin, Jasmin, Widow Twanky, the Genie, the Policeman, the Baddie – Alkazar, the Fairy Ring and Jasmin’s Mum.  There was also Flip-Flop and Klip-Klop the horses.  There was lots of singing and dancing.  Aladdin was in love with Jasmin but the Baddie wanted to steal Aladdin’s lamp and Jasmin’s mum didn’t think he was rich enough for Jasmin.  My favourite part was when Aladdin and the Fairy were on the magic carpet and they flew out over the audience.   They were trying to find Jasmin so he could marry her.  The Genie granted 3 wishes to Aladdin. The first was the Jasmin would fall in love with him, the second was that he would be rich and the third that the Genie would be free form the lamp.  It was a very funny pantomime and at the end the fairy and Widow Twanky taught us some sign language.

Peace Proms – Abigail, Danielle and Holly

On Wednesday 6^th December we travelled by bus to Dublin for our practice for the Peace Proms.  We are taking part in it on the 3^rd February.  We were there for 2 hours.  There were lots of children there and it was exciting.  Everyone clapped at the singer when she came in with a school to their seats.  We started practicing with “Pompei” and they stopped the song several times to learn the actions.  Some of our favourite songs were “We are one” – The Eurovision song, “The Revolting Children” – from the Matilda musical and “Electric” – Katie Perry.  We got back to the bus and travelled 20 minutes to Apple Green and got something to eat in Burger King.  The food was good and then we went down the road and we were back to school at 4.30.

P.E. with Ross – Joseph, Lenex and Zac

For the last term we had P.E. with Ross who was a past pupil.  He is working with the G.A.A.  We started off with hand/throw passing.  He was teaching us good control techniques (control of the ball).  We had an actual Gaelic game and worked together as a team.  We won some games and we lost some but we had fun.  We would collect the cones that Ross would set out in the middle of the yard between 4 teams.  When the cones were gone, we would take each other’s cones from each team.  If you collected more than 1 cone per team Ross would take them from us.  It was great fun and we enjoyed working as a team with our friends.

‘Twas the Night before Christmas Practices – Arianna, Bonnie, Elea and Lucy

For the past few weeks we have been travelling down to Braddox Church Hall for our Christmas Play practices.  It was great to see the hall and new extension.  It was fun bringing the costumes and having dress rehearsals.  It was cool using the microphones and hearing our voices echo.  We’re having our final practice at 1 o’clock today and then the actual play is tonight at 7.00pm.  Our families are all coming to see us tonight.  We’re excited and also a little bit nervous.  It’s fun doing the actions and our costumes are comfy and pretty.

November Newsletter 2023           (Part 2)

• School will close at 2pm on Wednesday 22^nd November for Parent Teacher Meetings.
• School will be closed on Monday 27^th November for Teacher Training on the New Maths Curriculum.
• On Monday 4^th December at 3.30pm we are having a Breast Cancer Awareness talk.  This is a public health talk which covers important information about breast cancer, facts and figures and early detection.  This is open to all ladies of the community, so feel free to invite your neighbours and friends.  It will last approximately 30/40 minutes.
• The workshop for Peace Prom will be from 12.30 to 2.00pm on Wednesday 6^th December. We should be back at school at 5.00pm.  We will stop at Applegreen on the way home.     The tickets for the Peace Prom have been purchased.  They are €28 each but this money will not be collected until after Christmas.
• We hope to attend the Pantomime ‘Aladdin’ in the Market Place Theatre, Armagh on Tuesday 12^th December. This will cost €15/child to cover the ticket and transport expenses.
• We are excited to inform you that our practices have started for the Christmas Performance which we hope to hold in Braddox Hall on Tuesday 19^th December at 7.00pm. All the pupils will be involved in performing ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas’.  We hope the evening will be well supported as parents, siblings, grandparents and friends will be very welcome.
• Thank you so much for collecting so many bags for our fundraising clothes collection. We collected 91 bags in total which was a fantastic effort by 16 families.  I know bags were collected from other friends and family too, so please pass on our appreciation.
• Thank you too for making shoeboxes for the Hope Team. This is a great opportunity for our pupils to help less well off children in Eastern Europe and Africa.  Thank you Maud McChesney for bringing our boxes to the Castleblayney collection centre where Janet Hill and helpers ensure the 2000 boxes they receive each year are suitable for delivery.
• We are participating in Food Dudes over the coming weeks. The Junior Room pupils have received fruit and veg all last week.  All pupils are encouraged to bring a piece of fruit and veg in their lunch every day.  There will be stickers, prizes and certificates awarded for eating the fruit and veg for everyone in the school who participate. 
• We are also teaching the “Stay Safe Programme” throughout the school during November and December.
• We are delighted to have past pupil Ross Lowey back to the school.  He is our GAA coach over the next 5 weeks.  We hope he will keep the children busy and on their toes.
• Chef Mess Roisin is coming to the school on Thursday 16^th November for Science Week courtesy of Monaghan Library to provide a Workshop entitled ‘Eat the Rainbow’.
• Reminder:- If anyone has any toys for Aistear time in the Junior Room, they would be much appreciated.

Hot Lunch Menu – €4 –                                                                                                          Please remember to bring your lunch money to school on the Tuesday.

17/11             Chicken curry & rice

24/11             Mince and potatoes

1/12               Goujon roll

8/12               Chicken curry and rice

15/12             Sausage in a bap & wedges

Dates for you diary

Parent/Teacher Meetings                         Wednesday 22^nd November – School will close at 2pm

Teacher Training                                         Monday 27^th November – School Closed

Breast Awareness                                       Monday 4^th December at 3.30pm for all ladies

Peace for Proms Practice                          Wednesday 6^th December in National Indoor Arena, Dublin – 12.30-5pm

Pantomime                                                  Tuesday 12^th December, Armagh Theatre

Christmas Performance                            Tuesday 19^th December at 7pm in Braddox Hall

Christmas Holidays                                    School closing at 12 on Friday 22^nd Dec and reopening on Monday 8^th                                                                                    January 2024

Peace Proms                                                Saturday 3^rd February 2024

November Newsletter 2023

 Reminder: Board of Management

There will be a meeting in school on Monday 23^rd October at 8pm to vote in a mother and father representative onto the Board of Management.

School Photographs

If anyone still wants to return their photograph orders, please do so by tomorrow.

Ditch the Dark

Wear your brightest coloured clothes to school for Ditch the Dark Day – Friday 27^th October

Hope Shoe Box Appeal

Team Hope’s Christmas Shoebox Appeal is an annual campaign that delivers gifts straight into the hands of children affected by poverty. Often these shoebox gifts are the only gift that a child will receive at Christmas and the joy that they bring is incredible. A leaflet has been sent home with each family.

Items for your shoe box if you haven’t already filled one and would like to:

Write

Pens or pencils, crayons, paper or copy books, colouring books, markers, sharpeners and erasers.

Wash

Soap (wrapped), hairbrush, comb, toothbrush, toothpaste and facecloths.

Socks, underwear, flip flops, hat, scarf and gloves.

Wow

Cuddly toy, skipping rope, a yo-yo, sweets (that do not go out of date for at least 6 months), small musical instrument, photo of you and your family, toy car, doll, ball and stickers.

Shoe boxes need to be returned to school be Wednesday 8^th November.

This is optional.

 Cash for Clobber

After midterm we hope to have a Clothes Collection for second hand clothes, shoes and household textiles (not duvets or pillows) on Friday 10^th November.  Please ask friends and family members to help out so we can have as large a collection as possible.  It’s a good time of year to have a clear out.  Clothes can be brought into school from Wednesday 8^th.

Toys for Aistear

While you are having a clear out for the Clothes Collection, can I ask if you could pass on any good quality toys which are not being used in your home any more to the Junior Room.  These would be very useful in Aistear time as it would be good to have some ‘new’ toys for the pupils to play with.  These must be in clean and in good condition.

Parent/Teacher Meetings

We plan to hold our Parent/Teacher Meetings on Wednesday 22^nd November.  More information to follow.

P.E.

P.E. will continue on Thursday next term after the Halloween break.  Remember to wear your tracksuits and runners.

Pupil Insurance

Thank you to those who have sent in their Insurance money €5.30.  Some of your Insurance is still outstanding; please forward €5.30 per child asap.

Breast Awareness Talk

On Monday 4^th December  at 3.30pm we are having a Breast Cancer Awareness talk.  This is a public health talk which covers important information about breast cancer, facts and figures and early detection.

This is open to all ladies of the community, so feel free to invite your neighbours and friends.  It will last approximately 30/40 minutes.

Pantomime

We will travel to the Market House Theatre in Armagh to the Pantomime on Tuesday 12^th December.

Peace Proms – Tickets

If the Senior Room parents could let us know how many adult tickets they would like for Peace Proms Saturday 3^rd February.  They go on sale at the beginning of November and we will batch buy them so you may all sit together.  We’ll let you know the price when they go on sale.  There will be a practice on Wednesday 6^th December in the National Indoor Arena, Dublin.

 Hot Lunch Menu – €4 –                                                                                                                                                      Please remember to bring your lunch money to school on the Tuesday.

20/10                        Pasta Bolognese

27/10                        Sausage in a bap & chips

                        Midterm

10/11                        Goujon roll

17/11                        Chicken curry & rice

24/11                        Mince and potatoes

1/12                          Goujon roll

8/12                          Chicken curry and rice

15/12                        Sausage in a bap & wedges

Dates for you diary

Board of Management meeting              Monday 23^rd October at 8pm.

Ditch the Dark                                           Friday 27^th October

Mid Term                                                   Monday 30^th October – Friday 3^rd November

Hope Shoe Boxes                                       Returned by Wednesday 8^th November

Cash for Clobber                                        Returned by Friday 10^th November

Parent/Teacher Meetings                        Wednesday 22^nd November

Peace for Proms Practice                          Wednesday 6^th December in National Indoor Arena,  Dublin

Pantomime                                                  Tuesday 12^th December, Armagh Theatre

Christmas Holidays                                    School closing at 12 on Friday 22^nd Dec and reopening on Monday 8^th January 2024

Peace Proms                                                Saturday 3^rd Febrauay

Alpacas

On Thursday 5^th October the Junior Room travelled by bus with Drumacruttin NS to Glaslough

 to visit the Alpaca Farm. We also saw a 3 legged goat who lost her leg when she was younger.

 Her brother would lie with her during the night for company.  We got to feed and pet them.

• Alpacas live for 15-20 years
• There are 22 colours of Alpacas in the world.
• They don’t eat meat – they are herbivores.
• They live mainly in Peru – South America.

By Jack & Joel.

Clontibret N.S. Newsletter

October 2023

Open Evening Beech Hill College

Beech Hill College are holding their Open Evening on Thursday 28^th September at 6.30pm and 6^th Class pupils are most welcome.  Parents/guardians are advised to park in the grounds of the Cathedral which is opposite the main entrance of the school.  There will be no parking spaces for parents/guardians on the grounds of Beech Hill College.

Photographer

The photographer will be in school next Monday 2^nd October.  Could all children wear full uniform please?

Monaghan Museum

Next Wednesday 4^th October Pauline Tilson from Monaghan Museum will visit the school with a display of agriculture tools

Alpaca Farm

On Thursday 5^th October the Junior Room will visit the Alpaca Farm in Glaslough. 

Castleblayney College STEAM

5^th and 6^th Class will be picked up on Thursday 5^th October at 9.00am and travel to Castleblayney Community College for a STEAM Experience Day – Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics.   They will enjoy a healthy lunch provided by the school and are not required to bring their school bags.  They will be back at 2.50pm.

Ditch the Dark Day

On Friday 27^th October Clontibret N.S. will celebrate all things light as we have our first ever Ditch the Dark Day.  Everybody is encouraged to wear their brightest clothes as we choose to celebrate the Light.

Clothes Collection

After midterm we hope to have a Clothes Collection for second hand clothes, shoes and household textiles (not duvets or pillows) on Friday 10^th November.  Please ask friends and family members to help out so we can have as large a collection as possible.  It’s a good time of year to have a clear out.  Clothes can be brought into school from Wednesday 8^th.

Toys for Aistear

While you are having a clear out for the Clothes Collection, can I ask if you could pass on any good quality toys which are not being used in your home any more to the Junior Room.  These would be very useful in Aistear time as it would be good to have some ‘new’ toys for the pupils to play with.  These must be in clean and in good condition.

Pupil Insurance 

Thank you very much if you have already paid your school insurance.  €5.30 for school insurance, which covers your child during school hours, is now due. 

Christmas Cards For Schools

Dare I mention the ‘C’ word but we plan to take part in the Christmas Cards For Schools project this year again.  It is a fun and unique way to raise funds for the school.  The children will design their own cards and parents have the choice to order their child/children’s cards and have them before Christmas.  The cards come in packs of 10 cards (150mm x 150mm square)printed with the child’s individual design on the front, the child’s name as the designer printed on the back, along with the school’s name on the back of the card.  A pack of 10 cards will cost €5.50.

Peace Proms

3^rd-6^th Class have been given the opportunity to be part of Peace Proms in R.D.S. Dublin on Saturday 3^rd February 2024.

10 years ago we brought the Senior Room to this and it was an amazing experience to be part of 3000 voice choir.

Peace Proms is a Free resource and choral education project for Primary Schools. The musical programme is tailor made to ensure it is fun and engaging for children, fulfils important educational requirements, is very rewarding to teach, and the end performance is an inspirational and thrilling experience for choirs, teachers, parents and audiences alike! Peace Proms engages children and young people in music and enriches their lives through exceptional musical experiences and performances. Peace Proms celebrates culture and diversity and promotes peace, unity and tolerance through music.

Tickets will go on sale for parents shortly and we will keep you updated.

Important Date for your diary    

On Monday 4^th December  at 3.30pm we are having a Breast Cancer Awareness talk.  This is a public health talk which covers important information about breast cancer, facts and figures and early detection.

This is open to all ladies of the community, so feel free to invite your neighbours and friends.  It will last approximately 30/40 minutes.

Hot Lunch Menu – Please remember to bring your lunch money €4 to school on the Tuesday.

6/10                 Goujon roll

13/10               Chicken curry & rice

20/10               Pasta Bolognese

27/10               Sausage in a bap & chips

                        Midterm                     

10/11               Goujon roll

17/11               Chicken curry & rice

24/11               Mince and potatoes

1/12                 Goujon roll

Dates for Your Diary

Photographer                          Monday 2^nd October.

Ditch the Dark Day                 Friday 27^th October

Halloween Half Term             School is closed Monday 30^th October-Friday 3^rd November. 

                                                School will re-open on Monday 6^th November.

Cash For Clobber                    Friday 10^th November

Breast Awareness                   Monday 4^th December 4^th December at 3.30pm

Peace Proms                           Saturday 3^rd February 2024

********

Friendship Week

Last week was Friendship Week.  On Monday we had to pick a class name out of a bucket.  We had to be nice to that person all day. 

On Tuesday we joined with the Junior Room and we all did Art together.  Our heading was ‘The best ship is a Friendship’. 

On Wednesday we made up a recipe for friendship.  There was a bowl on our page and we added recipes to it.  ‘A pinch of kindness’.  ‘A jug of smiles’.

On Thursday we made cards for the patients in St. Anne’s Nursing Home in Ballybay.  We hope our friendship cards will cheer them up and make them smile.

On Friday we joined with the Junior room and had P.E. together.  We played with them and had a good time.

Holly & Bethany

           Clontibret N.S.                           August/September 2023

Welcome

We are delighted to welcome everyone back this term and a special welcome to Alannah, Faith, Arianna and Bethany.  We hope and pray that they will settle in quickly and enjoy many happy days in our school.

• We would encourage you to send healthy lunches to school. Some healthy snacks that we encourage include wraps, pasta, sandwiches, bread sticks, rice cakes, crackers, yoghurts, fruit, vegetables, cheese, water, diluted orange juice or milk (which can be stored in the fridge).  No sweets, biscuits, chocolate, crisps or fizzy drinks Monday-Friday please. A small treat is allowed on Friday.  Hot lunches will continue each Friday this year again starting on Friday 8^th September – €4 /per child.  Please send the money in on Tuesday so the food can be ordered.  Children do not have to participate each week.

Menu –

8^th Sept  – Chicken goujon roll and wedges

15^th Sept – Curry and rice

22^nd Sept – Sausage and chips

29^th Sept – Creamy chicken pasta

• It is important that all pupils go outside to play every day at lunch time. All children should bring coats so they may go outside on damp days.  A child may only stay inside if they have a note from home. 
• Please remember to wear the full school uniform and attach names to jumpers as sometimes they can be misplaced.
• Infants should be collected at 2pm, all 1^st-6^th class children should be collected at 2.50pm. Children may arrive at school between 9.00-9.20am.
• E. will be on Fridays. P.E. clothes should be worn then. 
• As part of National Heritage Week, we will have a Hedgerow Walk with Ross Cochrane next week.
• From September 2023, parents of children in primary school do not have to pay a contribution fee towards schoolbooks, workbooks and copybooks. The school will provide the free books on loan. Parents must return them at the end of the school year.
• Pupil insurance cover is limited to School Related Activities Only and still costs €5.30 per pupil. This is a ‘compulsory’ basis whereby all pupils are covered during school hours/school activities. We have used this insurance cover for several years and we feel it the best cover out there at the moment for school pupils.  Please forward this to the school asasp.
• Please find an attached Internet Acceptable Use Policy sent home today, read through it with your child/children and make your child aware of the importance of Internet safety and netiquette. All 3^rd-6^th class pupils should sign the policy and return the form ASAP.  A parent should also sign the form.  Parents sign on behalf of Junior Infants-2^nd class pupils.  Please also sign the publication consent form at the bottom of the page.  PLEASE RETURN THE CONSENT FORM ASAP as pupils will not be allowed to use the ipads if they have not returned a signed form.  This form must be completed in September every year.
• Please also find the consent form for the school for school outings and events. This also needs to be returned ASAP.
• The Department of Health and the Office of the Chief Medical Officer have advised that: Children should stay at home if they are unwell.  The best way to keep all viruses out of school is to stay home if you are unwell and until your symptoms have substantially resolved for 48 hours.                   
•   We will continue the following in school:                                                                                            
•  Maintain a good standard of hand hygiene                                                                                      
• Adhere to good respiratory etiquette                                                                                                      
•   Ensure good ventilation arrangements                                                                                                   
• Continue to maintain good levels of cleaning

June Newsletter 2023

Reminder:

• The school tour for all pupils will be to Todd’s Leap Adventure Centre on Friday 9^th.  The children will participate in Team Games, the Big Yella Slide, Bungee Run and Last Man Standing Activities.  They will need to wear P.E. clothes and runners.  A change of clothes will not be necessary.  They will need a good packed lunch and plenty of water.  The tour will cost €30 per child.  We hope it will be a fun-packed day.  We are leaving school at 9.10am sharp and we will return at approx. 3.15pm.
• We will have our BBQ on Thursday 15^th June at 7.00pm. Parents, grandparents, past pupils and pupils are all invited.  There will be a BBQ, bouncy castle and football for the evening’s activities.
• Our new pupils’ induction Day will be Thursday 15^th June from 9.20 til 1.00. This will consist of a teddy bears picnic, where the entire classroom may bring a teddy to school that day.  Bring something for break and big lunch as they will go home after the 2^nd break at 1.00.
• There will be no book rental bills next year. Children may bring a packed pencil case – see list below.  School will provide all school books, workbooks and copies/stationery as school will receive a book grant to cover these expenses this incoming year.  School books must be looked after and returned at the end of the academic year.
• Swimming will continue for 2 more weeks – 12^th and 19^th On the 12^th we plan to walk the greenway from M. Grahams to the pool.

• Active school week will be held the final week of school – 19^th-23^rd P.E. clothes & runners will be worn that week.
• All assessments have been completed. Reports will be available after 13^th
• Monday 5^th June is a Bank Holiday and school will be closed.
• School finishes for summer on Friday 23^rd June at 12.00
• We will return to school on Wednesday 30^th See holiday list below.
• There will be a school walk on Friday 14^th September in Muckno.

Taekwondo Challenge by Noah

Noah travelled to Kildare on the 22^nd May for a Taekwondo challenge.  The difference in a competition and a challenge is that in a challenge if you don’t win you get another two spars.  Before the challenges began the black belts from the Irish Olympic team showed them what they would do when they move up to higher grades.  Noah had 2 spars – he lost one and won one.  Scott and Rhys were also competing.  Scott won 2 spars and lost one and Rhys lost one.  Noah won a medal for his challenge.  Congratulations Noah!

Football Final – by Daniel

On the 19^th May Daniel and his football team Glaslough Villa travelled to Monaghan Astro to play Cavan Shamrocks in the final.  When they played them before they lost against them twice.  Cavan Shamrocks were leading 1-0 in the extra time of the first half.  In the extra time in the second half, Glaslough Villa scored leaving it 1-1.  The goalie for Glaslough Villa was excellent and saved so many shots.  It went to penalties.   Daniel’s goalie made 3 saves and the Cavan goalie saved 2.   We didn’t realise we had won until the ref told us.  We went cheering across the pitch.  It was a great win.  Congratulations Daniel!

Clontibret N.S.

School Holiday List 2023-2024

School Will Reopen: Wednesday 30^th August 2023

Halloween Half Term: School Closed Monday 30^th Oct – 3^rd November

School Will Reopen: Monday 6^th November 2023

Christmas Holidays: School will close at 12 noon on Friday 22^nd December

School Will Reopen: Monday 8^th January 2024

St. Brigid’s Day:  Monday 5^th February 2024

Spring Half Term: School closed on Thurs & Fri 15^th & 16^th February 2024

St. Patrick’s Day: Monday 18^th March 2024

Easter Holidays: School will close at 12 noon on Friday 22^nd March 2024

School Will Reopen: Monday 8^th April 2024

School Closed:  6^th May – Bank Holiday

                            3^rd June – Bank Holiday

Summer Holidays: School will close at 12 on Friday 21^st June 2024

 Stationery List for Senior Pupils – 2023/24

10 – HB pencils (keep some at home until they are needed)

Rubber, sharpener, ruler, protractor, colouring pencils/twistable crayons, scissors &

Pritt stick.

Blue pen, red pen, calculator (5^th & 6^th class only)

A4 Plastic document folder (they are usually made of card) for worksheets

2 Folders with 40 plastic pockets

Please label everything

Stationery List for Junior Pupils

10 – HB pencils – that do not break easily when sharpened (keep some at home until they are needed)

Pencil case, rubber, sharpener, Twistable crayons & Pritt stick

Ruler (1^st & 2^nd class)

Please label everything

         Clontibret N.S. Newsletter

                         May 2023

• The school tour for all pupils will be to Todd’s Leap Adventure Centre on Friday 9^th The children will participate in Team Games, the Big Yella Slide, Bungee Run and Last Man Standing Activities.  They will need to wear P.E. clothes and runners.  A change of clothes will not be necessary.  They will need a good packed lunch and plenty of water.  The tour will cost €30 per child.  We hope it will be a fun-packed day.
• Swimming lessons are continuing on Mondays. The children are really enjoying the lessons and are making good progress.
• Congratulations to Holly on winning 1^st place for Clontibret N.S. in the Primary Schools Pony Jumping Competition.   
• We will be assessing the children’s reading and maths over the coming weeks. The senior pupils will also have some SESE tests.  Crawford will revise the History and Geography with the senior pupils.

Hot Lunches

12/5               Mince and Potatoes

19/5               Sausage in a Bap

26/5               Chicken Curry and Rice

2/6                 Goujon Roll

9/6                 School Trip

16/6               Mince and Pasta

23/6               School closes at 12.00

Dates for your diary

Monday 6^th June                  Bank Holiday school closed

Friday 9^th June                   School tour

Friday 23^rd June                  Summer Holidays school closing at 12.00

Wednesday 30^th August     School re-opens for new term

Heritage Visit – Goska – Mammals

On Wednesday 3^rd May, Goska spoke to us about wild mammals in Ireland.  She put up pictures on the board.  She has cameras in her lane and had recorded the wild mammals for us.  She had a video of a young fox and a dead chicken and the fox didn’t know what to do with it and it just ran away.  The fox call is like a baby crying.  They would kill the chickens/hens if they weren’t closed in properly.  Lot of the mammals are nocturnal.

She had a box of little teddies of the animals.  She also had skull bones of some mammals – badger, fox and a rat.  She had a dead bat in a container.

30 years ago grey squirrels had a disease and the red squirrels almost became extinct as they ran away when the others died.  The pine martin also killed grey squirrels and the red squirrels came back.  She told us lots of interesting facts which we enjoyed.

By Leah and Danielle

BLAST – Bringing Live Arts to Students and Teachers with Heather Brett

We made up poems with Heather Brett about our Grannies; she helped us with the 1^st verse and we continued with the poem.  We also drew pictures.  She told us about other children’s poems to give us an idea on what our poems should be like.  She asked us to find out what our names meant and who we looked up to.  Haiku are short poems with 3 lines and don’t rhyme.  In the middle it must have 7 syllables and in the top and bottom lines have 5 syllables.  She told us about a man who went round towns in China and made a haiku about each one.  She had a saying “You are not a drop in the ocean, but the ocean in a drop”.  Goska told us about a man in Spain who wrote a poem about Ireland.  He mentioned the scenery and the waves around the coast. 

We had to design a super hero logo and speak about what super power we would like to have and how we would use it.  It was very interesting and enjoyable.

By Noah

Europe Quiz

On Tuesday 9^th May we took part in a zoom quiz against other schools.  It was about Europe.  Some of the questions we knew bur some were new to us.  The highest score in our room was 13/18.  The highest score received a Smyth’s Voucher, but it wasn’t us.

By Abigail and Bella

Africa

• The Seychelles is the richest African country.
• Africa is the 2^nd largest continent in the world.
• South Sudan is the newest country in Africa.
• 95% of the world’s diamonds come from Africa.
• Africa covers 30 million square km.
• The Equator runs through 6 African countries.
• Africa has the largest dessert, the Sahara.
• The Nile River which runs through Africa is the 2^nd longest river in the world. But some people think it is the longest.
• The elephant is the largest African animal.
• The crocodile cannot stick out its tongue.
• Starfish don’t have a brain.
• There are 54 countries in Africa.
• Africa grows 70% of the world’s cocoa beans.
• Africa got its name from the Ancient Romans.
• There are at least 3000 ethnic groups in Africa and around 2000 different languages.

By Aaron, Joseph, Reuben and Lenex.

         Clontibret N.S. Newsletter

                         April 2023

Swimming

Swimming lessons will commence for all pupils after Easter on Monday 17^th April for 8 weeks.  The lesson is from 11.50-12.50pm.  P.E. clothes should be worn.  Staff are not permitted to assist children getting dried, therefore children in junior classes who are unable to dry/dress themselves must have an adult to help them.  If you wish you may come to the pool at 12.50pm to help your child.   Junior and Senior Infants may go home from the pool after swimming.  Please let Miss Hall know in advance so school bags can be brought to the pool.

Lessons/bus cost €7 per child – €56 in total, which must be paid in advance.  Swimming money in full needs to be paid before this Friday. Swimmers must have hats and bring appropriate swim wear to the swimming lessons.  Anyone with a verruca cannot participate unless they have verruca socks on.  All children’s feet will be checked on the first day.

Dates for your diary:

Friday 31^st March                            12 noon Easter Closing

Monday 17^th April                          Reopening after Easter Holidays

Monday 1st May                            Bank Holiday school closed

Monday 5^th June                                      Bank Holiday school closed

Friday 23^rd  June                                       Summer Holidays school closing at 12 noon

Lego Challenges

We had to make some Lego challenges.  We could make a robot, an igloo or a landmark like the Eiffel Tower.  We had to find the Lego box and think about what we wanted to build.  We had to take it into school and talk about what we had made.  I made a robot and Lenex built the London Eye.  Abigail built the Louvre Museum and Danielle built a  .  Reuben made a robot fuel machine and Nathan and Joel created the Eiffel Tower.  Daniel made a robot.  Noah made a posh robot.  Aaron made an igloo.  Holly built a robot and Joshua built an alien.  Adam made a robot.  Lexie and Alex both made igloos.  We liked Zac’s Eiffel tower best.

By Lenex and Joseph McC

P.E. with Paddy

We did 6 weeks of Gaelic with Paddy.  On the first week we learnt how to hand pass and played a game called Temple Run.  There was a path down the yard and some of us ran in the middle of 14 cones trying not to get hit by the balls that were thrown from either side.  On the second week we learnt hand passing. It was hard at the start but got easier with practice.  On week three we did some kicking and some matches.  During the matches some of us forgot to fist pass the ball and instead we just threw the ball but we got there in the end.  The fourth week we learnt both kicking and passing.  On the fifth week we played matches and dodge ball.  We played girls against the boys.  Paddy was on the girls’ team and they won.  ON the sixth week we played more dodge ball and matches.  We were split into four teams and we drew.  Paddy is the best coach ever and taught us so much.

By Daniel, Alex, Reuben and Nathan

First Aid

On Monday 5^th and 6^th class got the news that we were doing First Aid with Sheila Linden.  We were so glad we got to skip class and do this activity.  We went into the hall where there were 7 chairs placed in a circle.  We started off by introducing ourselves to Sheila.  Then we did a skill on each other practising what we would do if someone fainted.  We learned how to clear their airways so they could breathe again if they fainted.  Then she talked to us about what we would do if we saw someone on their belly in a lake.  Or if we smelt gas coming from a house and someone was inside it.  We did a lesson on CPR.  She only had 4 mannequins so we split into 2 groups.  Mrs Cosgrove joined one of the groups.  It was very interesting to learn some First Aid.

By Abigail and Danielle

 Leprechaun Traps

For homework we had to design a trap to catch a leprechaun.  We had to plan and gather our materials to complete the challenge.  We brought the materials into school.  One afternoon we put the plan into place.  We made the leprechaun trap step by step.  Everyone’s design was unique.  They were very colourful.  There were lots of rainbows and gold.  It took a while to do but it was good fun.

By Adam

Gosford Forest – Shared Education

We went back to Gosford Forest with Derrynoose P.S.  We went to see if our dens were still in the forest park.  Everyone had to complete challenges.  We had to build a swing, build bridges and make a tent with sticks.  We had lunch in the forest.  We walked up to the play park and played tag.  Stephanie took us home on the bus.  We had a great day out with Derrynoose P.S.

By by Lexie and Joseph B

Wooden Spoons

For World Book Day we were given a challenge to make wooden spoon book characters.  We had to make them at home.  Everybody had to make one.  I made an oompaloompa.  Noah made Hetty Feather. Daniel made Daddy Bear, Reuben made Tom Gates.  Joshua made Fredrick, Joseph made Greg.  Adam made a baby purple monster.  Lexie made Herminie Granger.  Alex made Eric.   Nathan, Leah and Danielle made the three blind mice.  Joseph made Iron Man.  Lenex made a minion and Abigail made Jack and the Beanstalk.  Holly made Amanda Thrip and Bella made Winnie the Pooh.  There was a great variety of wooden spoons and we all enjoyed making them.

By Aaron   

Ballyjamesduff Museum – World War 1

On the 23^rd March we went to Ballyjamesduff Museum in co. Cavan.  When we arrived we walked in to meet our guide.  We went into a room and had a snack.  Our guide was a lovely lady.  She gave us clothes that the soldiers wore to try on.  She told us how the soldiers had to wear big baggy trousers, puttys, to put on over their trousers to stop them dragging on the ground, a shirt and a jacket with lots of pockets.  We found out that chats (lice) lived in the seams of their clothes.  The soldiers got rid of them by using a fire lighter to burn them off.  We went upstairs to see all the WW1 artefacts.  We did a challenge to see who could hold a gun in one hand for the longest.  After lunch we matched up words with hints.  We stacked sandbags to make a wall.  We went outside to see what rooms in houses looked like in 1916.  They looked abandoned, broken down, rotten and old.  We got to look at famous people in WW1.  We learnt about Frenz Fernoid and a boy from Wexford who went to war at the age of 12. 

By Bella, Holly and Joshua

Poetry – Heather Brett

On the 28^th March 2023 we were taught about poetry by Heather Brett.  First she showed us what some pupils in other school wrote for their poems.  There was one girl who didi something called a haiku.  So we did some haikus too.  We started by doing one about the weather but we did it together.  Next we did another one about the weather but this time we did it ourselves.  Then we got to write our own type of haiku.  We were taught about a man who went around different cities in China and Japan writing haikus about the wonder of nature.  Then we said goodbye to Heather and we will practise writing more poems over the coming weeks.

By Noah

       March Newsletter 2023

World Book Day – congratulations everybody for producing such wonderful decorated wooden spoon characters for World Book Day.  Each spoon was unique and the creativity illustrated by all the pupils was fantastic.  Please look up the school website www.clontibretns.ie to see all the photos of the children with their spoons.  Some of the children entered their spoons into the Monaghan Library Wooden Spoon Book Character competition – if you have a chance call into the Library and have a look at all the spoons.  You could also sign up your child as a member.  It’s free and pupils or adults to borrow books, audio books, movies and magazines.                                                                        Library opening hours:

Monday, 11.00am – 8.00pm; Tuesday, 11.00am – 5.00pm; Wednesday; 11.00am – 8.00pm; Thursday; 11.00am – 5.00pm; Friday, 11.00am – 5.00pm; Saturday: 10.00am – 1.00pm

• Upcoming Events:

9^th March – Shared Education Trip: Junior Infants-3^rd Class to Gosford Forest Park for Forest School Skills.

23^rd March – 3^rd-6^th Class pupils will travel to Cavan Museum, Ballyjamesduff for a World War 1 workshop. We hope to leave the school at 9.15 sharp.  We will be back at school at 2.50.  Children will need packed lunches and warm clothes.

• A big thank you to Mrs Cosgrove and Sandra for making everyone delicious pancakes on Shrove Tuesday.
• Swimming – Swimming begins next term on Monday 17^th April for 8 weeks. We will leave school at 11.20 and return at 1.45.  All lessons must be paid for in advance this year.  It will cost €56/child for the 8 weeks.  The lessons/bus are also subsidised by school funds.  P.E. clothes to be worn on Mondays.
• School Closures

School will be closed for St. Patrick’s Day on Friday 17^th March and on Monday 20^th March for Teacher Training.                                        

 School will close at 12noon on Friday 31^st March for the Easter Holidays and re-open on Monday 17^th April.

Friday Hot Lunches:

3/3                   Goujon Roll

10/3                 Chicken Curry & Rice

17^th March – St. Patrick’s Day

24/3                 Sausage in a Bap

21/4                 Mince and Potatoes

28/4                 Chicken Curry & Rice

5/5                   Goujon Roll

12/5                 Mince and Pasta

19/5                 Sausage in a Bap

A Visit to the Garda Station

Recently we went to visit the Garda station.  We had our finger prints taken and we were allowed to bring them home.  We got to sit in the Garda van and another Garda vehicle.  We got to put the siren on and it was very loud.  One of the vehicles had 2 small cells in the back which were very narrow.  They were used to take prisoners back to the station.  We all got turns to sit in the front and back.  It was very exciting.  We got to put on handcuffs but not too tightly as we didn’t have the key for them.  At the station we got to look in the cells and the toilets were rotten.  There was a button to ring in the cells if you wanted toilet paper and have your toilet flushed.  You also pressed the button if you wanted a shower.  It had no shower gel or shampoo.  We were allowed to ask questions.  We really enjoyed our visit and everyone got to come back to school.               By Lucy

Gosford Forest Park

We travelled to Gosford Forest Park as part of Shared Education with Derrynoose P.S.  We walked down a path and saw some deer.  We went down to the forest.  The teachers split us into three teams – Deer, Wind and Rain.  We had to build forts out of sticks and branches.  Jake and I were on the same team and tried to carry a very heavy log.  Even the teachers couldn’t carry it.  Our coats got covered in mud while trying to carry it.  We had a break and had something to eat.  We then went to the play park and had some fun there.  We had a great day in Gosford.                                  By Joel

Pancakes

On 28^th February we had pancakes for pancake Tuesday.  Mrs Cosgrove and Sandra made them for lunch time.  We had 2 each with lots of choices of toppings – nutella, lemon, sugar, marshmallows or syrup!  They were delicious and later that evening we had more at home with nutella on them.                                               By Joseph

Character Wooden Spoons for World Book Day

The teach set us a project for World Book Day.  We had to make a book character using a wooden spoon.  I made Jack and the Beanstalk.  We all made different characters.  There was Iron Man, A Minion, 3 Blind Mice, Daddy Bear from Goldilocks, Winnie the Pooh, Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Batman, Messi and many more.  These have been entered into a competition in Monaghan Library where they are on show.                       By Abigail