February Newsletter 2023

Upcoming Events and Activities:

• We are delighted to welcome Olivia, Lucy and Abigail Windrum to our school and hope they will settle in quickly and enjoy attending Clontibret NS.
• E. will change to Tuesdays after the midterm break until the Easter holidays as the GAA coach, Paddy McNally will be providing Gaelic Football skill training. Please wear tracksuits and runners on Tuesdays from Tuesday 21^st February.
• The Postal Bible school Prize giving is in Second Ballybay Hall TONIGHT at 7pm – it will also be in Castleblayney Presbyterian Hall on Friday 3^rd at 7pm.
• The Junior room pupils are going to visit Monaghan Garda Station next Tuesday morning (7^th February ) as they are learning about the Gardaí in Aistear at the moment.
• Junior Infants-3^rd class are going to Gosford Park for Forest School Activities with Our Lady’s and St. Mochua’s PS nest Thursday (9^th February). Children should wear warm coats and boots if possible. Please bring a packed lunch too.
• We were unable to participate in the Diocesan Big Sing in St Maeldoid’s Church of Ireland , Castleblayney on Sunday 29^th January due to the BB and GB enrolment services but thank you to parents who volunteered their children to take part-another time perhaps.
• September 2023 Applications
• We will hold our Open Afternoon on Tuesday 7^th February from 2.00-3.00. If you wish to enrol your child in Clontibret NS or know anyone who wishes to enrol with us for next year 2023/24, please invite them to come along on that afternoon or contact the office for an application form, 047 80865 or by email: clontibretns@gmail.com.  Thank you for sharing the information on social media. The closing date for applications is 31^st
• Hot Lunches €3 (on Fridays) will continue as usual. Please order and bring in the money on Tuesdays.        
• Menu as follows:

3/2                   Goujon Roll

10/2                 Sausage in a Bap

17^th February – Mid Term

24/2                 Chicken Curry & Rice

3/3                   Goujon Roll

10/3                 Sausage in a Bap

17^th March – St. Patrick’s Day

24/3                 Mince & Pasta

Collaborative Art and Current Projects

The Junior and senior pupils came together to work on a collaborative art project on Tuesday 24^th January. We discussed different ways of sprinkling kindness in school and at home. We then decorated huge doughnuts and sprinkled on kind deeds. An older child sat with a child from the younger room. It was fun chatting together while being creative and our doughnuts look good too! We all came together again for Buddy Reading on Friday 27^th. We sat in pairs and read our books to each other. The senior pupils also visited the junior pupils as the juniors were teaching the older children how to use Book Creator on the Ipads! Ms Hall’s pupils have written, illustrated and narrated wonderful Irish books based on Aimsir-The Weather.

3^rd to 6^th Class have been busy learning about the many countries, varied landscapes and wild life in Europe. We have created digital Holiday Brochures about interesting places to visit in Europe. Hopefully we will visit some of these places in the future!

Dates for your Diary – School Closed

St. Brigid’s Day                          Monday 6^th February

Mid-term break                                    Thursday/Friday 16^th /17^th February

St. Patrick’s Day                       Friday 17^th March

Teacher Training Day             Monday 20^th March

Easter Holidays                         School will close at 12 noon on Friday 31^st March

School will reopen on Monday 17^th April 2023.

January Newsletter 2023

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

Upcoming Events and Activities:

• There will be a Diocesan Big Sing in Muckno Church of Ireland Church, Castleblayney on Sunday 29^th January at 7.00pm. They are looking for musical contributions for the evening.  As our pupils performed so well at Christmas I thought we could volunteer to sing 1 piece at the service – if your child is willing and available to sing on 29^th January at 7pm please let me know ASAP so we can start practising!
• Each Friday this term P.E. will take place so please wear tracksuits and runners.
• Hot Lunches €3 (on Fridays) will continue as usual. Please order and bring in the money on Tuesdays.        
• Menu as follows:

6/1/23           Goujon Roll

13/1               Chicken Curry & Rice

20/1               Sausage in a Bap

27/1               Mince & Potatoes

3/2                 Goujon Roll

10/2               Sausage in a Bap

17^th February – Mid Term

24/2               Chicken Curry & Rice

3/3                 Goujon Roll

10/3               Sausage in a Bap

17^th March – St. Patrick’s Day

24/3               Mince & Pasta

September 2023 Applications

We will hold our Open Afternoon on Wednesday 8^th February from 2.00-3.00 If you wish to enrol your child in Clontibret NS or know anyone who wishes to enrol with us for next year 2023/24, please come along on that afternoon or contact the office for an application form, 047 80865 or by email:  clontibretns@gmail.com.  The closing date for applications is 31^st  March.

The Carol Service                    By Leah & Reuben

On Sunday 11^th December we held our Carol Service and Nativity Play in St. Colman’s Church.  Our families all came to the service.  We had been practising for weeks and it turned out really well.  We were all dressed up in costumes.  The church was full and there was a great atmosphere.  Everyone loved our Nativity Play as it reminded us of the birth of Jesus.  It was nerve wrecking being at the front of the church as it had been so long since we had done anything like that but it was an exciting time to get out again.  There was tea afterwards for everyone.

The Pantomime                       By Lenex and Joshua

On Monday the 12^th December the school travelled to the theatre in Armagh to see the Pantomime ‘Cinderella’.  We were there in good time and got our seats.  4^th, 5^th and 6^th Class got side seats in the theatre. The story was different from the normal Cinderella.  It was very funny and we shouted lots.  Buttons was Cinderella’s friend and we shouted out to help him when he was in danger.  The pop singer was called Prince and was trying to write a new song.   Poor Cinderella didn’t get out much, although she had Buttons who helped her with the housework.  Her two horrible cousins and evil aunt made her do all the housework, and there was no chance she’d be going to the big party at the palace…. Or was there?  Along came her fairy godmother who helped her get there.  Prince wanted Cinderella to help him with his song but as midnight came near Cinderella had to rush home and lost a shoe.  Prince searches for her and she joins him in writing songs for the band.  Her friend Buttons eventually asks her to marry him after many attempts.  We had to shout his name during the pantomime if anyone went near the ring when he hid it.  We really enjoyed our day out and everyone brought a snack and we had our lunch when we came back to school.

Christmas Party                       By Holly and Bella

On the 21^st December, the last day of term we had the Christmas party.  We wore our Christmas jumpers.  We played lots of games including ‘last over the mat’ and ‘musical chairs/statues’.  The best pose or best dance got some chocolate as a prize.  We watched the film ‘Pinocchio’.  Santa came and brought us all presents.  We were all so pleased with what we got.  We got colour in pillows and markers, the boys in our classes got footballs.    5^th and 6^th did a Secret Santa and we got some lovely presents.  At lunch time we ate sweets and more sweets.  We went home at 12.  It was a great day and we enjoyed it so much.

Dates for your Diary – School Closed

St. Brigid’s Day                          Monday 6^th February

Mid-term break                                    Thursday/Friday 16^th /17^th February

St. Patrick’s Day                       Friday 17^th March

Easter Holidays                         School will close at 12 noon on Friday 31^st March

School will reopen on Monday 17^th April 2023.

                                                                                  December 2022

Dear Parent,

• The Carol Service will be held in St. Colman’s Clontibret on Sunday 11^th December at 3.30pm. Could all children be at the church by 10pm please?
• On Monday 12^th December, we will travel to the Market Place Theatre for the Christmas Pantomime Cinderella. The cost per child is €10 each; please forward this to school asap.
• Christmas jumpers may be worn on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday 19^th, 20^th and 21^st
• School will close on Wednesday 21^st December at 12 noon and will reopen on Thursday 5^th January 2023.

World Cup

We would like to thank Aaron and Daniel who have updated our World Cup fixtures daily in the school.  This has sparked interesting conversations about countries who have qualified to play in the World Cup.  We’ve also had an opportunity to learn more about Qatar, the host country.

Shared Education

Junior Infants – 3^rd Class have been enjoying time with Our Lady’s and St. Mochua’s Primary School, Derrynoose. 

On Thursday 10^th November we travelled by bus to Rossmore Forest Park to join the children of Derrynoose P.S. for some outdoor activities.  We got into pairs and walked to the play park.  We all played together and got to know the children from Derrynoose.  We went on the zip line and the pizza swing and pushed each other high.  We went on the table spinner and climbed to the top of the spider web.  We also played catch.  We enjoyed the trip to Rossmore.

On the Wednesday 23^rd November we travelled to Our Lady’s and St. Mochua’s Primary School, Derrynoose.  When we arrived we were divided into groups.  The 1^st group played outside and the 2^nd group played inside.  After our lunch break we swapped around.  Outside we had fun on the bikes, sand pit, mud kitchen, stone pit and searching for insects with a magnifying glass.  Indoors we played with play dough, small world, painting, drawing and mobilo.  We had an exciting day at Derrynoose P.S.  It was the first time, Junior Infants, Senior Infants and 1^st Class had taken part in Shared Education.  When we were finished we went back to school on the bus.

By Bonnie and Rhys.

Monaghan Science Fair

On Monday 7^th November we travelled to the Garage Theatre to take part in the Monaghan Science Fair.  We learned about atmosphere and global warming.  We learned that there is more water than land covering the earth.  The scientist asked for volunteers to help with experiments.  There were lots of schools there.  One boy helped to mix 2 colours of water together but they didn’t mix and one went to the bottom of the glass and one to the top of it.  It made a fog and it came out of the top of the glass.  Another pupil used the fog in a bottle, she pumped air into it.  She shook it and the fog came out through a hole.  Noah and another girl had to send water balloons to each other on a rope.  They had to get 6 balloons into 6 cups.  Mrs. Cosgrove and the other teacher had to hold a rope.  When the girl put the balloon on the rope Noah had to pull the rope.  The scientist was spraying water over them to show there was bad weather.  They didn’t manage to get all the balloons into the cups.  In the last experiment the scientist put air into Peppa Pig and when she had enough air in it, the head popped off.  We had a good morning at the Science Fair.

By Aaron

Isaiah 9:6 – For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

 November Newsletter 2022

Welcome Back

We would like to welcome you all back after the mid-term break and hope you enjoyed your time off. 

Cash for Clobber

Our clothes collection will be collected tomorrow, Tuesday 8^th November.  You can leave clothes in this afternoon or in the morning.

Hope Shoe Box Appeal

Our shoe boxes will be collected tomorrow, Tuesday 8^th November.

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. Since 2010, with your help, we have delivered over 2.1 million Shoebox gifts to Vulnerable Children across the world.

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.

Congratulations

Holly had been competing at Mullaghmore Equestrian Centre over the midterm break for our school in the School League.  She got placed first twice on Lawrence.  Well done Holly!!

Science Workshop

The Senior Classroom have attended a Science Workshop in the Garage Theatre this morning for Science Week.

Shared Education

• Junior Infants – 3^rd Class will join with Our Lady’s and St. Mochua’s Primary School, Derrynoose for an Autumn walk in Muckno on Thursday 10^th Bring warm coats and wellies.
• Junior infants -3^rd Class will also have an Outdoor Activity Play Day in Our Lady’s and St. Mochua’s Primary School, Derrynoose on Wednesday 23^rd

Internet Safety

The Senior Room will have an Internet Safety Workshop in School on Wednesday morning 10^th November at 11.30 with REIM.

Parent/Teacher Meetings

We plan to hold our Parent/Teacher Meetings on Wednesday 23^rd November.  All pupils will go home at 2.00pm sharp, as Parent/Teacher meetings will commence at 2.05pm. 

We plan to offer the choice of an appointment in person or a phone call appointment.  Reply to this email so we know you have received it and let us know which appointment you would prefer. 

New email address: clontibretnsmeetings@gmail.com

P.E.

P.E. will continue on Friday this term.  Remember to wear your tracksuits and runners.

Book Rental & Brennan Insurance

Thank you to those who have sent in their Book Rental Money.  €60 per child is due before the end of November.  Some Brennan Insurance is still outstanding; please forward €5.30 per child asap.

School Carol Service

This will be held in St. Colman’s Clontibret on Sunday 11^th December at 3.30pm

Pantomime

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

Christmas Holidays

School will close on Wednesday 21^st December at 12.00 for the Christmas break and re-open on Thursday 5^th January 2023.

School Policies

Several policies including the Child Safeguarding Statement have been reviewed at the BoM meeting on 24/10/22 and have been updated to the school website.

Hot Lunch Menu – €3 – Please remember to bring your lunch money to school on the Tuesday.

11/11          Goujon roll

18/11          Chicken curry & rice

25/11          Mince and potatoes

2/12            Goujon roll

9/12            Chicken curry & rice                          

16/12          Sausage in a bap

October 2022

Clothes Collection

We hope to have a Clothes Collection for second hand clothes, shoes and household textiles (not duvets or pillows) on Tuesday 8^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.  Please bring the clothes into school on the Monday or Tuesday morning.

Book Rental and Insurance 

Thank you very much if you have already paid your book rental and school insurance.  €60 per child for the book rental and €5.30 for school insurance, which covers your child during school hours is now due.

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

7/10                 Goujon roll

14/10               Chicken curry & rice

21/10               Mince and pasta

28/10               Sausage in a bap

            Midterm                     

11/11               Goujon roll

18/11               Chicken curry & rice

25/11               Mince and potatoes

2/12                 Goujon roll

Parent/Teacher Meetings

We hope to have Parent Teacher Meetings on Wednesday 23^rd November.  More details will be available after the half term holiday.  If this does not suit please let us know.

School Carol Service

This will be held in St. Colman’s Clontibret on Sunday 11^th December at 3.30pm

Pantomime

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

Dates for Your Diary

Halloween Half Term             School is closed Monday 31^st October-Friday 4^th November. 

                                                School will re-open on Monday 7^th November.

                                                                                    ********

Samba drumming in Monaghan Museum

On Friday September 23^rd the senior room went on a bus to Monaghan Museum to learn Samba Drumming.  There were 2 other schools with us.  We all got to play our own instruments.  There were different types of drums and they also had bells.  We learned rhythm and the man sang songs and we got the beat of the tune.  He divided us into groups and gave us different lengths and colours of pipes.  He  pointed at different groups and we hit them off our hands to make a rhythm.  Our hands were sore after that!  We all had different instruments and we made a band.  He sang funny songs about our Dad and our Granny and we played our instruments in time to his singing.  We really enjoyed our morning Samba Drumming.

By Daniel and Reuben

Heritage Walk around Monaghan

On Friday 23^rd after we left the museum we went across to the Market House.  Both sides of the walls had the same patterns.  We walked down to the Diamond and looked at the Courthouse.  We went over to the Rossmore Monument and went into it and looked at the fountain in it.  We walked down Dublin Street to Old Cross Square and walked around it.  On the way back to the bus we went to the Dawson Monument.  It is a tall monument.  We had a very interesting morning in Monaghan looking at the buildings and monuments that we’ve been learning about in class.

By Danielle 

Pumpkin Patch Visit

On Friday 30^th September we brought our wellies to school.  We went to the pumpkin field and there were lots of pumpkins – green ones and white ones.  We looked around the pumpkins.  Then we got some strawberries to eat.  We went into the tunnel where they grow and there were also onions.  We went into a big field where we saw carrots and maize growing.  We also saw corn on the cob.    Joe the farmer pulled some carrots for us.  We got our wellies washed and went back to school.  We had lots of fun at the pumpkin field.

By Joel

Mé Féin Books on ipads

Last week we made Irish books on the ipad all about ourselves.  We went into the Book Creator and teacher showed us how to open a page, change the colour of it, change the writing and the size of it and put emojis on the page.  We changed the page and did normal writing in our books and then copied it onto the ipad.  When we copied our story, we recorded our stories by pressing a button.  We could then listen to our voices reading the story.  I enjoyed the work on the ipads.  It was great fun.

By Bonnie

P.E. with Brian

Every Friday Brian Parker from the Faith Mission comes and takes us for P.E.  At the moment we are playing soccer.  He starts with a warm up and then we play a game of dodge ball.  He brings in a jersey each week which stands for something and is related to a Bible story.  We all listen quietly on the benches.  Then we finish with a match where we are divided into teams.  It’s a nice way to finish off the week.

By Leah

Ms. Lyster

Ms. Lyster is a great teacher.  She teaches most subjects.  In Irish we are learning about sa bhaile and scoil.  In Geography we are learning about Italy.  We found out that a King only lasted 32 days.  In History the Romans attacked Wales, England and Scotland but didn’t come to Ireland because it was too wet.  We were learning about the Roman soldiers.  The priest was known as the Equestrian.  The women made the clothes for their families.  They also did quite a bit of cooking.  The Romans believed in lots of gods.  The masters of the Roman Empire made the slaves do all the work.  In English we are reading Charlotte’s Web.  This morning we were writing stories.  I’m enjoying 5th Class this year.

By Holly

September 2022

Welcome

We are delighted to welcome everyone back this term and a special welcome to Tara, Lenox and Bella.  We hope and pray that they will settle in quickly and enjoy many happy days in our school community.  Regrettably Mrs Joy Gilmour has resigned from the teaching staff and we are delighted to inform you that Ms Claire Hall is now a permanent assistant teacher.

• We are developing our library area with a Department Grant for new library books. We really want to encourage the children to develop their interest in reading and hope they will allow their imaginations to enjoy new worlds through the magical worlds of books.
• We have also purchased six new ipads and 1 headset/child with the Department IT Grant. Each child will be responsible for their own headset and it’s important they do not get damaged.  Pupils will be asked to replace their headset if they break it on purpose.  The ipads will be useful for project work, accessing information, audio books educational games etc.
• 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 and cream crackers.  No sweets, biscuits, chocolate, crisps or fizzy drinks from Monday – Friday please.  A small sweet treat is allowed on Friday.  Hot lunches will continue each Friday this year again starting on Friday 9^th September – €3/per child.  Please send the money in on Tuesday so the food can be ordered.  Children do not have to participate each week.

Menu –

9^th Sept – Chicken Curry and chips

16^th Sept – Goujons and wedges

23^rd Sept – Mince and potatoes

30^th Sept – Sausage in a bap

• It is important that all pupils go outside to play every day at lunchtime. 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 attach names to school uniforms as sometimes jumpers can be misplaced.
• The photographer is coming on Monday 19^th September – younger family members are welcome to come in for family photographs.
• Top Line Markings have printed new playground games on our yard over the holidays which we hope will encourage the children to have fun at break times.
• All 1^st-6^th class children should now be collected at 2.50pm. children may arrive at school between 9.00-9.20am.
• School transport is available for free this year within the catchment area. If you are interested in applying for school transport, do it quickly as there is lots of room available on the school bus and we will lose our bus if it is not used.
• E. will be on Fridays. P.E. clothes and runners should be worn then.
• You may purchase insurance cover on a ‘compulsory’ basis whereby all pupils in school are insured for €5.30 each where cover is limited to School Related Activities only. We have used this insurance cover for several years and we feel it is the best cover out there at the moment for school pupils.
• It will cost €60/child to rent books and workbooks for the school year. This includes photocopying and contributions towards P.E. coaches.   Pupils need to take good care of readers and text books that will be used every year.  This should be paid before 28^th October 2022.
• 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

School Holiday List 2022-2023

School Will Reopen: Wednesday 31^st August 2022

Halloween Half Term: School Closed Monday 31^st Oct – 4^th November

School Will Reopen: Monday 7^th November 2022

Christmas Holidays: School will close at 12 noon on Wednesday 21^st   December 2022

School Will Reopen: Thursday 5^th January 2023

Spring Half Term: School closed on Thurs & Fri 16^th & 17^th February 2023

St. Brigid’s Day:  Monday 6^th February 2023

St. Patrick’s Day: Friday 17^th March 2023

Easter Holidays: School will close at 12 noon on Friday 31^st March 2023

School Will Reopen: Monday 17^th April 2023

School Closed:  1^st May – Bank Holiday

                            5^th June – Bank Holiday

Summer Holidays: School will close at 12 on Friday 23^rd June 2023

June Newsletter 2022

We are nearing the end of a busy 2021/22 school year – our first full year in 3 years.  The senior pupils have produced a wide variety of projects based on life during The Stone Age, The Bronze Age, The Celts, The Land of Saints and Scholars, The Vikings, The Egyptians, The Incas in Peru, Rocks and Soils, The Physical Geography of Ireland, Scandinavian  Countries, Ukraine, Peru, The Amazon Rainforest.  The junior room pupils have had exciting Aistear adventures based on camping, pirates, the zoo, school, space, the cafe, Christmas at the ­­­­Post Office, sports shop, garden centre, the estate agent.  We have enjoyed trips to Muckno Adventure Centre, The Marble Arch Caves, The National Museum of Ireland, Dublinia, (Burger King), a local Nature Walk and we are looking forward to visiting Air-tastic in Craigavon next week.

The junior room are having a teddy bear’s picnic tomorrow Wednesday 15^th and teddies are invited.

We hope to bring the junior room to Erica’s Fairy Forest on Monday 20^th June.  Take a packed lunch and coat if needed.

Wednesday the 22^nd 6^th class are going on a mystery tour.   Bring a packed lunch and a coat/sun cream – weather dependant.  

All the children have worked hard at improving their literacy and numeracy skills over the year.  We have also been encouraging our positive emotions through the Weaving Well Being Programme and keeping active through a wide variety of P.E. activities including soccer, rounders, swimming, dancing, GAA and athletic skills.

Thank you parents for your support of the pupils and school throughout the year.  We hope we will have a dry and maybe even warm night for our BBQ next Tuesday evening.  Please invite any families, friends or grandparents who may like to come along on the evening.

Dates for your Diary

Tuesday 21^st June         School BBQ at

Thursday 23^rd June      School tour to Air-tastic, Craigavon

Friday 24^th June           School closes for summer at 12.00

31^st August                             School re-opens

School Holiday List 2022-2023

School Will Reopen: Wednesday 31^st August 2022

Halloween Half Term: School Closed Monday 31^st Oct – 4^th November

School Will Reopen: Monday 7^th November 2022

Christmas Holidays: School will close at 12 noon on Wednesday 21^st   December 2022

School Will Reopen: Thursday 5^th January 2023

Spring Half Term: School closed on Thurs & Fri 16^th & 17^th February 2023

St. Brigid’s Day:  Monday 6^th February 2023

St. Patrick’s Day: Friday 17^th March 2023

Easter Holidays: School will close at 12 noon on Friday 31^st March 2023

School Will Reopen: Monday 17^th April 2023

School Closed:  1^st May – Bank Holiday

                            5^th June – Bank Holiday

Summer Holidays: School will close at 12 on Friday 23^rd June 2023

Clontibret N.S. Newsletter

April 2022

Ukraine Appeal

We want to sincerely thank everyone for their donations for the Ukraine appeal last month.  We raised €200 which was sent to Rachel Graham (Starfish Programme) from Ballynahinch, Co. Down and who for several years has taken teams out to the Ukraine to help in orphanages with young children who have been literally left on the orphanage doorstep.  Money has been sent into the Ukraine to the Pastors helping the refugees fleeing west and some money has also been sent to people who are now living abroad.  They have purchased items to send on a lorry that will be travelling into Chernivsy next weekend and will be collected and distributed to the churches.  

Pamela Carleton is asking if we would contribute to a food collection for Ukraine by this Friday 8^th April.  She would bring it to Armagh on Saturday where it will also go to help those in desperate need.  Colin Tinsley from Hope For Youth Ministries has already sent out 41 40-foot lorries of aid to help the victims of the conflict in Ukraine.  He is now organising another collection  – this time for food.  Long life food – tins of food (meat, beans, peas, carrots etc.), cereal, pot noodles, sweets, pasta and rice would be much appreciated.  

Create a Bee-autiful Garden And Save The Bees

Supervalu are working in partnership with Tidy Towns committees to improve pollination in Ireland and Save The Bees.  One third of the food we eat is pollinated by bees, yet 30% of our Irish bees are in danger of becoming extinct. Super Valu  have created a pack to help inform and guide us on how we can help Save The Bees.  They have included guide books and posters which contain pollination information and guidelines.  They have also included 2 packs of pollinator friendly flower seeds for the bees to enjoy.  Super Valu have also developed ‘Save The Bees’ school collection cards, available at your local Super Valu.  If you shop in Super Valu ask for these collection cards at the til as we are collecting them as we will be in with a chance to will a share of €50, 000.00.  Find out more about this campaign by visiting SuperValu.ie.

Swimming

Swimming lessons will commence for all pupils after Easter on Friday 29^th April for 8 weeks.  The lesson is from 1.00-1.50pm.  We will leave school at 12.15pm and be back at 2.40pm approx.  P.E. clothes should be worn.  Staffs 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 1.50pm 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.  You can pay the full amount or weekly on a Tuesday. 

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.

Our World 2050

The children have all written a book about what they think life will be like in 2050.  The books are with the publisher at the moment and we are excited to see their work in print.

Engineering Week

Recently we held an Engineering Week in School.  The whole school took part and we had a very interesting week.  The Senior Room had a choice of constructing a boat, crane or a bridge.  The Junior Room had a choice of making what they wanted.  The pupils had to speak about what they had made, what was the hardest and easiest part and what they enjoyed most about it.

Trip to Dublin by Zara

On Friday 1^st April we went to Dublin to the National Museum of Ireland, Kildare Street. First we got off the bus and took a quick photo, then we went in and saw the Egyptian treasures, we saw a sarcophagus.  We saw the mummified cat.  Then we went downstairs and saw the gold, we saw the lunula and the big wooden boat.  We saw all the beautiful jewellery and beads.  We were very interested to see the Ardagh Chalice and the Tara Brooch.  In the next room we all wanted to see the bog bodies which were preserved.  Next we went to see the pottery and canopic jars.  After the museum we went for a walk in St. Stephen’s Green Park while we waited for the bus.  Then we went to Dublinia.  When we arrived we waited outside for our guide to come.  First we went inside and the guide told us some Viking facts.  We saw some Viking helmets and spear heads.  We saw the clothes and shoes they wore.  We saw the simple house they lived in with a fire in the centre with no windows or chimney.  There was a young girl sitting in the corner.  We saw their feathers and daggers.  Once we left Dunlinia we got on the bus and went to Burger King.  I got chicken nuggets, chips and coke and it was really, really nice.   I had a really fun day in Dublin.

Our Trip to Dublin by Noah

As we travelled into Dublin we saw the famine statues along the River Liffey.  First we went to the National Museum of Ireland on Kildare Street.  We saw lunulas and torcs.  At the Egyptian room I saw discs, canopic jars and sarcophagus. The chainmail helmet was a Viking helmet and it was very heavy.  We saw some skeletons with different body parts missing, like heads, stomachs, brains and legs.  We also went to a Viking adventure museum called Dunlinia.  Our guide told us that he named a skeleton Maggie.  Also at the start we saw a longship and the Vikings were the first people to introduce coins to Ireland.  There was a very big sword that looked like a cross.  We also saw some spears and axe heads in the museum.   There was a display of bells including St. Patrick’s bell.  Lots of people died from the Black Death which they caught from rats which died from it.  They had lice and when the rats died the lice would jump onto you and would bite you and then you would have the Black Death.  You only have 3 days to live and you would have a cross on your door so people would know not to go in.  You stayed in your house and spent time with your family before you die.  Leprosy was another disease they caught.  You were given a bell and you would ring it so people knew you had it.  On the way home we got to go to Burger King.  We had a great day in Dublin.

Dates for your diary:

Friday 8^th April                                         Easter Closing

Monday 25^th April                                    Reopening after Easter Holidays

Monday 2^nd May                                        Bank Holiday school closed

Monday 6^th June                                       Bank Holiday school closed

Friday 24^th June                                       Summer Holidays school closing

Matthew 28:5 – 7 The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.”

March Newsletter 2022

• We are delighted to welcome Elea and Jake Lowey who have joined the pupils in the Junior Room this week. We hope they will settle happily in Clontibret NS.
• We were delighted with how well everyone participated in dressing up for World Book Day. Little Red Riding Hood, The Cat in the Hat, Spiderman, the Wimpy Kid, Mr. Happy, Antonio, Bob the Builder, Farmers Bunce, Bean & Bogus, Barry from the Sandman, Willy Wonka, The Golden Ticket, Matilda, The Ugly Sisters, Bear Grylls, Cat Woman, Lego Man, Mr. Bean, Dorothy form the Wizard of Oz, a jockey from Palomino Ponies, Emily from Charlotte’s Web, Mary Poppins, Stanley from Holes and Cinderella all made an appearance.
• A big thank you to Mrs Cosgrove and Sandra for making everyone delicious pancakes on Shrove Tuesday.

• We are celebrating Engineering Week in school this week and looking forward to seeing all the children’s designs and creations on Friday.
• ABP Clones donated and planted 6 trees on the school grounds on Monday – they were all native Irish trees – Sycamore, Hazel, Ash and Alder.
• Next week we are looking forward to doing some special Irish activities for Seachtain na Gaeilge.
• The Senior Room are going on an educational trip to Dublin on Friday 1^st We hope to visit the National Museum on Kildare Street where we will see artefacts from The Stone Age, Bronze Age, Iron Age/Celts, Early Christian Age in Ireland, The Vikings and The Egyptians.                                                                                                                  We have been learning about these ages during History this year.  We also hope to visit Dublinia – The Viking Experience.  It will be a busy day and the pupils will need a large packed lunch.  We hope to leave early at 8.40am and we won’t be home until 4.30 so it will be a long day but hopefully enjoyable.  As this is an educational trip it will be free for all pupils.
• School Closures

School will be closed for Teacher Training on Wednesday16^th March and Thursday and Friday 17^th and 18^th March for St. Patrick’s Day.                                                                                                                      School will close at 3pm on Friday 8^th April for the Easter Holidays and re-open on Monday 25^th April.

• P.E. clothes are to be worn on Thursdays as Rosita will be coming to teach Dance starting this Thursday.

Friday Hot Lunches:

11/3  Chicken Curry

25/3  Mince and potatoes/pasta

1/4    Sausage in a bap

8/4    Goujon Roll

                                           February 2022 Newsletter

• During February we completed our project based on the Duchas.ie School Heritage website. We read lots of stories that had been written by the pupils and teachers of Clontibret NS, Crieve NS and other local school during the late 1930s.  We found out about farm life, old customs and traditions, weather lore, fairy forts and life during the famine in our locality.  It was all very interesting and we learned a lot.  We then wrote our own stories and information about life in modern day Ireland.  You can find our stories on our website, clontibretns.com.
• I regret that Covid has finally arrived in Clontibret NS. We wish everyone who is ill a speedy recovery and we hope school life will return to normal after the mid-term break.  The Government is recommending the end of Covid restrictions from 28^th  The wearing of masks will be optional.  Social distancing precautions will end.  Our air filtration system will be in operation.  This is all excellent news and we will celebrate by having pancakes on Shrove Tuesday 1^st March.
• On 3^rd March it is World Book Day and we are encouraging the pupils to dress up as a Book Character for the school day. We would encourage the children to use their imagination to make interesting outfits.  We will have a “Character Catwalk” where each pupil can describe their character and why they chose their character.  We hope to do other fun Book related activities throughout the day.

Examples:

Characters-: Denis the Menace, Fantastic Mr Fox, Where’s Wally, Gangsta Granny, Horrid Henry, Mr Strong or Little Miss Sunshine

Princess Costumes-: Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Snow White, Beauty and the Beast, The Paper Bag Princess, Ella Enchanted, The Princess and the Pig

Pirate Costumes-: The Night Pirates, Do Pirates Take Baths?, Shiver Me Letters, The Pirates Next Door

Animal/Bird Costume-: Pete the Cat books, If You Give a Cat a Cupcake, Cat in the Hat, Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus, The Ugly Duckling, Chicken Little, Centipede from James and the Giant Peach, The Very Hungry Caterpillar,

Rabbit Ears-: Peter Rabbit, Velveteen Rabbit, Benjamin Bunny, Pat the Bunny

Dress and White Apron-: Alice in Wonderland, Snow White, Cinderella

• Teacher Training for New Language Curriculum will take place on Wednesday 16^th March, therefore school will be closed.
• Friday Lunch Menu as follows:

4/3    Goujon Roll

11/3  Chicken Curry

25/3  Mince and potatoes/pasta

1/4    Goujon Roll

18/4  Sausage in a bap

Dates for your diary

School will be closed for half term on Thursday 24th and Friday 25^th of February.

School will also be closed on Wednesday 16^th, Thursday 17^th and Friday 18^th March for Teacher Training/St. Patrick’s Day/extra Bank Holiday.

School will close at 3pm on Friday 8^th April for the Easter Holidays and re-open on Monday 25^th April.