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 

      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