Christmas Newsletter 2025

Nollaig Shona daoibh go léir!

Dear Parents/Guardians,

Welcome to the Christmas edition of our Newsletter.

Clashmore National School is like a Winter Wonderland with Christmas decorations galore and the festive cheer everywhere. The Christmas spirit has truly arrived.

As the first term draws to a close, I would like to pay tribute to our wonderful staff and Board of Management who continuously go above and beyond the call of duty for our school.

I wish to also acknowledge our excellent Parents` Association who work tirelessly and continuously to support the school. And last but not least, I wish to sincerely thank all of the boys and girls in Clashmore National School, who always do their best and are great ambassadors for the school.

I was especially proud, as I watched them recently practicing for their upcoming Christmas performances. Well done boys and girls!  I hope that you enjoy reading about all of the activities that have been taking place during the months of November and December in our school.

1. School Attendance

As a DEIS rural school, improving our overall attendance is a top priority for us. Since September our overall attendance has improved in comparison to last year. I am delighted to announce that this pattern has extended to our attendance in November. Our attendance has improved from 95.9% in November 2024 to 96.1% this past November, an improvement of 0.2%. I am extremely heartened by the continued improvement in attendance month on month, since September and I hope to see this pattern continue. So well done to all involved. I would like to congratulate our Junior and Senior Infants for the best attendance for the month of November, maith sibh a pháistí!

2. Extra-Curricular Activities

• Science Week: All classes celebrated Science Week this year with many wonderful experiments taking place between the 9th-16th November.
• Cycling Lessons: 5th & 6th class have been enjoying 4 weeks of cycling lessons and road safety when cycling.
• GAA: The children have been engaging in both football and hurling sessions with Mary O`Rourke and they are thoroughly enjoying these sessions. For the next 3 weeks leading up to the Christmas break, Barry Dunne will be doing football with the children.
• The Daily Mile:  This year, we are aiming to travel to all of the East coast stadiums, as part of the FIFA World Cup 2026 a total of 6,859kms!  To this end, the children have accumulated an impressive 1,257 kilometres already, so they are well on their way! Maith sibh a pháistí.
• Visit to Youghal Library: We were delighted to bring the children for a visit to Youghal Library on the 4th November (Juniors-2nd Class) and the 11th November (3rd-6th Class). This visit is one of the actions we have taken to help increase reading for enjoyment amongst the children. It was a great day, enjoyed by all.
• Visit from the Heritage Council: All classes enjoyed another visit from Heritage Council expert Antony Galvin on the 1st December. Each class enjoyed seasonal stories given by Anthony as a Christmas Seanchaí.
• Return Bin: We have now purchased our 4th box of Lego Spike from the proceeds of our Return bin. I would like to sincerely thank all of the parents and family members who supported our Return Bin and also those that donated to this cause. Moving forward, all funds raised from the bin will go towards purchasing new Irish resources.

3. The Climate Action Summer Works Programme

We were delighted to be successful with our application submitted under the Climate Action Summer Works Programme. We were one of only 2 primary schools to have been successful in Waterford. This grant will cover the following external upgrades to the school including replacing the tarmacadam surface at the rear of the school, lining, land drainage, kerbing, soak pit, new basketball hoops/nets, cavity wall insulation and preparatory works for an EV charger and a bike rack. These upgrades will be hugely beneficial for the school and for the children in particular.

4. Upcoming Christmas Activities

• Christmas Shoebox Appeal: The gift of giving is very much alive in Clashmore National School, as we had a great response to the Christmas Shoebox Appeal this year. Many thanks as always for your generosity.
• Christmas Jumper Swop: As a Green School, we are aiming to be promote sustainability particularly with the circular economy. It is with this sentiment in mind, that 5th & 6th class are organising the Christmas Jumper Swop again this year. They are now accepting Christmas Jumpers and the Swop will take place in the coming weeks.
• Christmas Jumper Day: We will hold our annual Christmas Jumper Day on Wednesday the 17th December in aid of The Lions Club in Dungarvan. Please note, that the fee for this fundraiser has already been paid.
• Trip to Dungarvan Cinema: This year we will be supporting local, by bringing all of the children to Dungarvan Cinema on Wednesday the 17th December.

5. Christmas Concerts/Performances on 11th December

This year the school will host Christmas Concerts by Junior & Senior Infants and 3rd & 4th Class. All other classes will perform some Christmas carols in the school hall on Thursday the 11th December beginning at 6:30pm. Please note that there will be a charge on the night for all adults (€10 per adult), children will have free entry. The entry cost will also cover refreshments on the night. Entry can be paid on the night. This is not a ticketed event. There will also be a raffle on the night. Most importantly, it is a fundraiser for the Parents` Association. All funds raised on the night will go towards funding resources, buses and various equipment needed by the school. For the first time in many, many, years this event will be recorded. Recordings can then be purchased by parents through the school. We look forward to a truly wonderful night.

6. Important Dates for Your Diary

• 19th December: The school will close at 12 o`clock for the Christmas Holidays.
• 5th January 2026: The school re-opens after the Christmas Break.
• 28th January & 29th April 2026: The school will be closed to facilitate staff training in The New Curriculum.
• Saturday 16th May First Holy Communion will be celebrated at 11am in Clashmore Church.

Finally, on my own behalf and that of The Board of Management, Staff and pupils of Clashmore National School, I would like to wish you all a very Happy Christmas and a joyous New Year.

Le gach beannacht uaimse,

Yvonne Uí Fhlaithimhín

Principal of Clashmore National School