February Newsletter 2025

Dear Parents/Guardians,

Welcome to the February edition of our Newsletter. Thankfully Spring has finally arrived. The weather is looking up, the evenings are longer and the blossoms of Spring are evident all around us. As always, we have had a very busy February.

The children enjoyed celebrating St. Brigid`s Day by making a St. Brigid`s Cross in the senior classes and listening to stories and songs about St. Brigid in the Junior end of the school. I am delighted to inform you that we have received a second furniture grant for the school. As a result, we have received new display boards, new filing cabinets and new furniture for the staff room.

I am equally delighted to announce that Youghal Credit Union have given us €750 to fund the purchase of 2 Lego Spike Boxes for STEM development in the school. I would like to sincerely thank Youghal Credit Union for their support.

Equally, I wish to thank all of you who have very kindly donated plastic bottles/cans to our return bin. To date, we have raised €100 from this endeavour. All funds raised will be used to purchase new P.E. equipment, so a huge thank you to everyone involved.

School Attendance

Being a DEIS Rural School, school attendance is still a top priority for us. Remember that ‘Everyday Counts’ in terms of attendance for your child(ren). The overall attendance rate for February was 94.5%, an increase of 0.3% on last year. Huge congratulations go to Junior & Senior Infants who won Class of the Month for Attendance for February. Well done boys & girls!

Clashmore National School Parents’ Association

Our wonderful Parents’ Association are currently undertaking two fundraising events:

• A Clothes Collection (bags can be dropped daily to the school)
• A Quiz in the Old Still on Friday 7th March at 7pm

Funds raised will be used to purchase new iPads for the school.

Wellness Week 10th-14th February

Thanks to the Student Council for organising the first-ever Wellness Week, including additional P.E. and a mindful movements class with Gail Beacham. It was a wonderful week enjoyed by all, and it will now be an annual event.

Smart Phone Charter

61% of our families have signed up to the Smart Phone Charter to date.

Sacramental Preparation

• Enrolment Ceremony 30th January for 2nd class
• Enrolment & Commitment Ceremony 13th February for 5th & 6th class
• First Penance Service 5th March

Extra-Curricular Activities

• The Blast Programme – Ceramics lessons for Junior – 2nd class
• Youghal Radio School Course – Fully funded course for 3rd-6th class
• Ficheall Tournament – One team has advanced to the next stage
• Swimming – 3rd-6th class lessons concluding on 10th March
• The Daily Mile – 1947km travelled so far towards New York City

World Book Day 6th March

Children can dress up as their favourite character and bring their favourite book. Each child will receive a book token.

School Facebook Account

The school will be launching a Facebook account soon.

Enrolments for the 2025-2026 School Year

We are accepting enrolments. Contact our secretary Laura Barron at clashmorens19@gmail.com or phone 024-96404.

Important Dates

• Wednesday 5th March – First Penance
• Monday 17th March – Bank Holiday (School Closed)
• Monday 24th March – Confirmation at Clashmore Church (10am)
• Friday 11th April – School closes at 12:00 for Easter Holidays
• Saturday 24th May – First Holy Communion at Clashmore Church (11am)

Le gach beannacht uaimse,

Yvonne Uí Fhlaithimhín
Principal of Clashmore National School