June Newsletter 2023

Dear Parents/Guardians,
Welcome to our Summer Newsletter. It is hard to believe that we have reached this pivotal point!
As this year comes to a close, I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank all of the staff of Clashmore National School who are dedicated and hard-working and who continually do their best to provide the highest level of education possible for our children. Equally, I wish to express my gratitude to The Board of Management who although voluntary in their capacity are so giving of their time and expertise to the school. My thanks also goes to The Parents` Association of Clashmore National School. They have worked tirelessly this term with their fundraising efforts and as a result of these initiatives (Clothes Collection, Quiz, Crazy Hair Day, No Uniform Day), the cost of the buses for the school tours and the cost of the Youghal Radio Programming Course for 3rd-6th class were funded in their entirety by the Parents` Association. Míle buíochas to our parents who have supported all of these initiatives. We must say a fond farewell to two wonderful and valued members of staff, our secretary Breeda O`Keeffe and to Christopher Power one of our SNA`s. We wish them every best wish and happiness for the future. Please see below for details of the many end of year events that occurred this term and updates for the new school year.

1. Music Generation
I am delighted to announce that the school has been accepted into The Music Generation Programme for the coming year. While the details of the programme are still being finalised, this will encompass a whole-school music programme. The senior classes will be getting instrumental teaching and the junior infant classes will be exploring the Music Curriculum in depth. We are looking forward to this new venture in the school.

2. New Outside Mural
We are extremely fortunate to have received €600 in sponsorship from Youghal Credit Union to part-fund a new mural in the outdoor shelter area at the front of the school. We will be partnering with The Waterford Walls Project to work with an artist to create a new mural for this area, the concept for this theme will be determined by both the staff and pupils. Many thanks to the Board of Management who are covering the remainder of the cost of the mural (€600).

3. 6th Class Graduation
We enjoyed a really special end of year mass/graduation on Thursday 22nd June. We were extremely heartened by the attendance of so many family members, friends and people from the Clashmore community and beyond. It really added to the occasion. I would like to wish our fourteen, 6th class pupils every blessing as they transition to their respective new schools in September.

4. Junior Infant Induction Day- 14th June
We held our New Junior Infant Induction Day on Wednesday 14th June. We look forward to welcoming all of our new Junior Infants to the school in August.

5. WOW Day-14th June
We had another very successful Wow Day- (Walk on Wednesday) with the pupils and staff who walked from the grotto up to the school. Well done to all!

6. Sports Day-15th June
Thankfully the weather was still with us on Thursday 15th June for our annual Sports Day. Junior Infants – 4th class enjoyed various sports events on the school grounds, while 5th- 6th class had their Sports Day on the GAA pitch. It was a truly fun-filled day. Many thanks to Mary O`Rourke who helped out on the day, we are extremely grateful.

7. Teddy Bears` Picnic- 19th June
Junior Infants – 2nd class enjoyed a lovely picnic with their fuzzy friends on Monday 19th June. It was a lovely event enjoyed by all.

8. Ice-Cream Van Treat-22nd June
The children enjoyed a cold treat on Thursday the 22nd June with the arrival of the ice-cream van. It was an especially welcomed addition with the high temperatures weather-wise on the day.

9. Visit to the School by Clashmore Ramblers
We were delighted to receive a visit from the members and coaches of The Clashmore Ramblers Soccer Club on Thursday the 22nd June. The children were especially thrilled to handle the winning cup and shield.

10. School Tours
This year, the following school tours were enjoyed by the pupils.

• 6th June: Junior & Senior Infants: Fota Wildlife Park
• 6th June: 1st & 2nd Class: Fota Wildlife Park
• 20th June: 3rd & 4th Class: Let`s Go Summer Camp
• 21st June: 5th & 6th Class: Dunmore East Adventure Centre

Please note that the school will close at 12:00 today Friday 23rd June for the Summer holidays.
Finally, I would like to wish you all an enjoyable Summer and I look forward to seeing you all again when the school re-opens on Wednesday 30th August.

Le gach beannacht uaimse,
Yvonne Uí Fhlaithimhín
Principal of Clashmore National School