Summer Newsletter 2022

Dear Parents/Guardians,
As the school year draws to a close, I would like to thank all the members of the school community for ensuring that we had a happy, safe and productive year.
Firstly, a big thank you to the pupils of Clashmore N.S. You are at the heart of everything we do and your wellbeing and progress are always our priority. Thanks to the parents for supporting your children’s education by ensuring their regular attendance at school, particularly in these Covid times. Thanks to those of you involved in the Parent’s Association and the Book Rental Scheme Committee, for the time you put in to helping out the school.

Thanks to the Board of Management for their ongoing work in ensuring that Clashmore N.S. is managed to the highest standards.

A school can thrive only when there is open communication, mutual respect and when all its members pull together. We are fortunate in Clashmore N.S. that we have such a dedicated staff who work together in the interests of the children. As Acting Principal, I am grateful for the ongoing cooperation, encouragement, kindness and support I receive from my colleagues, and I wish one and all of them a relaxing summer break after all their hard work.

Below are some memorable moments of the year.

1. 6th Class Graduation/Retirement of Sheila Murphy.
We had a wonderful day on Monday 20th June as we celebrated the graduation of our 6th class students, and Mrs Murphy’s retirement after 10 years teaching in our school. While the children enjoyed the Wobbly Circus (provided by Mrs Murphy) the adults enjoyed the fantastic spread of sandwiches and cakes provided by the parents.

2. Junior Infants Induction Day
On Tuesday 17th June, we welcomed 14 incoming Junior Infants to the school. While the children got to know their teacher, their parents got to chat with each other over a cup of tea in the school hall.

3. School Tours
For the first time since June 2019, the children were able to board a tour bus and set off together for a day of adventure and fun. For the children of Junior Infants, Senior Infants and 1st class it was indeed a memorable day, as they had never been on a school tour before.

Junior Infants – 2nd class had a great day out in Leahy’s Open Farm on 21st June.

3rd and 4th class headed off to Watergrasshill on Thursday 16th June for a day of outdoor laser tag, basketball, team-building games, sumo wrestling, archery and go karting.

5th and 6th class travelled to Dunmore East on Friday 17th June for rock wall climbing, caving, kayaking and inflatables.

4. Supporting our Pupil’s Wellbeing
Despite the challenges posed by Covid, the children got to experience the following activities.

• September – October – Tennis
• November – March – Gaelic Football
• April – June – Hurling /Camogie
• December: Recorded singing Christmas songs by CRY.
• January: Food Dudes Week.
• March: Seachtain na Gaeilge.
• March: Biodiversity Week, including visiting expert.
• March – May: Swimming lessons
• March – June: Discover Singing/Discover Opera workshops (3rd & 4th class) Including a visit to Lismore Castle Gardens.
• April – June: Zumba dance classes
• May/June: Cycle Skills (5th & 6th)

Book Rental Scheme
The Book Rental Scheme can now be paid via the Clashmore N.S. App. The cost of the scheme remains at €5 for Junior Infants – 2nd class (transaction fee waived) and €22.50 (inclusive of transaction fee) for 3rd – 6th class. We would greatly appreciate if this fee could be paid by the 30th June.

Sammy Stamps
The Sammy Stamps Saving Scheme (Youghal Credit Union) will be re-instated from September. The SNA in the senior classroom will be responsible for selling the savings stamps on Fridays.

Staffing

• We would like to congratulate Ms. Quinn on her forthcoming marriage, and wish her every happiness in her new life in Mayo. She has been a wonderful addition to our staff and will be sorely missed by her 1st and 2nd class pupils.
• Due to Mrs Murphy’s retirement there is a permanent teaching vacancy in the school. Mrs Máire Hickey-Seward will be joining us in the new school year.

Policies Reviewed and Ratified by the Board of Management, 2021-2022

• Intimate Care Policy
• Admissions Policy
• Data Protection Policy
• Critical Incidents Policy
• Child Protection Policy
• Safety, Health & Welfare Policy
• Anti-bullying Policy
• Professional Development Policy
• Policy on and Statement of Strategy for School Attendance
• Covid-19 Response Plan (updated)

I wish you all a lovely summer and I look forward to seeing all the children again when the school re-opens on Wednesday, 31st August 2022.

Kind regards,
Suzanne Hynes
Acting Principal