January Newsletter

Dear Parents/Guardians,

Dates for your Diary:

• Monday 2nd February – Public Holiday, school closed

• Thursday 12th February, 7pm – First Confession

• Thursday 19th and Friday 20th February – Mid Term, school closed

• Wednesday 25th February – Staff Training, school closed

• Tuesday 17th March – Public Holiday, school closed

• Friday 27th March, 5pm - Confirmation

• Monday 30th March – Friday 10th April (inclusive) – Easter Holidays, school closed

• Monday 4th May – Public Holiday, school closed

• Saturday 16th May, 12 noon – First Holy Communion

• Tuesday 19th May – Staff Training, school closed

• Monday 1st June – Public Holiday, school closed

After-School Service:

There has been a good response to the proposed after-school service.  The after-school provider, Brookview Childcare, will hold a parents’ information evening on Thursday 29th January at 7:00pm in the school. Currently, we are very tight to their minimum number of sign-ups required. Following the meeting, if minimum numbers are reached, Brookview Childcare will manage all communication directly with parents. For parents who have already been in contact with us for the service, it is important that you attend this meeting. Parents who are still unsure and would like further information are also very welcome to attend. If you have any further questions in the meantime please contact Jean at office@glounaguillaghns.ie

Staff Training Days:

As previously notified, staff will attend training around the new Primary School over the coming months. A reminder that we will be closed on Wednesday 25th February and Tuesday 19th May as all staff members will be attending a training session off-site on these days.

Enrolment:

Reminder: Enrolment for Junior Infants for September 2026 is now open. Applications are being accepted via Aladdin - https://www.aladdin.ie/i/6261897653387264

​​​​For information on enrolment, please contact the school office on 066-9769402 or email us at office@glounaguillaghns.ie

School Photographs:

A photographer from "Memory Lane Photography" visited the school earlier in the week. The children had their photographs taken in school on this day. A proof of each photograph taken will be sent home for parents to view at a later date. Full details on prices and how to purchase the photographs will be included with the proof. There is no obligation on families to buy the photographs once they are taken.

School Swimming:

Swimming lessons for 3rd & 4th Class will commence on Thursday 5th March. They will attend for 6 sessions, finishing on Thursday 24th April. Lessons will take place each Thursday and run for 45 minutes per week at Killarney Sports & Leisure Centre. Thank you to the Parents' Association for their on-going support with the swimming lessons.

Cycle Right:

The pupils in 5th and 6th Class will again take part in the Cycle Right Programme this year, starting in early February. They will complete four sessions of practical cycle safety and skills training. This programme was a very valuable experience for the children last year. Our thanks to Pat Clifford and Conor Gleeson for delivering the programme. Thanks to Kerry Recreation and Sports Partnership for contributing towards the cost of the sessions as well as the other agencies involved. A final thanks to the parents for supporting this very worthwhile initiative. This initiative helps promote safe, competent and confident cyclists.

Chess:

We have entered two teams into next week’s Féile Fichille Tournament in Caherciveen. This is a one-day inter-school chess tournament. The goal is maximum participation in chess, so the focus of these events is on teamwork and giving children the opportunity to represent their school in a non-competitive, friendly environment. Best of luck and enjoy the day to Sean Browne, James Benton, Chloe Kennedy, Ben Mullins, James Phelan, James Walsh, Zack Scully, Molly Kennedy, Dillon Mullins, Hayley Walker, Áine Carroll, Julia Seagrave, Hazel Phelan, Iveragh Mansell, Réiltín O’Shea and Eoghan O’Malley.

Time to Count:

We are continuing with the Time to Count programme this year. Time to Count will get underway in 3rd Class on Wedneday next, 28th January. We are very grateful to Fexco and Business in the Community Ireland for their continued support. Volunteers from Fexco will call to the school once a week to play maths games with the children in 3rd Class. A sincere thank you to all involved for your commitment to this programme.

Christmas Remembrance Tree:

Nollaig na mBan brought our Remembrance Tree fundraiser to an end. From December 8th to January 6th, our Christmas Memory Tree shone brightly each morning and night, each light a symbol of love and remembrance for those we hold close in our hearts. We are delighted to share that €1,450 was raised. A sincere thank you to all the families who supported this meaningful initiative so generously. A special word of thanks to Paudie Cronin for the kind donation of the beautiful tree, and to Linda Galvin, Deirdre Quirke and Jean Curtayne for their help throughout the fundraiser. Our annual Christmas service on Friday 19th December was offered for the intentions of all those remembered. It was a truly special service for our school community. We hope the tree offered a quiet space to sit and remember for all who visited during the Christmas season. Thank you all for your support.

Placement:

Ms. Mara Treacy is completing her school placement with us this term. Mara will be working with Mrs. Galvin’s 4th & 5th Class. We will also be welcoming some more TY students in a few weeks.

Appointments:

We would like to remind parents that no adult should enter the school building, unless invited to do so/by prior appointment. If you need to call to the school/collect your child during the course of the school day, please press the doorbell on the wall outside the side door and wait for assistance. Your child will be brought to the door by a member of staff. If you need to contact the school, please do so by email or telephone and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

Next Year:

It’s the time of the year when our attention begins to turn to September and putting plans in place for the next school year. To that end, if you know your child will not be returning to our school after the summer (other than 6th class pupils), please let the office know as soon as possible.

Kind regards,

Sinéad Pigott

Principal