Intel Mini- Scientist Competition
There was great rejoicing in Kilmurry when it was announced that Joe, Zack, Heidi and Aishling had achieved second place in Ireland in the National Intel Mini Scientist Exhibition. Schools from all over the country competed in the early stages of this event with the winners qualifying to take part in the Mini Scientist Grand Final event.
The whole school community was hugely proud of them and delighted they continued the school’s long history of success in the competition. The Clare Champion visited the school and the report on the success and picture featured in last weeks paper!
Aishling tells us more about their project:
“Hello, my name is Aishling and I am a member of the 5th Class Sleepless Scientists in Kilmurry N.S., Sixmilebridge. We came second place/ runners up in the Grand Final of the Intel Mini Scientist competition. I’ll explain to you what happened.
It all started in October, Heidi, Zack, Joe and I teamed up. We decided that we would see what would happen to our bodies if we stayed up for 24 hours. Of course, this was very difficult and we weren’t able to last the full 24 hours, but we stayed up for roughly 19 hours. We recorded our information in a booklet and on a YouTube video. In November, we presented it to the class and our school judges Ms. Fogarty and Mr. Clohessy.
When Mr. Clohessy told us we were crowned school winners, we were all thrilled! It felt like a weight had been lifted off our shoulders and our hard work had paid off. But this wasn’t the best feeling that we were to feel, that was still to come.
On the 9th of March, we attended a live zoom-call with Phil Smith and 70 other schools. Ms. Gleeson did a rocket experiment, the rocket blasted into the ceiling. Eventually, the awards were given out. It was so nerve-wracking when they were announcing them. We all had our fingers crossed and finally, the judge announced that we were in 2nd place! The class exploded! The whole school could hear us cheering!
To conclude, Mr. Clohessy gave us our medals and we won the school a glass trophy. It was a brilliant adventure that ended superbly!”
Huge congratulations to Heidi, Zack, Joe and Aishling on winning such a prestigious award. Their teacher, classmates and the entire school community are very proud of this great achievement!
French Classes
Kilmurry NS has been selected has one of the first schools in the country to take part in the Primary Schools Language Sampler. Starting on 5th May, Fifth and Sixth Class will have five weeks of French Classes after lunch every Thursday. Ms Rhona Gomes will be our French Teacher.
Kilmurry NS has joined Instagram! You can follow us to see pictures of our work and the fun things we get up to in school. You can find us at kilmurry.ns or by clicking on the link: https://instagram.com/kilmurry.ns?utm_medium=copy_link
Marion Keane Basketball Competition
Our first big sports competition to return was the Marion Keane competition. Well done to all the boys and girls who took part! Cian and Ronan tell us how the boys got on:
“On the 4th April Kilmurry competed in the Marion Keane Basketball Tournament in Gurteen against 3 other teams.
The first game Kilmurry played was against Kilkishen and we only lost by 1 score after extra-time.
The next game Kilmurry played was against Tulla and Kilmurry lost 4-10.
But, in the final game Kilmurry played against Bridgetown and beat them 6-4.
There was great teamwork for Kilmurry’s first sporting event since Covid-19.”
Hurling and Camogie
Cumman na mBunscol hurling and camogie competitions will return after Easter for the first time in two years! Both the boys and girls will play in Division Three. The boys will play against O’Callaghan’s Mills/ Kilkishen, Ogonnelloe and Parteen. The girls will play Ballyea, Kilnamona and Kilmaley. We have lots of games to look forward to in the third term!
A big thank you to Brian Culbert for all is work training camogie and hurling in the school.
Parents’ Association
The Parents’ Association are looking for new members! The PA play a vital role in our school community and we would love if you were able to help out. Contact kilmurryparentsassoc@gmail.com
Changes to the School Calendar
Kilmurry NS will close for the summer holidays on Tuesday 28th June at 12.00. This day is instead of 18th March which became a Bank Holiday.
Gymnastics
Junior Infants to Second Class had five great weeks of gymnastics. Thanks to Coach Jane for an energetic and fun filled few weeks and to Ms. Fogarty for organising.
Music
Kilmurry N.S. has a long history of traditional music. Aisling Donnellan will be working with classes after lunch every Friday and she will have her own music classes in the school on Fridays after school. If you are interested in your child attending Aisling’s classes you can contact her on 085-7690629.
Well-Being Week
We had our first every Well-being week this year. We had lots of mindfulness activities, yoga and we made a special effort to practice our Fun Friends! We hope to have a Well-Being Week every year from now on! Thanks to Ms Fogarty and Ms Collins for organising it and there are some lovely pictures on Instagram.
New Primary Language Curriculum
School will close on Friday 20th May to facilitate staff training on the New Primary Language Curriculum. You can learn more about the New Curriculum at https://ncca.ie/en/resources/primary-language-curriculum-information-leaflet-for-parents-en/
Seachtain na Gaeilge
Bhí a lán rudaí ar suil sa scoil chun Seachtain na Gaeilge, a cheiliúradh cosúil le tráth na gceist, ceol tradisiúnta, ‘ag caint le cheile’, ‘ag leamh le cheile’ agus ag feachaint ar TnaG.
Comhgairdeas dár buaiteoirí ‘Gaelgeoir na Seachtaine’ agus an comórtas Seanfhocail.
Accelerated Reader (AR)
Kilmurry NS was one of the first schools in Clare to use Accelerated Reading and we have been using it in the school to promote reading since 2010. We have found it hugely beneficial for pupils from 2nd to 6th class:
- It motivates pupils of all ages and abilities to read more.
- It raises the literacy standards among the pupils.
- It gives teachers a comprehensive progress report on each pupil.
- The school has invested in new books as chosen by the children.
- Parents have donated a wide range of books to our AR library.
Pupils and parents can log on at home at https://ukhosted11.renlearn.co.uk/2935049/
World Book Day
The school held our Accelerated Reading Day/World Book Day on the 3rd March when we dressed up as our favourite book characters.Many characters came alive and spoke again!! There are some lovely pictures on our Instagram page.
Child Protection and Anti-Bullying Policy Review
The Board of Management have reviewed and updated our Child Protection and Anti-Bullying Policies. Notification of these reviews have been sent to the Parents’ Association
Lunchtime Champions League
The Jimmy Conlan Lunchtime league is back! Heidi tells us more about it:
“Kilmurry NS has started a new lunchtime soccer league from Monday to Thursday. We have a total of 7 teams and it is really good fun. We are so lucky to have a fantastic Astroturf pitch here in Kilmurry school. The games are 7 a side and everyone gets a chance of kicking the ball.
We have three referees, Colum, Calum and Cian and they help the games to go smoothly. The games last for 15 -20 minutes and everyone is really enjoying it. The most important thing about it is that everyone has lots of fun.”
First Confession
Well done to our pupils who celebrated their First Confession. Thanks to Ms Weldon, Ms McMahon and Tom O’Dea for preparing the children.
Tidy Towns Committee
Kilmurry NS now has their own Tidy Towns Committee! They will meet with Carmel Carey and Deirdre Frawley from Kilmurry Tidy Towns every Thursday to collaborate on projects in the school and village.
New Website
You can view on new website at https://www.kilmurry-ns.ie.
Important Dates
Easter Holidays School closing 8th April at 12.00pm. School Reopens Monday 25th April.
Confirmation Saturday 30th April at 11am
May Bank Holiday School closed Monday 2nd May
First Holy Communion Saturday 14th May at 2pm
Staff Training Day School closed Friday 20th May
June Bank Holiday Weekend School closed Thursday 2nd, Friday 3rd and Monday 6th June.
Summer Holidays School will close on Tuesday 28th June at 12.00pm.
Thank you for your ongoing cooperation and support. Have a lovely Easter!
Is mise le meas,
Kevin Clohessy
Principal