We would like to welcome all pupils back to school and in particular, we wish our newly enrolled pupils the very best as they embark upon a special time in their lives!
Instagram
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.
Half-Day – New Primary Language Curriculum
Schools have been instructed by the Department of Education to close for a half-day to facilitate training for the New Primary Language Curriculum. In order to minimise disruption, we will be taking the half-day on the Friday before the mid-term break – 22nd October.
Classes will finish at:
- Junior/ Senior Infants – 11.50
- 1st/2nd – 11.55
- 3rd/4th – 12.00
- 5th/6th – 12.05
New School Website
We will be launching our new school website shortly – watch this space!
David Walliams Webinar
Third to sixth classes got to participate in a webinar with one of our favourite authors David Walliams! Aisling tell us about it:
‘On the 20th of September at 10am, 5th and 6th class watched a live webinar with the famous author, actor, writer and comedian David Walliams! He told the class about his childhood in Surrey and about his love for Roald Dahl book as a child. David told the class that his parents took him to the library every two weeks. As a child, David’s sister used to dress him up in her bridesmaid dress and that’s how David thought of the idea for his first book, “Boy In A Dress”. He wanted to write this book because he wanted to show that it’s OK to be different. He told us that it takes a few months to complete a book. Next, he talked about his OBE he swam the length of the English Channel for charity. Finally, he told us that his books have been translated in fifty-two languages including our native language ‘Gaeilge. He is a jolly and charitable man, a great role model for many children around the world’.
by Aishling , 5th class
Parent- Teacher Meetings
These meetings will take place on the week beginning 8th November. We are waiting on guidance from the Department of Education on whether these meetings can be held face-to-face.
Hurling and Camogie
We will be doing hurling and camogie with all classes on Wednesdays until the mid-term break. Infants will also have FUNdamental Movement training on Wednesdays between 1.30-2.15. Thanks to the coaches Brian and Jimmy!
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.
- Kilmurry N.S. was one of the first schools to use Accelerated Reading. The programme is now widely used in schools and its usage is continuing to grow.
Pupils and parents can log on at home at https://ukhosted11.renlearn.co.uk/2935049/
Literacy Lift-Off and Guided Reading
Literacy Lift-Off is an initiative that gives children lots of opportunities to read books at their own level of competency and gradually lift the complexity of what they can do in both reading and writing. 4 teachers will work together in the class to ensure small groups so that each child gets plenty of opportunities to work with a teacher. We are currently running the programme in First and Second Classes and I would like to thank the Parents’ Association for supporting the programme which is proving very successful.
Guided Reading is a similar initiative to Literacy Lift Off but is aimed at older children. We will be beginning the programme next in Third and Fourth Classes and we will be using novels from Roald Dahl!
School Books and Supplies Scheme
Thanks to Sarah Justice, Ann Maire Harrison, Elaine Slattery and Sandra Mangan and for all their work preparing the books and resources pupils need for September. This is a huge undertaking and we appreciate the work that is done by the Parents’ Association and the Book Committee each year.
First Holy Communion
Congratulations to the boys and girls who received this Sacrament and to their teachers Ms. Collins, Ms Weldon and Ms McMahon. Thanks to Tom O’Dea for his workshop with the parents and to Mary Finnegan for the lovely music on the evening.
Each child who made the First Holy Communion received lovely gift bags from the Parents’ Association!
Moving to Secondary School
We all wish the very best to our students who are moving on to secondary school and also to their families. These students have contributed a lot to the school and we have enjoyed watching them grow into mature, confident and very capable young people. Can I remind those students and their families that they can keep in touch with what is happening in Kilmurry School by following us on Instagram
Artist in the School
Local artist Shona MacGillivray will be working with 3rd/4th class to complete our wildlife mural on the yard wall. We can’t wait to see what new animals will appear on our wall! We will keep you update on Instagram!
Book Donations
Thank you to the parents who donated to our library. Thanks to these donations we have been able to increase the selection of books we have for our pupils to read.
Important Dates
22nd October: School will close for a half-day to facilitate training for the New Language Curriculum Training Classes will finish at:
- Junior/ Senior Infants – 11.50
- 1st/2nd – 11.55
- 3rd/4th – 12.00
- 5th/6th – 12.05
25th October – 29th October: Halloween Mid-term Break
22nd December: School closes at 12 noon for the Christmas Holidays
6th January 2022: School reopens after Christmas Holidays
Thank you for your ongoing support and cooperation.
le gach dea-ghuí,
Kevin Clohessy, Príomhoide