Upcoming School Closure

The school will be closed for the St Patrick’s Day Bank Holiday on Monday, 18th March.  We will have an early dismissal on the last day of the term, Friday, 22nd March with the infants finishing at 11.50 and the other classes at 12.00.  Also, the school will be closed for Spring Break from Monday, 25th March through Friday, 5th April.  Afterschool @ KETNS will be running a camp during the break. 

Lá Glas agus Seachtain na Gaeilge

Ná dean dearmad, beidh Lá Glas ann amárach ar an Aoine.  Bí gléasta le do chuid éadaí glasa!  Beidh tionól agus dioscó ar an Aoine.

Don’t forget, everyone should wear their green proudly on Friday (tomorrow!) and we will have a special assembly and disco to mark the end of Seachtain na Gaeilge.

Bhí ceardlann ceoil ag rang a 4 agus rang a 5 le Lasairfhíona agus Sam.  D’fhoghlaim na páistí amhrán le Chéile agus bhain siad taitnimh as.  5th and 6th Class had a music workshop with Lasairfhiona and Sam.  They learned a new song and enjoyed themselves.

FAI 5-a-Side Tournament

Last week two boys teams and two girls teams represented the school at the FAI 5-a-side Soccer Tournament.  Everyone played very well and had a great day.  One of the boys teams and one of the girls teams won their groups but unfortunately didn’t progress to the semi-finals based on points.  Well done to everyone who participated!

Well done to all the children and staff who dressed up for World Book Day last week!

Spring Fair Update

Be sure to put the Spring Fair, which will take place on Saturday, 18th May, in your diaries.  Many thanks to all the parents who have arranged for raffle prizes.  Please give the details to Claudia by early next week at the latest.  The Parent-Teacher Association will meet again on Tuesday, 19th March at 19.00.  Please join us!

Chess Tournament

Our school was delighted to host a chess tournament with seven Educate Together schools from across Connaught.  The tournament awarded the John Farrell Cup for the first time, named after the former principal of Galway Educate Together NS to recognise John’s excellent contribution to the Educate Together network in the west of Ireland.  John did a fantastic job of leading the tournament, and Claregalway Educate Together NS was awarded the cup.  We look forward to participating in two chess tournaments next week against local schools.

Chess players from our school with John

Animal Road Show and Branar Show

As you are probably aware, the quiz team last won the national Credit Union Quiz and received a large cash prize.  The four team members decided to use the money to arrange for special events for the school this year.  The first took place last Friday with the visit of the Animal Road Show where children got to meet a range of animals and learn about them.  More pictures are available on the school’s website.  Then, this week 5th and 6th Class enjoyed a surprise drama performance presented by Branar and starting Miguel Barceló called Ballad of the Bandit.  There are more photos also on the website.  The team hopes to organise one or two more surprise events before the end of the year.  Many thanks to the team for making these events happen!

The Animal Road Show

Ballad of the Bandit from Branar Theatre Company starring Miguel

Hot Meals

Our aim is to launch the hot meals for all children in the school beginning Monday, 15th April.  These meals will be free for all families.  The supplier that has been chosen is Carambola.  They have many years of experience in providing school meals.  Please see the letter and menu attached to this newsletter.  The cold lunch service currently provided by thelunchbag.ie will cease at the end of next week, Friday, 22nd March.  Therefore, parents will need to provide a lunch for the first week after the Spring Break.  Thanks for your understanding.  When the hot lunches begin, you will be able to select your child’s lunch using an app, with more details to follow in early April.  Children are still encouraged to bring a piece of fruit or vegetables as a small snack for the small break.  We look forward to launching the meals and will welcome your feedback along the way.