cbsmitchprim.scoilnet.ie

C.B.S. Primary School, Phone No: 025 – 24505.  Fax No: 025 -85408.            Mobile No: 087 – 3532727.

Website: www. cbsmitchprim.scoilnet.ie/blog

Newsletter – Monday, 14th May 2012

Dear Parent(s) / Guardian(s)

Hope things are going well for all. Things are really busy here!

Agri- Mobile Unit:

Last Thursday, we had a visit from the mobile farm organised by Agri – aware. The boys love this opportunity to learn about farm animals and actually touch and hold them as well. Claire Stack the Mobile Unit advisor is really informative. Thankfully, what was looking like an awful day of  rain eased off somewhat to allow most groups have a comfortable visit.

Cork City Sports:

This is the biggest sports meeting in Europe. Our boys, under the coaching of Ms. Coffey, Ms. Arnold and Ms. Fleming are up for the challenge, on this Friday, 18th May at Páirc Uí Chaoimh. We wish our team the very best of luck. For your information, here they are – U7; Eoin Flynn, Charlie Conroy, U8; James Connolly Murphy, John Aherne, U9; Stephen Kenneally, Adam O’Grady, U10; Paul Fitzgerald, Darragh Flynn, U11 Eoin O’Connell, James Coughlan, U12; Dylan McSweeney, Jesse Graham, U13; Cathail O’Mahony, Cillian Dollion, Relay U11; Eoin O’Connell, James Coughlan, Christy O’Sullivan, Caleb Kearney Quinn, Relay Over 11; Cathail O’Mahony, Cillian Dollion, Lorcan Finn and Mikey Keating.  Good luck boys!

Charitable Works / Assembly:

At our assembly on Thursday, we will present monies raised at our Lenten Table Quiz and Raffle – €384 to Gertie and Tom Condon of the Local Cope Foundation. Thanks to everybody for all contributions. Our next charitable fundraising venture, will be in the New School Year, for the proposed development of a Sensory Garden at Cope.

Assembly this month, will very much be about celebrating the talent in our midst, with an opportunity for our whole school community to hear some excellent presentations – including Tomás Keane (Keyboard), Odhran Hayes Brennan (Concert Flute), Eamonn Walsh (Vocals), Our School Choir, T.J. Bailey (Keyboard), Michael Vincent Flynn (Tin Whistle).

School Photographs:

Today your son has his photographs, which you ordered via Kate Kilmchuk, parent of Daniel, 1st Class. When you see these, we are sure you will agree that they are absolutely superb quality, particularly for the price charged. On behalf of the whole school community, we would like to thank Kate so much for her beautiful gift to the school,  a poster of black and white photographs of all children here at the time of her visit. We will make arrangements to have it suitably  framed, it really is a special piece which we will treasure, thanks Kate.

First Aid Training:

Tomorrow, Tuesday, 15th May, after school, all staff will participate in a First Aid Course, presented by Mary Martin. Therefore, tomorrow, there will be no after-school activities, (after-school club or hurling).

Skipping day:

As you have already been informed, we are delighted to have Skip-Hop with us on Friday, 18th May. Yes, it does clash with Cork City Sports, but this was their only available date. Skip-Hop is renowned internationally, aiming to encourage children and adults to skip for health, fun and fitness, while introducing traditional skipping games back to the school playground.

Gaelic Athletic Games:

Paul O’Callaghan, G.A.A. Coach, continues Hurling sessions here this week, beginning with 2 x 3rd classes, 2 x 1st classes, Mr. Weir’s 6th class and Ms. Arnold’s 5th class. Paul is superb with the boys. We are really grateful to the local club for continuing to fund this initiative.

Last week, we started our Championship Competitive Hurling fixtures, with a great victory, away to Bishop Murphy Memorial School, Fermoy, 3.3 to 1.3.

You may be aware, that following last year’s A2 division victory, we are now in the top A1 division in both hurling and football.

Best of luck to Cathail O’Mahony who is heading to St. Finbarr’s G.A.A. Complex today, having progressed to the second selection of the Cork Primary Games.

first holy communion:

Our boys preparing for First Holy Communion, are really looking forward to their special day. It makes it all the more real when the Church practices begin. Today, thanks to the organisation of the Parent Council at Bunscoil, we have circulated information regarding ordering of D.V.D.’s and Group Photographs on the day of the ceremony. We will circulate other details regarding the Big Day a.s.a.p. Have a great time, looking forward everybody.

Drumming Workshop:

On Wednesday, 23rd May, with fundraising from DEIS, we hope to bring a drumming workshop, co-ordinated by David Day, to our school. Each class grouping will be introduced to a range of percussion instruments, with ample opportunity for performance. We heard great reports about this workshop. Let’s hope it’s as good as the vibe about it.

For your information:

The following is the current schedule of after-school activities here at C.B.S. Primary:

Monday                      -           Athletics Training

Tuesday                     -           Hurling Training

Wednesday                -           Quiz Practice

Thursday                   -           Choir

Alternate Friday        -           Student Council Meetings.

As ever, many thanks to all staff who are so generous with their time, facilitating these ventures.

Parents Council News:

At its meeting last week, your Parent Council put the wheels in motion for its Best Yet Annual Bar-B-Q.

• Good Music, courtesy of D.J. Paul Seymour (with an emphasis on those golden oldies, dancing tunes)
• Good Food, courtesy of Local Suppliers.
• Good Company, courtesy of all those friends and family that you will bring with you.

So put and keep the date in your diary – Saturday, 16th June at Tod’s Yard.

Looking forward already to what is always a great night out. (Strictly Over 18′s) You will get details as soon as tickets go on sale.

That’s all for now.

Le gach dea ghuí,

Mary O’ Callaghan                                                                           Nigel Griffin

Principal                                                                                            Deputy Principal 

Wednesday, 25^th April 2012

Dear Parent(s) / Guardian(s)

We hope things are going well for you and your families. Seems like ages ago now, but trust your Easter break was super all round. On behalf of the whole school community, we convey our congratulations to Mr. Carey, who got married over the holidays. Best wishes to the happy couple for the future.

Quiz News:

You may have seen on the Avondhu that our Credit Union Quiz Team, acquitted themselves spectacularly at the R.D.S., on Sunday 1st April. The whole experience was a fantastic one for Seán Power, Killian Dold, Tom Russell and Kevin Coleman. Quiz Master on the day was Marty Whelan. Our boys flew the flag for the Credit Union Chapter – coming in at overall 5th place out of a total of 50 teams in this very competitive event. Many thanks to our staff, parents and local branch of Credit Union for their superb support, throughout the campaign. Our quizsters also did wonderfully at the T.O. Park / Ballyhoura Macra Quiz, on Friday, 30th March. Our boys were thrilled with the result! The teams were as follows;

5th / 6th Class: Took 1^st place.                                   4th Class: Took 2^ndplace.                    4th Class: Took 1^st place.

Colin Devaney                                               Eoin Kent                                            Conor Davern

Evin Walsh                                                     Keith O’Connor                                  Tommy Maher

Kevin Coleman                                              Seamus Coleman                               Seán Howard

Ben O’Sullivan                                               James Crotty                                       John O’Keeffe

(Note: Ben O’Sullivan is in 4th class , but he stepped up to the mark, as he was needed!) Only a single point separated the 2 fourth class teams! We couldn’t have asked for more – well done boys.

Swimming:

Our team performed really well at the Inter-Primary Schools Swimming Gala held at Fermoy Pool on the day of the Easter Holidays. The following boys represented us proudly, securing a total prize count of 13 awards, Adam Baker, Emmet McMahon, Adam O’Grady, Jamie O’Connor, Barghav Ram Laks, Taylor O’Donnell, Seán Browne, Michael V. Flynn, Jakub Bilczyinski, Stephen Dalton, Eoin Kent, Troy Millea, Ambarish Kumar, Cian O’Brien, Tony Watson, Olek Jazy, Adam Boland and Danny Keane. Thanks to all staff involved and parent(s)/guardian(s) who provided transport on the day. Next competitive venture at Fermoy Pool, is the Water Polo Event for fourth classes, which will be held in June.

Tesco Tokens:

Don’t forget everybody, any Tesco Tokens from family, friends etc. please drop them to us (box in foyer just at main entrance).

Historical Trail of Mitchelstown:

On the week directly prior to Easter, our staff were treated to a feast of information about the town of Mitchelstown. Local historian and parent in our school community, Bill Power, brought us on an historical trail of the town, incorporating, the sundial in the Square ,the Town Hall, Kingston College and Chapel, Baldwin Street, and St. Georges Church. Local history is a central component of the curriculum – the content will be invaluable to us in facilitating our pupils knowledge of their environs. Many thanks to Bill for affording us this opportunity.

E-Zine:

Last year, we initiated our first on-line version of our school magazine – this e-zine was an unmitigated success. Right up to today, members of our school community dip into it. We are currently in production for this year’s e-zine. All class groupings will have their own section – with possibilities to upload a whole manner of items. Official launch of the e-zine will be mid-June. Do encourage your children to submit art, stories, jokes, games etc. etc.

School Photographs:

The response to our school photographs was nothing short of phenomenal. The cost factor proved real value for money. We have been speaking with Kate – if for some reason your son was absent on the day of the photos, Kate is happy to call again to take his picture. Please let your son’s class teacher know if you would like this, via his homework journal. This Friday, 27th April, is the VERY LATEST date that Kate will take orders for photographs. She has been very accommodating in her dealings with us, thus far – so we’ll try to keep to this particular deadline.

Identifying Speech & Language difficulties in Primary School:

Julie Sexton, Senior Speech & Language Therapist of “Lets Talk” also a parent in our school community, will present a talk on the identification of speech and language difficulties in primary school children, at the Living Health Clinic, tomorrow, Thursday at 7.00pm. The talk will cover levels of communication at different ages, types of language difficulties and practical tips to help maximise learning. To book a place, contact Breda Hogan, clinical co-ordinator at Living health, 025-52000 or e-mail  bredahogan at livinghealth.ie

Julie, Kieran and their family (including our own C.J. in first class), are emigrating to Australia this weekend. We will miss them and wish them the very, very best, for this great adventure together.

Sporting Events:

Training continues Mondays, after school for our athletics team. Their first competitive fixture is Cork City Sports – Friday, 18th May. This year, our school will host the North Cork Sports – 30th May, more on these anon. Each Monday, our staff have a committed team of 25 athletes for training sessions.

Hurling training is Tuesdays after school, our staff here currently have a huge panel to choose from – 32 boys,. so the competition is healthy!

Thanks to all our staff who are putting such effort into these activities and of course to the boys for their interest and commitment.

School Tours:

You will recall that last June, we forwarded an information letter regarding all costs which you could expect for this school year. Unbelievably, we are just on the cusp of school tour time and looking at book lists for the next school year. To give you an opportunity to budget, school tours here for all classes, will cost approximately €25. To ease the burden for yourselves, class teachers will forward letter regarding each school tour, monies to be paid in May.

The Book Rental Scheme, we expect will again cost approximately €45, this payment will be required early / mid June.

We hope this information facilitates your budgeting at this demanding time of year.

English Language Lessons:

Following requests from parents in our school community, we are happy to relay that in conjunction with Cork VEC, we will run classes to improve English language for adults who wish to avail of same. We have already had a great response to this initiative. Please spread the word if you know anybody who might be interested and let us know directly here at C.B.S. For your information, these classes will run here on Friday mornings, 9.30am to 11.30am, from Friday, May 11th .

That’s all for now.

Le gach dea ghuí

Mary O’Callaghan                                                                             NigelGriffin

Principal                                                                                             Deputy Principal

Dear Parent(s)/Guardian(s)

Well wouldn’t this weather put a smile on your face! Perhaps a little early in the year for such beautifulness but very welcome nonetheless –  enjoy!

Religious Occasions:

The spell of good weather certainly helped for Confirmation last Wednesday. The Ceremony itself was really special – many thanks to everyone who helped prepare. We hope all involved had a lovely time. Tomorrow night, our pupils in second class will have the Sacrament of Penance at the Parish Church – 8.00pm as a part of their preparation programme for First Holy Communion. The Diocesan Religious advisors will visit all classes here on Wednesday. Our Lenten activities continue apace. Please, if you can at all, do help out the charitable causes we are donating to – Cope Foundation and Trócaire – every little helps. Prizes for the Easter Raffle are on display in our foyer – 20c per ticket available from our Student Council. In addition, our Student Council will organise a Table Quiz for all, on the day of the Easter holidays, at €1 per pupil. Prayer Box, for your special intentions, is on our Sacred Space – just inside the main front door. All petitions will be prayed for at Assembly, this Thursday.

Ballad Group:

Sincere congratulations to our Ballad Group extraordinaire Cathail O’Mahony, Eamonn Walsh, Tony Watson, Lorcan Finn and Adam Boland, who took second place, in the Scór County Final, held at Ovens, yesterday – really superb. Many thanks to our staff here for the great rehearsals and preparations and to parents/guardians who provided transport to many different venues.

Something else:

A quick word of congratulations to Eamonn Walsh, 6th Class, who sang beautifully last Saturday night at the Firgrove for Mitchelstown Rugby Club’s hosting of the Munster Supporters Choir. You did the town proud Eamonn!

Parent Council Fashion Show:

Your Parent Council Fashion Show was a great success and thoroughly enjoyed by all attendees. On behalf of everybody here, thank you as ever, for your generous support. Twenty six years on, our Fashion Show continues to be a staple part of the Annual Diary, for people of Mitchelstown and its environs. As ever, many thanks to Martin Kelly, Chairperson and the entire committee, for the work they put in, to the benefit of all.

Tesco Tokens:

If you are shopping at Tesco over the next few weeks, you might remember us for the tokens and indeed, remind your family and friends of same. The equipment for schools initiative has been very beneficial to us in the past. Through the tokens, we have acquired software, laptops, sports equipment and more. We have a box at the main entrance to our school – tokens can be popped in there daily. Thank you.

Handwriting:

We had a really good response to our whole school handwriting competition – displays are evident along the corridors – well done all. Our in house judges picked the top three from each class grouping – all of whom were awarded a specially commissioned certificate and little prize. In the area competition, we were fortunate to have had one winner – Richard Budai – 5th class. Well done Richard!

Shared Reading:

This week is the final week, for this year’s initiative – classes 1st – 5th inclusive. Directly after Easter, we will circulate questionnaires to yourselves and your children to get your feedback on how it worked. Please do fill in same and return to us directly – your opinions are invaluable for future reference. As ever, many thanks to all here, who facilitate this project and to yourselves, for your ongoing co-operation.

Quiz News:

The very best of luck to our Quiz Team – Seán Power, Killian Dold, Tom Russell and Kevin Coleman, who with their Parents and our school staff, head to the R.D.S. Dublin, next Sunday, to represent our school and the Credit Union Chapter, in the All Ireland Quiz final. Fantastic boys to have come this far! We’re all rooting for you on Sunday. Can we take this opportunity to thank our local branch of the Credit Union for their wonderful support for our team.

We will send three teams to the quiz which will be held in T.O. Park on Friday night, organised by Ballyhoura Macra.

Home School Community Liaison:

Last week, we had many 1st class parents here, for a little spot of cookery, in our kitchen. Thanks to all who helped on the day. We hope to continue working on this initiative. Many thanks to Tony Rice and Joe Dold who have planted a privet hedge to cover the cement block wall, directly outside our school. In conjunction with Dr. Tim Butler of  St. Fanahan’s, we also hope to do a bit of work to make the green area outside our school a bit more pleasing to the eye.

Green Schools News:

Our school is looking lovely now with the repainting, newly resurfaced yard and the newly begun planting. Last week we gladly accepted a cheque from Martin Lane, sponsorship to cover complete cost of the flag pole for our second Green Flag. Thanks a million Martin, for your ongoing support.

Sporting Activities:

Well done to our 6th class indoor hurling team who won their competition outright at Doneraile. Next up is mini-sevens hurling – scheduled for Mallow, tomorrow. Our hip hop dancers have already secured their first victory – next round tomorrow night. We hope that the boys will get to perform their routine for their peers this week. Again, thanks to Marcella for facilitating the after school practices. Next up for us is the Community Games chess. Many thanks to Marie Flynn who brought our chess team – Eoin Flynn, Jack O’ Brien, Tony Watson and Luke Jones, to the Interschool Checkmate Competition, at Carrigaline.

1st and 2nd classes after school football, is now concluded. We hope to have a final blitz for these classes, in conjunction with Mitchelstown / Ballygiblin  Juvenile GAA, at the local pitch, in the near future. We will let you know exact date, when we have to hand.

Last week, we had trials to select our school athletic team, who will represent us at upcoming meetings. Well done to all who put themselves forward for selection. Don’t give up – many boys can find that their speed improves with age!  Best of luck to our Swimming Team who head to Fermoy Pool for the Annual Swimming Gala, on this Friday.

Carambolakidz School Meals:

This week, your children will receive forms to complete re. lunch selections for Term 3. Please do take time, with your child, to make choices and ensure the form is filled up correctly. Unless we get this completed form, your son will continue to get his current preferences. Do return form directly to class teacher – they take a while to correlate. It really is a great service, but takes a fair bit of organisation at this end.

That’s all for now. Isn’t the place a hive of activity! Many thanks for your continued support and positive feedback.

Can we take this opportunity to wish you and your families the very best for an enjoyable Easter break.

Make the most of the good weather.

Le gach dea ghuí,

Mary O’ Callaghan                                                                           Nigel Griffin

Principal                                                                                          Deputy Principal

Dear Parent(s)/Guardian(s)

A chairde uilig

We hope things are going well for you and yours. A mighty day was had by all at the Circus yesterday. It really was a last minute decision to go – we might never again get an opportunity like that on our doorstep. It turned out to be absolutely excellent. Many thanks to your Parent Council who provided treats for the boys to make things a bit more special.

More Scór:

Sincere apologies to our Scór quiz team who we inadvertently left off the last newsletter – Congratulations to Kevin Finn, Tom Russell, and Kevin Coleman who took second place in the County semi-final. Our Ballad Group continues the super progress in this competition and now will represent us in the County Final. Previously we have had just two acts that got this far in Scór – Eric Nolan (Solo Singing) and Brian O’ Sullivan (Recitation). So these boys are making CBS history! By special request, Lorcan Finn, Adam Boland, Cathail O’Mahony, Tony Watson & Eamonn Walsh have been invited to perform at the Fashion Show next Tuesday night. It should be good practice for them!

Book Fair:

Sincere apologies if your child is still waiting for his Book Fair choice of book. We assure you we have made every effort to hurry up the process. They will come but further patience may be needed.

School Calendar 2012-2013:

Today, your son has copy of school calendar 2012-2013 (6th classes excluded) which was ratified by our B.O.M last Tuesday night. We realise that many of you wish to make your own plans so this may be handy to have. Do keep in a safe place for reference.

Visiting our School:

At our after school staff meeting yesterday, we looked at our revised Health & Safety Policy. In the interests of our whole school community, we remind you it is established policy that all visitors to our school should firstly present at either Secretary’s or Principal’s office – ( if unattended, knock on door of classroom 1). All entrances to our school should be via the front door – that we can monitor.

Works to School:

We have just had notification from the Department of Education & Science that our school is to be included for Grant Aid to replace all temporary accommodation with a permanent structure! This is truly great news for us. The “Prefabs” are rented on an annual basis at great cost to the taxpayer (approx €60,000 per annum). In addition, they are difficult to manage from a cleaning and accessibility point of view. While we were always glad to have the space and indeed, internally, the rooms are actually lovely, a permanent structure will be a huge advantage. At our B.O.M. Meeting last Tuesday night, it was decided to proceed immediately with the Planning Application, that we can be in a position to start when the official processes are complete. Many thanks to all in our school community who helped with the representations to secure same.

Parent Council Fashion Show:

It is now all systems go for your Parent Council Fashion Show – NEXT TUESDAY, 13th March. Please don’t forget ticket monies should be returned here tomorrow. As you are aware, this continues to be your Parent Reps single biggest fundraiser each year. It is in all our interest that it continues to go from strength to strength. Please do encourage your family and friends to treat themselves to a lovely night out. The Fashion Show is timed just at the right time for you to gauge the Spring/Summer fashions! We look forward to your support. If for some reason you can’t attend, and would still like to support, do put your name on the ticket stub that can be included in the door raffle. Reminders for the night:

• Prizes for the best dressed etc.
• Hilary Thompson Model Agency & Some familiar faces
• Local Trade Stands- Beauty & Accessories
• Gifts for the first 50 attendees
• Cheese & Wine Reception.

Many, Many thanks to our kind sponsors and fashion houses.

Credit Union Quiz Competition:

Our School Team headed to represent Mitchelstown at the Chapter Final in The Hibernian Hotel Mallow last Saturday. Following a superb account of themselves, we are delighted to report that Sean Power, Killian Dold, Tom Russell and Kevin Coleman will head to represent the Chapter in the all Ireland Final which will be held at the R.D.S., Dublin on Sunday 1st April.

CONGRATULATIONS!  It’s a few years since we have progressed that far.

Up Coming Sporting Activities:

Our school will have a good representation at the Inter Primary Schools Swimming Gala which will be held in Fermoy on Friday, 30th March.

This Friday, our 6th class indoor hurling team travel to Doneraile for their competition.

Our mini-sevens school football team have their first outing on Thursday, 23rd March.

Our Chess team will travel to Cork City on Thursday 22nd March to complete in the Checkmate Chess Competition v. other Cork Primary Schools.

Our Hip-Hop display is looking super, well done boys and good luck in competition next Tuesday.

Student Council News:

Just a few more phones needed for that defibrillator – you might have one  more sconce at home and give them to us. Our Council will shortly have tickets @ 20c each on sale for their Easter Raffle – all proceeds to Cope Foundation Mitchelstown. It would be nice if all boys are included. The boys are currently preparing a table quiz for the whole school that will be part of this same fundraiser and will also be a fun activity in the run up to Easter.

Finally, a sincere thanks, as ever, to our staff who facilitate the aforementioned and indeed many many more opportunities for the boys. We know you do appreciate the efforts put in to give your children the best educational experiences we can manage.

That’s all for now.

Hope to see loads of you at the Fashion Show next Tuesday night.

Le gach dea ghuí

Mary O’ Callaghan                                                                 Nigel Griffin

Principal                                                                                  Deputy Principal

Itinerary 6th Class School Tour Tuesday 19th June 2012

8.00 am – Depart School Grounds C.B.S. Primary

11.00 am – Arrive in grounds of Croke Park – Lunch

11.30 am – Tour of Croke Park Grounds & GAA Mueseum – a visual journey through the stadiums history

http://www.crokepark.ie/

1.30pm – Dublinia – (3 Interactive exhibitions – Viking Times, Medieval Time & Archaeology)

http://www.dublinia.ie/

2.30 pm – Lunch

3.45 pm – Kilmainham Jail – Site of one of Europes largest unoccupied jail

http://www.heritageireland.ie/en/dublin/kilmainhamgaol/

5.30 pm Viking Splash Tour – The sites of Dublin on land and water on amphibious vehicles

http://www.vikingsplash.ie/

6.45 pm – Depart Dublin – Stop en-route for food

10.00 pm – Arrive at C.B.S. Primary School

Following fantastic work over Mid-Term with painting and decorating we decided that it was time to start planting and making our flower beds beautiful .Under the Home School Community Liaison scheme Elma decided to involve parents to get the project underway .Dr Tim Butler from St Fanahans College was also called upon for his expertise and guidance .Tim visited C.B.S. with some of his science students and a plan was drawn up .Last Thursday parents and some past pupils of C.B.S. began the task of digging ,planting and fertilising .Hedges and flowers were planted to make the area look wonderful for the coming months .

 The CBS Ballad group did us proud in Ovens on Sunday 25th March.

They came second in the County Finals which was a remarkable achievement.

Well done to all.

Pictured – Adam, Lorcan, Eamonn, Tony and Cathail.

Our Great Ballad Group

Dear Parent(s)/Guardian(s)

We trust things are going well for everybody.

Scór Success:

Well done to all our Scór Competitors who were detailed in our last newsletter – each of our acts progressed, from Ballyhooly, to the next round! This was held last Sunday at Buttevant. Again, all our boys put in sterling performances with Colin Devaney taking second place for Recitation, Michael Vincent Flynn, first place in Solo Instruments and our Ballad Group – Adam Boland, Eamonn Walsh, Cathail O’ Mahony & Tony Watson, also first place. Super stuff!

Thanks to all our staff for their work with these.

Quizzes:

Well done to our teams who represented us at Ballylanders and Community Games recently. Our victorious U13 Credit Union Team now progress to the Chapter final in the Hibernian Mallow on this Sunday. On Friday, our local Credit Union will visit to present our boys with T-Shirts and some treats for the day.

Mitchelstown Musical Society:

Congratulations to all involved with this years Production of Beauty and the Beast, especially of course, those from our own school community. It was a sell out with standing ovations each night. Well done to one and all.

Religious Activities:

Fr. Fitzgerald organised a Retreat for boys preparing for the Sacrament of Confirmation last Tuesday. On Monday nights, all who will receive the Sacrament, are involved in a preparation programme, with volunteer parents,  over a four week period. Lent has begun. During the season, there will Trocaire boxes in each classroom. Throughout Lent, we will have a Prayer Box on our Sacred Space (facing you on entering our school). This Prayer Box is for any special intentions any of our school community may have. We will remember all petitions at Assembly times. Our beneficiary Charity for Lenten/Easter activities, organised by our Student Council,  will be the local Cope Foundation.

Sporting Activities:

Mr. Sherlock’s 5th class are now involved with St. Fanahans for their soccer coaching lessons.

This week we circulated letters re. upcoming swimming lessons to 1st, (Ms. O’ Sullivan) 3rd,( Mr. Carey) & 5th, (Ms. Arnold). Paul O’ Callaghan, GAA Coach is here Wednesdays,  working with 2 x 1st classes, 2 x 2nd classes, Ms. Kearney’s 4th and Mr. Weir’s 6th. After School football for 1st and 2nd classes begins this week. Boys have already received consent forms for this activity. Please do encourage your sons to partake.

Marcella O’ Sullivan, Dance Instructor, has kindly offered to work with some of our pupils on Mondays after school in prep. for the dance section of Community Games. Our school will be well represented at the Chess Competition of the Community Games,  this Saturday at C.B.S. Secondary.

Other Current Activities:

Response for our recent Book Fair was phenomenal. €2,520 raised in all ! This Friday, the Company returns to enable staff choose books (65% of the total sold during the Fair) for our class libraries. This is of great advantage to all so thank you for supporting the Book Fair. After School Choir and Guitar continues Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays after school. Our Shared Reading Project is now well underway for classes 1st – 5th – please do keep up the energy right through the initiative – it is a proven means of improving your child’s literacy skills. On Thursday, 8th March, our two 4th classes will visit the local Library to hear speakers re. the Donkey Sanctuary.

World Book Day:

Tomorrow, March 1st is World Book Day. Your children have already received their book tokens, which can be exchanged for a free World Book Day Book. Throughout the year, please everybody there is no excuse that your child would not be a member of the beautiful new town library. If you have not already joined – a SUPERB facility – for next to nothing cost. Resolve to join this weekend.

School Photographs:

As you are aware, our school corridors are adorned with class photographs many going back to 1950′s! For some reason, we did not take official class photographs for past few years (usually we do it every 2nd year). Last week, Kate a parent of one of our first class pupils, set up in our halla and took group and individual photographs of all pupils. Kate has previously been of great help to us in the preparation of our Christmas Concerts. We were delighted to have her with us – thanks Kate for your respectful, professional approach. Probably in a weeks time, Kate will circulate sample photos of your individual child and his class group, if you wish to purchase same. This is completely UP TO YOURSELVES.  Eitherways, the photos will be invaluable for us in our school, particularly in the years to come. Kate assures us that the photos will be  value for money.

Home School Community Liaison Officer News:

Fitness classes for parents are starting on Monday next March 5th from 9.30am – 10.30am. Meet at St. Fanahans P.E. Hall for circuits, jogging, walking etc. Contact Elma on 086 – 0412952 for further details.

Cookery classes will finish on Friday, 9th March. Thanks to everyone who participated.

“Seachtain” Na Gaeilge:

“Seachtain” Na Gaeilge runs from 5th – 17th March. During this time we will make every effort to incorporate the Irish language more into the everyday life of our school. At yesterdays staff meeting,  Ms. O’ Sullivan, Support Teacher and curriculum co-ordinator for Gaeilge, presented a set of activities suitable for all class groupings. In addition, each class will have 30 minutes of general Irish Conversation outside of the regular Irish class. Staff will also speak Irish in the staffroom! Go n-éirí an t-áth linn!

Parent Council Fashion Show:

At this stage, you will have received two tickets per family for our upcoming Fashion Show on Tuesday, 13th March 2012. Ten tickets will be circulated to Parent Council  members a.s.a.p. Your Parent Council  held a meeting last night, with this the main item on the agenda. All on the committee have been tireless in their efforts to secure the success of the show. On behalf of everybody who works and learns at CBS Primary, we thank them so much for their work. The benefits will be reaped by everybody. Thankfully, even in these difficult times, local businesses and individuals have been really generous in the form of sponsorship. We will again prepare a little booklet giving additional recognition to these benefactors. To ensure inclusion, please have all outstanding sponsorships to us on or before Thursday, 8th March. Perhaps you are aware of a business / organisation that would like to be included, if so do let us know. If you are unable to attend on the night, don’t forget to put your name on the ticket stub, for inclusion in the door raffle. Attendees do “glam up” on the night as there will be prizes and spot prizes,  for all sorts. Abbey Pharmacy is kindly providing little gift bags for the first 50 seated.

For your information, the following Fashion Houses will be on  display on the night:

The Wardrobe, Dorans, D.F. Condons, 2 Shoes, Mister Mister, Champagne & Strawberries,  Off the Rails, The Dolls House, Head over Heels, Diva Accessories, Style lounge, Le Chapeau and Beez Kneez Kiddies Clothes. There will also be many trade stands for you to peruse. It looks set to be a really good night. Do encourage family & friends to come along. All ticket monies should be returned to the school on or before Friday, 9th March. Thank you in advance for this.

Thats all for now.

Le gach dea ghuí,

Mary O’ Callaghan                                                                                                      Nigel Griffin

Principal                                                                                                                           Deputy Principal  

Dear Parent(s)/Guardian(s)

Happy Spring Time to one and all!  Tomorrow, is the 1^st February – St. Bridget’s Day. We extend our sympathy to all members of our school community who have suffered a bereavement recently – including Ms. Clifford and family, on the death of Paddy. May He Rest In Peace.

Grandparents Day:   This week is a special one for all schools of the Catholic Ethos – Catholic Schools Week incorporates St. Bridget’s Day and Grandparents Day (Thursday, 2^nd February). Last week, Elma, our Home School Community Liaison Officer, circulated an invite to Grandparents of all pupils, to visit the classes of their  grandchildren. If your child’s grandparent lives far away, or is not available, feel free to “grab a grandparent” for the day. You might ensure that you let your child’s teacher know tomorrow, by returning Elma’s note, or directly on his journal, that we know how many we will have visiting. Any interesting story from times gone by, or the contents of the questionnaire circulated by Elma, will be hugely informative for the boys – be prepared for lots of questions! Alternatively, if any Grandparent has a skill or talent that they would like to share (music, song, poetry, art, craft etc.), that would be nice. Don’t worry, it will be very relaxed and informal – approx half hour 11.00am – 11.30am, in class and a well deserved cuppa directly afterwards in our school hall. That there will be no confusion, please call firstly to office at main door. We look forward to a lovely day.

Parent Council News:          Apologies that Fashion Show date was an error in our last newsletter, should have read FASHION SHOW, TUESDAY, 13^TH MARCH AT FIRGROVE HOTEL.  Tickets will be released shortly. Many thanks for the support of the Table Quiz last Friday night, at the Hunters Rest.

Student Council News:        Our Student Council has requested we remind you they are still collecting mobile phones to get a defibulator for our school – very near the target now.  If you know of anybody who might have an old phone, please bring to us at the earliest opportunity. Our Student Council are continuing with their monitoring of energy consumption, waste, recycling etc. to keep our status of having two Green Flags.

Quiz Stuff:     After school practice for quiz teams is continuing on Wednesdays. Thanks to all involved with managing this. Congratulations to our teams who represented us at the Ballygown Inter Primary Schools Quiz on Friday – 5^th/ 6^th class team – Colin Devaney, Evin Walsh, Tom Russell, and Kevin Coleman.

3^rd/ 4^th class teams – Tommy Maher, James Crotty, Eoin Kent, Conor Davern, Seamus Coleman, Séan Howard, Keith O’ Connor and John O’ Keeffe. Our boys took 1^st, 2^nd & 4^th places! We couldn’t have asked for more! Many thanks to all parents who travelled on the night. Next quiz is the Credit Union competition on this Saturday – February 4^th at C.B.S. Secondary.

Current Sporting Activities:                        Indoor hurling Competitions for 3^rd & 4^th classes are well underway. Well done to our 4^th class team who got to the semi final stage, at Carrigtwohill last Friday. This Friday, our 3^rd class team will travel to Doneraile for their competition – the first time for these boys to represent our school. Good luck lads! Congratulations to everybody who tried out for the teams and of course, all mentors. We will make a good fuss of all at our Assembly on Friday.

Paul O’ Callaghan, GAA coach, will resume with our school directly after mid-term, courtesy of the local juvenile club.

Soccer Coaching is continuing at St. Fanahan’s on Thursdays for 5^th classes.

On February, 8^th our sixth classes will try their hand at the inaugural Spike Ball Competition. In-service for this, was availed of by us recently.

Scór:    Work is currently underway preparing acts for Scór Competition – the first round takes place at Ballyhooly on Friday night, 10^th February. Many thanks to all involved in the aforementioned activities.

Mid-Year Report Sheets:     As you are aware, it is our policy to post a mid-year report to your homes at this time of year. This gives you and staff, the opportunity for further liaison, if necessary and provides feedback on how your son(s) are progressing across all areas of school life. Please send a self addressed envelope to class teacher by this Friday, 3^rd February, for this purpose. As part of our ongoing initiatives to promote good attendance, each class teacher will issue an acknowledgement of good attendance to those who have missed three days, or less, since the beginning of this school year. We do not expect that children would attend school if they are ill. However, it is widely acknowledged that progress in school, is directly related to attendance. We all have a responsibility to achieve the best possible. Don’t forget to use the tear-out slips in your son’s homework journal, to inform us all of all absences. These are kept on file for future reference.

Book Fair:       Last week, we circulated full information regarding our upcoming Book Fair – a quick reminder – 9^th February, day for purchasing.

1^st Classes:     9.15 a.m. – 9.45 a.m.              2^nd Classes:    9.45 a.m. – 10.25 a.m.

3^rd Classes:    10.50 a.m. – 11.40 a.m.         4^th Classes:    11.40 a.m. – 12.25 p.m.

5^th Classes:    1 p.m. – 1.45 p.m.                 6^th Classes:    1.45 p.m. – 2.30 p.m.

If for any reason, you cannot call in, your son may purchase himself, with help of our staff. We hope it proves successful.

Shared Reading:       Following feedback from whole staff and parents, we have decided this year, to extend our Shared Reading Project to both 5^th classes. Ms. O’ Keeffe, co-ordinator, has purchased books to enable us to do this – funded through DEIS monies. Our staff are currently in the process of covering them. This year, therefore the Programme will run for all classes 1^st – 5^th , for 6 weeks, 20^th February – 30^th March (after mid-term – Easter holidays).

Resources:     An update for you all. In spite of the very tough recessionary times, we have been fortunate to have completed our building work and retained and indeed, increased our quota of teachers. We are delighted to have so many new faces with us. As our school numbers had increased sufficiently on September 2010 – we got a new permanent teacher, at the start of this school year. This position was filled by Ms. Hennessy. Mr. Breen joined us as support teacher. Ms. O’ Callaghan is working here while Ms. Walshe is on leave (a baby girl – Orla) as is Ms. Coffey, who is replacing Ms. Herlihy’s leave (a baby boy – Colman). Congrats all round! Just before Christmas, we were sanctioned an additional part- time support position. Ms. O’ Gorman is taking this role. We hope all our team are finding C.B.S. Primary a lovely working environment.

Dates of Sacraments:                       Reminder of dates for your diaries:

Confirmation Wednesday, 21^st March – 11.00am at the Parish Church.

First Holy Communion – Saturday, 26^th May – 11.00am at the Parish Church.

That’s all for now.      Every good wish,

Mary O’ Callaghan, Principal                                                         

Nigel Griffin, Deputy Principal

Dear Parent(s) / Guardian(s)

Happy New Year to you all! We hope you had a peaceful break. We wish you and your families every happiness in 2012. Congratulations to Ms. Keane who had a beautiful baby boy Joshua, on New Years Eve.

Christmas Carol Singing/Activities:

We had very successful events for charitable causes, prior to the Christmas break. We presented Liam Roche of the local St. Vincent De Paul Society, with a cheque for €1,083 – an amazing amount for approx one and a half hours singing! Once again, the people and businesses of Mitchelstown were hugely generous – thanks to everybody who helped in any way.

Our School Choir performed in the Foyer of Tesco, in aid of their charity of the year, The Irish Cancer Society. We will present proceeds of this – €224.25 to Tesco Reps, at the earliest opportunity.

Congratulations to Mr. Sherlock, Ms. O’ Callaghan, guest organist, Ciarán Carolan and our School Choir, who sang for Mass on Christmas Eve at 7.30pm, in the Parish church. Feedback from the attendees was superb. You did us proud – thanks everybody.

Official Opening of the School Extension:

From coverage on the Avondhu, you will have seen that we had a lovely celebration for the official opening of our school extension. The building was blessed by Fr. Michael Fitzgerald P.P., Chairperson of the outgoing Board of Management. The Official opening was performed by Minister Seán Sherlock, T.D. We were delighted that so many invited guests were able to share the experience with us. Many thanks to Breeda Crotty for the wonderful baking, our staff who acted as perfect hostesses on the day, all here who got the place ready – no mean feat, as our Halla was brim full of furniture etc and to Andrew Dineen, who at very short notice, created a beautiful specially commissioned plaque, to mark the occasion. The external paintwork has yet to be completed. However, all other internal works, have been carried out, to all our benefit. Thanks to everybody who played a role in getting the project to fruition.

Parent Council News:

On the day of the official opening of the extension, Chairperson of your Council and current Chairperson of our Board of Management, Martin Kelly, conducted the Annual Christmas Raffle. Congratulation to the following prize winners;

1st Prize €300 – Margaret Akinbulumo, 5 Stag Park Close, Mitchelstown

2ndPrize €200   – Clare Hayes, 1 The Meadows, Duntaheen, Fermoy

3rd Prize €100 – Kelly Ryan, Clonmel Rd, Mitchelstown.

The support for this fundraising venture was superb from all of you – raising €4,828 – extraordinary in these recessionary times, Thank you sincerely. All the monies raised will go towards kitting out the extension and the refurbishment of the school yard. Particular mention to Jamie Kelly, 6^th class, Ryan Walsh, 6^th class and Jamie Fitzgerald, 6^th class, who received beautiful pens, courtesy of Ailbe Coleman, for their outstanding efforts in selling tickets.  On the day, your Council made a presentation to our Caretaker, Brendan Kinsella and our Secretaries, Kathleen Cott and Patricia Dwane, in recognition of their sterling service, particularly in relation to their help in the organisation of Parent Council Activities.

Supervision of Pupils:

At this time of year, bad weather is imminent. We remind you that our Board of Management takes responsibility for pupils from 8.45a.m., when supervision begins. In the interest of Health and Safety, we again advise that your son(s) is/are not at school, prior to 8.45a.m. For the same reasons, we emphasise the necessity that you collect your son(s) promptly at the end of the school day, and/or when organised after school activities are complete. Our school cannot accept responsibility for pupils once they have left school grounds (i.e. outside yard line). It is imperative that you, as parent(s)/guardian(s), make arrangements that your children go to and from school safely.

Concert D.V.D.’s

We know many of you enjoyed many hours re-watching our brilliant concerts. We discovered, just on the day of the Christmas holidays, that a few of the D.V.D.’s were faulty i.e. had stuff on them not relating to our school at all. McMahon Photographers, Ballyporeen apologise for any inconvenience caused. Some of you might have not had a chance to look at the D.V.D.’s until the Christmas break. If you have a faulty D.V.D. , please return it to the school here, by Thursday 12^th January. We will ensure you get a perfect replacement.

Home School Community Liaison Officer:

REMINDER: Elma Toomey, our Home School Community Liaison Officer is here at C.B.S. Primary every Wednesday and Thursday. If you would like to speak with Elma, for any reason, have ideas on parental involvement in our school or suggestions for classes for parents etc., do contact her on (086) 0412952.

Up and Coming Events:

For your information, here is a quick overview of current up and coming events –

Guitar:                                                                 Next round of guitar lessons – Tuesday, 17^th separate notification will be circulated re. this.

Swimming:                                                         Mr. O’Sullivan’s 1^st, Ms. O’Keeffe’s 3^rd and Mr. Sherlock’s 5^th classes, begin on Wednesday 18^th January, for six weeks. Letter already circulated re. this.

Soccer Coaching:                                             2 x 5^th Classes (beginning with Ms. Arnolds) at St. Fanahan’s College from Thursday 19^th January. Separate notice will be issued regarding this.

Choir Practice:                                                  Resumes Thursday, 19^th January.

Meeting re. Confirmation:                          For parents of 6^th Class pupils, Monday 23^rd January at 7.30 p.m. at School Hall, Bunscoil Na Toirbhirte.

Date for Confirmation Ceremony:            Wednesday, 21^st March at 11.00a.m.

Up Coming Quiz Competitions:                 Including Credit Union (Saturday, 4^th Feb) & Scór (Friday night, 10^th Feb).

Book Fair:                                                           C.B.S. Primary, Thursday, 2^nd February.

Spike Ball: (a first for us)                              2 x 6^th classes Wednesday, 8^th February

Students from Mary Immaculate Teaching Training College – Fridays from 3^rd February – 30^th March -

Middle Classes.

For your diaries:

Parent Council Activities:

Table Quiz:                                         Hunters Rest, Friday, 27^th January – please try to gather your team of 4!

Annual Fashion Show:                   Firgrove Hotel, Tuesday, 13^th February.

Don’t forget our door is always open if you have anything on your mind. Don’t hesitate to come and talk to us. As ever, use the journals to keep us informed.

That’s all for now!

Le gach dea ghuí,

Mary O’ Callaghan, Principal                                                                  

Nigel Griffin, Deputy Principal.