Scoil Muire Na Dea Chomhairle Phone: 061-367289

Kilkishen Email: kilkishenns.ias@eircom.net

Website: www.kilkishen.weebly.com
Co. Clare Twitter:@kilkishenns
13870E

May 2020 Newsletter

Dear Parent/Guardian,

I want to bring the following to your attention in this May Newsletter:

School News

Kilkishen N.S. received some fantastic news

as the school was awarded the Green Flag for
Travel. Cathy Baxter, Green-Schools Manager
with An Taisce asked to pass on her thanks to
all the hard-working members of the Green-
Schools committee and everyone in the school.
The school will have a celebration ceremony
when all of this uncertainty has passed. Well
done boys and girls, and congratulations to
Mr. Walsh, Mike Hogan, and our Greens
Schools Committee.
  First Holy Communion: On Saturday next May 16, pupils from Second Class were due to
make their First Holy Communion. This would have been a special day of celebration for all
the boys and girls and their families. While it is very difficult to postpone such an important
event in the school calendar, we realise it is for the greater good and we will enjoy the day all
the more when we do come together in the future. We all look forward to this day.
 Distance Learning: I would like to commend all pupils for the level of engagement they are
showing whilst completing their schoolwork from home. It is extremely difficult for families
at present, but it is fantastic to see and hear how well pupils and their families are adapting to
the situation. A new feature on the homework section of Aladdin enables parents to send
samples of pupils work to teachers. This may be easier than emailing or using Edmodo for
some. It is simply another option for you to consider. There is NO compulsion on anyone to
use this feature. Families can use whatever method supports their situation. These options are
aimed to support and assist distance learning during the school closure and hopefully make
you and your child feel connected to Kilkishen N.S. Sending work samples to teachers should
not be a source a stress.
 Class Allocation September 2020: Pupils will be allocated their class teachers and class
groupings in the coming weeks and this will be communicated with parents in June. The
school pupil population for 2020/2021 denotes a teacher allocation of 5 mainstream and 2.5
Special Education Teacher. Classes will be constituted to ensure the lowest pupil teacher ratio
across the entire school.
 Booklists for 2020-2021: Booklists are currently being finalised for the coming year. These
will be available to view on the school website from June and as usual a Book Rental Scheme
will be in place for pupils from 3rd -6th class.

Building Update
 Building Update: Tenders for the construction of an additional mainstream classroom, 3
Special Education Teaching rooms, new entrance, office and connecting hallway have a
deadline of this coming Friday May 15. Consultant Engineering firm Procad are carrying out
this tender competition. It is hoped contracts can be signed later this month and construction
of the school accommodation can commence during the summer break.
 One Wall Handball Facility: Work has been taking place on constructing an outdoor
Handball facility using the recently built Hurling Wall. Groundworks and surfacing have been
completed and the application of finished tarmac will be completed once the additional
building works have been completed. This is to ensure no unnecessary damage is caused to
the outdoor court during the additional accommodation construction.

Finally, I would like wish all of you and your families continued good health. As per Government
Health advice schools remained closed until September 2020. We look forward to the day that pupils
can return to their classrooms safely and enjoy coming together once more.

Yours sincerely,

Conor Harrison
Principal