Mrs O'Callaghan's Retirement

Dear Parent(s)/Guardian(s),

As you are aware our Principal, Mrs O'Callaghan, is Retiring on Friday October 2nd.
She will be greatly missed by all at CBS Primary Mitchelstown.

Unfortunately, due to COVID-19 restrictions, a large gathering to mark the occasion is not possible.

We feel that it would be a nice gesture, however, to organise a means by which our School Community could acknowledge her many years of loyal service.

We would be grateful if you could take the time to type a short message of appreciation,
​or better still, record a video (10-15 seconds) and send it to.............. 


farewell@cbspmitchelstown.com

If you are in contact with any past pupils/parents/guardians who would like to contribute please share the email with them.

Thank you so much,
​
Staff and Management of CBS Primary.

 _____________________________________________________________________________________________
 
26th February 2020


Dear Parent(s) / Guardian(s),
 
We hope things are going well for you and your families and that you enjoyed the mid-term break. Congratulations to all who were involved with Shrek the Musical, last week. It was a roaring success! Thanks so much to everyone who came to the Town Hall, last Sunday, to support your Parent Council Bingo and to all who donated prizes for the cause. It's always tricky when something has to be rescheduled - we are very grateful to your Parent Council Reps for persevering and getting an alternative date. Next up for your Parent Council, is their 34th Annual Fashion Show, at Firgrove Hotel, on Friday, 27th March. To ensure that as much money as possible goes to the school and per the feedback from our loyal patrons, again, this year, there will be no actual professional model agency. All the models will be familiar faces and the show itself will be once again, compèred by Mary O' Callaghan, with some special guests. Of course, we will need male & female models of all sizes and ages. If you would be happy to help out with this, please contact school directly on (025) 24505. Names will be needed by next week, that the shops can be informed.  As is usual, next week, each family will receive 2 tickets (cost €15 each), which we hope you will be able to purchase. If, for some reason, you are not in a position to attend and would like to support, do put your name on the ticket and return to school office, as there will be a draw on the door ticket, on the night. Further tickets can also be purchased from the office. Please encourage family & friends to attend this lovely nights entertainment. As ever, we are so grateful to the Parent Council for the efforts they put into organising the Fashion Show and to all the businesses and local organisations who continue to support us. If you know of any other businesses / individuals who could provide sponsorship, please let us know.
 
After School Cookery:           Yesterday, our 4th class pupils got notification regarding upcoming after school classes. This is a great opportunity for the boys. We were fortunate, last year, to get so much kitchen equipment from Supervalu, through their "Cooking with the Stars Programme". Thanks to staff here, who will facilitate the sessions.
 
Peace Proms:     Since Christmas, our Peace Proms Choir has been rehearsing on Mondays, in preparation for their trip to Waterford I.T. , on Saturday, 7th March. This is our second time participating in Peace Proms. Last year, at Limerick University, it was a marvellous experience for the boys. Peace Proms is the Choral Education Programme associated with the Cross Borders Orchestra of Ireland. Over 30,000 Primary School children participate - more than likely there will be over 1,000 children at Waterford and they will be accompanied by the fabulous Orchestra.
 
World Book Day / School Book Fair:               World Book Day this year takes place on Thursday, 5th March. Today, we are circulating Book tokens to all boys. These can be exchanged at either the Favourite or Hyland Bookshops, for a free World Book Day book or alternatively, €1.50 off of any children's book.. Please, if you have not done so already, do facilitate that your child joins the local Library, a fantastic free service, in the heart of the community. To co-ordinate with World Book Day - Mr. O' Shea, Assistant Principal 1, has organised that a Book Fair will be with us throughout the week beginning 2nd March. There will be times allotted to the various classes to look at the books. You are more than welcome to call to look at the Fair, during your child's allotted times. Either ways, the boys can purchase books on their own. 60% of all monies raised will be returned to the school, towards purchasing of new class novels. We also wish to say a sincere thank you to the Hanrahan Family, for the very kind donation of so many lovely books to our school.
 
Green Schools News At CBS Primary:              This term, we have booked Tony Kenneally, Wildlife Biologist, for two dates. Tony has already talked to classes about Birds of Prey and Garden Birds. Next week, he will talk about Amphibians - Toads, Newits, Frogs etc. Our Green Schools Committee is hoping, that when the weather improves more boys will be able to walk to school. The Committee is currently working on Global Citizenship - Energy.
 
Extra Curricular Activities currently happening at CBS Primary:   Emmet O' Callaghan, Rugby Coach, is working with all pupils in 5th & 6th classes, thanks to Munster Rugby . Mini sevens football has been re-scheduled to 12th March, at Mallow.
GAA Coach, Mary Hogan, thanks to the local Mitchelstown/Ballygiblin Juvenile Club, is currently working on GAA skills with the junior classes. Appeal for Helmets - If there are any helmets lying around at home that are not being used, could they be donated to the school?  Current after school activities include, Chess, Peace Proms, Quiz, Soccer (in preparation for upcoming FAI Interprimary School Competition, in association with Spar, on 5th March). Indoor hurling will also be on the 5th March.  4th class will have after school cookery on Wednesdays, starting next week. Thanks to Supervalu for supplying so  much of our kitchen equipment, through its "Cooking All Stars Programme". Lunchtimes, we have Tractor Club, Lego Club and Book Club - so there's something for everybody here at CBS.
 
Coicíse  na Gaeilge:     An fhéile Ghaeilge is mo in Eirinn agus ar fud an domhain!  Coicise na Gaeilge runs this year from 1st - 17th March. It is the single biggest annual event to celebrate our language and our culture. Here at CBS, we will have Seó Talainne (Talent Show), Sheanfhocail an lae (proverbs), Comartais Ealaíne (Art) etc. If you know of any musicians who would like to visit on Lá Glas, please let us know. Lá Glas will happen on Friday, 13th March. We encourage everyone to dress in some bit of Green, White, and or Orange for St. Patrick's Day.  Ban trial as do chuid Ghaeilge!
 
Ethos / Preparation for the Sacraments:      Yesterday, Ash Wednesday marked the beginning of Lent. Canon Leamy called and administered ashes on foreheads of all boys. Trocaire boxes were circulated to all classrooms - thanks Brendan! The Sisters of the Servant of the Home of the Mother continue their weekly visits with the Sacrament classes. Today, we are circulating all info, that we have to date, about Confirmation, set for Thursday, 2nd April, at 11.00am. This year, it is our turn to co-ordinate the music. First Penance for Communion children, 2nd class boys, is set for Wednesday, 11th March, 7.30pm at the Parish Church. First Holy Communion, for our school, will be on Saturday, 30th May. The Sisters and the Priests have organised that 6th class boys will take part in a Retreat at the Town Hall, in preparation for Confirmation, on Wednesday, 19th March.
 
Spring Fever at CBS Primary:       We are very excited about hatching eggs in our school. Liam Finn and Kathleen brought in an incubator with 7 eggs on Thursday, February 6th.  We are observing the journey from an egg to a chicken. It takes approximately 21 days for the chickens to hatch. Liam had markings on the eggs 0 and 1. Each morning, we have the job of turning the eggs and recording it in our diary. The incubator must be at a temperature of 37.7 degrees Celsius .Liam came back on day 9 for their first scan. He shone a torch on the eggs and we could see the baby chicks inside. Each chick has a sharp point on their top beak called an egg tooth to break out of the eggs. Liam came back yesterday to check on the eggs and they are looking well. He also brought in a larger nesting box with a light and food. We are now on Day 20 and breaking news - the first chick has just hatched! We are very excited about the new arrivals!
Ms O’ Regan went to Kildare, during the October mid-term break, to get two male rabbits – Blackjack and Snowball. When Liam Finn was in checking the eggs, he informed us that Blackjack was indeed a girl and was expecting babies! On February 14th just after Liam calling in, Blackjack started to build a nest with hay and her own fur. The following morning we discovered that Blackjack had two beautiful babies. The babies are now eleven days old and are doing great. When they are 18 days old, we should all be able to get a good look at them. Until then, we are letting Blackjack mind her babies, in peace. Many thanks to the Vaughan family for supplying a spare hutch, as Snowball had to be moved out of the nursery.
 
Garda Dogs:         Last week, two guards came to our school to tell us about the Garda Dog Unit. Garda John Condon told us that everybody has their own scent and this is what the dog can smell. He told us how they train the dogs and that the dogs think that following a scent is a game, they just want their ball as a reward. Then we went outside and he brought in Buddy (from the Garda Dog Unit) and showed us Buddy at work. He hid something in the yard behind a drainage pipe and let Buddy off to see if he could find it. We saw that when Buddy found the hidden item, he wagged his tail and looked at the guard waiting for his reward. It was really cool! Thanks to Garda Denis Motherway for organising this visit for us.
 
Food Dudes / Health Promoting Schools:     This week, 1st & 2nd classes start their Food Dudes Programme. They will have 16 days tasting while the senior classes have 8 tasting days. We are all very excited for tasting lots of different fruit & veg and earning lots of lovely rewards. Our quote for this week is "In a world where you can be anything - Be Kind".
 
Quiz News:           Our Quiz Teams are, indeed, on a roll!
We took 3rd place at the Birdwatch Quiz held at Corrin Events Centre - team - Stevie J. Murphy, Tristian Power, David Fouhy & Zak Murphy and were outright winners in the Ballyduff Inter Primary School Quiz - Stephen O' Connor, Ryan Spratt, David Fox & Daniel O' Brien. There are a number of quizzes coming up in the very near future- Friday night at Kilworth, Thursday, 5th March fundraiser quiz at CBS Secondary. Friday, 6th March, Interprimary School Quiz at Charleville, also Glenahulla Annual Primary School Quiz, which will be held at the Firgrove Hotel. Of course, we wish our victorious U13 Credit Union Quiz Team the very best as they progress to the Chapter Final at Hibernian Hotel, Mallow, on this Saturday. Our team - Benjamin Cooke, Luke Cott, Ryan Spratt & Tristian Power have already done us proud this school year - go n'eíri libh ar an Satharn!
 
New Personnel in our School Community:              We welcome Kristen Murphy (this week). Áine Keane (next week) and Caroline Landers (the following week) who will work with us as part of their training as Special Needs Assistants. We hope their time with us will be mutually beneficial. Welcome Marc Daz and Zhixiang Zhan, Spanish Students who are staying with host families and will learn with us, for some weeks.
 
Please everybody check heads this weekend as we have reports of crawlers in our midst - one infected head can do lots of damage. So everyone needs to check!
 
To give you timely notice, our school will close at 12.30pm on Friday, 20th March, as all  staff will engage in Professional Development on the Primary Language Curriculum.
 
Don't forget the blue tokens in our slot at Tesco - every little helps!
 
That's all for now - keep safe, warm and healthy!
 
Le gach dea ghuí
 
Mary O' Callaghan                  Nigel Griffin                                         John Weir
Principal                             Deputy Principal                                    Assistant Principal
 
And all here at CBS Primary!








Christian Brothers Primary School,
Brigown, Mitchelstown, Co Cork, P67 FY81                                                   
Roll No: 17639W
Telephone: (025) 24505
e-mail:  cbsmitchprimoffice@gmail.com    
WEBSITE:  www.cbspmitchelstown.com
 
Our School Motto:   Have Courage & Be Kind
 _____________________________________________________________________________________________

Newsletter, 5th February 2020

 
Dear Parent(s) / Guardian(s)
 
It's Spring Time! New life New Beginnings! We hope things are going well for you and your families. We had a really lovely day here last Friday for Grandparents Day, as part of Catholic Schools Week. Many thanks to all who helped, in any way, towards its success - to Gillian Kearney, Home School Community Liaison Officer and Mairéad Sheehan, School Completion Project Worker, who took responsibility for setting up our catering arrangements, to Mairéad Lane  who was a great help throughout the day, to Celine O'Brien, who made the beautiful cake with the writing "Grandparents Hold our Hands for a While, and Our Hearts for a Lifetime", to everybody who dropped in cakes, tarts, buns etc., - it was a wonderful spread, to Canon Michael Leamy, Sean Burke from the Avondhu and, of course, to all who visited us. We did invite all those seeking election, in our area, to join us for the event. We realise that they are very busy these days, however, we are grateful that Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe did manage to drop in and listen to our current needs. Thanks to  those who provided entertainment. All round, it was a great day and it was so nice to see how Grandparents interacted with all children, particularly those who, for whatever reason, did not have anybody to visit, on the day.
 
Quiz News:  Our marvellous bit of news is that, once again, our U13 team emerged in first place in the Credit Union Interprimary School Quiz held, at the Firgrove Hotel, last Sunday! Congratulations to Luke Cott, Tristan Power, Ben Cooke and Ryan Spratt, who will now head to represent Mitchelstown, in the Chapter Final. Their achievement was recognised, at whole school level, when we had a "No Homework " night last Monday. This team also took 1st prize at the Knockadea Interprimary School Quiz, at T.O. Park, on 24th January and at Ballygown Quiz at Mallow GAA Centre (98 teams!). Our school is actually the only school named on that Shield - having taken, 1st place each year, since this competition's inception. Well done to - Stephen O'Connor, Brendan Hurley, Kyle O'Regan and Dan O'Brien, who took overall 3rd place, at  Curraglass Interprimary School Quiz also on Friday, 24th January.
Next up for our Teams - Friday, 7th February, Ballyduff Upper Inter Primary Schools Quiz, Bird Watch Ireland Quiz, at Corrin Events Centre, in Fermoy and the Interprimary School Quiz at St. Fanahan's College, on Thursday, 13th February.
 
Parent Council News:  REMINDER - your Parent Council are organising BINGO at the Town Hall next Sunday, 9th February, at 2.00pm. T. O. and Co. will be the hosts. This promises to be a great day out for all the family, so please support. Thanks to all who have donated prizes so far, that can be used on the day. If anyone else has unwanted Christmas gifts, toys, biscuits etc., that you can donate, please drop these to the office, here at school, anytime up to Friday evening. All monies raised will go directly towards improving the services we can provide for your children. Thanks to your Parent Council Reps. for putting their energies into this event. Also, Marie Sheehan, from Tesco, has told us that, this month, the Tesco Community Fund will include CBS Primary Parent Council. Please collect the tokens and drop them into the containers - the more volume, the more monies will come to our school. Again, thank you, in advance, for this.
 
Internet Safety Day: Internet Safety Day is next Tuesday, 11th February.  We all have a responsibility to empower children to protect themselves when online. To this end, here are our 5 top tips for Parents -
1. Discover the Internet together. 2. Agree with your child rules for Internet use. 3.Encourage your child to be careful when disclosing personal information. 4. Talk about the risks associated with "Online Friends". 5. Teach your child about evaluating information they find on line. We will also be highlighting Internet Safety messages, here in school.
                                                                
School Reports: Mid- year Reports will be posted to all your homes, on Friday next week. There is no need to forward a S.A.E. for these, as the cost is included in the monies you gave, at the start of the school year. In recognition of the fact that school attendance impacts directly on progress and attitude to school - we include recognition of good attendance with our Reports.  As ever, if there is a concern arising from the Reports, or any other reason, please do not hesitate to contact teachers to make an appointment to discuss. This is exactly why we forward Reports at this time - rather than just letting things go to the end of the school year.
Attendance: We remind you, that in line with Department of Education and Skills Rules and School Policy - we do require a written explanation when your child returns to school, after any absence. It does not suffice to ring the office, as we require the written notes for our records. The reason for absence is required, as otherwise, the absence will be recorded as "unexplained", on our system. Thank you for your co-operation. If you have any queries about this, do not hesitate to contact us.
 
Swimming:       Today, Ms. O'Gorman's 1st class and Mr. O'Regan's 3rd / 4th class have letters regarding their upcoming swimming sessions beginning Wednesday, 26th February.  For parent(s)/guardian(s) in 1st class - please don't worry if your son has never been to a pool without yourself or another member of your family before. Two male staff members will be in the changing rooms. We also operate a "Buddy System", which works well. If there is an issue with any aspect of swimming, do not hesitate to contact us and we will do our very best to resolve.
 
Green Schools News: Our Green Schools Committee met yesterday. They are currently using the Irish Aid Ireland set of resources for Global Goals and Climate Action. The lessons will be taught in each class grouping to heighten awareness for all, of these very topical issues.
 
Springtime:         Really and truly, it is here! Today, Liam Finn dropped in an incubator with 7 fertile eggs. We have all the instructions and hopefully, in 21 days time, we will have hatched chickens - exciting!! Many thanks to Liam for this. No doubt, he will have to take on an overseers role throughout the process! The incubating chickens will join our rabbits Snowball and Black Jack, in Ms. O'Regan's room.
 
Student Teachers: As many of you are aware, we are an "Outreach School" with Mary Immaculate College of Teacher Education, Limerick. We are glad to have student teachers Eleanor Sheehan and our own ex-pupil Eoin Flynn with us for their first placement, as they begin their training, as Primary School Teachers. Eleanor and Eoin will observe and teach Mr. Davoren's 2nd class, for the weeks up to St. Patrick's Day.
 
Aldi: Collect Irish Rugby player stickers, with every €30 spent in store. As official supermarket of the IRFU, Aldi is giving primary schools the chance to win €50,000 to develop their playing facilities and help more children live a healthy and active lifestyle. Two Primary Schools will win €50,000 each to develop their playing facilities. A primary school in each province will receive €2,500 worth of training equipment for their school, including a new set of school jerseys and Aldi branded water bottles. Every school who enters a fully completed poster will receive an Aldi Play Rugby kit bag, 4 rugby balls, a water bottle holder and 6 water bottles. We are not prescribing where you should shop! However, if you and / or your family or friends  could spread the word we would be very grateful to join in and help us to fill our poster. It takes 300 stickers to fill each one!
 
Shrek The Musical:          Best of luck to Mitchelstown Musical Society and all involved with Shrek the Musical which will be staged at CBS Secondary, over the February mid-term break, particularly those directly part of our school community. Special mention to some of our boys - Sam Cahill, 4th class (young Shrek) and 2nd class boys - Noah Bernard, Thomas Whelan and Harry Finn, who are Woodland Creatures. Break a leg everybody!
 
St Georges Arts and Heritage Centre:        At our last Assembly, Ann Morris and Bill Power, representatives of St. Georges Arts and Heritage Centre, accepted a cheque for €748.20, proceeds of  ticket sales and donations, from our "Cosy Christmassy Songs and Stories" night, held, in December, at the Centre. The DVD's of these have just arrived - so, if you have paid for one, your son will have it going home in his school bag. We ordered a few extra, if you would like a copy (€10) please let us know directly.
 
Road Safety Authority Art Competition:               Recently, Ms. O' Callaghan's 1st / 2nd class participated in the R.S.A. Art Competition. The Themes were - "Be Safe Be Seen" and "The Seat Belt Sheriff". All the boys received Certs, Badges and Reflective armbands. Congratulations to Conor Spratt (1st class) and Sebastian Cygan (2nd class), whose entries have been forwarded to the National Competition.    
Ethos:                Each day for Catholic Schools week, we had a different topic around the overall theme, "Living in Harmony with God's Creation"  including with friends, neighbours, family, the whole Community and the Earth. On Monday night last, parents met with Parish Representatives here, in preparation for the Sacraments of Penance and First Holy Communion. The next of these meetings will be here on Monday, 3rd March, at 7.30pm. School Reps. involved in the Sacrament of Confirmation will meet with Priests of the Parish and other Parish workers, at the Parish Office on Thursday after school. We will let you know if there is any follow on for Parents / Guardians. Just to let you know, our Charity which will benefit from Student Council Fundraising, during Lent, will be the Alzheimer's  Society of Ireland, which was requested by teacher at Presentation Secondary and a great friend of our school - Winnie Fitzgerald. 
 
Health Promoting School Committee News:          Our most recent positive quotations are “ Every day may not be good but there is something good in every day”, “ You must be the change you wish  to see in the world” and “ Please and Thank You are still magic words, no matter what age you are”.  Every class completed lessons on the food pyramid and made their own. The winners of the food pyramid competition were - Dylan Dalton, Sean MCCarthy , Daniel Da Silva, Ben Kiely, Dáire Burke, Sean Dennehy, Aaron Walsh, Kealan O’Mahony, Jack Masterson , Simas Radzevicius and Pádraig Moriarty. Remember, the top shelf of the pyramid is floating, so foods like sweets, cakes and biscuits should only be consumed once or twice a week. Fruit and vegetables are on the bottom/ largest part of the pyramid and we should have 5-7 portions of these per day. We will be starting the Food Dudes programme again shortly, encouraging everyone to try  out different fruit and veg. A healthy body= a healthy mind. We are doing active 10, in our class groupings, at least once a week. We distributed the Super Trooper booklets last Monday. Please try to encourage exercise at home and record in diary. We are purchasing “ Pass  and Roll” cubes from Transition Year pupils at C.B.S. Secondary, which we got the chance to customise for each class grouping . This will be a great way to make exercising fun.
 
Sporting News: Sixth class boys will begin training for upcoming FAI Soccer Interprimary School Competition (5 a side) next week. Next week, our GAA coach, courtesy of the local Mitchelstown/Ballygiblin Juvenile Club, Mary Hogan, will begin hurling sessions with 1st & 2nd classes.
Rugby for classes 3rd - 6th with coach Emmet O'Callaghan, courtesy of Munster Rugby, continues on Wednesdays. Shortly, weather permitting, Mr. Coffey will begin our own in house rugby training.
We were delighted to have Helena O'Brien and Munster Coach Paul Fitzgerald from Mitchelstown Tennis Club, visit all class groupings last week. They are actively trying to recruit young members. They have a fabulous facility, which has a great future at George's Street. Do check it out, if you son is showing an interest.
 
School Meals:     A few weeks ago, we did a full feedback of the current hot food menu, with every class grouping. The boys were very forthcoming and gave many great ideas. We presented our findings to Joan Egan of Glanmore foods, at a meeting last week. This will be the basis of a change of menu for the hot food selection. We hope to have these ready, before February mid-term. Remember we are piloting  this initiative - it is inevitable that there will be an element of trial and error involved. Our experience will be used towards a full evaluation of  the project.
 
Election 2020:   In the run up to the Election, you might remember education, if / when you get the chance to talk with any of those seeking public office. No 1 - no question, is class size. At present in Ireland, one in five children are taught in classes of over 30. The E.U. average class size is 20. Smaller class size have a positive effect on children's learning. For us here at CBS Primary, the timely Government funding for development of the Field is a priority. We have done our bit. In spite, of the huge uphill mountain we felt we had to face, we did succeed in repaying, in full, for that field - a potentially magnificent asset. We repaid a 7 year Community loan, through great effort and generosity, in two years! It is now time for the Department of Education and Skills, to play their part and realise the great opportunity that space offers. Regardless, of your persuasion do exercise your right to vote - it is a privilege to live in a Democracy.
 
That's all for now!          Don't forget the Bingo, at the Town Hall, on Sunday at 2pm! If we don't get another Newsletter  between  this and then - Happy Valentine's Day and Mid-term! Enjoy to the max!
 
Every good wish
 
Mary O' Callaghan                            Nigel Griffin                                  John Weir
Principal                                       Deputy Principal                             Assistant Principal
 
And all at CBS Primary!







C.B.S. Primary School, Newsletter, 9th January 2020.  
Telephone: 025 24505     Fax No: 025 85408    
Website: www.cbspmitchelstown.com. Email:cbsmitchprimoffice@gmail.com
 
Dear Parent(s) / Guardian(s)
We hope you all had some peaceful, happy times, over Christmas. We wish you the very best for  a New Year and A New Decade!
Sincere sympathies to Ms. Kearney (H.S.C.L.) on the death of her father and to Ms. McGrath on the death of her Grandmother, over the holidays. Our thoughts and prayers, at this time, are with all those who have suffered recent bereavements and for those who are enduring illness.
 
Firstly the Christmassy Stuff!:            Christmas 2019 was really fun and busy here at CBS. Our Performing Arts Club doubled as Carol Singers and were very visible throughout the Community in aid of good causes. We raised €181.81 for Temple Street Children's Hospital in the Foyer of Tesco. These monies were presented to Marie Sheehan, Representative of Tesco. On the Thursday, before Christmas, a dreadfully wet day, we managed to get about an hour outside Supervalu to sing a bit. Due to tremendous generosity of the public, these efforts raised €732.31 for the Society of St. Vincent De Paul which we presented to Liam Roche and Eddie Lynch of the Society, directly before Christmas. Those who frequent Tearmann Uí Caoimh were delighted to have some of the boys singing for them for their Annual Christmas Dinner. We have ordered a few extra DVDs of our Performing Arts Club "Cosy Christmassy Songs and Stories" at St. George's from McMahons. If you would like a copy please send €10 to office by next Tuesday, 14th January.
 
Parent Council News:        Huge thanks must go to everyone for the great support of your Parent Council Christmas Raffle. A total of €4,528 was raised. Congratulations to the prize winners - 1st - Simon Whelan €300, 2nd - Breda Hayes €200, 3rd - Jason Hanna €100.
Well done to the boys who sold tickets particularly our top sellers - Chenzhi Liu, Thomas Murphy, Anthony Aherne, Luke Cott, Ryan Spratt, Jayden Lyons
These, and top selling class (Ms. Barry's 5th) were rewarded by your Parent Council Reps. Your Parent Council also made presentations to our Secretaries Kathleen Cott and Patricia Dwane, to our Caretaker Brendan Kinsella and to School Cleaners Rita O'Grady & Tom Walsh, as a token of appreciation for all the work they do.  Be assured, all the monies raised through Parent Council fundraising - goes directly towards improving the experiences we can offer your children. Case in point, directly before Christmas, Parent Council monies funded D.J. Justin Finn, Disco, subsidised trip to Pantomime, paid for Matific - online interactive Maths programme, equipment for our Sensory Room and new School Jerseys. At last nights Parent Council Meeting, Representatives agreed to fund half of the cost of "High School Musical" for all boys, purchase of board games etc. for "rainy days" in all classes, Blue Bots - which aid computer programming and further equipment for our Sensory Room.
Next up for your Parent Council will be Bingo at the Town Hall (date to be determined) and the BIG ONE our 34th Annual Fashion Show at the Firgrove Hotel - Friday, 27th March, 2020. Local models will be required, so man or woman, get your say in, if you would like to grace the catwalk!
 
Forecast:   We have had an unbelievable stretch of unseasonably fair weather. Inevitably however, the cold and wet will come on us. Whenever it is anyway fine, the boys will get a run out on the yards. A coat is very necessary, not just for yard, but for going to and from school. Should the really bad weather arrive, we will always do our very best to inform you at the earliest opportunity, if for some reason school cannot open. We know, from experience, that this can be tricky to determine, at times. Please ensure that we have your current mobile phone number.
 
Health Promoting Schools:        We have once again been invited to take part in the "Food Dudes" Healthy Eating Programme. Ms. O'Callaghan will attend in-service on the programme and shortly thereafter we will begin with fruit & vegetables all round (!) towards promoting healthy eating patterns for life. This week's whole school quote to begin the New Year is " The New Year stands before us, like a chapter in a book, waiting to be written. We can help write that story by setting goals". In fact, just writing goals, is good for our overall wellbeing, regardless of whether the goals are achieved or not.
 
Heritage in Schools Scheme Green Schools:       We have booked Tony Kenneally, Wildlife Biologist, from the Heritage in Schools Scheme in conjunction with our work on Green Schools. Tony will be working with each class grouping. On Tuesday, 21st January he will talk about Birds of Prey and Garden Birds. In the Springtime he will talk about Amphibians - Toads, Newts, Frogs etc.
 
Sporting Activities:  This week, Emmet O'Callaghan, Coach from Munster Rugby began sessions with 3rd & 4th classes. Emmet will also work with 5th & 6th classes this term. We were delighted with the amount of rugby equipment we got from forwarding all those Aldi stickers. It was well worth the effort - thank you everyone.
Thanks to Mitchelstown / Ballygiblin GAA, we are once again able to offer GAA Coaching to 1st and 2nd classes. This will begin next Thursday for football and hurling coaching will start in February.  Mr. Quirke has applied for our entry to the FAI / Spar 5-A-Side Inter School Soccer Competition. Swimming for Mr. Coffey's 4th and Ms. O'Callaghan's 1st / 2nd classes will begin next Wednesday. Ms. O'Gorman's 1st and Mr. O'Regan's 3rd / 4th classes will commence from 26th February. That will be all classes catered for, in this curricular area, for this school year.
 
Other School Activities:              Literacy Lift Off commences next week in Ms. O'Callaghan's 1st / 2nd class. Resources for this were purchased previously by your Parent Council.
Student Council meets tomorrow and every 2nd Friday thereafter.
Peace Proms Rehearsals start next Monday after school and continue up to March in preparation for the big Concert at Waterford on Saturday, 7th March 2020.
After school Chess for 3rd  classes  begins after school next Monday.  There will be After School Guitar lessons for Senior Classes on Wednesdays and Quiz practice on Thursdays, for our Quiz Panel. The next competitions that we are aware of, are - TO Park on 24th January and the Credit Union Inter Primary Quiz at the Firgrove Hotel, on Sunday, 2nd February. We do realise that some boys may have to chose one activity over another because they are on the same day. However, you will appreciate the effort, well beyond the call of duty, which goes into organising this extent of after school activities. There are simply not enough days in the week! We are hugely grateful to all those on our staff who give so generously of their time, that your children can benefit from these additional opportunities, at no cost to yourselves. (FYI Tuesdays is our day for staff meetings / professional development etc. here).
 
Catholic Schools Week:     Catholic Schools Week runs from 26th January - 2nd February. The Theme this year is "Living in Harmony with God's Creation". We are called to be Stewards of the Environment with a responsibly to protect the environment, for future generations. There are also daily themes for the week. As you are most likely aware, as an integral part of Catholic Schools Week, we alternate Grandparents Day each year, with Bunscoil. This year, Grandparents are invited here on Friday, 31st January from 11.15am. Please spread the word to all Grandparents or indeed elder relatives / neighbours who are in the role of Grandparents in your child's life, in cases where Grandparents are not around, for whatever reason. We do want Grandparents to visit the boys classrooms. However, unless they require assistance, due to space restrictions, we will not be in a position to accommodate others, in the classrooms. We will serve refreshments in the halla afterwards - if any  of you can manage to drop some sweet treats for the occasion, it would be much appreciated. We will circulate a sheet via your child later, to see who will be able to join us that we have some idea of numbers. Looking forward already!!
 
High School Musical per Presentation and CBS Secondary Schools: We are delighted to be invited, next week, to the performance of "High School Musical" at CBS Secondary. This year, due to swimming and numbers we will go in two groups
Tuesday - 1st Ms. O'Gorman's,    1st / 2nd Ms. O'Callaghan's, 3rd / 4th Mr. O'Regan's & 4th Mr. Coffey.
Wednesday, 2nd Mr. Davoren,     3rd Ms. Walshe / Ms. Clifford, 5th Ms. Barry's, 5th / 6th Mr. Carey's & 6th Mr. Weir. Thanks to Parent Council and DEIS funding, there will be no cost to yourselves. Doubtless these shows are all the more enjoyable as the boys know so many of the performers. Break a leg everybody!!
 
Support our Secretaries:    Tomorrow, Friday, 10th January, School Secretaries, represented by Fórsa, will hold a National One Day Strike and commence a work to rule campaign, until further notice. Fórsa is seeking to address a two tier pay system and irregular short-term contracts. It is a campaign which is ongoing. We wholeheartedly support our School Secretaries. The Secretaries will be demonstrating outside our school tomorrow. Please do show support and vocalise this with any Public Representatives. School will be open as normal, for the boys and all other staff will be here working on the premises.  
 
Don't forget our door is always open if there is anything on your mind. It's best to deal with any issue at the earliest possible chance. We always listen and perhaps together, we can make a positive difference.
 
 
That's all for now!     
 
Every good wish for a marvellous 2020.
 
 
 
Mary O' Callaghan           Nigel Griffin                      John Weir
Principal                      Deputy Principal                 Assistant Principal
 
 
And all at CBS Primary!
 






C.B.S. Primary School, Newsletter, 12th December  2019.  
Telephone: 025 24505     Fax No: 025 85408    
Website: www.cbspmitchelstown.com. Email:cbsmitchprimoffice@gmail.com
 
Dear Parent(s) / Guardian(s)
 
First off, a massive congratulations to all involved with "Cosy Christmassy Songs and Stories" held at St. Georges Arts and Heritage Centre, last night. It was a huge success - the boys were only fabulous. Due to restrictions of space,  we did not have a raffle or interval, rather let people donate to the St. Georges Fund, if they wished. Thanks to everyone for their generosity - that collection alone raised €248.00. We will pay any expenses we incurred for the night from ticket monies and add the remainder to the donations for St. Georges. D.V.Ds of the Performance will be on sale, per McMahon's Photographic Studios, Ballyporeen, @ €10. Please use the form at the end of this Newsletter if you wish to purchase. Doubtless, all who attended last night were infused with Christmas Spirit! Congratulations to the winners of the draw on the door tickets for fabulous hampers put together by our H.S.C.L. Co-ordinator - Gillian Kearney
1st prize - Maudi Kabundi, 2nd prize - Teresa Finn & 3rd prize - Amy Rose O' Brien.
Health Promoting Schools:                  Our "Elf on the kindness shelf" has returned - his house is gorgeous - do take a peep, if you are around. Ronan McGuirk, in 2nd class, named him "Jolly the Elf". We are currently doing a 15 Days of Random Acts of Kindness challenge and making "Thankful Turkeys". Staff and pupils are taking part in Secret Santa - each boy will make and receive a card. Our favourite Christmas Songs will be chosen, by each class grouping and played on the intercom, over the next week. We will place gratitude baubles on the Christmas Tree, at the Advent Ceremony. Our recent positive quotations are "Every word matters, Speak Kindly" - "If you see someone without a smile, give them one of yours".
 
Parent Council News:               Thank you all so much for the support  to date of your Parent Council Draw . If there are outstanding ticket monies / stubs, please return to office on or before next Monday, 16th December. The draw will be held here at the school on Wednesday next, 18th December. Good luck all! Upcoming events for your Parent Council in the New Year - Bingo to be decided. Annual  Fashion Show - put in your Diaries! Friday, 27th March.
 
New School Jerseys:                  Recently, we school bought New Team Jerseys. These were to replace the existing jerseys that were almost 20 years old! Hopefully, we will have as much success in this lovely new set as we had in the last lot. We would like to thank the Parent Council for funding these jerseys (another purposeful use for your contributions) and Mr. Coffey for organising and designing them.
 
Christmas Trips:         Classes 1st - 4th thoroughly enjoyed their outing to the Cork Opera House to see "Peter Pan" . Tomorrow, our 5th & 6th classes head to the Gate Cinema, Mallow, to see the newly released "Jumanji - The Next Level". Again, so many thanks to your Parent Council for subsidising these opportunities and to SCP Project Worker Mairéad Sheehan for additional monies, towards the buses.
 
Christmas Events:      Our Carol singers were in great voice and hugely praised for their performances, at the Senior Citizens Party, at the Firgrove Hotel, last Sunday and at A.I.B. Bank, last Monday, for their Community Day. We will visit Tearmann Uí Caoimh on next Monday afternoon and hopefully, we will manage to squeeze in a trip to Tesco, in aid of Temple Street Hospital, on Tuesday. We will certainly be at New Square, outside Supervalu, on Thursday, continuing a tradition of over four decades, carol singing in aid of the local Branch of the Mitchelstown St. Vincent De Paul Society.
When we return from the town, there will be a right festive atmosphere here, with a visit from Santa - courtesy of our friends at CBS Secondary and a Disco with D.J. Supreme and great friend to our school - Justin Finn.
 
Ethos:       On Tuesday, of this week, all classes 3rd - 6th participated in the Sacrament of Penance, at the Parish Church. Last Monday, Sr. Claire Fox and her Colleague on the Diocesan Religious Advisory team, called to each class grouping to support and see how we are progressing with the "Grow In Love" Programme. They were hugely complimentary, of the work being done here particularly, the excellent rapport evident between staff and pupils. Based on the Advisors Reports and the marvellous success last night at St. Georges - there is no homework for all pupils tonight. We still want you to sign the journals - that we know you have read this letter! You and your families, friends and neighbours are invited to join us at the Parish Church, on next Wednesday, 18th December, for our Advent Ceremony. That we have sufficient time, we will say 11.00am, start for this.
 
Young Scientist of the Year:                 A group of Presentation Secondary Pupils are conducting a project on spelling and abbreviations, for the upcoming Young Scientist of the Year Competition, at the R.D.S. Yesterday, they circulated permission slips to our boys in 3rd & 6th classes to partake. If you did not return these today, please do so tomorrow, as the girls will be in on Monday, to conduct the testing.
 
Green Schools:              The wind of Storm Atiya was not so kind to Green Schools efforts - it actually broke one of our flag poles in two! Thanks so much to our friend and neighbour Paul Coughlan, for his prompt replacement of the gate into O' Callaghan's Field, which was also blown down. Our Green Schools Committee encourages you to be mindful of not using too much packaging and remember  to recycle, over the Christmas period.
 
Swimming:      To give you good timely notice, swimming for classes Ms. O' Callaghan's  1st / 2nd and Mr. Coffey's 4th , will commence on Wednesday, 15th January. Cost will be €40.00.  To be fair, and to give you all a chance, we will circulate full information on this after Christmas - just that you are aware.
 
Board of Management:            Following on from our last Newsletter, we now have the entire Board of Management Nominees. We are delighted that Kay Dawson will once again serve as Community Representative and we welcome Mervin Hodgins as a new member of the Board and Community Representative. Thus, the Board is made up as follows:
Patron Nominees - Chairperson: Martin Kelly   Canon Michael Leamy
Teachers - Mary O' Callaghan (Principal)        Ryan Quirke (Teacher)
Community Members - Kay Dawson              Mervin Hodgins
Parent Nominees - Marie Sheehan (Mother)     Vinod Bernard (Father)               .
 
It's nearly Christmas:               Just 10 more sleeps to Christmas Eve. WE CAN'T WAIT! Classes for boys will finish ar 12.30pm on Friday, 20th December. School reopens on TUESDAY, 7th January 2020 - so it's a really long Christmas Break this year. Tuesday, 7th January is a normal school day, including after school club.
Friday, 20th December - the boys might dress up festively and also bring in a few treats for a celebratory morning, in the classrooms. Not too much now! There will be no school meals on that day, so some healthy good stuff will not go amiss, amongst the treats.
 
On behalf of everybody here at CBS Primary, we take this opportunity to wish you and your loved ones, the very best for a Happy Peaceful Christmas. Many thanks for your continual positive feedback and co-operation. We really do appreciate the goodwill and support. A really big thank you to all who work and learn here at CBS Primary. We are truly blessed to have such a vibrant team.
 
That's all for now! Don't forget Advent Ceremony 11.00am, Parish Church, next Wednesday, 18th December.
Merry Christmas Everybody! We look forward, with optimism, to a great 2020!
 
Le gach dea ghuí
 
Mary O' Callaghan       Nigel Griffin                   John Weir
Principal                 Deputy Principal              Assistant Principal 1                     And all at C.B.S. Primary!
_________________________________________________________________________________________
 
ORDER FORM FOR PERFORMING ARTS CLUB DVD - "COSY CHRISTMASSY SONGS AND STORIES"
at St. Georges Arts and Heritage Centre.
 
D.V.D. Order Form: Child's Name: _________________________________
D.V.D. €10                 □Yes    □ No    Quantity  required ________
Signature of Parent(s) / Legal Guardian (s)_________________________        Date:   ______________________
 
Signature of Parent(s) / Legal Guardian (s)_________________________        Date:   ______________________
 






C.B.S. Primary School, Newsletter, 27th November, 2019.  
Telephone: 025 24505     Fax No: 025 85408   
Website: www.cbspmitchelstown.com.
Email:cbsmitchprimoffice@gmail.com
 
Dear Parent(s) / Guardian(s)
We hope things are going well for everyone.  Hope you all enjoyed St. Fanahan's Day and the no homework! Christmas decorations are going up here this week! Already the place is beginning to look so Festive. Thanks to everyone who is helping out with this. We have had lots of happenings here since our last Newsletter.
 
 Science Week:         We had a very busy Science Week in CBS Primary recently. The theme was "Play your part in protecting the Planet" 
Scientist Pat Gayer visited 5th and 6th classes to talk about the importance of Science and about his career in electronics and entrepreneurship. 
Each class took part in a Science Table Quiz. All classes undertook experiments and investigations into different aspects of pollution and sustainability. 
The boys were also reminded of the importance of recycling and energy saving and encouraged to get onto their parents to do their bit also. All in all, it was a really enjoyable informative week.  Many thanks to Mr. O'Shea who co-ordinated the programme.
 
Green Schools:         RTÉ ran a weeklong series of programmes on Climate Change, in conjunction with Science Week. The theme for the week was "Climate Change and the effect it is having globally and the role we can play". As a school we also adopted this theme.
Quizzes were held in classrooms, experiments carried out and debates held.
Our very exciting new initiative has begun. As you are aware, The Green Schools Committee were concerned about all the one-off plastic bottles in the school lunches. The Committee and Management discussed this with John Mooney from Glanmore Foods. It was decided that every boy would get a reusable hydro flask bottle. Large water dispensers are now installed in each classroom, which the bottles can be filled from. The school is delighted with this new greener system. The hydro flasks will carry with the boys into adulthood!
It was also National Clean Air week. We can all play a part in protecting our air and they are huge benefits i.e. Environment, Health, Money and Safety. All people are encouraged to stop 'Engine Idling'. Hopefully you can all cut the idling and reduce carbon emissions, improve air quality and make all school areas safer and healthier!
 
Health Promoting Schools:           At our Assembly last week Joanne McCarthy of Arc House, Cork, called to collect cheque €1,176.40 from our Student Council (in total €1,229.35 raised, the cheque given was less the monies used to make up some of the hampers - other items for hampers kindly donated by members of staff).
Joanne  told us that every cent raised will go directly towards providing emotional support and practical help for those affected by cancer and their families. Thanks to everybody who supported this worthy cause.
Thanks to everybody for bringing in Teddy Bears for the Niall Melon foundation. The response was overwhelming. We are sure that the children who’ll receive them will have a huge smile on their faces. Thanks to all who were so generous in the Hope Foundation shoe Box Appeal - it was way beyond our expectations.
We still have our Candle of Remembrance Display in the Foyer with the boys decorated paper candles, remembering our loved ones who have died.
 
Elections to Board of Management:        To date, six members of the Board of Management which will preside from 1.12.2019 - 30.11.2023, have been elected.
Patrons Nominee and Chairperson - Martin Kelly        Patrons Nominee - Canon Leamy
Staff Nominee and Secretary - Mary O'Callaghan          Staff Nominee - Ryan Quirke                    
Parent Nominees - Marie Sheehan & Vinod Bernard
Per agreed process and procedures, these 6 will meet tonight to suggest two other nominees, who will be from the Community. We will let you know of the outcome of these deliberations.
 
Congratulations and all the rest!.............. Last weekend was a hectic schedule of events for Mitchelstown and surrounds. Well done to our boys who were at the Square with Áine Maye, doing a display of POUND, prior to the lighting of the Christmas Tree, on Friday night. Due to space, Áine selected just a couple of classes for this opportunity and they did us proud! Well done also to some of the boys from our Performing Arts Club, who joined with Mitchelstown Musical Society, for some festive carols around the tree. Congratulations to Prionsias and Kathleen Condon, great friends of our school, who got the honour of turning on the lights, in recognition of 90 years in business in the town. Well done to Mr. Weir, current President and all the Lions Club, for their efforts to make the Christmas kick off in Mitchelstown so wonderful. Congratulations to all who worked in the organisation, volunteering and participation in "Strictly Mitchelstown" held at the Leisure Centre, on Saturday. It was a fantastic show and unbelievable that now in its third year. Special shout out to all those in our own school community who were so involved and to parents James O'Brien, Sharon O'Brien, Claire Hanley and Deborah Caplice, who strutted their stuff magnificently on the dance floor. We were particularly proud of the more recent graduates, of our school showing their talented footwork - Tommy Dalton, Aaron O'Brien, Chris Howard, Sean Molloy, Tommy Hannigan, Pierce Murphy, Damien Lambe and Cameron Keane, (Those Christmas discos here served them well!).
The Christmas Market at St. George's Heritage Centre, on Sunday, was a revelation and attracted great crowds. It is a tribute to the whole committee.
 
Ethos:             Next Sunday, is the first Sunday of Advent. We will have the Advent Wreath set up here in the Foyer. We will give all boys a copy of their own little Advent Calendar - do put it up in your homes for the Ceremony.
The Diocesan Religious Inspectors will visit every class grouping on Monday, 9th December. In case you didn't hear - we now have dates for all of the Sacraments in the Parish -
Wednesday, 11th March, 2020 - First Penance (night)
Thursday, 2nd April - Confirmation
Saturday, 31st May - First Holy Communion
We wish all those preparing for the Sacraments and their families the very best. The Servant Sisters of the Home of the Mother continue to call here, on a weekly basis, to the Sacrament classes.
 
Quiz Success:           Ever since our last Newsletter, our Quiz teams have been excelling themselves in various interschool  competitions. Quiz at Baltydaniel Teams 5th/6th class category - 1st place - Team, Ben Cooke, Ryan Spratt, Luke Cott & Stephen O'Connor. 2nd place - Team Kyle O'Regan, Zak Murphy, Pete McGrath & Ben O'Connor.
3rd & 4th class category - 1st place - Team, Donagh Walsh, Xavier Motherway, Iarlaith Keane Hyland & Kevin Cooke.
Quiz at Ballindangan - 1st place, Team - Stevie J. Murphy, Brendan Hurley, David Fox & Tristian Power.
Quiz at Castlelyons - 2nd place, - Team - Tristian Power, Ryan Spratt, Luke Cott and Ben Cooke. The boys are doing us proud - Good Luck to all for the next outing, which is this Thursday, 28th November, at Glenbrohane. Good luck teams!
 
The Arts in Education:       Last week, it was a great opportunity for the boys to hear a recital from Ireland's leading Guitar Quartet. The group is comprised of Gerry Creedon, David Keating, Fiona Falvey and Aengus Kirakowski, who have garnered international acclaim as soloists. Together, they are one of Ireland’s premier instrumental ensembles. We were offered the opportunity through the West Cork Arts Centre. The Musicians were a revelation.
Our Performing Arts Club are looking forward to a "Cosy Christmassy Songs and Stories" night at St. Georges on Wednesday, 11th December.
We have over 50 boys performing on the night - the space at St Georges is limited. To be fair to all, the tickets are being allocated to the families of the Performing Arts Club. We hope that all the boys will get the chance to see their performances next Friday here at school.
Parent Council Christmas Raffle:            You have been wonderful, so far, in the support of your sons effort selling tickets, for the upcoming Parent Council Christmas Raffle. So much so, your Council had to order more tickets to keep up with the demand!  The additional tickets have arrived - so we hope you kept the customers on hand. Thank you so much for your support and to Patricia and Kathleen at the office, for keeping a tally of all monies.
 
Message From H.S.C.L.:     Tomorrow, Thursday, will be Multi-cultural Day here at CBS Primary. The day is organised by Gillian Kearney, H.S.C.L. and Mairead Sheehan, SCP Project Worker. We are really excited to welcome many parents to celebrate Multi-Cultural Day in our school halla starting at 11:00am. Several boys were born in different countries, but when we extend our links to include parents ,there are twenty different countries represented and even more when we include grandparents or relatives that have emigrated. May I send an extra special thank you to parents who have agreed to come and share their culture on the day. (It is not too late for any other parents from different cultures to join-even if you can only pop in for a short visit -phone Gillian 089 4589457). We will have a myriad of displays and projects set up in the halla and class groups will have a chance to learn about traditions and customs as well as viewing mementoes, costumes and tasting foods etc. We also thank and welcome other community members from different backgrounds and school staff involved in preparations. This promises to be a special day for the boys and all involved, to appreciate the diversity of nationalities represented at CBS Primary and in our community. 
 
I'm sure the next few weeks will be particularly busy for families. I would like to remind parents about the importance of school attendance and your role in ensuring your son is here daily as it directly impacts his success in primary school, secondary and beyond. There is much international research to support links between attendance, parental involvement and success. Good foundations and habits are a gift for life, so please embrace 'Every School Day Counts'  and  the  current 'Twenty Day Challenge' - (each child with full week attendance from now to Christmas will be entered into a draw). I am always available to support you with this issue or any other concern you may have. Best wishes and enjoy preparations for the holiday season.
 
Christmas Annuals:            We will distribute these to all who have purchased next Monday, 2nd December. We still have a small number of annuals here in stock - if you would like to purchase, please put  €3 in an envelope with your child's name on it.
 
Christmas Trips:      At this stage you have all received information about our upcoming Christmas trips - 1st, 2nd, 3rd & 4th classes to Opera House on Thursday, 5th December and 5th & 6th classes to Cinema on Friday, 13th December. Sincere thanks to your Parent Council and School Completion Project for subsidy of these trips, which means €5 cost for all! If you have not returned permission slips and monies for these trips, please do so, by Tuesday, 3rd December, Panto and Tuesday, 10th December, Cinema, that we can be sure of numbers. We hope everyone has a really lovely time.
 
Christmassy Stuff:             We have it, on good authority, that our friends at C.B.S. Secondary School have managed to secure an exclusive visit from Lapland, to our school, on Thursday, 19th December. This has been very tricky for Principal, Ms. Hannon and colleagues, to organise. They have spared no expense to cover all of SANTA'S transport costs for the visit. Santa will be understandably under pressure with his workload. We hope he will meet our 1st and 2nd classes. We will have a special Grotto ready and waiting! Classes 3rd - 6th inclusive won't be forgotten with our friend D.J. extraordinaire, Justin Finn, on hand, for a Super Disco, in our own halla. (remember the Strictly boys)   The disco will be kindly funded by your Parent Council. We look forward to a great day!
Last year, our Student Council suggested that, on the day of the holidays, all might come into school dressed in a Christmassy way, jumper or whatever you have at home. We will do this again this year. On no account should you buy something specifically, after all our school track suits are black and red.
 
Carol Singing and Events:                        We are much in demand for our singing prowess! Some of the venues are tight for space, so, to be fair, we will select boys from the Performing Arts Club to attend with us, as these were the ones who have actually put in the time to their art. Here are a few fixtures here to date  -
Sunday, 8th December - At Foyer of the Firgrove Hotel, for the Senior Citizens Annual Christmas Party
Monday, 9th December - At A.I.B. Bank for their Community Day.
Monday, 16th December - Day Care Centre Tearmann Uí Chaoimh.
Thursday, 19th December - New Square (outside Supervalu) in aid of St. Vincent de Paul.
Also at Foyer of Tesco (date to be confirmed) in aid of Temple Street Children's Hospital.
 
Sport:             Last week, we had the welcome return of Martin O'Brien, GAA Coach who worked with classes 1st - 4th on their football skills. Martin will return here throughout the year. Thanks to  Mitchelstown / Ballygiblin Juvenile GAA for provision of funding for this.
We extend our congratulations to Mr. Carey's Parish, Mourneabbey, managed by our very own Shane Ronayne, on their superb win on Saturday, in the Gaelic Grounds, Limerick, winning their second All Ireland Senior Ladies Football Title.
Our mini-sevens football team are continuing to train for their upcoming fixtures, under the guidance of Mr. Quirke and Mr. Coffey. The last scheduled match was postponed, in the meantime the boys are having their skills honed in anticipation of the new dates.
 
After School Art Classes:   Our After School Art Classes for 3rd classes are widely favourably received. Remember, on Wednesday, 6th December, we hope to have an adult from your family, with the boys who are participating - a kind of a bonding session!
 
Some Upcoming Events for your diaries:
Mondays after school - Performing Arts Club
Mondays after school - Chess for 2nd Classes
Wednesdays after school - Arts & Craft for 3rd Classes
Thursdays after school - Guitar for senior boys.
Thursday 28th November - Quiz at Glenbrohane N.S.
Thursday 28th November - Multicultural Day
Monday 2nd December - Parents night re. preparation for Holy Communion here at C.B.S. Primary.
Wednesday 4th December - Your Parent Council meeting.
Thursday 5th December - 1st, 2nd, 3rd& 4th classes trip to Opera House.
Wednesday 11th December - Performing Arts Club, "Cosy Christmassy Songs and Stories" at St. Georges - 7pm.
Friday 13th December - 5th/6th classes trip to the Cinema.
Wednesday 18th December - All invited to join us for our Advent Ceremony at the Parish Church at 11.15am.
Thursday 19th December - Parent Council Christmas Raffle takes place.
Thursday 19th December - Visit of Santa and Disco!!!
Plus loads more........
Don't forget, this Friday night,  LATE LATE Toy Show!!!!
 
BREAKING NEWS - Just as I was finishing this letter the press outside the office started shaking and when I looked - the Elf's Furniture had arrived! We are all watching for  his actual landing here!.
 
That's all for now!    Enjoy every minute of these precious days with your children.
 
Mary O' Callaghan                                         Nigel Griffin                                  John Weir
Principal                                                    Deputy Principal                             Assistant Principal 1
 
And all here at CBS Primary.           









C.B.S. Primary School, Newsletter, 15th October, 2019
Telephone: 025 24505        Fax No: 025 85408 
Website: www.cbspmitchelstown.com
E-Mail: cbsmitchprimoffice@gmail.com
 
Dear Parent(s) / Guardian(s)

​We hope things are going well for you and your loved ones. (Can you believe, it is just two weeks to mid-term!). We look forward to meeting you at our Parent / Teacher meetings on Tuesday, 22nd October, (from 6.30pm) and Wednesday, 23rd October, (afternoon). Your exact meeting times have been /will be written on your child's journal, based on the preferred day you gave us. Please, in the interests of security, do come in the main entrance, regardless of where your child's classroom is situated. We will guide you from there. To be fair to everyone, teachers will adhere to the rota, which will be posted  outside each classroom.

Zeeko Internet Safety:            As you are aware, we had Internet Safety lessons with Facilitator, Jackie O'Regan, on 3rd October. The Parent Information Night was cancelled because of the forecast around Storm Lorenzo. This has been rescheduled for Monday, 11th November, at 7.30pm. Please note the date - you will definitely find it interesting. Just a couple of stats from the preliminary research carried out with our boys 3rd - 6th classes - 64% of your children are regularly talking to strangers online and 10% are spending 5 hours or more on gaming / online / on technology, in general, on a school night!!!! This is probably a similar practice nationwide. The whole rationale for these sessions is that the boys can know the advantages of technologies as well as all of us being aware of the potential negative impacts. We hope you can come along on the 11th.

Community Art Competitions:       Our boys made tremendous effort in these competitions and all relayed that judging was very difficult. Congratulations to Seán Keane, 5th class, who was overall winner, for our school, in the Dairygold Art Competition - celebrating 100 years of the Co-operative in Mitchelstown. Seán won a fabulous Art Set for himself and a lovely hamper of arts, crafts and games, for his whole class. Well done to our prize-winners in the Mitchelstown Credit Union Art competition - this year's theme - "Walk of Life" - Runners up - Mantas Zutautas, 2nd class, Michal Bieganowski, 4th class and Chenzhi Liu, 5th class.
Overall 1st prize - (8-10yrs category) Evan O'Regan Stocks, 3rd class. These boys and their families, are invited to Mitchelstown Credit Union at 4pm on this Thursday, 17th October, for the presentation of prizes.
In other community news, many thanks to Noreen, and all at Spar Mitchelstown, for the very kind donation of Science Books to our school. This and equivalent types of generosity are so appreciated by all of us.
 
Visit of Edel Meaney Schools Inspector: Last Thursday, you may recall that all the boys had a "homework off" evening. This was to mark 1) Seán Keane's win in the Dairygold Art Competition and 2) Our very favourable report by the visiting Inspector, from the Department of Education and Skills. Edel visited four classroom settings in total, spoke with the senior leadership team and examined current school planning and records. A report on the visit (which was a follow up to our Whole School Evaluation 2017) will be issued by the Inspectorate, in due course. Full credit to the boys and all the staff who were very highly commended for their commitment and enthusiasm, by the Inspector.

FAI Soccer: We are glad to send a representative team from 4th class to the Leisure Centre today to take part in an Inter primary School Blitz.

Dance:        The Pound Way - Directly after mid-term, in line with curriculum for P.E. (dance strand) all classes will take part in 6 weekly sessions of Pound - dancing with drum sticks, in time to very energetic music. Pound includes exercises which strengthen core muscles and improves balance. The classes will be facilitated by renowned instructor and Primary School teacher - Áine Maye, who works with children and adults on Pound, throughout the Country and beyond. We think it will be great!!

"Lollipop Lady":    The "Lollipop Lady", Pamela Fanning who usually helps the boys cross at Upper Cork Street (Casey's path - to the old Post Office) will be on annual leave from tomorrow, Wednesday, 16th October, to Sunday, 10th November, inclusive. There will be nobody helping the children cross the road, at this spot, during Pam's leave. To be on the safe side, do ensure there is someone there, at the crossing, for your child.

Committee News:         Following on from our last Newsletter, here are the boys who have been elected, by their peers, to serve on our Green School and Health Promoting Schools Committees.
Green Schools Committee:
1st Class                (Ms. O'Gorman)                    Davin Morrissey,
1st/2nd Class           (Ms. O'Callaghan)                   Harry Finn, 
2nd Class               (Mr. Davoren)                     Brian Walsh,
3rd Class               (Ms. Clifford / Ms. Walshe)     Jordan Murphy,
3rd / 4th Class       (Mr. O'Regan)                      Michael O'Reilly,
4th Class               (Mr. Coffey)                     Micheál Walsh,
5th Class               (Ms. Barry)                       Anthony Ahern,
5th / 6th Class       (Mr. Carey)                        Michael O'Brien,
6th Class               (Mr. Weir)                         Luke Cott.
 
Health Promoting Schools Committee:
1st   Class               (Ms. O'Gorman)                   Daryl Murphy,
1st/2nd Class            (Ms. O'Callaghan)                  John Cleary,
2nd Class               (Mr. Davoren)                     M.J. Keane,
3rd Class               (Ms. Clifford / Ms. Walshe)     Kevin Cooke & Tyler McGrath,
3rd / 4th Class       (Mr. O'Regan)                      Nathan Burke,
4th Class               (Mr. Coffey)                     Iarlaith Keane Hyland,
5th Class               (Ms. Barry)                       Cian Linehan,
5th / 6th Class       (Mr. Carey)                        Sean Breen,
6th Class               (Mr. Weir)                         Aidan O'Mahony. 
 
These Committees have already begun their work. They have joined forces to collect pre-loved Teddy Bears (in reasonable condition) for the Niall Mellon Fund, who will distribute the teddies to children in Africa. We will collect these up to next Friday.
Our Student Council will donate monies raised from Hallowe'en Dress Up Day (€2 per child) and Raffle for Hampers (tickets @ 20c each) to ARC House Cork. ARC House provides Counselling and support to those who have cancer (including children) and their families. This is a very worthy cause - there is none of us who have not been affected in some way by the disease. Tickets on sale now! Thank you in advance for your generosity.
This week, the Green Schools Committee will organise that all class groupings will engage in specific environmental activities, around the Green Schools Programme, for Climate Action Week. 1st / 2nd classes will do projects about the environment, 3rd / 4th classes will host discussion groups, while 5th / 6th classes will take part in a quiz about Climate Action.
 
Since the start of the school year, our Health Promoting Schools team circulated the following quotations - "No act of kindness, however small, is ever wasted". "Right is right even if no one is doing it. Wrong is wrong even if everyone is doing it". "Courage does not always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying "I will try again tomorrow" and "Challenges are what makes life interesting, overcoming them is what makes life meaningful".
In addition, all classes will fill up their gratitude journals. The food pyramid has been circulated to each class and 1st class groupings have a 5 day meal planner.
 
We thank all involved with our Committees for their work towards making our school a better place.
 
Quiz News:         Our current Quiz Panel were presented, yesterday, to the whole school community, at Assembly. On this Thursday night, we will send three representative teams to the first interschool quiz , in the region this year, at Shanballymore. Good luck lads!
 
Football Scith na Scol 2019:   We are currently sporting a few injuries on the panel. However, the games must proceed! On Friday, the entire panel will head to Kilworth, for the play off matches. Good luck to our team and their mentors!
 
School Photos:    At this stage, our school photographer, Kate, has completed pictures of , bar a couple of boys. She will now put together a sample of your child / children's individual photos, brothers (where applicable) and class group. The samples will be circulated to your homes on the first week after mid-term (week of the 4th November). You can then choose whether you wish to purchase the full size images. On behalf of all of us, we thank Kate so much for her patience and courtesy, during our school photo shoots! It can be very difficult to work around our school activities and Kate is so accommodating for everyone.
 
Yard Supervision:                   Last week we decided to trial a card system for yard break times - Yellow Card (unsafe play, etc. ) - time out. Red Card (miss the next session of play time). We will let you know, on your child's homework journal, whenever / if ever, he gets a Red Card. The boys have a great understanding of this system. In addition, we have also introduced cards that we can record when the boys have been particularly kind to another child "Random acts of Kindness Cards". Again, we will keep record of these! 
 
Unclaimed items of clothing:          Oh my goodness so many clothes! - we still have an amount of unclaimed items of clothing, which nobody has claimed, since last school year. These include lovely hoodies, jackets, etc. which certainly cost money. None appear to have names on. If your child lost a piece of clothing at school last year - the bag might be worth checking out. If nobody claims the clothing by Friday of this week, we shall donate the lot to the St. Vincent De Paul. This mountain of unclaimed clothes is again testament to the fact that you must ensure to have your child's name clearly marked on all his belongings. Otherwise, it is nigh on impossible to find owners. Believe it or not, the boys often don't recognise their own stuff, even when their names are on them!
 
Extra Curricular Activity Performing Arts Club:        At this stage, it looks like our school has not been selected to be part of Peace Proms - the choral North / South  initiative, this year. We did apply! Last year, the event was held at U.L. This year, it will be in Waterford. Perhaps the schools nearest the venue got the first callings! Instead, from directly after mid-term, we will have a Performing Arts Club towards a little production, prior to Christmas. This will again be an after school activity. If your child has a particular interest in the performing arts - singing, dance, instrument, drama, poetry etc., do encourage him to join. Numbers will be limited. We will start by giving the opportunity to our senior boys and work from there. More details will be circulated to those who are interested.

School Meals:      Thus far, the boys seem appear to be delighted with the range and taste of the Hot School Meals. We are very much at the starting phase. Again, if your child is not happy with his current choices of any of our school meals, do not hesitate to contact the office to change (this will take up to a week). We hope to have the fridge / oven installed prior to mid-term. Then we will really get to know how the logistics of sorting hot school meals will work out. So far, so good!

The Field:  It's hard to grasp that this time last year, nobody had any idea what was behind all these trees in our recently acquired "O'Callaghan's" Field. Liam Barry of B.H. Tress Services and his team began their fantastic work last Hallowe'en mid-term. This mid-term, the machines will return again to take away all the rubble, roots etc., clear the rough areas and have the space ready for planting in the Spring. We will then be in a position to see the full potential of this area. We already have your and the boys ideas as to how it can be best used. We have applied for additional monies for the development. The work at mid-term, into the next school year, will cost us up to €25,000, which we will pay over time, through fundraising monies, including our Golf Classic, planned for the  June Bank Holiday.     

Swimming:         Information letters were circulated yesterday for the next round of swimming to Mr. Carey's 5th / 6th classes and Mr. Davoren's 2nd class from Wednesdays, 6th November. Ms. Barry's 5th class also got a separate letter. Boys will have these sessions also on Wednesdays, from 6th November.

Hallowe'en Decorations:       Over the past few weeks, we have been working and working putting the final touches to our annual Hallowe'en displays. If you, or your families would like to drop in for a peep (all pretend stuff) you are more than welcome, from next Thursday evening and all next week. It might be best to come after 2pm as then we can switch on all the noisy stuff!
That's all for now! We look forward to seeing you all at our Parent / Teacher Meetings next week.
Le gach dea ghuí
 
Mary O' Callaghan                       Nigel Griffin                         John Weir   
Principal                                  Deputy Principal                    Assistant Principal
And all here at CBS Primary.










C.B.S. Primary School, Newsletter, 26th September 2019         
Telephone: 025 24505  Fax No: 025 85408      
Website: www.cbspmitchelstown.com
E-Mail: cbsmitchprimoffice@gmail.com
 
Dear Parent(s) / Guardian(s)
We hope things are going well for all of you. We simply can't believe that it is already in the last week of September. Next week, we will be starting to get the place ready for Hallowe'en (all pretend stuff!!). Today, your child has letter regarding our upcoming Parent / Teacher Meetings. Please fill in and return to teachers TOMORROW that way we can sort everyone, in a fair manner.
 
Parent Council News:
As you are aware, your Parent Council A.G.M. was held last night. Many thanks to the outgoing Committee and Officers who really put in great work, throughout the past school year. Special thanks to outgoing Treasurer, Cami Coltoan and Committee Member, Lisa Pigott, for their great service, over many years. Their children have now transferred to second level. For your information, here is the newly elected Committee and
Officers:
Chairperson - Martin Lane                        Vice Chairperson - Emer O' Brien
Secretary - Marie Sheehan                        Assistant Secretary - Helen White
Treasurer - Claire Hanley                          Assistant Treasurer - Jennifer Smee
Pro-            Denise Banks
Committee Members - Alice Finn, Louise O' Shea, Lorraine O' Beirne, Eilís Vaughan, Vinod Bernard, Simona Miskiniene, with others volunteering to help out when the need arises.
Thank you all - we look forward to working with you.
 
Many thanks to all who helped, in any way, with the recent Parent Council Fun Run / Walk. Well done to all who completed the course. Prize winners were as follows - Aoife Moriarty, Zack Murphy, Sophie Murphy, David Fouhy, Seán O'Sullivan, Eddie O'Brien, Lisa Brenock, Declan Moriarty and Mike Kennedy.
There were also numerous additional spot-prizes.
In total €1,462.00 was raised. At the first Committee meeting of the school year, it was agreed by your Representatives, that these monies will go towards the cost of refurbishment of our Sensory Room. Your Parent Council monies will also go towards subsidising cost of our Christmas trips - 1st, 2nd, 3rd & 4th classes will head to the Opera House for the Pantomime "Peter Pan" on Thursday, 5th December. There will be a Cinema Trip for 5th & 6th classes - date & film to be confirmed.
 
Student Committees for School Year 2019/2020 - We have held a raft of elections here, since our last Newsletter. Well done to everyone who put themselves forward, in the front of their peers - it's a really brave thing to do. If you were not elected - stick with it and give it a go again next year.
Health Promoting Schools Committee and Green Schools Committee elections are ongoing in some class groupings. We will let you know the outcome of these in the next Newsletter. Here are our Student Council elected Reps for '19-'20 -                          
 
Student Council:
1st Class                (Ms. O'Gorman)                      Harry O'Donoghue,
1st/2nd Class           (Ms. O'Callaghan)                     Cathal Cleary,
2nd Class               (Mr. Davoren)                       Rory McCarthy,
3rd Class               (Ms. Clifford/Ms. Walshe)          Donogh Walsh,
3rd / 4th Class        (Mr. O'Regan)                        Jamie Sheehan,
4th Class               (Mr. Coffey)                        Shay O'Regan,
5th Class               (Ms. Barry)                          Harry O'Brien,
5th /6th Class        (Mr. Carey)                           Eoin English,
6th Class               (Mr. Weir)                            Jake Thornton.
 
Ethos:         We were delighted that so many of you were able to join us for our Start of Year Mass at the Parish Church. For those of you who were unable to attend, on the day, representatives of our School Community presented Canon Michael Fitzgerald with a Mass Bouquet (which was all he requested) and a framed picture of the Galtee Mountains - he says the mountains always cheered him up. This was just a small gesture to thank him so SINCERELY for his kindness and service to our school and the Parish, since he arrived here fourteen years ago.
The Diocese has released the dates for Confirmation 2020 - Mitchelstown will be Thursday, 2nd April. To date, we have not received news, from the Parish, about the exact date for First Holy Communion. We will let you know as soon as we do.
This year, the Community of Nuns the "Servants of the Home of the Mother" will again work with all classes here particularly those preparing for the Sacraments. Today, we got tips from the Money, Advice and Budgeting Service MABS on tips and saving for these Special Days.  For this, or any other reason, contacts for MABS may be useful to you - www.mabs.ie Helpline 0761 07 2000. MABS have offices nationwide - for further information you can contact our H.S.C.L. Office Gillian on 089 - 4589457.
 
Hot School Meals:        We are so excited!! From next Tuesday, 1st October - hot school dinners will be delivered here. Remember, it is a pilot project and will involve a bit of tasting and changing. It's a truly revolutionary concept for Irish Primary Schools and we are so looking forward to seeing how it works out. Your feedback will be really important towards the expansion, or otherwise, of the scheme. Remember breakfast and small lunch provision remains the same. If you wish to change any aspect of your child's school meals, do call to the office anytime 1pm - 4pm.
 
Roots of Empathy Programme:       This year, we hope to be involved with the Roots of Empathy Programme - most likely with a junior class grouping. This is an international programme which originated in Canada. It is designed to increase social and emotional confidence. The programme was introduced to Ireland by Barnardos. Our local Co-ordinator is Diane Macken. To implement the programme, we need a volunteer parent and a new born baby. The baby should be 2 - 4 months old when the programme starts (in mid October). If you, or you know someone in the community, who would be able to come with their baby, please let us know and we will furnish them with the details.
 
Community News:       We submitted some very fine entries to the Art Competition marking the Centenary of the Foundation of Mitchelstown Co-op. Next up for us will be the Credit Union Art Competition. This years theme is "Walk of Life" . Your children will each have / will receive, an entry form for their picture. We hope to have full participation, as Mitchelstown Credit Union is always so good to our school. Closing date for this competition is Friday, 4th October.
Mitchelstown Library: October is Book Month and a great month to determine that your children (and yourselves) would join the Library. This is a most wonderful FREE service right in the heart of our town - do sign up & avail of it. We are delighted to be invited to the Library on Friday, 11th October, for a visit by children's author David Donohue (we will decide which class groupings this might best suit, in conjunction with the Library).
 
Current Extra Curricular Activities:
Tractor Club - Thursdays at lunchtime.
Lego Club - Classes 1st - 3rd Wednesdays & Fridays at lunchtime.
Quiz Panel - Classes 3rd - 6th after school Thursdays.
Football Panel - Senior classes after school Fridays.
This week the boys on the panel will get tips and guidance from ex Mitchelstown and Cork County Football player, one of our own ex-pupils - Mark Keane. Mark is currently contracted to Australian Rules Football in Melbourne, where he now resides as a Professional AFL Player.
Guitar Lessons - These will commence after school today, facilitated by Ms. Byrne, Mr. Davoren and Mr. Griffin. Do encourage your son to participate, if he is showing an interest. Don't worry if he does not have a guitar - we have plenty here that were donated, that he can use on a loan basis. Due to demand, guitar lessons will start initially with sixth classes.
Spikeball - Many thanks to Antonio Barros for his work to date with some of our classes, coaching Spikeball, at Mitchelstown Leisure Centre.
 
Transition to Secondary School:
Already Secondary Schools are preparing for their Open nights. Representatives from both local schools will call here shortly to speak with our 5th and 6th class boys. Take the time to consider the choices carefully, gather all information and then your families will come to the best decision around second level education for your sons.
 
Internet Safety:
On Thursday, 3rd October, we will host Zeeko, internet safety educators, who will work with classes 3rd - 6th inclusive. Zeeko are based at University College Dublin (Belfield Innovation Park) and are specialists in the education of children to ensure they safely benefit from Technology. Over the last 10 years, Zeeko has carried out research on child development, digital media and families health. At this stage, most of us are aware of the challenges young people face around online gaming, inappropriate content, cyber bullying and comparison depression. Zeeko's mission is to equip children, teachers and parents with the knowledge to protect our children from the negative impacts of the Internet and Technology, while allowing them to benefit from the advantages. The content of the presentation is in line with our SPHE Programme.
On that Thursday night, 7.30 - 8.30pm,  the Zeeko Facilitator will work with parents (all welcome), around the same issues. This session will be directly linked to what was gleaned from the boys themselves, about their own current on-line behaviour. The Zeeko Internet Safety Education sessions will be funded wholly by School Completion, as part of our DEIS Programme. Please do come along on Thursday night, there will be time for questions afterwards.
 
Fitbits / Fancy Watches and other Gadgetry:
For a whole host of reasons, please do not send your child to school with gadgetry, which includes fancy watches. Keep them for home use please.
Here are a few of the reasons -

1. If anything happens to the Gadget - child will be really sad.
2. There would be times when these things should be removed - messy art, sports etc. and then they may not be located.
3. When we are here, everyone has the same opportunities, this is to be fair to all.
4. Need we mention the possibilities for accessing the internet....

There is no problem at all if your child has a watch, of least value possible, that just tells the time and that it matters not if it gets broken, mislaid or whatever. We trust you understand our rationale for this request.
 
Open Door Policy:
Notwithstanding that Parent/Teacher meetings are scheduled for October, please, if there is anything on your mind, do take the time to meet up with your son's teacher. Do this sooner rather than later. It is never a good idea to let things lie, most things can be sorted, with a bit of clarity around communication.
 
Nitty Nits:  It's a perennial problem!  - this weekend you might all make checking heads a priority. One crawler in our midst, can do much damage.
 
And Finally:        Some dates for your diaries -
Remember again, School closed for the boys next Monday, 30th September, as there is a Professional Development Day here for staff on the Primary Language Curriculum.
Thursday, 3rd October - You are invited to the Parent Internet Safety Education session facilitated by Zeeko - 7.30pm - 8.30pm.
Tuesday, 8th October - School Photographs per Kate Klimchuk.
Tuesday, 22nd October (night-time) & Wednesday, 23rd October (afternoon) our Parent / Teacher Meetings - notice circulated about this today. Please return form to class teacher tomorrow.
 
That's all for now. Have a lovely weekend.
 
Every good wish,
 
Mary O' Callaghan                     Nigel Griffin                         John Weir
Principal                                Deputy Principal                    Assistant Principal
 
And all here at C.B.S. Primary!

 






C.B.S. Primary School, Newsletter, 9th September ,2019
Telephone: 025 24505  Fax No: 025 85408      
Website: www.cbspmitchelstown.com
E-Mail: cbsmitchprimoffice@gmail.com
 
Dear Parent(s) / Guardian(s)
We hope you and your children have settled back into school life with us. At this time our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Ms. Connolly on the death of her mother Nancy. May she Rest In Peace. We will remember all in or school community at our Start of Year School Mass which will be held at the Parish Church on Wednesday at 11.15am. We hope you and your extended families and friends will be able to join us.
 
And an integral part of school life is ...... Homework.    If given a choice (we promise!), most of you would opt for some form of homework. It is essential that you check and sign your child's homework journal every night and relevant copies (like tests etc). Don't forget everybody, learning to spell is a VISUAL Skill. It is different to learning to read. Sounding out a word is not a reliable way to learn how to spell - there are too many variations . That is why we use the LOOK, SAY, COVER, WRITE, CHECK  technique. It is essential, when learning spellings, that the words are always WRITTEN down - this way, the boys will get to know what looks correct. If homework in general, is causing difficulty, do not hesitate to contact class teacher, at the EARLIEST OPPORTUNITY. Our Afterschool / Homework club is a School Completion initiative. We realise that many of you would wish that your son avails of this facility. Under the criteria of the project, we do have to match resources to needs. There are limited places. We assure you that all involved do their very best to prioritise. In any event, Afterschool Club is not at all suitable for children in 1st or 2nd classes - it would make the school day WAY too long for them.  
 
Assembly:          We hosted our first Assembly of the new school year last Friday morning. This is our time, as a School Community to acknowledge achievements and celebrate efforts of groups and individuals. It is also a time when we emphasise the key messages of our school - kindness, courage and respect for others. Do encourage your child if he says he would like to participate at Assembly - it can be daunting (even for adults!) but a real sense of pride, when tackled. We are ever amazed by the contributions of the boys.
 
Community News:     Last week, Seánie Chamberlain and the James Fitzgerald Memorial Band visited us for their annual recital. They continue to go from strength to strength! It is gratifying to see some of our past and present pupils with the Band. The purpose of the visit was to encourage new members. This is a great opportunity and not one on offer in many towns!
On the day, Seánie circulated forms to those who showed an interest in beginning with the band. Please return these completed to school office and we will pass onto the Band Personnel.
 
GAA News:        We began football training last Friday, after school, for those who would like to be part of our school team this year. It was great to see so many show an interest. Many thanks to the staff who are working with the boys - this training will be Fridays after school, going forward. From those who attend training, the final panel will be selected.
We are delighted to let you know that both our County ex pupils Cathal O'Mahony (U20 All Ireland Champion) & Aaron O' Brien (Minor All Ireland Champion) will call to us on Friday, 20th September, with the Clarke and Tom Markhem Cups.
 
Quiz:                   We will have quiz practice after school each Thursday, Co-ordinated by Mr. Weir with the more senior boys. In due course, we will select further possible candidates from the current 3rd & 4th classes. The panel will make up those boys who may represent us in various quiz competitions throughout the school year. We have excelled in this area and look forward to another successful year.
 
Student Council / Green School / Health Promoting Schools:         At present, the Election processes are underway to elect a representative to these committees, from each class grouping. It is such a courageous thing to put yourself up for election and we thank all who do so. Do encourage your son to give it a go, if he is considering it. We look forward to working with these Committees throughout the year.
 
Parent Council News:          As previously notified to you - your Parent Council are organising their now Annual, Fun Run / Walk - set for this Thursday night, 12th September. Please, please come out in support and encourage others to come along. U18 - €5 / Adult - €10 and Family €20. Please wear a high vis vest, if you have one. Registration from 6.30pm here at CBS Primary. Fun Run / Walk starts at 7.00pm sharp. Mr. O' Regan will conduct a warm up session from 6.45pm.  There will be no homework for the boys, so that all can come! Your Parent Council are hoping to find volunteers who may be able to help at locations around the route, as stewards. They are also looking for someone who could be a First Aid Person. Please return form below to school tomorrow and you will be contacted directly. There will be refreshments for all athletes directly afterwards, courtesy of our School Meal Providers, Glanmore Foods. There will also be spot-prizes! We hope that the weather is kind to us. Thanks to all who are helping out in any way.
 
Parent Council A.G.M.:       Your Parent Council A.G.M. will be held here at the school, at 8pm, on Wednesday, 25th September. The current Council Reps will circulate separate information to you all re. this. We really need committed volunteers who will continue to work with us, towards making our school a better place. However, even if you can't currently be part of the Committee - don't let this put you off coming to the A.G.M .-  who knows what might happen down the road! At this stage, on behalf of everybody here at CBS Primary, we wish to thank the outgoing members  of the current Committee and Officers for their fantastic work. Particular mention to Lisa Pigott and Cami Coltoan (Treasurer) whose sons have now left our school, for their service over many years.         
 
School Photography: To give you timely notice - every two years we engage a Photographer to take individual, sibling and class group photos. Kate Klimchuck, Photographer Extraordinaire and former parent of our School Community will be here on Tuesday, 8th and Wednesday, 9th October. While we primarily do this for our own school records, Kate will distribute forms that you will have the opportunity to purchase, if you wish.
 
Centenary of the Formation of Mitchelstown Co-operative Agricultural Society Ltd: 2019 marks the Centenary of the Foundation of Mitchelstown Co-operative Agricultural Society Limited. To commemorate this, there will be different celebratory events, including an Art Competition for Primary Schools.  The theme is "100 years of Farming and Co-operative activity in Mitchelstown". You, or grandparents, might share some ideas for this with your child. Closing date is Friday, 20th September.
 
Hot School Meals:      Following on from our last Newsletter, we are now in a position to let you know a bit more about how this scheme will work.
Throughout the month of September, our current School Meals arrangement will stay in place. Very shortly, we will circulate a menu to all the boys for Hot School Dinner. You can return this completed form to us directly. Breakfast and small lunch provision will stay as they were. From Tuesday, 1st October, a hot dinner will replace the existing lunch provision. Glanmore Foods will also supply the hot food. We have seen a sample menu which we are printing  here, to give you an idea.   

 
This is very much a pilot project. Inevitably,  at first, there will be a bit of trial and error,  some items may be dropped completely if there is little uptake, others may be offered for more than one day, or other items could be added, based on feedback.  Glanmore Foods will install customised refrigeration and oven units here.
In addition, we will have water drinking  stations in every classroom, per Tipperary Water. The boys will be supplied with long lasting stainless steel drinking bottles (caps can be replaced). Your child will definitely need a big empty lunch box each day to bring home any containers etc., and that you can see what he has actually consumed. We are very fortunate to be one of the schools (4 in Cork - 34 in the Country) chosen to pilot this scheme.   We do realise that there will be an amount of work in the distribution side of it. However, we are up for the challenge and hope that the scheme will be of benefit for all. Let's see how we go!
 
That's all for now. We hope to see loads of you at Mass on Wednesday and at the Fun Run / Walk on Thursday.
 
 
Every good wish,
 
 
Mary O' Callaghan                             Nigel Griffin                              John Weir
Principal                                Deputy Principal                            Assistant Principal
And all here at C.B.S. Primary!
 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
Stewarding / First Aider For Fun Run / Walk.
 
I am willing to help with Stewarding for  Fun Run / Walk on Thursday, 12th September.   □
 
Name of person (over 16 years) able to Steward: ______________________________________________
 
Contact No:             ______________________________________________
 
I am able to act as First Aid Person on evening of Fun Run / Walk.             □
 
Name of person (over 16 years) able to Steward: ______________________________________________
 
Contact No:             ______________________________________________
Please return to school by tomorrow, Tuesday, 10th September. Thank You.






C.B.S. Primary School, Newsletter, 29th August 2019    
Telephone: 025 24505          Fax No: 025 85408   
Website: www.cbspmitchelstown.com
E-Mail: cbsmitchprimoffice@gmail.com
 
Dear Parent(s) / Guardian(s)
Welcome back to School life and it's routines! We extend our sincere sympathies to the family of Tyler McGrath (3rd class) on the tragic death of his father Brian. The thoughts and prayers of our entire school community are with them at this really sad time.
 
Staffing:     Congratulations to Mr. Davoren on the birth of his baby daughter, Amelia, and to Ms. Griffin on the birth of her son Micheál, Mr. Breen & Ms. Hennessy continue to teach in the Middle East. Again, this year, we have a job sharing arrangement in third class - teachers Ms. Walshe & Ms. Clifford. Parents of pupils, in this class, are invited to attend a meeting around the organisation of job sharing, on Tuesday night next, 3rd September, at 7.30pm, per our Board of Management (details of the meeting are on a separate letter today). We wish Mr. Dineen  the very best, as he takes up a new role at Bunscoil. Mr. Dineen has given 10 sterling years here as Special Needs Assistant. His endeavours are to be witnessed throughout our school. We miss him already! and thank him so much for everything.
We assure you that we have done our very best with the current resources available to us, that your children have optimum opportunities to progress, within D.E.S. Guidelines. Each class teacher works as part of a wider team with Support teacher(s), SNA(s) and SCP Project Worker, Ms. Sheehan. We also have Home School Community Liaison Officer - Gillian Kearney. Gillian works specifically with parents and the wider community. Should you wish to contact Gillian, for any reason, please call mobile 089-4589457. This position is shared with Coláiste Fionnchua. Gillian is present here on Wednesdays and Thursdays and alternate Fridays.
For your further information, this is how our staffing is laid out, to date, for school year 2019/2020:
ASD Unit - Teacher - Ms. O'Sullivan, SNAs - Ms. O'Sullivan and Mr. O'Brien.
 
Junior Classes:
1st class teacher - Ms. O'Gorman.
1st / 2nd class teacher - Ms. O'Callaghan.
2nd class teacher - Mr. Davoren. Mr. Davoren will be on parental leave up to 11.09.2019. Support teacher Ms. McGrath will work with the boys, in the meantime.
Support teachers who will work with these class groupings -
Ms. McGrath (Ms. Martin to 11.09.2019), Ms. Baker.
SNAs working with boys in these class groupings - Ms. O'Brien and Ms. Coffey.
 
Middle Classes:
3rd class teachers - Ms. Walshe & Ms. Clifford (job sharing)
3rd / 4th class teacher - Mr. O'Regan
4th class teacher - Mr. Coffey
Support teachers who will work with these class groupings - Ms. O'Keeffe, Mr. O'Shea and Ms. O'Regan.
SNAs who will work with boys in these class groupings -
Mr. Cahill, Mr. Coleman, Ms. Walsh and Ms. Connolly.
Senior classes:
5th class teacher - Ms. Barry
5th/6th class teacher - Mr. Carey
6th class teacher - Mr. Weir.
Support teachers who will work with these class groupings - Mr. Quirke, Mr. Griffin, Ms. Byrne, Ms. Foley (Tuesday mornings - shared with Castlelyons N.S.)
SNAs who will work with boys in these class groupings -
Ms. Keane, Ms. White and Mr. Maher.
 
Works to School:           It was with great joy (and relief!) that we were able to announce to the whole community that following fantastic fundraising and voluntary donations, we had paid back in full, all debt around the purchase of the adjacent field from Tesco (formally O' Callaghan's). This was particularly fabulous as the original loan was over a 7 year term - taken out in 2017 and now paid back in full! It is a tribute to the generosity of so many. We now have a wonderful asset which will, doubtless, prove invaluable for generations to come. As most of you are aware Liam Barry of B.H. Trees very kindly felled all the huge trees on the site. Our next task is to clear the area fully. We have applied to the Department of Education and Skills for funding to develop the whole area. This will take time. In the meantime, we can all have our collective thinking caps on as to how it can be best utilised. Over the summer, under Emergency Works funding we finished works to the drainage system at the front of the school. We have been granted funding, under Summer Works Scheme, to replace the older doors and windows in the school. Tenders for this work are being sought through the Consultants for this Project, Matt O' Mahony and Associates.
 
Book Rental Scheme:             On arrival to school this morning, your son had his pile of school books, from our Book Rental Scheme, labelled, and ready for use. You will appreciate, this is a mammoth task to plan and execute. Please ensure your children take really good care of the books. Many thanks to all who have worked on the Book Scheme, particularly co-ordinator, Mr. O'Shea.
 
Weight of School Bags:                    Every classroom here has space to allow boys store all books, copies, etc., which are not required for homework. This does take a bit of sorting and organising. Particularly if your child has a distance to walk after school, please do remind him to sort out his bits and pieces, that he hasn't a huge load going home every day. We urge your co-operation too in ensuring that your child does not have unnecessary stuff in his bag.
 
Homework Journals / Communications:  All boys received their homework journals today. Please play your really important role in checking homework each night and signing the journal. Any messages you might have for teacher are to be written in here and also the notification to school if your child is absent. This explanation for absence is mandatory nationally - please use the tear out slips at the back of journals. Tonight, please fill in the front of your son's journal - all the personal information, that we are up to date with contact details etc.  You will receive regular newsletters and other information about school happenings. Please do read these thoroughly, that you are aufait with everything.
 
Roll Call:   Because of our Deis Planning, work of Home School Liaison and School Completion Personnel, and of course, your own and your children's co-operation, we have hugely improved attendance rates. This will be of great benefit to the boys going forward, not least in their future engagement with education. That you are aware, per the Rules for National Schools, Roll Call is taken at 9.55am daily. If your child arrives after this time and we are not aware he will be late, he will be recorded as absent. To promote optimum time at school, staff also keep record of late arrival / early leaving from school. For your convenience, there is a section on this for yourselves at the back of the journals. Don't forget, if your child is late for school or leaving early - he has to be signed in / out by an adult.
 
School Lunches:            Provision of  school lunches is a real bonus. All boys, everyday, should have a SEPARATE LUNCH BOX/BAG, to bring home leftovers (needs to be large). Otherwise, drips, spillages etc. will wreck the school bags and books. If your child wishes to change any part of his current order, please call to Secretary's Office after 1.00pm and Ms. Dwane will sort for you. Your child should have loads of food for the school day. If, for some reason, you wish to not avail of school lunches, or you wish to enhance what your son is getting, in line with our healthy eating policy, please adhere to giving your child only healthy food options, i.e. no sugary snacks, drinks, biscuits etc. etc. Encouraging healthy eating habits for life! - is all our responsibility.
This year, we are delighted to announce that our application to be included in the Dept. of Employment Affairs and Social Protection Pilot Scheme for provision of hot school meals, was successful. Over 500 schools applied to be considered, we were one of the 36 schools nationwide chosen, (there are 4 schools in Co. Cork). To date, outside of being told that we were successful, we have no further information as to how this scheme will work in practice. We will let you know as soon as we are notified. In the meantime, our school meals, as filled by you in June, will proceed.
 
Parking/Going to and from School:                  As you are aware, Our Board of Management does not accept responsibility for children prior to 8.45am, or after the end of the school day / when organised after school activities are complete. It is imperative you make arrangements that your children go to and from school safely. Please ensure that the area in front of school yard gates is kept clear for wheelchair access. Also, our general car parking space is tight enough, so please park responsibly i.e. do not block up the flow of traffic or (God forbid!) ignore the one-way system! Parking in the adjacent car park, at Tesco, is a handy option for many.
 
Swimming:                    Swimming lessons for classes 3rd (Ms. Walshe / Ms. Clifford) & 6th (Mr. Weir) will begin on Wednesday, 18th September. Full details will be circulated to the relevant classes, on Monday next.
 
School Uniforms / Tracksuits:        Remember, blue school uniform to be worn by all, each day, unless there is a specific reason for tracksuit. Class teachers will let you know (on the journals) when track suit day is. We cannot emphasise enough the importance of ensuring that all clothes and belongings have your children's names clearly marked, otherwise, it is impossible to find owners. In the interests of safety, no child should wear jewellery of any sort at school. No pupil may bring to school any article which may be a source of physical danger to himself or others.
 
General Items:    This week, we hope to get all of our affairs in order. If you have not already forwarded €55.00 to cover cost of photocopying/art/journals, please do so a.s.a.p.
As per agreed school policy, mobile phones, whether turned off or silenced are strictly not allowed at school c.f. policy at start of journals, for further details. 
Come in and talk to us:         Our door is always open. If there is something on your mind, we cannot emphasise how important it is to call in to discuss same, at the EARLIEST OPPORTUNITY. We assure you this is always the best policy. To avoid disturbing classes, do make arrangements with individual teachers, via your son's journal. In the interest of the Health & Safety of all, it is School Policy that all calls to school are via the front office - never directly to classrooms. From there, we will do our best to sort your queries.
Aldi Rugby Stickers:    If you or your friends / family have these please bring them in. We will collect again this year. Thank you!  
 
Preliminary Notice 5K Fun Run  / Walk:                     Your Parent Council will hold their now Annual, Fun Run / Walk on Thursday evening, 12th September. Please mark this date in your collective diaries, pray for good weather and join in with your families & friends!
 
Congratulations:                     To one of our ex-pupils Cathail O'Mahony, who was a crucial member of the All Ireland Winning U20 Cork Football Team. We hope to have Cathail the Clarke Cup to visit shortly!! Looking forward to that! We wish another ex pupil Aaron O' Brien, the very best as he lines out as part of the Cork Minor Squad next Sunday. Aaron has just returned from injury. The Cork Team will play Galway in the All Ireland Final at Croke Park.
 
Some Dates for your Diaries: (please keep for reference)
Wednesday, 11th September - Start of Year School Mass at Parish Church 11.15am.
Thursday, 12th September - Parent Council Fun Run / Walk.
Wednesday, 25th September - Your Parent Council A.G.M.
Monday, 30th September - No School for Boys, as staff will be involved with training for the Primary Language Curriculum.
 
Canon Fitzgerald leaves Mitchelstown:   It was with great sadness that we heard of the imminent departure of Canon Michael Fitzgerald from Mitchelstown. Canon Fitzgerald has been Chaplain to our school, served as Chairperson and as Patrons nominee, on our Board of Management, since he came to the Parish, 14 years ago. He has been a trojan support to us and unstinting in his efforts to enhance our school life. We could not thank him enough. We hope to have Canon Fitzgerald with us for our start of year School Mass and that many of you will be able to join us.
 
That's all for now! It was great to see all the happy, eager smiling faces this morning. Thanks to all here who helped our preparations. Thank you for your work in getting boys ready! We look forward to a fabulous School Year.
 
Every good wish,
 
Mary O' Callaghan                     Nigel Griffin                         John Weir
Principal                               Deputy Principal                     Assistant Principal
 
And all here at C.B.S. Primary!



































School Year 2018 - 2019



C.B.S. Primary School, Newsletter, 17th June 2019                                              
Telephone No: 025-24505     Fax No: 025-85408  
Mobile No: 087-1738311                              
E-mail: cbsmitchprimoffice@gmail.com 
Website: cbspmitchelstown.com 
 
Dear Parent(s) / Guardian(s),
We hope things are going well for you and your families.  We have rarely witnessed such rotten weather in June.
The field behind our school is marvellous to have as a play space. Apologies, if there were days that your child got wet there - it's a balancing act! We will use the field as much as we can for play space, particularly while the exams are on in the Secondary. We try to keep silent, to give them the best chance. Thank you for your co-operation at collection time around this.
 
Sporting News:    First up, for the first time in a long time, we are North Cork Hurling Champions in the A2 category! The final was played in horrid conditions (rain literally hopping off the ground) at Mallow G.A.A. Complex, last Wednesday. We have just received news that Cian English has been selected as "Man of the Match". He will receive this award at Mallow GAA complex at 4pm, on this Wednesday, 19th June. The whole panel were valiant in their efforts throughout the training sessions and the matches. They well deserve to be North Cork Champions. Thanks to all who helped in any way with the team preparations, particularly - Mr. O'Shea, Mr. Coffey, Mr. O' Heney and Mr. Coleman.
Cahir Park Soccer - On Tuesday, 6th June, our U11 soccer team attended the Cahir Park U11 Primary School Soccer Tournament. They drew their first game against Ballyporeen and won the next three and so now qualify for the finals of this competition taking place tomorrow, Tuesday, 18th June. Well done to the team that included: Aaron Walsh, Ryan Murray, Zak Murphy, Thomas Murphy, John Casey,  Darragh O' Sullivan, Jason O' Brien, Gavin Lynch, Jack Crowley and Ben O' Connor. Best of luck in the final boys! 
Swimming Gala at Fermoy Pool - Well done to our 5th and 6th class Reps, who participated in the inter Primary school Swimming Gala, at Fermoy Pool, on Friday. This was non competitive and all who took part got a medal.
Orienteering - Last Tuesday, all our 5th class boys set off, complete with rain gear, for Corrin Hill to compete in the Bishopstown Orienteering League, for Primary Schools organised for us, by Mr. Carey.
Aerobics / Gymnastics - Last week was a very busy one for 5th class. On Wednesday, Ali from "Mind the Gap" productions, conducted a workshop here for them on aerobics / gymnastics.
Athletics News-(per Co-ordinator Mr. O' Regan)                        The C.B.S. Primary School Athletics were busy training and competing over the last six weeks. Members of the team were also involved in competing with Fanahan McSweeney Athletics Club. After trials for each age group, a panel of athletes began training programme on Mondays. A great effort was put in by all the boys and it was gratifying to see their progression.
 
Our first event was the North Cork Schools Sports. A tradition in the North Cork area that goes back a long time. This event is open to all Christian Brothers schools in the area, these include Charleville C.B.S., St. Patricks N.S. Mallow, Bishop Murphy's, Fermoy and C.B.S. Mitchelstown. This year's meet was hosted by Charleville C.B.S., on the 28th May. Sprints, 400m and relays were the events held. All the boys represented the school with distinction. The races were very exciting. A ding dong battle in the U11 Sprint resulted in a re-run. Michael, Darragh, Anthony, Kyle and David were the winners on the day. David, with a superb performance, in the 400m race, continued his success with another great performance at the Kilbehenny 5km Run, later on Tuesday evening.
On Thursday, the team had an early start as we headed to C.I.T. for the Cork City Schools Sports. This is the largest Athletics meeting in Europe with over 4,000 participants. The C.B.S. team took part in the Sprints on the Playing pitch and the relays on the track. Darragh and Michael continued their great season, picking up more prizes.
 
Unfortunately, some boys due to illness and holidays were unable to take part this year but no doubt they’ll get their chance again next year. A big thank you is owed to the team mentors who gave up their time to help the boys to achieve their best; Ms. B. Walsh, Mr. Cahill, Ms. Coffey, Ms. Griffin, Mr. Coleman and Mr. O’Regan and of course Ms. M. Walsh who has kept the athletics tradition going in the C.B.S. over many years.
This year's C.B.S. Primary Mitchelstown Athletics Team included: Rory McCarthy, Michael McDonagh, John Cleary, Sean Warren, Michael Walsh, John Connolly Murphy, Jason Holland, Shay O’Regan, Oliver Stanczyk, Gearóid O’Connell-Nolan, Evan Byrne, Darragh O’Sullivan, Anthony Ahern, Eoin Lynch, Jake Thornton, Adam Pauliukas, Dieudonne Kabundi, Jack Keating, Joey O’Neill, Daniel Whelan, Cian English, Simon Whelan, Clement Motherway, Sam Corbett, David Fouhy, Simas Radzevicius, Jack Piggott, Danny Murphy, Nathan Coltoan, Kyle O’Regan.
 
After School Soccer Leagues - Unfortunately, due to the horrendous weather, some of our after school soccer games had to take place in the basket ball court. Every pupil has the chance to take part in these (note 1st/2nd classes have their games tomorrow, Tuesday this week, as we need to prepare for Graduation on Wednesday night). These leagues are completely about Team work, participation and just for fun. As ever, thanks so much to all the staff who are facilitating these opportunities for the boys.
 
Active Week -  Will happen here week 24th - 28th June inclusive. It will include our Fun For all day 26th June. We will be in the field from 10.00am, with a break for lunch. Homework for the boys that week will all be of the active variety.  We hope all the boys and you, their family members, have good opportunities to get out and about, over the Summer Break.
 
Internet Safety:              Last week, we facilitated a Workshop for boys in 5th & 6th classes around Internet Safety. We have already scheduled a session on same with Seeko, for September. These Workshops will include activities with parents in the evening time. More on this anon!
 
Graduation Night / Incoming Pupils:     Our Graduation Ceremony, this will be held for our current 6th class pupils and their families, on Wednesday, 19th June, at 7.30pm. We sent a separate letter to all concerned last week, so double check the details. We wish our boys the very best for Graduation and, of course, in the next step of their educational journey. They have truly been a wonderful bunch of boys and have added so much to our school community. We met with parents of incoming 1st  class pupils last week and we look forward to meeting the boys themselves with their teachers from Bunscoil, when they visit us tomorrow, and so the wheel goes round!
 
Other School Activities:         SCP Project Worker, Ms. Sheehan and the boys, who attend our weekly Tractor Club, have put together an impressive display for all to enjoy in the halla today. This Club, as well as Ms. O'Callaghan's Lego Club for 1st, 2nd and 3rd class boys, gives boys with particular interests, a chance to develop these, at break times.
 
Muintir na Tíre / School Garden: Last week, Seán Finn, Denis Kelly and the team from Muintir na Tíre called to adjudicate on the boys efforts this year, towards making our school environment beautiful. Based on their findings, we have been invited to Cork County Hall, for the Award Ceremony next Monday. The Garden is a credit to Mr. Carey, our Caretaker Brendan and all the boys involved.
 
Ethos:           2nd class boys are encouraged to wear their Communion Rosette to 11.30am Mass next Sunday and join in the Corpus Christi Procession. This takes place directly after the 11.30am Mass and will end at the Town Hall.
You are all invited to join us, at the Parish Church, on Tuesday, 25th June at 11.15am, for our End of Year Mass. If any of you would like to read a prayer on the day, please let us know either via your child's homework journal or by ringing the office.
 
Food Forms '19/'20:    Glanmore Foods will provide Food Forms for all tomorrow which will cover Term 1 of the new school year. Please make filling this form part of your child's homework routine and return to us on Wednesday. This is a marvellous free service for your children which greatly adds to the experience we can provide here at CBS Primary. Glanmore are happy to receive any constructive feedback that you may have on their service.
 
School Reports: Our End of Year School Reports will be posted to your homes on Thursday, 20th June. We will be using the postal address which was most recently furnished to us. If there has been any change, please let us know straight away, that we can input on our system. There is no need to forward a self addressed envelope for School Report, as it is covered in your initial contribution, at the start of the academic year. Included with the Report will be your child's attendance to date, class requisite sheet for New School Year and details of projected financial outlay which you can expect for school year 2019/2020. We have forwarded this to you for the past number of years. Feedback we receive is that it is helpful in managing your family budgets. We really do make every effort to ensure costs to yourselves are kept to an absolute minimum. 6th Class Reports will also include copy of your child's contribution to his Educational Passport (for transferring to second level). For your own reference, you may like to check out this website - www.helpmykidlearn.ie, as to how you can support your child's learning, over the summer.
SAF Folders:         This week, class teachers will be sending home your child's SAL (Self Assessment and Learning) Folder, with an accompanying review sheet.  These folders provide a framework for children to present evidence of their work and their assessments of that work, across the curriculum. Your feedback on this is very important to us.
 
Book Rental Scheme:  Last week we circulated information to you all re. Book Rental Scheme 2019/2020.  Please return Book Rental Fees to class teacher, in an envelope with your child's name marked on it, on or before Friday, 21st June. We assure you we make every effort within our capacity, to do the best for your children.
 
Fun Day Wednesday, 26th June:      Our aforementioned Fun Day is shaping up nicely to be a great event. Hopefully, the weather will be kind to us. If the sun does happen to shine, don't forget a hat and sunscreen and additional bottle of water! All boys should wear their school tracksuit bottoms, shorts are fine underneath, but may prove unsuitable for many of the activities. So far, we have secured many big items like the huge spider climber! We will also have a wide variety of side shows, novelty races and competitions. We will be in the field from 10.00am - 2.30pm (excluding lunch 12.30pm - 1pm). Do call up if you can at all and enjoy the day with us. If  you, or you know someone, who could help us out with face painting, please let us know. We do ask, due to Data Protection regulations, that you do not take photographs on the day. We will have specific people on hand with cameras. You might also like to join in the Parent Race. Thanks to everybody, particularly co-ordinator Mr. O'Shea, for pulling out all the stops, to make the day as good as possible for the boys. Thanks to funding from your Parent Council, we are in a position to finance the day!
 
Fundraising Efforts:    Many, many thanks to the host of people who helped, in so many ways, over the June Bank Holiday Weekend with our fundraising efforts, regarding the purchase of adjacent field (formally O'Callaghan's). We are and continue to be overwhelmed by the support and generosity of the entire community and surrounding areas. To date, with most expenses paid and with some income still to come in, it looks like overall profit for Lip-sync will be in the region of €33,000! This is a fantastic result for what was a superb nights entertainment and universally hailed as a marvellous success. Many relayed that they had never such a wonderful night! The Golf Classic monies are not fully tallied yet and again, some monies need to come in, but we hope to have approx €8,000 clear profit on this, which is wonderful. Here are the prize winners for our In-house school draw, which was held for those of you who don't play golf or who couldn't make Lip-sync, that you could still contribute - 1st prize: Maria Walsh - 2 Nights B & B, for 2 people, at the 4 Star, Riverside Hotel, Killarney. 2nd prize:  Mary Dold - 1 Night Mid-week Stay with Breakfast, for 2 Adults at 4 Star Hotel Kilkenny, in the heart of Kilkenny City. 3rd prize: Michelle Walsh - Hamper, courtesy of Glanmore Foods & 4th prize: Orlaith Mullins - Dinner for 2 at Charleville Park Hotel. We hope to be in a position to relay the full position regarding the Field purchase and repayments at our Celebration Day on Tuesday, 25th June. To everyone who contributed in anyway, we are so grateful.
 
Celebration Day Tuesday, 25th June:       This will be held here on Tuesday, 25th June. Everyone is welcome to join us for Mass in the Parish Church beforehand. However, due to space restrictions, we will have to limit those attending the actual celebration to invited guests. The Celebration will mark the following - National Award Green Schools and 6th Green Flag, Health Promoting Schools, retention of status and award of new flag, Muintir na Tire Schools Garden Award, North Cork Hurling Champions, Quiz successes and other achievements.
 
This is our last full newsletter before the holidays. It has been a really busy year! We take this opportunity to thank each of you and your extended families, for your support and co-operation. We close at 12.30pm on Friday, 28th June, and will see you again at 9.00am on Thursday, 29th August. We wish everybody a marvellous Summer Break! Enjoy every minute!
​
That's all for now!                        Le gach dea ghuí
 
Mary O' Callaghan                           Nigel Griffin                                     John Weir
Principal                                      Deputy Principal                             Assistant Principal 1
 
And all here at CBS Primary.





C.B.S. Primary School, Newsletter, 23rd May 2019
Telephone No: 025-24505     Fax No: 025-85408   
Mobile No: 087-1738311    
E-mail: cbsmitchprimoffice@gmail.com  Website: cbspmitchelstown.com 
 
Dear Parent(s) / Guardian(s),
Hope you are all enjoying the good weather - to the full!
 
Green Schools News: First off, congratulations to some of our Green Schools Committee Reps. Simon Whelan, Cian English, Ms. Keane and Mr. O' Regan who travelled to the Helix Theatre, at DCU, on Tuesday of this week. On all our behalf, they not only accepted our 6th Green Flag for Global Citizenship but also a National Award for the Southern Region, to mark our Commitment, down through the years, to the Green Schools Programme. We are truly proud of the achievements - well done everyone! We hope to celebrate this significant award, along with our retention of our Health Promoting School status and our work in the An Taisce  Schools Gardening Project amongst other good news stories, on our Celebration Day - Monday 17th June.
 
Fundraising Repayment of loan to purchase adjacent Field:  Doubtless, the business of Fundraising is hard work, time consuming and very difficult. There are so many people working so hard to ensure the success of our upcoming Fundraising Events. To each one of you, thank you so very, very much. Thanks also to all the businesses and individuals who have made donations, who are sponsoring a Tee in the Golf Classic and who are taking an Ad in the Lip-Sync Programme, through sponsorship of the participants.  
Lip-Sync is shaping up nicely to be one of the events of the year. The new tiered seating, stage and sound system, just installed at Mitchelstown Leisure Centre will add, in no small way, to the spectacle. M. C. on the night will be Maurice Walsh. 14 Acts will perform for your entertainment, ranging from Joe Dolan to Aerosmith and everything in between! Judges on the night will be Strictly Come Dancing Winner 2017, Mr. Paul Seymour. Strictly Come Dancing Winner 2018 and member of Girl Group Tone Broke, our own Miss Tríona Byrne and Seán Kelly, current MEP and ex President of the GAA. A limited number of tickets are still available, - you will be disappointed if you miss out. To purchase tickets contact Mary on 089-4359977 or Ryan 086-0691054, organising committee members. There is also time, if you would like to support to sponsor a Tee in the Golf Classic or if you/or someone you know would like to play. Full details about Golf Classic contact Rory McMahon (086) 2494044, email r.mcmahon@cbspmitchelstown.com
From the beginning of this Fundraising Project for the Field, our Board of Management determined that in light of demands on everyone, we would only organise events for this purchase, over the June Bank Holiday Weekend. We are delighted therefore, that Tesco Mitchelstown have agreed that we can do a Bag Pack, over two days, Friday, 31st May and Saturday, 1st June. Your Parent Council will help out with this. At its meeting last night, it was agreed that today would be a good day to find out peoples availability to help with the collection. You might fill in the form at the end of this Newsletter regarding this and return to us tomorrow. We are also including the other events as some people relayed back, that they had not heard!
However, you help in the efforts, it all counts. Your support is much appreciated. At the end of the day, the benefit of these two acres, into the future, will be worth all the energies and efforts.
We would like to sincerely thank Dave Kent, those who baked cakes, helped out and attended the Strongman Competition / Family Fun Day, last Saturday. In total on the day, €963.00, was raised for the Field Development Fund.
 
Standardised Testing:                        Over the past couple of weeks, all class groupings partook in Standardised Testing. This year, for comparison and analysis purposes, we again used the actual test instruments produced by the Educational Research Centre, Drumcondra for Literacy. (These would have been administered when we had evaluations re. our DEIS Status). In addition to Literacy and Numeracy, (Sigma - T tests) we also included Standardised Tests on Spelling and Gaeilge. Many thanks to Ms. Clifford for co-ordinating the administration of these tests for us. The STEN Scores of these tests will be included in your child's written report, which will be posted to your homes, on 20th June. This will allow you an opportunity to talk with us, if there are any concerns, prior to the Summer break. Results will also be uploaded to the Department of Education and Skills, in line with the terms of Circular 38/2017. We did not tell about dates of these test beforehand as we wanted minimum fuss and no anxiety - all part of the day's work!
 
Here are some dates of Up and Coming Events for your diaries (please keep for reference).
Today, Thursday, 23rd May - After school hurling  for panel at Leisure Centre.
Friday, 24th May - Scith na Scol Hurling Championship at Mallow GAA Complex - good luck teams!
Sunday, 26th May - First Holy Communion for our boys, at the Parish Church - may you all have a wonderful time.
Monday, 27th May - 1st & 2nd class Hurling Blitz, per Martin O' Brien Coach and Transition Year Students, CBS Secondary.
Tuesday, 28th May - North Cork Sports at CBS Charleville
CBS Secondary host Hurling Blitz for classes 4th, 5th, 6th.
Wednesday, 29th May - Children's School Lives Study, per UCC, with both 2nd classes (information circulated to relevant families) - please return forms about this, if you have not already done so.
Thursday, 30th May - Day 1 Golf Classic at Mitchelstown Golf  Club
Thursday, 30th May - Cork City Sports
Friday, 31st May - This day is a school holiday. Day 2 Golf Classic at Mitchelstown Golf Club
Fundraising Bag Pack at Tesco, Mitchelstown.
Saturday, 1st June - Fundraising Bag Pack at Tesco Mitchelstown.
Lip-Sync Event at Mitchelstown Leisure Centre @ 8pm (Doors open 7pm).
Wednesday, 5th June - Visiting Theatre Company MMD with their Production of Oliver. This has been kindly funded by your Parent Council.
Thursday, 6th June - Information night for parents of Incoming Pupils.
Friday, 7th June - 4th & 5th Class School Tours (cost subsidised through Parent Council funding)
Tuesday, 11th June - Orienteering at Corrin Fermoy - separate information will circulate to relevant groups, per Co-ordinator, Mr. Carey
Wednesday, 12th June - Tractor Club display in halla
Thursday, 13th June - 1st Class School Tour (cost subsidised through Parent Council funding)
 Swimming Gala for 5th & 6th class Reps @ Fermoy Pool
Monday, 17th June - Celebration Day
Tuesday, 18th June - Visit of Incoming pupils from Bunscoil
Wednesday, 19th June - Graduation night
Thursday, 20th June - School Reports Posted
Sunday, 23rd June - Corpus Christi Procession
Monday, 24th June - Invitation to An Taisce Schools Garden Awards at County Hall, Cork.
Tuesday, 25th June - End of year Mass 11.15am at the Parish Church - all welcome.
Wednesday, 26th June - Fun-day (kindly sponsored by your Parent Council funds).         All welcome to join us on the day!  
 
After school Soccer Leagues for all class groups will commence after the June Bank Holiday. We will let you know dates.      
 
Phew .... That's all for now.
 
Le gach dea ghuí
 
Mary O' Callaghan               John Weir                                Cathal O' Shea
Principal                         Acting Deputy Principal                 Assistant Principal 1
And all here at CBS Primary.
 
Please return this form to your child's class teacher tomorrow.
 
Availability (of those over 16 years) to do some time Bag Packing at Tesco (over 16 years).
 
Friday, 31st May: Please tick your preference -
 
10am - 12pm
 
12pm - 2pm
2pm - 4pm
4pm - 6pm
6pm - 8pm

 
Saturday, 1st June:
10am - 12pm
 
12pm - 2pm
2pm - 4pm
4pm - 6pm

 
Just in case!
Team for Golf Classic @ €150.00 (   )  A4 Tee Sponsorship €50 (   )  A3 Tee €100 (   )
Tickets for Lip-Sync Event @ €25 - Saturday, 1st June        (    )
Number of tickets required: ____________
 
Name: _____________________            
 
Contact No: _____________________
 
Thank you in advance, for your support - we're nearly there....................








C.B.S. Primary School, Newsletter, 14th May 2019
Telephone No: 025-24505     Fax No: 025-85408   
Mobile No: 087-1738311    
E-mail: cbsmitchprimoffice@gmail.com       
Website: cbspmitchelstown.com 
 
Dear Parent(s) / Guardian(s),
 
We hope things are going well for you and your families and that you are getting the chance to enjoy the beautiful weather.
C.B.S. Primary Field Development Fund:
This has to be our main news item at present. It's now all systems go, with shoulders to every wheel, to try to ensure that our upcoming Fundraising efforts, to repay the loan taken out to purchase the adjacent field is successful.
That you are all aware, what we are fundraising for, is to pay for the actual asset i.e. the land itself, as there is no grant aid to cover this cost. Once we own the property, we intend to seek grant aid to proceed with the various items on the wish list, as to what to do with the area. This may take some time, but already, we are making significant progress.
Whatever happens, this piece of land is a marvellous addition to our school. We are so fortunate to have been in a position to purchase. While the fundraising is labour intensive and time consuming, with all of us working together, it will be achievable and so worth the efforts.
Our Annual Fundraising Golf Classic will be held at Mitchelstown Golf Club, on Thursday, 30th May and Friday, 31st May.
If you can, or know of someone who might be able to put a team forward - Team of 3 - €150, including food, please let us know directly. Also Tee Sponsorship available for anyone who would like to support, but who can't or isn't in a position to play, €50 for A4 and €100 for A3.
Tickets are selling really well for our upcoming Lip-Sync Event, set for Saturday, 1st June. Even now, in rehearsals, it all looks to be fabulously entertaining. Ticket price €25, includes Bar-B-Q and Disco afterwards, with D.J. Justin. Many, many thanks to A.I.B., Mitchelstown, for their overall sponsorship of this Event.  On the night, the audience will have the opportunity to vote for their favourite acts. Each €5 vote will include entry to a mega draw, which is confined to those present on the night. The prizes for this are amazing and include a Family Holiday (4 people) to Mallorca (7 nights) including Flights, Accommodation, Transfers to and from Airport and meal at Tony's Restaurant, which is adjacent to the Holiday Home. This prize is very kindly sponsored by Ted Loughman, Dairy and Water Services, Tipperary. The flights are courtesy of Mervin & Monica Hodgins of Hodgin's Sausages. Second prize is a 3 night package at the Royal Hotel, Valentia, Co. Kerry, including tours and packed lunches. There are also other Hotel Breaks, Meal Vouchers etc.etc. as prizes for this fantastic draw. Tickets for Lip-Sync are selling fast! If you have already paid for same, we have your tickets ready for collection. If you have booked tickets for Lip-Sync and have not yet paid, please try to have these monies to us by Friday, 17th May. For others - you need to buy now ..... before it's too late! If you are unable to attend Lip-Sync we are also holding a school based draw, in conjunction with the Event. Tickets are €5 each and can be purchased from the school office. If you have already purchased, we will put your draw tickets, in your child's journal.
Prizes for School Based Draw are as follows:
1st PRIZE -  2 Nights B & B for 2 people at the 4 Star Riverside Hotel, Killarney, courtesy of Manager, Gearóid Murphy, per Jennifer O'Keeffe.
2nd PRIZE -  1 Night Mid-week Stay, with Breakfast, for 2 Adults, at 4 Star, Hotel Kilkenny, in the heart of Kilkenny City.
3rd PRIZE - Hamper, courtesy of Glanmore Foods
4th PRIZE -  Dinner for 2 at Charleville Park Hotel.
 
Health Promoting Schools News:           Our weekly positive quotations, since our last Newsletter are – “The world you see is created by what you focus on. It is never too late to adjust your lens”, “Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery, Today is a Gift. That’s why we call it the Present”,  “ If you have good thoughts, they will shine out of your face like sunbeams and you will always look lovely, “You are braver than you believe, Stronger than you seem and smarter than you think” and this weeks,“ Don’t do something to other people that you don’t want to be done to yourself”
We are continuing with our gratitude journals, writing 3 things we are grateful for each day.
Each class will come up with some healthy eating recipes for our Healthy Eating Cookery Booklet. Check out the Healthy Ireland website for the Food Pyramid and 5 day meal planners.
Playground games - each class will be given lessons on playground games. Which we will introduce once a week, on yard.
We also hope to run a Multicultural day in June. All ideas are very welcome.
 
Cooking All Stars Programme with SuperValu:   Fourth class boys at CBS Primary were fortunate to be involved in Supervalu’s ‘Cooking All Stars’ programme. We are very grateful to Seán Farrell, Sarah and the team at SuperValu Mitchelstown, who kindly sponsored all the ingredients for the boys’ cookery lessons and were extremely supportive. A recipe booklet accompanied the initiative and focussed on key ingredients and how to prepare simple and nutritious meals. This supports Supervalu’s mission to inspire future generations to live healthier, more balanced lifestyles.
As you are aware, the boys had the opportunity of After School Cookery Lessons, prior to Easter.
On Wednesday, May 1st , Ms. Walsh and Ms. Kearney, accompanied a group of boys to Supervalu, to purchase ingredients for the cooking finale. This was an extra special class, as parents were invited to join the boys, to see them in action. There was a real party atmosphere and some very tasty and healthy pizzas were made to order. Thanks to extra helpers on the day Ms. Connolly and Ms. Byrne. Needless to say, there was a whole lot of laughter, fun and full tummies after the day!
All the parents got the Cook at Home Booklet, encouraged to shop in their local SuperValu and to involve the boys in cooking activities at home. 
 
Throughout the programme the boys were very enthusiastic and on the last day they unanimously agreed they would highly recommend ‘Cooking All Stars’ to future participants. Once again, sincere thanks to Mr. O' Regan, the team here and Farrell’s SuperValu Mitchelstown, for their very generous support of this worthwhile initiative.
 
Sporting News:             We would sincerely like to thank the local Mitchelstown / Ballygiblin GAA for organising the Football Blitz for 1st & 2nd classes last week. The Hurling Blitz for 1st & 2nd classes will be on Monday, 27th May. Thanks to Coach Martin O' Brien for his work this year, with classes 1st - 4th inclusive and also to the Transition Year Students at CBS Secondary. CBS Secondary will organise a Hurling Blitz for pupils 4th, 5th & 6th classes, on Tuesday, 28th May.
Hurling for our School Panel  is now on Fridays after school. Last Friday, the boys headed to Kilworth with Mr. O' Shea, Ms. Coffey and Mr. Coleman, to get the opportunity for a  challenge match.
 
Athletics training continues Mondays, after school, for those participants from whom our representative team will be selected, to go forward to North Cork Sports - Tuesday, 28th May and Cork City Sports - Thursday, 30th May.
 
Soccer - After School Soccer Leagues, for all class groupings, will begin as soon as the Hurling is over. We hope to send some representative teams to the upcoming U11 Tournament, at Cahir Park Soccer Club, during the 1st week of June.
 
Ethos:        We wish all the girls from Bunscoil and their families a lovely day next Sunday for their First Holy Communion. Our boys Special Day is on Sunday, 26th, in the Parish Church at 11.30am Mass. If there is a Grandparent of one of the First Holy Communion Boys who would like to read a Reflection, please let us know tomorrow. We wish everyone a joyful, memorable day.
 
Home School Community Liaison:      Today, we are circulating, to all homes, information on the Túsla Family Support Scheme called Meitheal, which we told you about previously. This service is just being rolled out in our area now. If you require any further information on Meitheal, you may like to contact the Co-ordinator, Christina Kelly directly, on 087-7161068.
 
Community News:     On this Saturday, 18th May, from 12noon - 3pm, Dave Kent of Fringy's Fitness is organising his annual Strongman Competition, at the CBS Secondary Pitch (by kind permission). This year, Dave has volunteered to give all proceeds of the day to our Field Development Fund - which is really kind of him. The day will not just be the Strongman Competition, but will be a Family Fun Day for all, with Bouncy Castle, Sideshows, Face Painting etc. etc. Entry is €5 for adults - no charge for children. As the monies raised will be given to our school, our staff and Parent Council  Reps. will be on hand, to help out. We hope to have a Bake Sale on the day. If you are in a position to give some buns / cakes or whatever, for the sale, that would be great. These can be dropped to the school on Friday, 17th or on the Saturday itself.
 
Visiting Theatre Company:          On Wednesday, 5th June, we are delighted to welcome the MMD Theatre Company, with their production of "Oliver". This will be financed by your Parent Council.
 
School Tours:     Letters regarding individual school tours will issue to all of you this week. For your information, the following are dates for each class grouping:
1st Classes:           Thursday, 13th June        2nd Classes:           Friday, 14th June
3rd Classes:          Friday, 21st June           4th Classes:           Friday, 7th June
5th Classes:          Friday, 7th June            6th Classes:          Thursday, 13th June
We thank all who have organised these trips for the boys and hope that everyone has a marvellous day out.
 
Green Schools / Gardening / Health Promoting Schools:       We are so proud of our Green Schools Committee for their massive achievement in securing a National Award. Two of our Green Schools committee from 6th class - Cian English and Daniel Whelan, will travel to the Helix Theatre at DCU, with Mr. O'Regan & Ms. Keane to accept the award, on our behalf. We would like to take the opportunity to thank Mr. Carey and his team of boys who are doing trojan work getting our School Garden and surroundings looking beautiful. We have been invited to Cork City Hall for the Schools Garden Ceremony on Monday, 24th June. The area around our school is bitty and very difficult to work with - we are delighted with the progress that is being made. We hope that Mr. Carey and the boys receive external recognition for all the work.
 
That's all for now.
 
Don't forget - the cakes for the Strongman Competition on Saturday. Thank you all in advance  - let's hope the sun stays shining!
 
Le gach dea ghuí
Mary O'Callaghan                     John Weir                                         Cathal O' Shea
Principal                               Acting Deputy Principal                          Acting Assistant Principal (1)
And here at CBS Primary!





​C.B.S. Primary School, Newsletter, 29th April 2019
Telephone No: 025-24505     Fax No: 025-85408   
Mobile No: 087-1738311    
E-mail: cbsmitchprimoffice@gmail.com       
Website: cbspmitchelstown.com 
 
Dear Parent(s) / Guardian(s),
We hope things are going well for you and your families and that you all had a wonderful Easter Break. Congratulations to our Deputy Principal John Weir, on the birth of his baby daughter, Holly. We express our sincere sympathies to those associated with our school community, who suffered family bereavements, over the Easter tide - The O' Keeffe / Walsh Family on the death of Emer, the Murphy Family on the death of Winnie, and to Mr. O' Heney and Ms. Byrne on the death of their Grandmothers. May they Rest In Peace.
The time is absolutely flying! Unbelievably, this week, we will circulate  information to parents of those boys who will join us for the first time, at start of School Year 2019/2020. We look forward to a lovely Summer Term.
 
Easter Activities:           We had a great week in the run up to Easter - with the visit of the Liam McCarthy Cup, Orienteering / Egg Treasure Hunt, Table Quizzes, prepared by our own Student Council and Odd Socks day. Congratulations to all who won the in-class Easter Egg prizes and to Pa Downes, 6th class  and Sean Sampson 1st class, winners of the hampers. In total, our Student Council raised €758.95 which will be divided between upkeep and purchase of Digital Technologies for our school and towards the Down Syndrome Centre, Cork. Of course we also held a very successful Pet / Farm Awareness Day. Thank you all for your involvement. Apologies if some of you had to wait a while with dogs etc., when there was an overflow. The boys loved the exotic animals in the Animal Roadshow and the farm  animals with the Agri Aware Mobile Farm. There was so much going on during the day, that some boys did not get the opportunity for prolonged browsing at the model farm displays. Therefore, our own Tractor Club, with Co-ordinator Ms. Sheehan, hopes to organise another of these displays, prior to the summer break.
 
Quiz Successes:   Again, we are delighted to report our representative teams stupendous achievements - on Wednesday, 10th April, the following boys - Danny Murphy, Mark Sampson, Ryan Murray, Eoin Kirwan - 2nd place. Ryan Spratt, Luke Cott, Daniel O' Brien & Tristan Power - 1st place (2 teams) headed to Knockadea for their inaugural Inter-primary School Quiz. Over 50 teams took part. Our two teams took 1st and 2nd place vying  with each other in 3 tie breakers (!!!) to decide who would be in 1st position.
Then, on Friday, 12th - 4 teams headed to Araglin where our school again, took 1st & 2nd places. As this is such a busy term after School Quiz practice for the current school year is now finished. We have had a great year. Well done to all the boys involved - to Mr. Weir, Mr. O' Heney, all staff who travelled to competitions and of course, to the parents who have been so supportive.
 
Sporting Endeavours:   Training for our representative Hurling Team continues on Thursdays, after school. Martin O' Brien, GAA Coach, courtesy of the Mitchelstown / Ballygiblin Juvenile Club  conducts hurling coaching with classes 1st - 4th inclusive on Tuesdays. Ms. O' Gorman's 1st class and Ms. Barry's 5th class will have an additional swimming class this Wednesday, to make up for the day they missed, prior to the Easter break.
Our Athletics Team are currently training Mondays after school. Mr. O' Regan and his fellow organisers will have a difficult task to select those who will finally represent us at the North Cork Sports (Tuesday, 28th May) & Cork City Sports - (Thursday, 30th May).
 
Community News:       Well done to the following prize-winners in the Easter Art Competition organised by All - Care Pharmacy (formally Doodys) - Evan O' Regan, Cathail Lane, Thomas Wakulinski, Cian Linehan, Darragh O' Sullivan & David Fouhy.
St. Georges Church:     On behalf of all of us here at CBS Primary we congratulate Mr. Dineen and all associated with the purchase of the beautiful St. Georges Church  (Bill Power, Mervin Hodgins, Anne Morrisson & Pat Mulcahy) as an Arts and Heritage Centre. We wish them the very best in this undertaking, which will benefit the whole community.
Strongman Competition:       Dave Kent and his team at Fringy's Fitness, have kindly offered to give proceeds of their Strongman Competition / Show, towards our Field Development Fund. The day will include Family Fun for all ages - Saturday, 18th May 2019.
 
Ethos:         Well done to all our lovely 2nd class boys who were marvellous on the occasion of their First Penance on Wednesday, 10th April. First Holy Communion for these boys is set for Sunday, 26th May, in the Parish Church.  We will talk to Canon Fitzgerald and will forward a letter about how the day might work out, to all relevant parents, this week, that there is no confusion.
 
Cookery:    Parents of 4th class  are invited to join in the cookery sessions, with the boys this week, Wednesday, 1st May. This will be the last round up of the SuperValu "Cookery with the Stars" initiative.  Many thanks to all our staff who worked on the project and to Sean Farrell, and his team at SuperValu, Mitchelstown for supplying the equipment and ingredients for the sessions, as part of the Programme.
 
Wriggle:     On Thursday, 9th May, we are delighted to lost to host a digital technologies learning experience for the boys in the form of Wriggle - a mobile mega - truck full of all sorts of digital wonders!.
 
Fitbits and other Electronic Gadgetry:     Particularly as we are now coming into the fine weather (hopefully) we ask you please do not send your child to school with fitbits and other wearable valuable electronic gadgetry. Inevitably, during play , sports, , creative activities etc., they require to be taken off and this can lead to all sorts of difficulties if they are mislaid or damaged. To avoid any hassles or disappointments, please keep these good bits of gear at home. If your child needs to know the time - an ordinary watch that just tells the time is fine - but inexpensive please!
 
Community Games:     Handwriting - Congratulations to Tony Murphy, 2nd class who won gold in the County, for his handwriting efforts in the U10 competition at Riverstick, over the Easter Break. Tony has now qualified for the All Ireland National Competition , which will be held at U.L. Limerick, on Saturday, 25th May.
 
Request for accommodation: There is currently a Spanish family who wishes to enrol their child with us for the new school year. They are looking for accommodation for their son during school term - time. If you are interested in doing this, please contact us directly and we will put you in touch with the family. 
 
July Provision:    For those of you who may have children who have an ASD diagnosis or Severe / Profound general learning diagnosis, you may wish to apply for July Provision. Full details available on the D.E.S. website. Closing date for Home based July Provision Grant date is 17.05.2019.
 
Green Schools News:   We sent a text to all of you, prior to the Easter Break, that we had just got great news around our Green Schools Efforts. As you know, under the guidance of our Green Schools Committee, we had been working over the past two years, on retention of our previous 5 Green Flags and towards getting our 6th Green Flag, for Global Citizenship. We submitted our application and on 10th April, our Co-ordinator Mr. O' Regan was informed that, not only have we been awarded our 6th Green Flag but we have also been chosen as the regional winner, for the Southern Region!!!
We have been invited to attend a Special Award Ceremony at the Helix Hall, Dublin on 21st May, where our Reps will be presented with our 6th Green Flag, a theme pendant and a special trophy, in recognition of us been chosen as regional winner, for the 2018/2019 academic year. Huge credit to all - and of course particularly Mr. O' Regan, Ms. Keane, Ms. O' Callaghan, Ms. Byrne  and our entire Green Schools Committee, on gaining this national recognition.
 
CBS PRIMARY FIELD DEVELOPMENT FUND - June Bank Holiday Weekend 2019!
The purchase of "O'Callaghan's Field", adjacent to the school, by CBS Primary, has opened many options for the development of additional facilities. In 2017, The Board purchased this site, in the centre of Mitchelstown, from Tesco for €105,000. It bounds C.B.S. Primary on two sides and the opportunity to purchase simply could not be overlooked. Since last year, much work has been done on the site, thanks to Liam Barry and his crew of B.H. Trees. Liam has carried out this work completely free of charge. His generosity has made development of the site a reality. The Board of Management wishes to publically acknowledge this overwhelming act of generosity. The work to clear the site is a specialised job and is taking a huge amount of time and commitment. The whole School Community is so appreciative of what Liam is doing. Every week there is evidence of improvement. Even over Easter, there was a huge amount of work carried out. Now having this piece of land is wonderful and offers so much scope. Even already, people entering the school grounds are amazed at the progress and the actual overall area. It was very difficult to assess what was actually there, with the amount of trees and overgrowth. Now that it is in the process of being cleared, it is evident that the overall site runs to over two acres!
This is the Board of Managements third year of major fundraising, towards payment for this substantial asset
Again, this year, the Fundraising Committee will organise two significant events in the run up to the June Bank Holiday weekend.
Our  2nd Annual Golf Classic will be held at Mitchelstown Golf Club - Thursday, 30th May, & Friday, 31st May. Team of 3 - €150.00, . Format is a Champagne Scramble. There will be a Shotgun start on Thursday at 5pm and Friday at 5pm. Teams can also play up to 12noon on Friday. Tee Box sponsorship (small) - €50 , (Large)- €100.00. The competition is open to both ladies and gents, with prizes for mixed, all ladies GUI non GUI teams, as well as gross prize. Food will be provided. If you require further information on the Golf Classic, please contact Rory McMahon at rory.mcmahon@ge.com or 086-2494044.
Also for the first time in Mitchelstown - SAVE THE DATE!! Saturday, 1st June!
CBS Primary will host a Lip-Sync Extravaganza, at Mitchelstown Leisure Centre on Saturday, 1st June. A.I.B. Bank, New Square, Mitchelstown has come on board, as the main sponsors for this event for which we are very grateful.
It's set to be a night to remember! - don't miss out.
Customised tiered seating has just been installed at Mitchelstown Leisure Centre, so patrons will be treated to a real entertainment experience.
Tickets are expected to fly and will go on sale Wednesday, May 1st - available from Mitchelstown Leisure Centre , CBS Primary and the Participants.
Ticket price €25, will include Lip-Sync (M.C. Maurice Walsh), Bar-B-Q and Disco, with D.J. Justin. Bar on site. There will also be Draw,  run in conjunction, with the Lip-Sync event, for substantial prizes.
All proceeds of the Golf Classic and Lip-Sync Event will go towards purchase and development of the Field - a facility which will, doubtless, prove invaluable for the school, not only in the short term but for the generations to come.
In light of the potential benefits of this and the enormity of the task that the Board has taken on, we hope that everyone in our school community will contribute, in some way, to the efforts. We determined, from the outset, that the fundraising for the field, would be confined to the June Bank Holiday Weekend. Today, we are sending a separate sheet regarding how you might be able to support the 2019 efforts. Please return this to class teachers by Friday, 3rd May, and we can work from there. We were  actually overwhelmed by the support we got last June, we look forward to more successful ventures this year.  
 
That's all for now.                   Le gach dea ghuí
 
Mary O' Callaghan                               John Weir                              Cathal O' Shea
Principal                                         Acting Deputy Principal                Assistant Principal 1
 
And all here at CBS Primary!



C.B.S. Primary School, Newsletter, 8th April 2019
Telephone No: 025-24505     Fax No: 025-85408    Mobile No: 087-1738311    
E-mail: cbsmitchprimoffice@gmail.com        Website: cbspmitchelstown.com 
 
Dear Parent(s) / Guardian(s),
 
Firstly thank you all so much for your superb support of our Parent Council Fashion Show. Well done to all involved. For future reference, we have noted any potential areas where we may need to improve. It was a real community effort - with over 60 local models taking to the ramp and huge support from so many local businesses and individuals. Feedback has been excellent.
Congratulations to the following prize-winners:
◊ Aileen Murphy - Winner of the  Door Prize sponsored by J. J O'Mahony  - Pure Stone Memorials.
◊  Best Dressed Lady won by Sharon O'Gorman  -  sponsored by Abbey Pharmacy
◊  Most Glamorous Granny - Catherine Hinchy 
◊  Most Dapper Man - John Gray
◊  Most Chic Handbag - Mairead Lee Lane 
◊  Most Classy Shoes - Claire Kearney
 
ETHOS:       Congratulations to our 6th class boys and their families on the occasion of the Sacrament of Confirmation, last week. Our 2nd class boys will receive the Sacrament of First Penance on Wednesday, at 6.30pm, at the Parish Church. Classes 3rd - 5th had the opportunity of availing of the Sacrament of Reconciliation, this morning, at the Parish Church. The Brothers of the Servant of the Home of the Mother, who conducted the Retreat with 6th class boys, will visit directly after the Easter Break.
 
Sporting Activities:     Well done to all who presented for trials, to train as part of our Athletics Team and Championship Hurling Team. Training is now underway on Mondays, after school, for athletics and on Thursdays, after school, for hurling. Well done to our mini-sevens hurling team who headed to Mallow to represent us last week, in the midst of hailstones! This is an age restrictive competition, based on the number of pupils attending school. Team members - Ryan Spratt, Jack Keating, Luke Cott, John O'Donoghue, Anthony Aherne, Jamie Fitzgerald, Michael O'Brien, Oisín Leech, Eoin English & Seán Keane.
Thanks to one of our Resident Limerick Supporters Mr. Coffey - we hope to have a visit of the Liam McCarthy Cup here on Thursday morning.
Also, congratulations to our representative soccer team who reached the quarter and semi final stage of the FAI Interprimary School Soccer Tournament at Midleton, sponsored by Spar. Team members: Eoin Kirwan, Eoin Brenock, Nathan Coltoan, Cian English, Caoimhín O'Gorman, Danny Murphy, Sean Barry, Simon Whelan, Kieran Browne, Aaron Coleman, Colin Bailey, Jack Pigott, Joseph O'Neill, Conor Harnedy & Clement Motherway.
 
The Field: The work done to date by Liam Barry of B.H. Trees on clearing the site, is nothing short of unbelievable. Liam is doing this completely FREE OF CHARGE for us. Our goal this year had been to clear the site. We had got quotes for this work (going right up-to €28,000). With fundraising going to actually to repay the loan, we would have never been able to meet that financial commitment. Liam's  input has made the development of the site, an actual reality. We want to do this right first time. Over the recent past, we have been ascertaining what the various members of our school community would like to do with the area of ground. So far, we have had feedback from our own staff, Board of Management,  Parent Council, and from Staff, Student Council, Parent Council and Board of Management, from CBS Secondary. Now we want to get your opinions. Based on the "Wish list" presented to us by many - we are sending you a feedback form. Please number your preferences and return to us tomorrow. We will also get the opinions of all the boys here. This way, we will have established the priorities for the development, based on the feedback of the whole school community.
 
Fundraising for Field:           Again, this June Bank Holiday weekend sees us launch a major  fundraising campaign - proceeds of which will be solely towards the Field. There will be a Golf Classic at Mitchelstown Golf Club Thursday,30th and Friday, 31st May  - 3 players per team - €150.00. Please spread the word if you know of any golfers who would like to take part. Also, Tee Boxes can be sponsored by businesses / individuals for €50.
We will also host a Lip-sync Extravaganza, at Mitchelstown Leisure Centre, on Saturday, 1st June. We are delighted to announce that the new customised seating has now arrived at the Leisure Centre, which will greatly add to this Event. We anticipate that it will be oversubscribed - be sure to get your tickets early. Tickets on sale from 1st May. Booking will be from the Leisure Centre, from CBS Primary and from the participants. Tickets priced at €25 - will include Bar-B-Q and Disco. This is strictly an over 18's event - Bar facilities on site. In addition, as last June, there will be a draw for fabulous prizes, run in conjunction with the Lip-sync  Event. This is in case you are not able to make it on the night and would still like to make a contribution. More about these efforts anon. Thank you all in advance. We hope to emulate the success of last years events!!
 
LEGO Club:           Lego Club is now up and running with lots of children 1st-3rd, eager to take part. So, Ms. O'Callaghan is spreading over different lunch breaks. Thanks so much for all the Lego donated to the Club - thus far. If there is any more that you find you can spare - please send it our way.
 
In - house Activities:  Congratulations to the following winners in our Health Promoting Schools, Mindfulness Colouring Competition - 1st / 2nd Classes - Liam Walsh, John Cleary & Jake O'Donnell. 3rd / 4th Classes - Micheál Walsh, Harry O'Brien & Chenzhi Liu. 5th / 6th Classes Simas Radzevicius, Jayden Lynch & Paddy O'Donnell.
Our Green Schools Committee had many worthy entries towards devising a Mascot for us attaining our 6th Green Flag, for Global Citizenship Litter and Recycling. After much deliberation, the overall winner was Darragh O'Sullivan with his Mascot - Pádraig Planet. This adds to our existing Mascots - "Captain Clean - Bin It Don't Fling It". Eco Eric - Save Power Every Hour. "Wally Water - Stop the Drop". Sergeant Strider - "Don't Drive, Stride". Enviro Man - "Ready, Set, Go".
The boys from 3rd & 4th classes along with our Green Schools Committee - thoroughly benefitted from the workshop from Aaron and Ali from  the  "Mind The Gap" Theatre Group. Their presentation was directly linked to the theme of Global Citizenship Litter & Recycling.
Ms. O'Sullivan had also had a very difficult job selecting winners for our in-house and an Post Handwriting competitions. Well done to -  1st Class Rory McCarthy, Noah Bernard & Mantas Zutautas. 2nd Class - Tony Murphy, Eoin Power & Leo O'Rourke. 3rd Class - Norvidas Savickas, Micheál Walsh & Xavier Motherway. 4th Class - Evan O' Byrne, Harry O'Brien & Eoin English - 5th Class -  Jake Thornton, Stevie J. Murphy & John O'Donoghue. 6th Class - Mark Sampson, Sean Barry & Cian English. Some of these have been selected as our entries to the INTO/An Post National Handwriting Competition. Best of luck to Tony Murphy, 2nd class, who will compete in the Community Games County Handwriting Final, at Riverstick, on Saturday.
 
Pet Day is Tomorrow!!         We can't wait . Thanks to everybody  who will help us out on the day. We are including timetable of events, so you know exactly when to bring in larger animals - dogs etc., indeed anything which cannot be safely kept in a cage/container for the day. The Agri Mobile, the Animal Roadshow and what we will learn from all in our school community - ties in with our work on Biodiversity and Global Citizenship. Many thanks to our Parent Council for funding the Animal Roadshow.
 

 
Easter Activities:          Unbelievably, we are in the last week of the term! We have lots lined up for the boys, throughout the week. Our Student Council Reps are holding a draw and Table Quiz. Mr. Carey is also organising an Orienteering Course(Treasure Hunt) around the school grounds. Boys might remember to Wear Odd Socks on Friday - prize in each class grouping for the most outrageous.
At last weeks staff meeting, we decided that the boys will have no formal homework on Wednesday or Thursday of this week - that all have a chance to get things organised. Proceeds of all this weeks activities will go towards the Down Syndrome Centre Cork and Digital Learning Technologies for our school. Cost - Tickets for raffle 20c each and all other activities - total €2 per pupil.
Spring Fair: Margaret O' Neill of St. Joseph's Foundation, Charleville will call here tomorrow to collect any donations (unwanted presents, books, toys etc.) that you may have for their Spring Fair. Many thanks for the donations thus far.
 
Cookery Classes:          Thanks to Seán Farrell and his team at Supervalu and our own school staff, we have had a great run of afterschool cookery lessons with 4th classes (again this Wednesday). On Wednesday, 1st May, Ms. Kearney H.S.C.L. and SCP Project Worker, Ms. Sheehan hope to organise the last round of cookery. This time parents / guardians of these 4th class boys are invited to join in. A separate notification will be forwarded to the relevant parents later this week.
 
Quizzes:     Best of luck to our representative teams who have two outings this week, Wednesday, 10th April at Knockadea & Friday, 12th April, at Araglin.
 
H.S.C.L. :     It was with great sadness that we heard of the death, over the weekend, of our former Home School Community Liaison Co-ordinator - Elma Twomey. On behalf of all of us here at CBS Primary, we extend our sympathies to her family.
That's all for now.
 
Wishing you and yours the very best for a wonderful Easter Break.
 
Mary O' Callaghan                     John Weir                                       Cathal O' Shea
Principal                             Acting Deputy Principal         Acting Assistant Principal 1
 
And all here at CBS Primary!
 
           
 
 
 
 
C.B.S. Primary School, Newsletter, 26th March 2019
Telephone No: 025-24505     Fax No: 025-85408    
Mobile No: 087-1738311    
E-mail: cbsmitchprimoffice@gmail.com       
Website: cbspmitchelstown.com 
 
Dear Parent(s) / Guardian(s)
We hope things are going well for you and your families. It's Springtime the start of some lovely weather and - that means Fashion Show time!!
Thank you all for your support, thus far, for your Parent Council efforts. The  Committee have been meeting, on a weekly basis, in the run up to the show. On behalf of all of us who work and learn here, we wish to thank them so much. As you are aware, this year's Show marks a departure from each of the previous 32 shows, in that it will feature all local models and Mary O' Callaghan will act as Compére. This means that, by not having a Professional Model Agency, your Parent Council will greatly reduce the cost of staging the show. Thus, more monies can be directed towards providing resources and facilities for the boys. Do encourage friends and family to come along for a great nights entertainment. If you are aware of any business or individuals, who may be in a position to sponsor a spot-prize, please let us know directly, that they can be included on the acknowledgements. If you have not already returned monies / ticket stubs to the office, please do so, as soon as possible. If you would like to support, but can't attend, put your name on the ticket, as there will be a draw on these, at the event. Many thanks to J.J. O' Mahony of Pure Stone Memorials who will sponsor the door prize and indeed, to all the sponsorship and support received to date.
 
Well done to the following - Nathan Coltoan, 6th class, who got to the final 12 in the Cork County Spelling Bee Competition at Christian Brothers College, Cork on 13th March. This was the highest we have ever been placed!
To our Quiz Teams who took overall 1st prize at the Glenahulla Interprimary School quiz recently. 69 teams, in all, took part.
To our Indoor hurlers from 6th class who represented us, last Wednesday, at Mallow GAA complex. The boys had a great day out in this non competitive blitz.
 
Coicís na Gaeilge:               Chomhgairdeas do gach eínne as ucht an mhór - iarracht  í rith Coicís na Gaeilge ach go háirithe, Mr. O'Regan. Míle Buíochas do Jack Flynn, Miles O'Malley, Ali Price, Gerry Lane, Gerry Ferrick agus Kathleen Fitzgerald a tháinig anseo, chun ceol a sheinnt dúinn, Bhí siad go léir thar bharr.
 
Sporting Activities / F.A.I. Soccer:  On Monday, April 1st, our boys will take part in the 5-a -side F.A.I. Interprimary School Soccer Tournament at Midleton. This event is sponsored by Spar. We will send two representative teams.
Mini Sevens Hurling: Next up, on April 2nd,  will be the mini 7's hurling Interprimary School competitive event at Mallow GAA complex (age restricted-  based on size of school).
Swimming / Sports Day: Fermoy Swimming Pool hope to host their first Sports Day for pupils in, 5th & 6th classes, in the coming weeks. The day is sponsored by Cork County Council, There will be no entry fee. Mr. Quirke will take names of those interested tomorrow. Note - your child should be competently able to swim the full length of the pool to participate. There will be separate competitions for those who are members of the Swimming Club.
 
Green Schools / Gardening:    Our gardening 2019 has begun! Under the guidance of Mr. Carey, the boys have begun planting projects in areas of our grounds, which needed a bit of cheering up. The beginning of April marks National Spring Clean Month, where we will all renew our efforts to keep the environment free of litter. Don't forget other aspects of Green Schools, including Walk to School on Wednesdays. The winners for The Mascot Competition, Global Citizenship, Litter and Recycling, will be announced at Assembly this week.
 
Student Council News:    In the run up to Easter, our Student Council Reps. will be running various activities such as table quizzes for each class grouping, raffle for Easter hampers, (tickets at 20c each) and an Easter Treasure Hunt. This year, the boys decided to divide the proceeds between The Down Syndrome Centre Cork and towards Digital Learning Technologies, for our own school. World Down Syndrome Day fell on the 21st March - the 21st  of the third month, representing three copies of chromosome 21, which is Down Syndrome. To tie in with the Council Activities and to raise awareness, we are asking that boys might wear odd socks to school on April 12th - the day of the Easter holidays - the flashier and brighter the better!  There will be a prize for the most outrageous in each class grouping.
 
Pet Day 2019:            As many of you will be aware - every two years we host Pet Day, here at CBS Primary. If your child would like to have his pet  at school - today we are sending home forms, that we know what will be coming in. Your child should have a bit of information about the pet ready (written down, if this is better). These pets should already be well settled in your homes i.e. not bought especially for the day!.
On the same day - Tuesday, 9th April, to make it really special,  we will also have a visit from the Animal Magic Roadshow and Agri Aware's Mobile Farm.  We also hope to set up a model tractor / farm machinery display. We run a very successful tractor club here, every Wednesday, at lunch time, under the guidance of Ms. Sheehan, School Completion Project worker. The boys involved love the chance to talk about their gear. If your son has any bits that can add to the display, he might bring them in on Monday, 8th April, that we can get set up! We are looking forward to a really lovely day.
 
After School Activities:   The following are current after school activities -
Wednesdays, 6th class Soccer.
Wednesdays - 4th class Cookery (sponsored by Supervalu).
Thursdays - Quiz Practice.
Thursdays - Guitar for senior classes.
Very shortly, the outdoor hurling season will begin and trials for athletics - do encourage your son to give it a go. Hurling trials will be for classes 4th - 6th - Thursdays after school. Athletic trials will be for all classes 1st - 6th. . Weather permitting, the initial athletics trials will be held on this Friday. From these trials, our Athletics Team will be picked for training. Then, from the training group, those who will actually represent us at the upcoming Athletic meetings, will be selected. As ever, thanks to all who give so generously of their time to facilitate these opportunities for the boys.
 
Lego Club:         Ms. L. O'Callaghan hopes to set up a lunch time Lego Club for boys in 1st - 3rd classes, who might be interested in joining. To this end, you might have bits of Lego at home, which you might be able to donate to the Club. You can drop the Lego to the office - thank you in advance for this.           
 
Health Promoting Schools:      Tying in with Coicíse na Gaeilge, our positive quotations, as Gaeilge, were;

• An rud is annamh is iontach. (What is seldom is wonderful)
• Dochtúir na sláinte an codladh. (Health's Doctor is sleep)

and this week's quotation is;

• The more you thank life, the more life gives you to be thankful.

We are continuing with our Gratitude Journals - writing 3 things we are grateful for each day. We are also continuing to do 10 minutes of exercise, on yard, every Friday, with the help of Mr. Coffey and the Active Schools Team. We ask you all to be mindful of healthy eating, particularly during Lent. We will announce the winners of our Mindfulness Colouring Competition, at Assembly this week. Well done to all the boys for their superb efforts.
 
Meitheal:           Last week, our Home School Community Liaison Co-ordinator and Principal attended Professional Development and In-service sessions on "Meitheal". This is a Túsla initiative to support families, which is currently operational in most parts of the Country. Cork County is actually the last area for this to be rolled out. As a starting point, we will have a separate information sheet for parents about this which we will circulate to you, all as soon as we get copies from Túsla.
 
Community News:   Please keep collecting the Aldi Rugby Stickers and drop them to us - we are now well on the way to filling our 3rd poster! Denis Buckley owner and pharmacist at Care-plus Pharmacy (formally Doody's) has invited all our classes to take part in an Easter Art Competition. All entries need to be completed on or before Friday, 5th April.
 
Documents we are sending  to your homes today -

• Food forms for term beginning directly after Easter - please take the time to fill these in with your child and return to school tomorrow.
• Information about St. Joseph's Charleville's Spring Fair - Volunteer Margaret O'Neill will call here on 9th April, to collect any donations which you have given.
• Form regarding Pet Day 2019! - if this applies to you - please fill in and return to us by this Friday 29th March, that we can plan the day efficiently.

 
Ethos / Sacraments:         Last week, the Brothers of the Servants of the Home of the Mother visited 6th classes and also led the Retreat, in preparation for Confirmation,  at the Town Hall.
Wednesday, 10th April - Sacrament of First Penance for 2nd class boys, at Parish Church  - 6.30pm.
We wish our 6th class boys and  their families the very best for their Confirmation Day, on 4th April. 5th class pupils will also be at the Ceremony, to help with the singing and should wear their full blue uniform. Lets hope the sun shines bright!
 
That's all for now!  Best of luck to Ireland tonight!
 
Le gach dea ghuí
 
 
 
Mary O' Callaghan                John Weir                                         Cathal O' Shea
Principal                      Acting Deputy Principal               Acting Assistant Principal 1
 
And all here at CBS Primary.








​C.B.S. Primary School, Newsletter, 5th March 2019
Telephone No: 025-24505     Fax No: 025-85408    
Mobile No: 087-1738311    
E-mail: cbsmitchprimoffice@gmail.com       
Website: cbspmitchelstown.com 
 
Dear Parent(s) / Guardian(s)
We hope things are going well for all of you. We have been truly blessed by the mild weather - lets hope March turns out to be the month that we can get back out in the fresh air! Last week, the newly the newly Appointed Principal at Bunscoil na Toirbhirte, Mr. McCarthy took up his new position. We wish him the very best and look forward to working closely with him, for our mutual benefit. We extend our sympathies to the families in our school community who have suffered bereavements recently - Walshes, Tobins, Whelans, Murphys, Whites and their extended relations. May their loved ones Rest In Peace.
 
Peace Proms:       Well done to all our pupils who took part in the 2019 Peace Proms  - a North / South initiative at University of Limerick last Sunday. It was a marvellous experience and a wonderful opportunity for all those who travelled. The Concert itself was a wonder to behold. There were 1,000 Children in the Choir, full Orchestra and terrific special guests. Many thanks to our staff Ms. O' Gorman, Ms. Byrne, Ms. Griffin, Ms. White  and Ms. Coffey  who worked with the boys throughout, in preparation for the Concert. Thanks also to all the family members who joined us . It was a step into the unknown for all of us and certainly something we would be very happy to get involved with again.
 
Green Schools News:   All the boys are busy drawing mascots for our Global Citizenship-Litter & Waste theme. It will be a hard job to pick a new mascot to accompany Captain Clean, Eco Eric, Sgt. Strider, Wally Water and Enviro-man. We are also updating our Green School Code and are getting ideas from all the classes. Our application form is nearly completed now and Ms. O’Regan & Ms. Keane will submit it shortly. Hopefully, we’ll be getting our 6th Green Flag, a great achievement for all our school community. On this Friday, Aaron Towers from "Mind The Gap" will visit us around the theme of Global Citizenship - highlighting the poverty trap. Currently Lidl are running a Fairtrade Fortnight (from 25.2.19) in store. Well worth a visit for the boys to see the different Fair Trade products. Our Green School committee will visit this week.  We are hoping everyone will get back on their feet and start walking to school again, with particular special effort on Wednesdays. As a committee we would love to see bigger numbers of boys walking to school or car pooling with friends. Hopefully, the weather will improve to allow this.
 After School Cookery:            Our 4th class are beginning the All-Stars Supervalu Cookery Programme this week. This is a great opportunity for the boys as they will develop some very important life skills. They will look at the different ways the ingredients can be prepared, learning also of their nutritional values. They will be a three week block of cookery classes for each group, right up to the Easter Break.
Supervalu provided us with the materials and recipes for our lessons. Our local Supervalu have also come on board to provide us with the ingredients. We appreciate the generosity of Seán and all the team at Supervalu, Mitchelstown.
 
Health Promoting Schools:  We are continuing with our Health Promoting Schools Programme. Our weekly Positive Quotations since our last Newsletter are - "Together Everyone Achieves More", "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the World", "Open a Book and open your Mind" (tying in well with National Book Week). We are continuing with our Gratitude Journals - writing 3 things we are grateful for each day. We will be doing a Mindful Colouring Competition in each class. We are also going to continue to do 10 minutes of exercise on yard every Friday with the help of Mr. Coffey and the Active Schools Team. We ask you all to be mindful of healthy eating particularly during Lent.
H.S.C.L -  Community News:

• Mindfulness for all the family-a free 5-week learning course for parents and carers at Fermoy Adult Education Centre. Call 086 8238758 or 025 49932
• Mallow College of Further Education Open Day Tuesday, 5th March, 10:00am-5:30pm
• Wed.13th March, Mitchelstown Community Planning -Health Focus meeting- 8pm Mitchelstown Enterprise Centre 
• The Community Forum is still inviting you to partake in a local survey to assist future planning and developments. These may be filled out on line or printed and returned to Ballhoura Development, Kingston Arms, King Square, by 11th March

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ballyhouracommunityplanning
 
Older adult volunteers needed for Steps4Life programme based in various Cork locations including Fermoy. This is a free four week physical activity-fun,chair-based and low intensity activity beginning Thur.7th March 6.30-7.30pm.
Limited places for further information contact 021 434706 or churley@corksports.ie
Renew Community Text Alert at Forrest Hall or at 'Flowers by Una'
Gardening volunteers at Cope Foundation Mitchelstown residence. Contact Milly Farrell 021-464324 or volunteer@cope-foundation.ie Should you wish to contact Gillian, H.S.C.L. Co-ordinator, the number is (089) - 4589457.
 
Quiz News:            As you are aware, our representative quiz teams have been flying the flags of success high for us. In every competition we have entered this year we have been on the prize winning podiums. We took 3rd place at the Annual Birdwatch Quiz, held at Corrin Events Centre on 8th February. On the same night, we also took 1st place at the Ballyhooly Interprimary School Quiz. Our team came third place last Saturday night, at Springfort Hall, in the Chapter Final of the Credit Union Quiz. The boys missed out by 1 point to, once again, earn their place at the All Ireland Final, at the RDS in Dublin. For a multitude of reasons, the boys were absolutely and justifiably gutted. We are so proud of what they have achieved and in time, they will see the bigger picture. Many thanks to Mr. Weir, Mr. O' Heney and all who help with the teams here and to the parents who continue to support.   Next up for the boys is the Quiz at Glenahulla on this Thursday, 7th March. Good luck teams!
 
Sporting Endeavours: 1st, 2nd, 3rd & 4th class Football with Coach Martin O' Brien and T.Y. Students, CBS Secondary, courtesy of the local Mitchelstown / Ballygiblin Juvenile Club, continues this Thursday.  Thereafter Hurling Coaching will begin for the same class groupings.
After school soccer for 6th class boys continues with our own Mr. Quirke and Mr. Coleman, in preparation for the 5-a-side F.A.I. Interprimary School Soccer Tournament, on week of 25th March.
Swimming  - last round of 6 week sessions for 1st Ms. O' Gorman's & 5th Ms. Barry's classes begins tomorrow, 6th March.  Thanks to all who are contributing to our Aldi Irish Rugby Player Stickers. We have already filled two posters! Keep them coming!
 
Addresses / Contact Numbers:      This issue has come, to light again, with our text a parent service and posting of school reports. Can we remind you, PLEASE, PLEASE, if you have changed address, contact number or indeed if you wish to change the point of contact that we have - please let us know directly (preferably in writing) that we can amend the records here, for future reference.
 
World Book Day Thursday, 7th March:    This week, Book Tokens to mark World Book Day 7th March, 2019, were circulated to everybody per Mr. O' Regan Acting Assistant Principal 2 . These can be exchanged at either the Favourite or Hyland's Bookshop for a free book specifically printed for World Book Day. Throughout this week, the boys are searching the school to find "Wally" - with a prize for the finders (total of 6 each day). We encourage you to facilitate your child, if you have not done so already, to join the local library . A fantastic free service in the heart of our community. The gift of reading is a precious gift for life - this weeks positive quotation per Health Promoting Schools ties in with World Book Day - " Open a Book and open your Mind".
 
Handwriting:       Ms. M. O' Sullivan, is currently organising our entries to the INTO / An Post Handwriting Competition and an In-house Competition, for all class groupings. As you are aware for proven reasons, we promote and encourage use of cursive handwriting from 1st class. The efforts for our in-house competition will be displayed prominently to emphasise how important beautiful handwriting is, as a life skill.  Please do encourage your sons efforts. (Closing date Friday, 15th March). There will be prizes for the best efforts in each class grouping. Well done to Tony Murphy, 2nd class who has qualified for the Community Games County Finals, in Handwriting, at Riverstick.
 
Coicíse na Gaeilge:        We will have a whole selection of imeachtaí (events) for Coiccís na Gaeilge - 11th to 22nd March. Mr. O' Regan will co-ordinate - Tráth na gCeist (quiz), Comórtais Ealaíne (Art), Gaeilgeoir na Seachtaine, Gúrú na Gaeilge (Spelling Bee), Seo Talainne, (Talent Show), Seanfhocail lae (proverbs) agus ar eile. If you know of any traditional musicians, who might be able to visit us over the two weeks, please let us know directly. Go n'éirí linn. On Friday, 15th March, we will have "Lá Glas" where we encourage everybody to dress some bit of Green, White, and/or Orange, for St. Patrick's Feast Day.  
Ethos/ Sacraments Participation:           The Sisters of the Servant of the Home of the Mother continue to visit the Sacrament classes, on a weekly basis, and all other class groupings, once a month. We have circulated all information we have to date regarding Confirmation 4th April, 2019, 11.00am at the Parish Church. Due to the change in format for First Holy Communion, this year, Bunscoil will co-ordinate the music and singing for Confirmation and it will alternate every 2nd year from now on. 6th classes will attend a Retreat, with the Sisters, at the Town Hall on 22nd March. First Penance is set for Wednesday, 10th April, at 6.30pm in the Parish Church. First Holy Communion for our boys will be 11.30am Mass in the Parish Church on Sunday, 26th May. We will circulate further information on these events to our second class parent(s) / guardian(s), as soon as we have to hand from the Parish and Clergy.  Canon Fitzgerald will be with us tomorrow morning to distribute Ashes to mark Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent. During Lent, we will have Trocaire Boxes in every room, remembering those children in the world who do not have the basic requirements for a proper childhood.
           
Parent Council News:  Many thanks to all who supported in any way, your Parent Council Fundraising Bingo at the Town Hall. The day was a good success. There were lots of prizes thanks to the generosity of so many. It is much appreciated. Next up for your Parent Council is the Annual Fashion Show - set for Friday, 29th March, at the Firgrove Hotel. This year, to mark the 33rd Anniversary, your Council have decided to go "all local". To ensure that as much money as possible goes back to the school, and per feedback from our loyal patrons, this year, there will be no actual professional model agency. All the models will be familiar faces and the show itself will be compared by Mary O' Callaghan, with some special guests. Of course, we will need male & female models of all sizes and ages. If you would be happy to help out with this, please contact school directly on (025) 24505. Names are needed this week, that the shops can be informed.  We will also seek volunteers, from our Sacrament Classes, to model children's outfits from Mister Mister. Today, as per established procedure, each family is receiving 2 tickets (cost €15 each) which we hope you will be able to purchase. If, for some reason, you are not in a position to attend and would like to support, do put your name on the ticket and return to school office as there will be a draw on the door ticket on the night. Further tickets can be purchased from the office. Please encourage family & friends to attend this lovely nights entertainment. As ever, we are so grateful to the Parent Council for the efforts they put into organising the Fashion Show and to all the businesses and local organisations who continue to support us.

 
STEM Site Visit:  This week is Engineers Week. On this Friday, 8th March our 5th classes have been invited by parent Kevin Kelly for a STEM Site visit to his workplace in Ringaskiddy,. Kevin works with a company called DEPUYSYNTHES - part of the Johnson and Johnson Group which is the largest Healthcare Company in the world. There are approx 1,500 people working at the site, across a huge range of engineering  functions.
The boys will be introduced to their 3D Printing Process, some robotic controls, virtual reality, interaction with lego mind storm robots and their two wind turbines, which are of the largest in the Country. We are grateful to Kevin for facilitating this visit. The company will also pay in full for transport. Boys in 5th class have a separate communication letter about this visit today.
 
To give you timely notice there will be no school for the boys on Monday, 25th March, as staff here will engage in Professional Development around the Primary Language Curriculum per direction of the Department of  Education and Skills. Don't forget our big Fundraising Weekend to pay for the adjacent field - June Bank holiday 2019.
 
That's all for now!            Enjoy the Pancakes for this Shrove Tuesday!
Le gach dea ghuí
 
Mary O' Callaghan                                              John Weir                                                    Cathal O' Shea
Principal                                                         Acting Deputy Principal                    Acting Assistant Principal 1
And all here at CBS Primary!





C.B.S. Primary School, Newsletter, 5th February 2019
Telephone No: 025-24505     Fax No: 025-85408        Mobile No: 087-1738311    
E-mail: cbsmitchprimoffice@gmail.com        Website: cbspmitchelstown.com 
 
Dear Parent(s) / Guardian(s)
Happy Spring to you all. The first of the Daffodils are beginning to show at the front of the school!
 
Quiz News:             First off - huge congratulations to our Quiz Teams who have been so successful, to date, in every venture they have headed to. At Mallow Leisure Centre on the 18th January, we once again held the winning Shield in the 5th & 6th class section. On Friday night last, at the Credit Union Interprimary Schools Quiz, held at the Firgrove Hotel, our U13 team again came out on top. We will now go forward to represent the Mitchelstown area in the Chapter Final. Every Primary School in the Mitchelstown Credit Union area, Cork, Tipperary and Limerick participates in this competition. Our school has consistently been on the winning teams over many, many years. This is a tribute to the boys themselves, to the staff here who help with the preparations, under the co-ordination of Acting Deputy Principal, Mr. Weir and successive groups of parents, who support our efforts. In recognition of this marvellous achievement, all our school had "no homework" last night, that the full school community grasps what a big deal it is. We do not take it for granted. Next up for our quiz teams will be the "Know Your Nature Quiz" organised by Birdwatch Ireland at Corrin Events Centre on next Friday night.  For your information, here are the names of the boys who represented us at the Firgrove Hotel last Friday night:-
3rd / 4th Xavier Motherway, Zak Murphy, Kyle O' Regan & Ben O' Connor. 
5th / 6th - Mark Sampson, Eoin Brenock, Danny Murphy & Patrick Hanrahan.
 
Parent Council News:               Next Sunday, is a big one for your Parent Council - Bingo at Town Hall starting at 2.30pm. Thanks so much to everybody who contributed spot prizes and raffle prizes. All will be acknowledged on the day. The fundraising Bingo is suitable for all the family, so do bring young and old along. We are so grateful to members of your Parent Council Committee, who go to so much lengths to make our school a better place for all children. Please support the Bingo on Sunday.

 
H.S.C.L.:             On this Wednesday, 6th February, parents of 3rd class pupils, who took part in the after school Art & Craft over the past few weeks, will call here to have a go at a bit of "Make and do" themselves. It's just an opportunity to bring parents / guardians into school, so do come along tomorrow. Last Friday, we began our "Artist in Residence" Programme with Christine O'Brien. Christine worked on St. Bridget's Crosses with 1st & 2nd classes. It was quite challenging and many hands from 6th class had to be called on for assistance. Christine will be with us for the next few weeks and on St. Valentine's Day, 14th February, Parents / Guardians of 1st & 2nd classes are invited to join in.  Ms. Kearney, our H.S.C.L. Co-ordinator will contact you directly about this.
 
Today is Internet Safety Day:             Per our last Newsletter, on this Thursday, 7th February, there will be an Internet and Cyber Bullying Workshop at Mitchelstown Library. You might like to check out the survey, reported on the News this morning, which was released by Cyber Safe Ireland. The study has results of 1,200 children's use of the internet, in the 8 - 10 age group. It is worth reading. We all have a responsibility to empower children to protect themselves when online.
 
Weather / Communication etc.         Last week, we did have reason to contact you all re. the weather conditions. We hope that the decision to start at 10.00am was a good call. On the day, there were approximately seven families, who for some reason, did not get our text. PLEASE ensure the number we have for you for "text a parent" is the correct one. If you have changed phone, or person to contact, do let us know immediately.
 
School Reports:         Mid- year Reports will be posted to all your homes, on Friday next week. There is no need to forward a S.A.E. for these, as the cost is included in the monies you gave, at the start of the school year. In recognition of the fact that school attendance impacts directly on progress and attitude to school - we include recognition of good attendance with our Reports.  As ever, if there is any concern arising from the Reports or any other reason, please do not hesitate to contact teachers to make an appointment to discuss. This is exactly why we forward Reports at this time of year - rather than letting things go to the end.
Attendance:    We remind you, that in line with Department of Education and Skills Rules and School Policy - we do require a written explanation when your child returns to school, after any absence. It does not suffice to ring the office, as we require the written notes for our records. The reason for absence is required, as otherwise the absence will be recorded as "unexplained". Thank you for your co-operation. If you have any queries about this, do not hesitate to contact us.
 
SSE / SPHE:     We are currently undertaking a Self-evaluation of Teaching and Learning in SOCIAL, PERSONAL and HEALTH EDUCATION (SPHE) in our school. The SPHE Curriculum aims to enable children to develop a framework of skills, attitudes, values and knowledge that will inform their actions and decisions in their personal development, their health & wellbeing, the creation and maintenance of supportive relationships and becoming active and responsible members of society. To help us with this evaluation, we would be very grateful for your views and opinions. A parent questionnaire will be given to the boys on Thursday, 7th February.  Please return it to us for the next day. It may be completed anonymously and all responses will be treated confidentially.
 
Sporting News:             This year, our school will again, participate in the Spar FAI 5-a-side soccer competition. The regional Stage for the competition will take place between 25th & 29th March, exact date to be confirmed closer to the competition. Trials for this years' team will begin this Friday, 8th February. All sixth class pupils have information letters about this today.
Aldi:     Collect Irish Rugby player stickers with every €30 spent in store. As official supermarket of the IRFU, Aldi is giving primary schools the chance to win €50,000 to develop their playing facilities and help more children live a healthy and active lifestyle. Two Primary Schools will win €50,000 each to develop their playing facilities. A primary school in each province will receive €2,500 worth of training equipment for their school, a training session with Paul O’Connell, including a new set of school jerseys and Aldi branded water bottles. Every school who enters a fully completed poster will receive an Aldi Play Rugby kit bag, 4 rugby balls, a water bottle holder and 6 water bottles. We are not prescribing where you should shop! However, if you and / or your family or friends  could spread the word we would be very grateful to join in and help us to fill our poster. It takes 300 stickers to fill each one.
Congratulations to the Keane Family, James, Sean & M.J. who are making nationwide headlines with their achievements in Racquetball.
 
Health Promoting Schools (H.P.S.):                We are continuing with our Health Promoting Schools Programme. Our weekly Positive Quotations since our last newsletter are as follows; "Life always offers you a second chance it's called Tomorrow", "The expert in anything was once a beginner", "You must be the change you wish to see in the world".
We are encouraging all of you to engage with random 10 minutes of exercise and join with your sons in compiling a gratitude journal. Even if, at the end of every day, you wrote three things for which you are grateful. Just these two habits are proven to be good for your mind, your wellbeing and your body.
 
Swimming:      Letters re. the final session of swimming for this school year, Ms. Barry's 5th class and Ms. O'Gorman's 1st class will be circulated to the relevant classes next week.
Don't worry if your son has never been to a pool without yourself or another member of your family before. Two male members of staff will be in the changing rooms. We also operate a buddy system with the older boys, which works well. If there is ever any issue with any aspect of swimming, do not hesitate to contact us and we will do our very best to resolve.
 
Student Teachers:      We are glad to have Student Teachers, Gemma Kenneally and Cathal Walsh O'Grady, both past pupils of our local second level schools, with us for their first placement, as they begin their training as Primary School Teachers at Mary Immaculate College of Education. Gemma and Cathal will observe and work with Ms. Byrne's 4th class.
 
Reminder:        School for the boys will be closed on Monday, 25th February (directly after Mid-term) for Professional Development for staff, around working with children with Autism.
 
We hope that each one of you gets some nice treat or kind words, not just for Valentines' Day next week, but for every day of the year!
 
Best of luck to all involved with Mitchelstown Musical Society for their upcoming production of "Some Like It Hot" at CBS Secondary.
 
If we don't get another letter out between this and then, wishing you all  fabulous mid-term break!    
 
That's all for now!          Every good wish,
 
Mary O' Callaghan                           John Weir                                    Cathal O'Shea
Principal                                      Acting Deputy Principal                    Acting Assistant Principal
And all at CBS Primary!










C.B.S. Primary School, Newsletter, 16th January 2019
Telephone No: 025-24505     Fax No: 025-85408     Mobile No: 087-1738311    
E-mail: cbsmitchprimoffice@gmail.com              Website: cbspmitchelstown.com 
 
Dear Parent(s) / Guardian(s)
Happy New Year! We hope Christmas and the holidays created some lovely memories for you and your families. Our sympathies extend, at this time, to Mr. O'Shea, on the death of his father, to the family of Fionn Doyle, and to all linked to our school community, who suffered bereavements recently.  
 
Christmas Events:             We had a REALLY BUSY lead into Christmas 2018. The C.B.S. Primary Carol Singers were very visible over the past couple of weeks, raising money for several needy charities, including Tesco's Charity of the Year, Temple Street Children's Hospital - €287 was raised. Also for the local branch of St. Vincent de Paul, raising €676.91. Many thanks to all who supported these endeavours.
C.B.S. Primary Carol Singers were also at the foyer of the Firgrove Hotel to welcome our Senior Citizens to their Annual Party on Sunday, 16th December. We entertained all at Tearmann Uí Chaoimh following their Christmas lunch.
 
Religious Events / Ethos:                            
Catholic Schools Week runs this year from 28th January - 2nd February. Each day, we will have a theme for reflection and prayer. The week includes the first day of Spring and the Feast of St. Brigid - 2nd February. This year, Bunscoil will host Grandparents Day. It will be our turn in 2020!
Yesterday, the Sisters of the Home of the Mother resumed their visits to both First Communion and Confirmation classes. Going forward, these will be weekly visits on Tuesdays. The Sisters will visit all other class groupings, on a monthly basis.
 
 Parent Council News:     Many thanks to all who supported your Parent Council Christmas Draw. Congratulations to the following; 1ST PRIZE €300: Haullie Fitzgibbon, 2nd PRIZE €200: Jack Keating,  3rd PRIZE €100: Gerard Mallon. Well done to Top seller - Luke Cott, 5th class and all the other boys who tried so hard selling tickets. These were rewarded by your Parent Council directly before the holidays. Be assured, that all monies raised, will go towards improving the learning experiences we can offer your children. That you know, funds from your Parent Council recently paid for - Science Workshops, subsidy of buses for Christmas trips, Christmas Disco, New Gym Mats and Basketball nets (ordered) and Library Books as Gaeilge. Your Parent Council also made presentations to our Secretaries, Kathleen Cott and Patricia Dwane, to our Caretaker, Brendan Kinsella and School Cleaners, Rita O'Mahoney and Tom Walsh, as a token of appreciation for all the work they do.
Next up for your Parent Council will be, Family Bingo, at the Town Hall, on Sunday, 10th February, at 2.30pm.
Your Parent Council urge all families to come along to the Bingo. The day will be suitable for children, parents, grandparents and all in between. At this stage, after Christmas, you may have some left over tins of biscuits, sweets and / or unwanted gifts, which you may be able to donate, that can be used as spot prizes on the day. You can drop these here to school. Thank you, in advance, for this.
 

 
 
News from H.S.C.L Co-ordinator Ms. Gillian Kearney:               Wishing health, happiness and lots of fun-filled times to all parents and guardians during 2019, and of course, for your wonderful children! It’s been great to meet and talk with many of you already and I look forward to lots more contact, in the months ahead. Should you wish to speak with me, for any reason, please do not hesitate to call. I am at CBS Primary all day Wednesdays, and Thursdays and alternate Fridays (January, 18th , at CBS, and going on from there).
First & Second classes will be working with the marvellous artist Christina O’Brien. I was lucky enough to meet her on a Summer Course last year and see some of her amazing work. She has very kindly agreed to hold a class for parents of children involved on Feb. 14th Valentine’s Day. Please come.. you don’t have to be Picasso to join in the fun!
Third class are currently involved in after school Art/craft  classes. Parents will be invited to an event to showcase all masterpieces at the end. Date for this to be confirmed.
Thursday, 7th February, Internet Safety & Cyber Bullying Workshops in Mitchelstown Library at 7.30pm.
For parents who may be interested, there are several part-time courses starting in Mitchelstown and Fermoy this month.  Please feel free to contact me, for further details on 089-4589457.

Before School Supervision:        Please remember everybody, that we do not have any supervision of children here, before to 8.45am.The Board of Management cannot take responsibility for your child's safety, prior to this time. Official school day begins at 9.00am. Here at C.B.S. Primary, we do facilitate parents / guardians by organising  supervision 15 minutes before official school opening. It is the interests of your child's safety therefore, that he is not here, prior to 8.45am.
 
Watch Out!  We have had a report that there are head lice amongst us. As you know, if there is one louse around, there are probably many, on many heads. You might all check, over this weekend, that we can try to eradicate this perennial problem.
 
School Activities:  Literacy Lift Off is currently underway in Ms. O' Callaghan's 2nd class - funding for these books was provided by your Parent Council.
Yesterday, we had a workshop with Alex and Tríona of the 'Bangers and Crash' Percussion Band, organised by the West Cork Arts Centre. Our whole school attended a very informative and interactive session on percussion instruments, sounds and techniques.
Tomorrow, courtesy of Mitchelstown / Ballygiblin Juvenile GAA, we will once again begin Football Coaching with Coach Martin O' Brien, for class groupings, 1st - 4th inclusive.
Swimming for Mr. Davoren's 1st / 2nd class and Ms. Byrne's 4th class began last week. We have a 'buddy' system in place for our younger swimmers. However, remember please have names on all articles of clothing. With so much the same, it is impossible to decipher the proper owners otherwise.
Our Student Council has already met once this term. A suggestion of theirs, at the last meeting, was that every child should get homework off, on the day of his birthday. We might begin this from today. The Council recognises that some boys birthdays are now over, but we have to begin somewhere! Also, they discussed boys whose birthdays are during the holidays/weekends/Fridays, but they decided that these boys would have no homework on those days anyway. We hope this is in order with all.
On Monday, 28th January, a facilitator from SuperValu Cooking All Stars Programme will visit here. We were successful in our application to take part in this programme, which will be organised by Acting Assistant Principal II, Mr. O'Regan and volunteers here, as an After School Activity, for 4th classes, in March.
Through Ms. Kearney H.S.C.L. Co-ordinator, we were also successful in obtaining an Artist in Residence, from 1st February. The Artist Christine O'Brien, will work with our junior classes, giving them and their teachers an opportunity to see an Artist at work and engage in art projects themselves. There will also be a session which will involve parents / guardians. More on this anon.
 
After School / Extra Curricular Activities:   2019 brought us straight back into our programme for after school activities.
For your information, the following is currently underway and upcoming.
Mondays - Peace Proms Rehearsals. The group will also head to UL for a full rehearsal with other schools, the co-ordinators and orchestra, on Thursday 7th February.
Wednesdays - ▪Art/Craft for 3rd class boys. ▪ French / German classes for 6th class boys.
Thursdays - •Guitar lessons for Senior Classes. • Quiz Practice for Quiz Panel.
Fridays - From February 1st, we will begin Soccer training towards the upcoming FAI Inter Primary School Competition, sponsored by SPAR.
We do realise that some boys may have to chose one activity over another because they are on the same day. We have spoken to the boys about this. However, you will appreciate the effort, well beyond the call of duty, which goes into organising this extent of after school activities. There are simply not enough days in the week! We are hugely grateful to all those on our staff who give so generously of their time, that your children can benefit from these additional opportunities, at no cost. (FYI Tuesdays is our day for staff meetings / professional development etc. here).
 
Health Promoting Schools:        This Committee met last week and agreed the following -  We will continue to have a whole school weekly positive quotation. Since our last newsletter, we have had these wise words........  "Every word matters- speak kindly", "Treat others the way you want to be treated", "2019 -  Year 365 opportunities" and this week "Be yourself, everyone else is taken".
All class groupings will begin a gratitude journal and, each day, write 3 things we are grateful for. As you are aware, being thankful for things has a direct positive effect on our overall wellbeing.
The Committee also decided that, in tandem, we should promote healthy bodies with  healthy minds. Therefore, each class grouping will do an additional 10 minutes of physical exercise, on a daily basis. We will have a whole school "10 @ 10", on this Friday, led by Ms. Barry and other members of the Health Promotion School Committee.
 
Forecast:       We have had an unbelievable stretch of unseasonably fair weather. Inevitably however, the cold / wet weather will come on us. Whenever it is anyway fine, the boys will get a run out on the yards. A coat is very necessary, not just for yard, but for going to and from school. Should the really bad weather arrive, we will always do our very best to inform you, at the earliest opportunity, if for some reason school cannot open. We know, from experience, that this can be tricky to determine, at times. Please ensure that we have your current mobile phone number.
 
The Field:     You will have noticed, that there has been huge clearing of the field, we bought from Tesco, in recent times, including over the Christmas holidays. We owe a huge debt of gratitude to Liam Barry and his Team from B.H. Trees, for carrying out all this work. Not only are they doing it all completely free of charge, each one of them is so pleasant, mannerly and unobtrusive in their dealings with everybody. In the coming weeks, Liam hopes to knock all the large evergreens, which are currently between the site and Tesco car park. This again should open up the area even more. We know that people are amazed at the space that has been revealed, with the clearing. It truly offers up great possibilities for future development. Remember everybody that the fundraising events, for this project, will be held over the dates around the June Bank Holiday weekend.
•Golf Classic at Mitchelstown Golf Club, Thursday 30th & 31st May. •Lip Sync at Mitchelstown Leisure Centre, Saturday, 1st June.
Anybody who is willing to lend a hand on either of these ventures, please let us know and we will take note, for future reference.
Indeed, if you have any ideas about how best to develop the area, we are happy to listen to all opinions. In five lifetimes, this opportunity might not have come our way. We want to make the best decisions. Our Board of Management meets again on next  Tuesday, 22nd January, and will further discuss how we are going.
 
Upcoming Events:

• This Friday, 18th January - Quiz at Mallow Leisure Centre, organised by Ballygown N.S.
• Friday, 1st February - Credit Union Inter Primary School Quiz at the Firgrove Hotel, 7pm.
• Sunday, 10th February - Your Parent Council Family Bingo at the Town Hall at 2.30pm. (Don't forget to hand into school, any spot prizes you might be able to donate).
• Monday, 25th February - School Closed for boys, as all staff here will take part in Professional Development around Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) per the National Council for Special Education (NCSE).
• Sunday, 3rd March - Peace Proms Concert at UL.
• Friday, 29th March - Your Parent Council Fashion Show at the Firgrove Hotel (the 33rd annual)- please encourage friends / neighbours and all to come along.

Please take note of these dates on your diaries.
 
Don't forget our door is always open if there is anything on your mind. It's best to deal with any issue at the earliest possible chance. We always listen and perhaps together, we can make a positive difference.
 
That's all for now!              Keep healthy during this "flu season".
 
Every good wish
 
 
 
Mary O' Callaghan                           John Weir                             Cathal O'Shea
Principal                                     Acting Deputy Principal              Acting Assistant Principal
And all at CBS Primary!
                       
 




C.B.S. Primary School, Newsletter, 10th December  2018.  
Telephone: 025 24505     Fax No: 025 85408    Mobile No: 087 1738311.
Website: www.cbspmitchelstown.com.
Email:cbsmitchprimoffice@gmail.com
 
Dear Parent(s) / Guardian(s)
Season's Greetings to you all! We hope life is going well for you and your families, at this very busy time. If things are sad or lonely, we hope you find Peace this Christmas.
Our school is looking truly fabulous! Many thanks to all who helped get the decorations up for the festivities. Do pop in to have a look, if you get the chance.
We wish Ms. Kayren Hayes, Principal at Bunscoil na Toirbhirte, the very best in her retirement and hope that the new Principal, Mr. McCarthy settles in quickly. We look forward to working with him in the New Year.
On behalf of the whole school community we extend our sympathies to Ms. O'Regan and her family, on the recent death of her father, Declan.
 
Ethos: Last week all classes 3rd - 6th participated in the Sacrament of Penance, at the Parish Church. The Sisters of the Servants of the Home of the Mother are visiting the Sacrament classes every week and they visit all other class groupings, once a month.
On Thursday, the Diocesan Religious Advisors will visit all classes, to get an overview of what is happening throughout the school.
You, your families, friends and neighbours are invited to join us at the Parish Church on Wednesday, 19th December from 11.00am for our Advent Ceremony - guaranteed to get you in the Christmas Spirit!
 
Christmas Trips:            Classes 1st - 4th thoroughly enjoyed their outing to see the Pantomime Aladdin, at the Opera House, Cork, last week. On Friday, 5th and 6th classes will head to the Gate Cinema in Mallow. Buses for these trips were kindly funded by your Parent Council.
 
Parent Council News:              Your Parent Council held a Committee meeting last Wednesday. Tickets for their Annual Draw are now circulated to all homes. Please make every effort to sell and indeed, try to sell more, if at all possible. Your Council will have prizes for the top sellers and we do have some boys who are putting in huge effort. Your Council decided that the monies raised will fund -
The Science Workshops for Science Week, Gaeilge Reading Books for all classes, the aforementioned buses, the Christmas Disco, Gym Mats and Basketball Nets. There are also hopefully some I.T. Resources, in the pipeline, when all monies are gathered in. The Draw will be held, here at the school, on Wednesday, 19th December. We require all tickets stubs, monies and any unsold tickets, returned here on or before Tuesday, 18th December. Thank you all, so much, in advance, for this.
Your Parent Council also hope to host a fundraising family Bingo on a Sunday afternoon, at the Town Hall, in the New Year. Something to look forward to when the Christmas decorations are well packed away.
 
Fundraising Committee News re. Purchase of Field from Tesco:        Last week, fourteen people arrived to help on the Committee for the Lip Sync Sensational Show, which we will stage at Mitchelstown Leisure Centre on Saturday, 1st June 2019. Already it looks set to be fabulous! Many of the Acts are already in place. If you have a desire to Lip Sync your heart out (either in a group or as an individual) to hundreds of people, please let us know, on or before this Friday, 14th December and we will sort you out!
Again, we will have a Golf Classic at Mitchelstown Golf Club on Thursday 30th and Friday 31st May 2019. We hope to replicate the success of last year. Thanks in advance to all who are helping with fundraising. This weekend is solely for the purchase of the adjacent field. The area of land will doubtless be a great asset to generations of children in the future - not least to sort out those dreadful backlogs of traffic, particularly on wet days.
 
School Meals:       Today, each of your children has a copy of the School Meals Menu for next term. Please read carefully, with your son and return to class teacher tomorrow. There is such a variety of foods available, your son should not require any extra food at all going to school. If there are ever any issues, do not hesitate to contact us and we will forward directly to our suppliers. Lunch boxes can still be an issue - They should be big and emptied each evening.
 
Christmassy Stuff:         We have it, on good authority, that our friends at C.B.S. Secondary School have managed to secure an exclusive visit from Lapland, to our school, on Thursday, 20th December. This has been very tricky for Principal, Ms. Hannon and colleagues, to organise. They have spared no expense to cover all of SANTA'S transport costs for the visit. Santa will be understandably under pressure with his workload. We hope he will meet our 1st and 2nd classes. We have a special Grotto ready and waiting! Classes 3rd - 6th inclusive won't be forgotten with our friend D.J. extraordinaire, Justin Finn, on hand, for a Super Disco, in our own halla.   The disco will be kindly funded by your Parent Council. We look forward to a great day!
 
Carol Singing:      We have widely informed all that we will be Carol singing on Thursday, 13th , at New Square, outside SuperValu, in Aid of the Local Branch of the St. Vincent de Paul Society. On Sunday, 16th December, we will be at the foyer of the Firgrove Hotel, for the Senior Citizens Christmas Party. We will also sing at Tearmann Uí Chaoimh on Monday, 17th December, and at Tesco on Tuesday, 18th, in aid of their Charity, Temple Street Children's Hospital.
 
Student Council Fundraising:         Last Friday, at Assembly, as a result of their fundraising efforts,  our Student Council Reps presented a cheque for €374, to Paul Ryan of the Irish Wheelchair Association. Paul stayed with us for the afternoon and gave the boys the opportunity to play wheelchair basketball, at Mitchelstown Leisure Centre, which all thoroughly enjoyed. Our Student Council will present the other cheque for €374, to Cameron Keane and Jack O' Shea, for the Hope Foundation, at a later stage.
Our Student Council suggested that, on the day of the holidays, all might come into school dressed in a Christmassy way, jumper or whatever you have at home. On no account should you buy something specifically, after all our school track suits are black and red!
 
Swimming:                        To give you good notice, swimming for Mr. Davoren's 1st/2nd and Ms. Byrne's 4th class will commence on Wednesday, 9th January. Cost will be €40. We will circulate letters about this tomorrow. You might keep it in mind. However, Tuesday, 8th January, will be fine for payment, if this suits you better.
French / German:         We are glad to be able to offer an introduction to French / German, for our Senior boys prior to their transition to second level. This will happen after school on Wednesdays, from 9th January. The lessons will be facilitated by Language Teacher at Coláiste Fionnchua, Cassie McGrath. Cassie can work with up to 22 students. Already 19 boys have indicated interest. So, if your son is in 6th class and would like to avail of this opportunity, per information already circulated, please let us know tomorrow.
 
Youth Achievements Awards:         Congratulations to James Keane and Joshua Duffy Huff, 6th class, who were nominated last Thursday night, for the Tesco / Community Gardaí, Youth Achievement Awards, at the Firgrove Hotel.
We are really proud of their achievements and are delighted that they had the opportunity to be honoured in this way. We also acknowledged their awards at Assembly last Friday. James for his achievements in sport, I.T., and in the Community and Joshua, for his courage, determination and humour, in the face of huge challenges.
 
Green Schools:    Over the last month all classes did lessons on "Fairtrade". The Committee hope all enjoyed learning about Fair-trade products and why it is important to buy these products in the shops.
We thank Ms. O'Callaghan for the lessons she procured. Everyone noticed the Fair-trade symbol on the Advent Calendars, circulated to each class!
Tomorrow, Calvin Jones from Heritage in Schools Project will conduct workshops with 3rd and 4th classes around Irish Wildlife and Biodiversity in our local Environment.
Road Safety:         This week, all Primary Schools are asked to raise awareness of Road Safety. This is a good link to our 4th Green Flag - for example, wearing your seatbelt, wearing a Hi-Vis jacket, not holding a mobile phone while driving. All classes will do an art competition and activities around Road Safety.
 
Health Promoting Schools:  The I-Spy Kindness Challenge took us by storm and made the School Community a happier place. Each class teacher nominated a pupil who showed personal acts of kindness to others. The nominees were Ronan McGuirk, Marcel Smykla, Jason Holland, Oliver Stanczyk, Xavier Motherway, Aaron Walsh, Dieudonne Kabundi, Darragh O’Sullivan and Diego Arruda.
 Ms. O’ Regan is working on the Zippy’s Friends Programme with 2nd class, helping children to find solutions to problems, to make friends and to help others.  
 The Elf on the Shelf has returned to CBS. He arrived with his bedroom and belongings, including a special Elf-Camera in a box. The name Jingles was picked by Lorcan Kent, 2nd Class. He is spotted in numerous locations around the school, keeping an eye out for Santa, on all the good things the boys are doing. Jingles encourages the boys to listen to the Positive Quotations which are mentioned each week. Since the last Newsletter, we have had the following quotations - "Do the Right Thing, even when no-one is looking". "Every word matters - speak kindly", "Please and thank you are still magic words, no matter what age you are", and this week's, "You can learn something new every day, if you listen".
Each class also voted on their favourite Christmas songs which are played over the school intercom, twice a week.  
The Committee organised a Secret Santa in each class. Every boy will make and receive a Christmas card from their Secret Santa, as well as being extra kind to that person. This spirit of giving and kindness continues with the school staff also taking part in the Secret Santa initiative.   
Ms. Griffin went to a course about promoting positive mental health and recommends checking out the following clip online ‘Life is Beautiful’. The boys are also taking part in another competition, creating ‘Healthy Mind Platters’. The winners will be announced before Christmas.
At the Advent Ceremony, Reps from the Health Promoting Schools Committee will put Gratitude Baubles on the tree.
 
A few bits about clothing:     There are still a few boys wearing runners which are suitable only for Astro turf. Please do not send your child to school with these, they are way too slippery for our yards. Also while its fine to wear a scarf or snood en-route to and from school, you will understand that these are not at all suitable for your child at break-times. They can constitute a danger if they are pulled accidently or whatever, during play. In fairness to everybody, please ensure your child has proper full school uniform coming to school each day.
 
Quiz News:            We are really on a roll when it comes to quiz participation at the moment. How's this for unbelievable success at the recent Quizzes - Gaelscoil Fermoy - 5th/6th Classes - Mark Sampson, Eoin Brenock, Patrick Hanrahan, Clement Motherway (placed 2nd after tie-break). Ryan Spratt, Luke Cott, Dan O'Brien, (didn't feature in the prizes but performed well). Teams 3rd/4th Classes - Eoin English, Zak Murphy, Kyle O'Regan & David Fouhy (1st place). Shanballymore - Teams 5th/6th Ben Cooke, Tristan Power, Ryan Spratt Patrick Hanrahan , (1st place). Danny Murphy, Eoin Kirwan, Clement Motherway, Eoin Brenock (2nd place). 3rd / 4th Classes - John Casey, Kyle O'Regan, Brendan Hurley, Zak Murphy (1st place).
Glenbrohane (all 5th/6th class teams) - Team 1 - Eoin Brenock, Clement Motherway, Patrick Hanrahan, Kyle O'Regan (1st place). Team 2 - Mark Sampson, Eoin Kirwan, Danny Murphy, Luke Cott (2nd place) & Team 3 - Ben O'Connor, Tristan Power, Daniel O'Brien, Ryan Spratt (didn't place - but did well!). Next up is Quiz at CBS Secondary on this Thursday - all welcome to head to that one! Congratulations to the boys and their mentors particularly Mr. Weir. We do not take the achievements for granted - it is really a tribute to all staff for their work and the tremendous application of the boys.
 
It's nearly Christmas! -           Just 14 more sleeps to Christmas Eve! We CAN'T WAIT! Classes for the boys will finish at 12.30pm, on Friday, 21st December. School reopens on Monday, 7th January 2019 - usual school day, including after school club. In the meantime, we hope your children have a lovely time here with all the seasonal activities - (some serious work too).  On behalf of everybody here at CBS Primary, we take this opportunity to wish you and your loved ones, the very best for a Happy Peaceful Christmas. Many thanks for your continual positive feedback and co-operation. A really big thank you to all who work and learn here at CBS Primary. We are truly blessed to have such a vibrant team.
 
That's all for now!
Merry Christmas Everybody! We look forward, with optimism, to a great 2019!
 
Mary O' Callaghan                      John Weir                                       Cathal O'Shea
Principal                                Acting Deputy Principal                 Acting Assistant Principal
And all at C.B.S. Primary!









​C.B.S. Primary School, Newsletter, 8th November 2018.
Telephone: 025 24505. Fax No: 025 85408   
Mobile No: 087 1738311. Website: www.cbspmitchelstown.com. Email:cbsmitchprimoffice@gmail.com
 
Dear Parent(s) / Guardian(s)
We hope things are going well for you and your families and that you all had a nice break. It was lovely to meet you all at our recent Parent / Teacher meetings and most gratifying to hear the overwhelmingly positive feedback. Don't forget, if there is anything on your mind, our door is always open - do not let the time pass - let teachers know, via the journal and a time to meet will be sorted. November is the Month when  we remember all our Loved Ones who have died - May They Rest In Peace.
 
Staffing:      Home School Community Liaison Co-ordinator, HSCL. We are delighted to let you know that our HSCL position (shared between ourselves and St. Fanahan's College) has been filled. Ms. Gillian Kearney, took up this role, as of last Monday, 5th November. Gillian will be contacting you, over time, as to how best the service can support you as parents/guardians, in your support of your child, at school. This is a fully confidential service, please do use it. Should you, wish to contact Gillian her number is 089-4589457.
We welcome Mr. John Ó Heney, who is now replacing Gillian in her work as Support Teacher, with 1st & 2nd classes.
 
The Field:   We are delighted to report that, over midterm, we carried out work on the field we purchased from Tesco. The work actually commenced some weeks ago with super volunteers doing an initial "clean up" of the area. Next Liam Barry of B.H. Trees Services, brought a team of men and machines and began clearing the full area. We owe a huge debt of gratitude to Liam and the lads for their efforts to date - all COMPETELY FREE OF CHARGE. As you are aware, we have been concentrating on paying back the actual loan to purchase the field. While we had looked for quotations to begin clearing, the figures quoted were beyond our capacity to pay. Liam Barry has proved to be a Godsend. This week, the ESB removed some poles from the site - thanks, to John Courtney & Co. for this work. B.H. Trees will now take down the trees, on the site, nearest to the school. Over the Christmas Break, the trees between Tesco and the field will be cut down. Already, we can see the potential of this space being revealed. Up to now, it was very difficult to envisage what we had to work with, as the area was so overgrown. Our Development Committee will decide on the best way to lay out the area, possibly, on a phased basis, with priority for the Health & Safety of all who access the grounds. The fundraising personnel will divide into two subcommittees (1) to organise Golf Classic at Mitchelstown Golf Club 30th & 31st May 2019, and subcommittee (2)  to organise a Massive Lip-sync Sensational Night at Mitchelstown Leisure Centre, Saturday, 1st June, 2019 - These will meet, before Christmas, to put initial plans in place. If you would like to involved with the fundraising efforts, please let us know by Friday, 16th November, that we can move on.
 
Student Council News:            Well done to all who helped organise the events in the run up to Hallowe'en mid-term. Thanks to Jamie Flaherty of the Avondhu who called to take photos. Thanks to yourselves, for the co-operation in having your sons turned out so amazingly. Congratulations to  Cian English, 6th class, and Donogh Walsh, 2nd class, winners of the Hampers. The raffle and the "Dress Up" initiative raised a total of €750.86, which will be shared equally, between the Irish Wheelchair Association and Jack O'Shea & Cameron Keane, for their upcoming trip, with the Hope Foundation, to Calcutta.
 
Quiz News:            Our first competitive outing was at Mallow GAA Complex for the Baltydaniel Inter Primary School Quiz on Thursday, 25th October. We sent three representative teams and came away with overall 1st and 2nd place! Well done lads!
Our boys are heading to Fermoy, on this Friday night, for the Gaelscoil Inter Primary School Quiz. No pressure lads, but we are the current holders of the Andreas Ó Grádaigh Shield - Best of luck to all! Next after that will be the Interprimary School Quiz at Glenbrohane on Thursday, 29th November.
 
Health Promoting Schools:  At present, the Health Promoting Schools Committee with Co-ordinators Ms. O' Regan, Ms. Barry, Ms. O' Callaghan and Ms. Coffey are running competitions with the following themes - 1st & 2nd classes - Keys to Friendship, 3rd & 4th classes - Jigsaws - We Fit Together and 5th & 6th classes - Recipes for Friendship.
Starting from next Monday, we will do a 15 day "I Spy Kindness Challenge". Teachers will nominate students who are being kind to others.
Our H.P.S. Committee along with 2nd Class - Ms. O'Callaghan & Mr. Davoren and Ms. Barry's 5th Class took part in the Christmas Shoebox Appeal.
Ms. O'Regan will begin Zippy's Friends with 2nd Class, a programme which teaches children how to find solutions to problems, to make friends and to help others. Going forward, we will continue with the weekly positive quotations and the Mindful Bell on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Just that you know, here are the positive weekly quotations we have adopted, so far, under the guidance of the Health Promoting Schools Committee.
"Be Somebody who makes Everybody feel like a Somebody".
"The Only Difference between a Good Day and a Bad Day is Your Attitude".
"You don't have to be Perfect to be Amazing".
and this week "No Act of Kindness, No Matter How Small Is Ever Wasted".
No harm for all of us to remember these, in our daily lives, for our corporate well being.
 
Green Schools News:   Co-ordinator Mr. O'Regan has arranged two upcoming visits around our work towards achieving our Sixth Green Flag for Global Citizenship, Litter & Recycling..
Gráinne Ryan, Climate Action Officer with An Taisce, will be here on Wednesday, 21st November to meet with the Green Schools Committee and she will work in some classrooms.
Julie Crowley, Environment Awareness Officer with Cork County Council will be here on Tuesday, 13th November.
In addition, Calvin Jones of the Heritage in Schools Project, will be here on Monday, 10th December. He will conduct workshops on Wildlife and Biodiversity in our local area. Week of 19th November - Fair-trade lessons will be conducted in every class groupings.
 
Literacy and Numeracy:        At our last Board of Management meeting 09.10.2018, and at our most recent staff meeting, we looked at analysis of our Literacy and Numeracy Standardised Test Results with accompanying graphs. This year, we begin our new 3 Year DEIS Plan 2018/2019, 2019/2020, 2020/2021, incorporating our work on School Self Evaluation. Integral to this work is attention to Literacy and Numeracy attainment. At this stage, we think it important that you are aware of where we are at.
Literacy Analysis: In Standardised Testing, 25% of children nationally, achieve a standard score below 89. At our school, this figure was 14% in 2016/2017 and 10% in 2017/2018.
Nationally, 25% of children achieve a standard score above 110. At our school, this figure was 46% in 2016/2017 and 46% in  2017/2018.
These figures indicate that our pupils are performing way above national averages in Literacy.
Numeracy Analysis: In Standardised Testing nationally, 25% of children achieve a standard score below 89. At our school, this figure was 19% in 2016/2017 and 15% in 2017/2018.
Nationally, 25% of children achieve a standard score above 110. At our school, this figure was 43% in 2016/2017 and 47% in 2017/2018.
Again, these figures for numeracy attainment are way above national averages.
Overall, since we began our intensive concentration on particular aspects of teaching and learning, in literacy and numeracy (over 10 years ago now), we have made huge strides in the attainment levels of all our pupils. It is a testament to the work put in by a whole team of people. It is also gratifying for you, as parents and guardians to know that your sons are availing of the best methodologies and systems for teaching and learning, that have proven positive outcomes for all.
 
Sport:           We are continuing our coaching re. non contact rugby with Coach Olan Daly, (now on Thursdays) 3rd & 4th classes - are currently availing of this.
Well done to our North Cork A1 football finalists. They played their hearts out and represented us marvellously, throughout the Championship. They lost out to St. Pats Mallow in the final, but showed great heart, right to the final whistle. We are all so proud of their efforts. Congratulations to the whole panel and all the mentors who worked with the team.
 
Parent Council News:  Your new Committee Reps met last night, for the first time. Plans are already afoot for the Parent Council Annual Christmas Draw which will be held here on Wednesday, 19th December. The Committee hopes to have 5 books for each family ready by next week. Of course, anybody can make valiant attempts to sell much more and there will be prizes for the top sellers, throughout the school. Thank you, in advance, for your support of this. At last night's meeting, your Council agreed to fund buses for the upcoming Christmas trips and D.J. for our Christmas Disco.
 
Parent Nominees on the Board of Management:     That you are aware, the following are our current Board of Management members -
Parent Reps:                                Margaret Cleary*  & Rory McMahon                                   
Patron Nominees:                     Martin Kelly (Chairperson)  & Canon Michael Fitzgerald
Teachers:                                       Mary O'Callaghan (Principal) & Denis Davoren (Teacher)
Community Members:            Kay Dawson  & Pat Finn
 
Chairperson of the Board, Martin Kelly has liaised with the Diocesan Secretary. Mag Cleary can no longer be parent nominee, as her child has now transferred to second level. The current term for this Board of Management runs until November 2019 (a four year term). At time of the elections in 2015, Yanine Flores Hurley (parent of Brendan Hurley, 4th class) was elected at the parent meeting, as the replacement for Mag for the last year of the term, of this Board . Yanine has agreed to serve up to November 2019. Martin Kelly attended last night's Parent Council Meeting to discuss with your Parent Reps. We are thankful to Mag for her three years of service on the Board of Management. Elections for all members of the new Board of Management 2019 - 2023, will take place at the start of the next school year. 
 
Christmas Annuals:                  Next week, we will take orders for Folens Christmas Annuals, which will be distributed to all on Monday, 3rd December - cost €3.00. If you wish to purchase please, please put €3 in an envelope with your child's name and class, on or before next Friday, 16th November.  There are different annuals. 1st, 2nd Spraoi, 3rd & 4th Siamsa and 5th & 6th Sonas. (A bit of pre-Christmas Spirit!).
 
Up and Coming Events:          We have some busy times coming up, to give you a flavour -
From today, Thursday, 8th November, and for the following 5 Thursdays - After School Guitar for senior classes with Mr. Davoren and Ms. Byrne.
Wednesday, 14th November - All classes to C.B.S. Secondary for Presentation Secondary and C.B.S. Secondary's joint production of "Joseph and His Amazing Technic Colour Dream Coat" . (This is also World Diabetes Day).
Thursday, 15th November - 5th & 6th classes to Mitchelstown Library for Science Workshop (in-conjunction with Science Week).
Friday, 16th November - we will participate in the Bank of Ireland Enterprise Town Event at the Firgrove Hotel - "Cup Cakes".
Friday, 23rd November - Science Workshop here.
From Wednesday, 28th November and for 3 Wednesdays thereafter - After School Introduction to French / German with Teacher from Coláiste Fionnchua, Cassie McGrath (Senior Classes).
Thursday, 6th December - All classes 1st - 4th inclusive to Opera House for this year's Pantomime "Aladdin" (buses per your Parent Council).
Thursday, 13th December - Carol Singing at New Square, in aid of Mitchelstown St. Vincent de Paul.
Friday, 14th December - 5th and 6th classes Cinema Trip (buses per your Parent Council).
Sunday, 16th December - We are invited to sing for the Senior Citizens Party, at the Firgrove Hotel.
Wednesday, 19th December - All welcome to join us for our Advent Ceremony, at the Parish Church, from 11.00am.
Thursday, 20th December - Visit of Santa (classes 1st and 2nd) and Disco with D.J. Justin Finn (classes 3rd - 6th), (D.J. courtesy of your Parent Council).
 
That's all for now!
Every good wish
 
Mary O' Callaghan             John Weir                        Cathal O' Shea
Principal                       Acting Deputy Principal          Acting Assistant Principal
And all at C.B.S. Primary!









C.B.S. Primary School, Newsletter, 11th October 2018    
Telephone: 025 24505  Fax No: 025 85408      
Mobile No: 087 1738311
Website: www.cbspmitchelstown.com
E-Mail: cbsmitchprimoffice@gmail.com
 
Dear Parent(s) / Guardian(s)
We hope things are going well for you and your loved ones. We can't believe that we are already in the second week of October! Yesterday, your child got the sheet re. our upcoming Parent / Teacher meetings. If you haven't already done so, please fill in and return to teachers tomorrow. Your time(s) will be written on your child's journal. Please, in the interests of security, do come in the main entrance of the school, regardless of where your child's classroom is situated. We will guide from there. To be fair, teachers will adhere to the rota, which will be posted on each classroom door. We look forward to meeting you all.
 
First up Parent Council News:     Many thanks to all who helped, in any way, with the recent Fun Run / Walk, organised by your Parent Council. In spite of the first cancellation, a great crowd turned up and there was a lovely convivial atmosphere around the place. Congratulations to everybody who took part. Medal winners were as follows:- 
Secondary Girls - 1st Anna Forde, 2nd Leah Spratt
Secondary Boys - 1st Eddie O' Brien, 2nd Seamus Coleman
Primary Girls - 1st Grace Forde, 2nd Sophie Murphy
Primary Boys - 1st Ryan Spratt, 2nd Daniel Whelan
Ladies - 1st - Eileen Maher, 2nd Aileen Murphy
Men - 1st John Grey, 2nd Verling Fitzgerald
In total, €1,682 was raised. At the first Committee Meeting of the school year, it was agreed by your representatives that these monies will go towards subsidising cost to the boys for our Christmas trips - Opera House for Pantomime "Aladdin" on 6th December for classes 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th. There will be a cinema trip for 5th and 6th classes, date to be confirmed.
As you are aware, your Parent Council A.G.M. was held on last Thursday night. Many thanks to the outgoing Committee and Officers who put in a great years work. For your information the following is the newly elected Committee & Officers -
Chairperson:       Martin Lane                 Vice Chairperson:        Vickie Cahill     
Secretary:            Marie Sheehan             Ass Secretary:              Helen White      
Treasurer:           Cami Coltoan               Ass. Treasurer:             Claire Hanley    
Pro:                      Vickie Cahill               
Committee Members:
Emer O'Brien, Alice Finn, Lisa Pigott, Denise Banks, Marina Bernard, Andrea Bulavova.
 
Sporting Activities:     Our representative School Team and Mentors headed to Bakers Road, Charleville today for the Scíth na Scol Championship - A1 category. they are playing St. Pats Mallow, Tomás Davis, Mallow & Charleville C. B.S. This is the premier category in the Championship, so the competition is always very stiff. Best of luck team!
We are delighted that Olan Daly of Munster Rugby is again back with us to work with classes around non contact rugby - on Wednesdays, starting with Mr. Weir's 6th and Ms. Barry's 5th. All class groupings, from 3rd up, will get this opportunity but we will arrange that doesn't coincide with swimming. Thanks to Mitchelstown Rugby Club for facilitating this for us.
Many thanks to Antonio Barros for his work to date with 3rd and 4th classes coaching Spikeball at Mitchelstown Leisure Centre. Next up will be both 2nd classes.
 
Mitchelstown Library:                   Liz Fay and the team  at Mitchelstown Library has invited our 3rd & 4th classes for a Storytelling Workshop today, as part of October Book Month. Classes 5th & 6th are invited for a Science Workshop on 15th November. At this stage, once again, can we remind you of the wonderful FREE service offered by Mitchelstown Library. If you or your child is not a member, make it your business to join before the weekend!      
 
Swimming:        Information re. swimming for classes 3rd (Ms. Clifford / Ms. Walshe) and 6th (Mr. Weir) will circulate next Monday. These sessions will begin on Wednesday, 7th November. This year, due to numbers, we have one class taking a swimming session on their own.  Information re. this will be circulated to Mr. O' Regan's 3rd / 4th class, also next Monday (their sessions will begin on Tuesday, 6th November.
 
School Meals:    In case you are wondering, Glanmore Foods have contacted us to say that the menus you recently filled in for your sons, will come into effect from Monday, 22nd October.
 
Transition to Secondary School: Already the local secondary schools are preparing for their Open Nights - Wednesday, 17th October - CBS Secondary and Thursday, 25th October - Coláiste Fionnchua. On this Friday, Reps from both second level schools will call here to speak with our 5th & 6th class boys. Armed with the best information possible, your families will come to the best decision around choice of second level education for your sons.
 
Committees - We have held a raft of elections here since our last Newsletter. Well done to all who put themselves forward in front of peers. If you were not elected, stick with it and give it a go again next year! The following are our representatives on various committees for this year -
 
Student Council - 1st class (Ms. O'Gorman) Brian Walsh, 1st/2nd (Mr. Davoren) Max Corbett, 2nd (Ms. O'Callaghan) Kevin Cooke, 3rd (Ms. Clifford/Ms. Walshe) Tristan Hanna, 3rd / 4th (Mr. O'Regan) Anthony Ahern, 4th (Ms. Byrne) Jake Hogan, 5th (Ms. Barry) Odhran Russell, 5th /6th (Mr. Quirke)  Niall Kenneally & 6th (Mr. Weir) Mark Sampson.
Our Student Council Reps will soon be in full action with their Fundraising Hallowe'en Raffle for lovely Hampers. Tickets will be on sale at 20c each. There is no need to buy loads, but it would be nice if  every child buys some, to be entered into the draw. There will also be a Dress Up Day for Halloween, €2 contribution for all, on the 26th October. Get thinking now what to dress up as, the more creative the better, especially if little or no cost involved.  Monies from the Draw and Dress Up Day will go to the Hope Foundation - (expupils, Jack O'Shea and Cameron Keane's trip to Calcutta) and the Wheelchair Association.
 
Green Schools Committee - 1st (Ms. O'Gorman) Thomas Whelan, 1st / 2nd (Mr. Davoren) Larry Brophy, 2nd (Ms. O'Callaghan) Dáire Burke,  3rd (Ms. Clifford / Ms. Walshe) Leon Saich, 3rd / 4th (Mr. O'Regan) Sean Keane, 4th (Ms. Byrne) Aaron Walsh, 5th (Ms. Barry) Dieudonne Kabundi, 5th / 6th (Mr. Quirke) James Keane, 6th (Mr. Weir) Simon Whelan.
Green  Schools News:         Next week, we are hosting Climate Action Week. Our Green Schools Committee is busy preparing fun activities and lessons for the week. Some of the ideas from the boys include - A low energy day on Thursday, Staff and Pupils W.O.W. (Walk On Wednesday)  and experiments in the halla, on Tuesday, re. Climate  Change & the wonderful exciting life of science. On Thursday, all the teachers will incorporate the theme of Climate Action into their lessons. The Green School Committee will also host a Table Quiz on Wednesday. Looking further ahead, in November, we will be inviting speakers into our school to talk about all the wonderful aspects of Green Schools (any parents with knowledge on these topics will be more than welcome). To support our Green Schools efforts, as of today, just one copy of these newsletters will be issued to each household.
 
Health Promoting Schools:          Committee - 1st   Class Ms. O'Gorman - Luke O'Donovan & P. J. Hogan, 1st Class Mr. Davoren - Harry Finn & Marcel Smykla, 2nd Class Ms. O'Callaghan Ben Kiely & Tommy Downes, 3rd Class - Ms. Walshe/Ms. Clifford Shay O'Regan & Kevin Breen, 4th Class Ms. Byrnes - Kyle O'Regan & Thomas Murphy, Mr. O'Regan's 4th - Harry O'Brien & Eoin Lynch, 5th Ms. Barry - Stephen O'Connor & Tristan Power, 6th Class - James Keane & Conor Harnedy & 6th Mr. Weir - Colin Bailey & Eoin Kirwan.  This Committee has already met with Co-ordinator Ms. O' Regan, Ms. Griffin and Ms. Barry. The plan is to have a weekly positive quotation for the whole school - this week's quote is "Be Somebody who makes Everybody feel like a Somebody". We will also  have sets of lessons around friendship and a suggestion box for friendship, in each room. On Tuesdays and Thursdays at 12.25pm, we will all listen to the mindful bell, to take some time out from the busyness.  These initiatives are directly linked to our whole school community promoting well being and positive mental health, in line with the Department of Education and Skills Framework for Practice.
 
Quiz:                   Our quiz buffs have been prepping each Thursday after school. The first competition, of this school year, will be at Baltydaniel, on Thursday 25th October. We wish the boys the very best, particularly those who will represent us, for the first time, on the night.
 
After School Guitar Lessons:       Next week, we will circulate sheets to garner interest from pupils, in 6th class, who would like to take after school guitar lessons here. The lessons will be conducted directly after mid-term, by Ms. Byrne & Mr. Davoren. In time, we hope to extend to 5th class boys also. Do encourage your son to partake, if he is showing an interest. Don't worry if he does not have a guitar - we have plenty here that were donated, that he can use on a loan basis.
 
Ethos:                  We were delighted that so many of you were able to join us, for our Start of Year Mass at the Parish Church, in spite of the atrocious weather conditions. As many of you are aware, our Parish has welcomed a new Community Of Nuns, "The Servant of the Home of the Mothers" - Sr. Mary Donovan, Mother Superior, Sr. Miriam Loveland, Sr. Megan Murray and Sr. Rachel Maria Hernandez who will be regular visitors to our school, supporting Canon Fitzgerald in his Chaplaincy work. Next week, on Thursday 18th , there will be a meeting here at the school at 7.30pm, convened by Canon Fitzgerald, for all parents of pupils preparing for the Sacraments of First Penance and Holy Communion.
 
Best of Luck - to all involved in Strictly Mitchelstown on Saturday, 20th October - not least those from our school community, who are involved as organisers and participants. Break a leg everybody!
 
Don't forget, as ever, if there is anything on your mind, concerns, worries or even praise, our door is always open. We are around before, during and after school. Just be mindful, that during school hours, individual teachers will not be able to speak with you, but if you pop a note in the journals, they will contact you re. a suitable meeting time. It's always best to contact us sooner rather than later, if you need anything clarified or whatever. Thankfully, together, we can sort out most things.
 
Halloween Decorations:      Our Halloween Decorations have been going up in stages. The boys love it - it's really exciting! Many thanks to all the businesses and individuals, who have helped us compile our collection, over many years. We are fortunate to have some skilled interior designers in our midst, who can make everything look great! Thanks a million! If you get a chance, from next week, to Halloween mid-term, do drop in to view our "Spooktacular" displays. Bring any smallies, but emphasise that it's all pretend! After 2.15pm is usually best, as then we will turn on all the scary noises, - too disruptive otherwise!
 
That's all for now!                
 
We look forward to meeting you all at the Parent Teacher Meetings, (Tuesday, 23rd from 6.30pm and Wednesday, 24th from 2.40pm)
 
Le gach dea ghuí
 
Mary O' Callaghan                             John Weir                                       Cathal O'Shea     
Principal                                Acting Deputy Principal      Acting Assistant Principal
And all here at CBS Primary.




​C.B.S. Primary School, Newsletter, 17th September 2018         
Telephone: 025 24505  Fax No: 025 85408      
Mobile No: 087 1738311
Website: www.cbspmitchelstown.com
E-Mail: cbsmitchprimoffice@gmail.com
 
Dear Parent(s) / Guardian(s)
We hope things are going well for one and all and that you and your children have, at this stage, settled back into school life and its routines.
 
And an integral part of school life is ...... Homework. If given a choice (we promise!), most of you would opt for some form of homework. It is essential that you check and sign your child's homework journal every night and relevant copies (like tests etc). Don't forget everybody, learning to spell is a VISUAL Skill. It is different to learning to read. Sounding out a word is not a reliable way to learn how to spell - there are too many variations . That is why we use the LOOK, SAY, COVER, WRITE, CHECK  technique. It is essential, when learning spellings, that the words are always WRITTEN down - this way, the boys will get to know what looks correct. If homework in general, is causing difficulty, do not hesitate to contact class teacher, at the EARLIEST OPPORTUNITY. Our Afterschool / Homework club is a School Completion initiative. We realise that many of you would wish that your son avails of this facility. Under the criteria of the project, we do have to match resources to needs. There are limited places. We assure you that all involved do their very best to prioritise. In any event, Afterschool Club is not at all suitable for children in 1st or 2nd classes - it would make the school day WAY too long for them.  
 
Assembly:           We hosted our first Assembly of the new school year last Friday morning. This is our time, as a School Community to acknowledge achievements and celebrate efforts of groups and individuals. It is also a time when we emphasise the key messages of our school - kindness, courage and respect for others. Do encourage your child if he says he would like to participate at Assembly - it can be daunting (even for adults!) but a real sense of pride, when tackled. We are ever amazed by the contributions of the boys.
 
Community News:     Last week, Seánie Chamberlain and the James Fitzgerald Memorial Band visited us for their annual recital. They continue to go from strength to strength. It is gratifying to see some of our past and present pupils with the Band. The purpose of the visit was to encourage new members to the Band.  This is a great opportunity for those who have shown an interest - and not one on offer in many towns!
Mitchelstown Credit Union:        Today, we just got notification of this years Credit Union Art Competition. This is run annually by the Irish League of Credit Unions. This years theme is  "The Force of Nature"  - entries should be landscape format only. Closing date is Friday, 5th October.  Each class grouping will participate, as our Local Credit Union is always so wonderful to our school, in a host of ways.
Ballygiblin / Mitchelstown GAA:                   On behalf of all of us here at CBS Primary, congratulations to Ballygiblin Hurlers and Management Team who won the North Cork JA Hurling Championship for the first time in 14 years - before any of our current pupils were born! We were delighted to welcome many of the team and mentors to celebrate the historic victory. Sadly, their County Dreams came to an end yesterday in Rathcormac. Best of luck to the Intermediate Footballers who continue on the road to County victory next weekend v Youghal, at Ballynoe.    
 
Student Council / Green Schools / Health Promoting Schools Committees:   Presently, we are holding elections, in each class grouping, for the boys to represent their peers on these Committees. Thus, this year, we will have three representative groups. It's a really courageous thing to put yourself out there for election - the whole process brings a lot of learning. (Over the summer through monies raised by the Student Council we replaced the old basketball  boards and hoops - nets on the way!).
 
Health and Safety Issues:   Please, a reminder to all again, that official supervision, per the Board of Management and our Insurers, begins at 8.45am. School cannot accept responsibility for pupils on the grounds, prior to this. Likewise, when the official school day is over at 2.40pm and After School Activities are complete. We advise that your child should be accompanied by an adult going to and from school. If you have decided otherwise, ensure that you know who he is with, the way he takes, etc. It is advisable to spot check what is happening, en route. It may be an inconvenience, but obviously your child's Health & Safety is of the utmost importance. 
 
School Meals:    Further to our previous Newsletter, today your child has the revised School Meals Forms. We think they are much easier to complete. Please make filling these out part of tonight's homework for your child and return to school tomorrow. Glanmore Foods need the forms returned at the earliest opportunity. It's a really marvellous service please play your part by (A) filling the form with your son and (B) supplying a large enough lunch box to take home all wrappings etc.
 
The Field:           As most of you are aware, in 2017, our Board of Management completed the purchase of the Field adjacent to our school from Tesco for €105,000. This land offers loads of opportunity for us for the future. A priority is to improve the access and exit for the safety of all. We secured a loan from A.I.B. over a 7 year tenure (annual repayments due 1st July) To date, we have made two repayments - 2017 and 2018 and covered the cost of Engineers, Solicitors and other fees through donations and fundraising. In July 2017, we had taken out the loan but we had very little opportunity to plan, therefore we relied on voluntary donations and €5,000 from Parent Council. In the short term, school funds had to make up the shortfall. Last year, we had the chance to plan properly  - all proceeds of the 2017 Fun Run / Walk went to the fund. Over the weekend of the June Bank Holiday, the Fundraising Committee organised a Tea Party at Mitchelstown Leisure Centre, a Golf Classic at Mitchelstown Golf Club & a Bucket Collection at Tesco. These ventures proved hugely successful - we are actually still getting monies from the Golf Classic but to date overall, for the weekend we have raised over €26,000!!! In addition, your Parent Council agreed to furnish a further €5,000. Having repaid Year 2 of the loan, and sorted the short falls from Year 1, we hope to use all remaining monies to bring down the actual loan amount. We are now looking to June Bank Holiday 2019 - with a Golf Classic - Thursday, 30th & Friday, 31st May, and a big event at the Leisure Centre on Saturday, 1st June. If you have any ideas about these events and /or would like to become involved in the Fundraising Committee - please let us know.
 
School Insurance:       Today, we are circulating info. re. our School Insurance Scheme. This is entirely voluntary - many parents wish us to facilitate this, particularly because of the 24 hour cover. If you wish to include your child in the scheme, we will need completed forms and monies on or before Friday, 28th September.
 
Parent Council News:                    As previously notified to you - your Parent Council are organising their now Annual, 5K Fun Run / Walk - set for this Thursday night, 20th September. Please, please come out in support and encourage others to come along. U18 - €5 / Adult - €10 and Family €20. Registration from 6.00pm here at CBS Primary. Fun Run / Walk starts at 7.00pm sharp. Mr. O' Regan will conduct a warm up session from 6.45pm. Your Parent Council are helping to find volunteers who may be able to help at venues / locations around the route as stewards. The names are needed tomorrow, so if you know someone who can help, please return form below to school tomorrow and you will be contacted directly. Refreshments for all athletes directly afterwards, courtesy of our School Meal Providers, Glanmore Foods. D.J. Justin Finn will be on hand to provide sound and music. If you are in a position to do a little bit of baking for the evening that we can offer with a cuppa - it would be much appreciated. Just bring it with you that evening or drop to school on Thursday if that suits you better. We hope that the weather is kind to us. Thanks to all who are helping out in any way.
 
Parent Council A.G.M.:       To give you timely notification - your Parent Council A.G.M. will be held here at the school at 8pm on Thursday, 27th September. The current Council Reps will circulate separate information to you all re. this. We really need committed volunteers who will continue to work with us, towards making our school a better place. However, even if you can't currently be part of the Committee - don't let this put you off coming to the A.G.M .-  who knows what might happen down the road! At this stage, on behalf of everybody here at CBS Primary, we wish to thank the outgoing members  of the current Committee and Officers for their work. Particular mention to Lillian Roche and Sandra Dennehy (whose sons have now left our school), for their service over many years.            
 

 
Current After  School Activities:
Sport:         The first round of the Inter Primary School Football Championships Scíth na Scol, will begin soon. Lots of our boys from 5th & 6th classes are already involved with the training on Friday after school. This year, the mentors took the decision that all who turned up for initial trials would attend the training. Thereafter, the actual panel to represent us will be selected.
 
Quiz:                   We have quiz practice after school each Thursday, Co-ordinated by Mr. Weir with the more senior boys. In due course, we will select further possible candidates from the current 3rd & 4th classes. The panel will make up those boys who may represent us in various quiz competitions throughout the school year.
 
Peace Proms:      Last Friday, at Assembly, Ms. O' Gorman, Co-ordinator announced that she entered our school into the Peace Proms 2019 and we were successful. Peace Proms will be a fantastic opportunity for the boys, culminating in a large scale performance of youth choirs and a full symphony orchestra at UL, Limerick. (Other Peace Proms will take place in Liverpool, Dublin, Belfast & Waterford).  The Cross Border Orchestra of Ireland is the featured Orchestra for Peace Proms - Irelands most celebrated Youth Orchestra which has performed throughout the world including Carnegie Hall, New York. The Royal Hall , London and the Oriental Arts Centre, Shanghai. The pieces are set and there will be an amount of work in the preparation. However, if your son would like to avail of their superb educational experience, commitment and all, please encourage him to participate. We will circulate forms to the relevant classes (most likely 4th, 5th & 6th) shortly. As numbers are capped at 40 for us, we may have to audition for those who will make the final selection.
 
Now for some Up & Coming Events and Dates for your Diaries:
This Thursday, 20th September - All welcome to our Start of Year Mass in the Parish Church from 11.15am.
Thursday, 20th September - Parent Council Fun Run / Walk. Registration from 6pm.
Start 7pm.
Thursday, 27th September - Parent Council A.G.M. at 8pm here at the school.
Parent / Teacher Meetings - Tuesday, 23rd October (from 6.30pm) and Wednesday, 24th October (from 2.40pm) - you will get more details anon!
 
That's all for now!                 Le gach dea ghuí
 
 
Mary O' Callaghan                              John Weir            
Principal                                Acting Deputy Principal      And all here at CBS Primary.









C.B.S. Primary School, Newsletter, 30th August 2018    
Telephone: 025 24505          Fax No: 025 85408    Mobile No: 087 1738311
Website: www.cbspmitchelstown.com
E-Mail: cbsmitchprimoffice@gmail.com
 
Dear Parent(s) / Guardian(s)
Welcome back to School life again! We hope you all had a really lovely Summer and are now ready for routine!
Congratulations to Mr. Davoren and Ms. Coffey (now Ms. Griffin!)who were recently married and best wishes to Mr. O'Shea who will "tie the knot" tomorrow! We wish all three couples the very best for their future together. Céad Míle Fáilte to all pupils, parents and staff who are joining us for the first time.
 
Works to School:       Thanks to all who helped get the building ready - repairing equipment, purchasing new requirements and paint work. Following sanction of Grant from Department of Education and Skills, under Emergency Works, we were able to fully replace, the floors of four classrooms in the original wing, including new covering. Thanks to our caretaker Mr. Brendan Kinsella, our cleaning team and all volunteers, who put in trojan work over the summer break - the school is gleaming! We were right up to the wire getting everything sorted. It's now all our responsibility to keep the place clean, tidy and fresh.
 
Staffing:   We wish Mr. Breen and Ms. Hennessy (now in her 2nd year of career break) the very best, as they begin the school year in the Middle East. We hope they learn loads and return to us reinvigorated. Their teaching positions here will be filled, in a temporary capacity, by Mr. Quirke and Ms. Byrne (new to our school!). Due to an increase in pupil numbers, we have been sanctioned an additional permanent teacher - this position will be filled by Ms. O'Callaghan. Mr. Griffin is currently on leave. Mr. Coffey will act as substitute teacher  and Mr. Weir will take on the role of Acting Deputy Principal. Once again, we have a Job Sharing arrangement in third class - teachers Ms. Clifford and Ms. Walshe. Parents of pupils in this class are invited to attend a meeting around the organisation of job sharing, on Tuesday night next, 4th September, at 7.30pm, per our Board of Management (details of this meeting are on a separate letter today). At present, Enda's role as Home School Liaison Officer, has not been filled. We will let you know any details on this as soon as they are made available to us.
We are delighted to announce, that from the start of this school year, in conjunction with NCSE (National Council for Special Education) we will open a Unit for children who have a diagnosis of Autistic Spectrum Disorder (A.S.D.). The unit will be staffed by teacher Ms. O'Sullivan and SNA Ms. O'Sullivan. This will further enhance the education support we can offer.
We assure you that we have done our very best, with all resources available to us that your children have the optimum opportunities to progress, within current D.E.S. Guidelines. We will continue to strive to make representations that our pupils, your children, are best served.
Each class teacher will work as part of a wider team with Support Teachers, SNAs, and other staff including SCP Project Worker, Ms. Sheehan. Thus, for your information, here are the arrangements for school year '18/'19:-
 
Junior Classes:- 1st Class Teacher - Ms. O'Gorman, 1st & 2nd Class Teacher - Mr. Davoren. 2nd Class Teacher - Ms. O'Callaghan.
Support Teachers for these class groupings - Ms. Kearney, Ms. Griffin, Ms. O'Regan.
SNAs - Mr. Coleman, Mrs O'Brien, Mr. Cahill & Mr. Dineen.
 
Middle Classes:-  3rd Class Teacher(s) - Ms. Walshe / Ms. Clifford (job sharing), 3rd / 4th Class Teacher  Mr. O'Regan, 4th Class Teacher - Ms. Byrne.
Support Teachers for these class groupings - Ms. O'Keeffe, Mr. Coffey & Mr. Carey.
SNAs - Ms. Walsh, Ms. Connolly & Ms. White.
 
Senior Classes:- 5th Class Teacher - Ms. Barry, 5th / 6th Class Teacher - Mr. Quirke, 6th Class Teacher - Mr. Weir. Support Teachers for these class groupings - Mr. O'Shea, Ms. Geary, Ms. Foley (shared with Castlelyons N.S.) & Mr. Coffey. SNAs - Mr. O'Brien, Ms. Keane, Mr. Maher & Ms. Coffey.
 
Book Rental Scheme:            On arrival to school this morning, your son had his pile of school books, from our Book Rental Scheme, labelled, and ready for use. You will appreciate, this is a mammoth task to plan and execute. Please ensure your children take really good care of the books. Many thanks to all who have worked on the Book Scheme, particularly co-ordinator, Mr. O'Shea.
 
Weight of School Bags:      Every classroom here has space to allow boys store all books, copies, etc., which are not required for homework. This does take a bit of sorting and organising. Particularly if your child has a distance to walk after school, please do remind him to sort out his bits and pieces, that he hasn't a huge load going home every day. We urge your co-operation too in ensuring that your child does not have unnecessary stuff in his bag.
 
Homework Journals / Communications:              All boys received their homework journals today. Please play your really important role in checking homework each night and signing the journal. Any messages you might have for teacher are to be written in here and also the notification to school if your child is absent. This explanation for absence is mandatory nationally - please use the tear out slips at the back of journals. Tonight, please fill in the front of your son's journal - all the personal information, that we are up to date with contact details etc.  You will receive regular newsletters and other information about school happenings. Please do read these thoroughly, that you are aufait with everything.
 
Roll Call:  Because of our Deis Planning, work of Home School Liaison and School Completion Personnel, and of course, your own and your children's co-operation, we have hugely improved attendance rates. This will be of great benefit to the boys going forward, not least in their future engagement with education. That you are aware, per the Rules for National Schools, Roll Call is taken at 9.55am daily. If your child arrives after this time and we are not aware he will be late, he will be recorded as absent. To promote optimum time at school, staff also keep record of late arrival / early leaving from school. For your convenience, there is a section on this for yourselves at the back of the journals. Don't forget, if your child is late for school or leaving early - he has to be signed in / out by an adult.
 
School Lunches:                   Provision of  school lunches is a real bonus. All boys, everyday, should have a SEPARATE LUNCH BOX/BAG, to bring home leftovers (needs to be large). Otherwise, drips, spillages etc. will wreck the school bags and books. If your child wishes to change any part of his current order, please call to Secretary's Office after 1.00pm and Ms. Dwane will sort for you. Your child should have loads of food for the school day. From the start of this academic year the Dept. of Employment Affairs and Social Protection are introducing the Nutrition Standard for School Meals for all schools in the School Meals Scheme. Glanmore Foods will ensure that all they supply will conform to these standards and will be incorporating into your child's next menu of options. If, for some reason, you wish to not avail of school lunches, or you wish to enhance what your son is getting, in line with our healthy eating policy, please adhere to giving your child only healthy food options, i.e. no sugary snacks, drinks, biscuits etc. etc. Encouraging healthy eating habits for life! - is all our responsibility.
 
Parking/Going to and from School:   As you are aware, Our Board of Management does not accept responsibility for children prior to 8.45am, or after the end of the school day / when organised after school activities are complete. It is imperative you make arrangements that your children go to and from school safely. Please ensure that the area in front of school yard gates is kept clear for wheelchair access. Also, our general car parking space is tight enough, so please park responsibly i.e. do not block up the flow of traffic or (God forbid!) ignore the one-way system! Parking in the adjacent car park, at Tesco, is a handy option for many.
 
Swimming:       Swimming lessons for classes 2nd (Ms. O'Callaghan) & 5th/6th (Mr. Quirke) will begin on Wednesday, 12th September. Full details will be circulated to the relevant classes, on Monday next.
School Uniforms / Tracksuits:   Remember, blue school uniform to be worn by all, each day, unless there is a specific reason for tracksuit. Class teachers will let you know (on the journals) when track suit day is. We cannot emphasise enough the importance of ensuring that all clothes and belongings have your children's names clearly marked, otherwise, it is impossible to find owners. If, by any chance, you have school uniforms / tracksuits in good condition, you might be able to drop some to us. They are very handy if we need spare clothes (particularly trousers/ tracksuit bottoms). There are still unlabelled items here from last year, do come and look if your child has lost something, by end of next week, if these are not claimed, we will give to charity.
 
General Items:  This week, we hope to get all of our affairs in order. If you have not already forwarded €50.00 to cover cost of photocopying/art/journals, please do so a.s.a.p.
As per agreed school policy, mobile phones, whether turned off or silenced are strictly not allowed at school c.f. policy at start of journals, for further details. 
 
Come in and talk to us:      Our door is always open. If there is something on your mind, we cannot emphasise how important it is to call in to discuss same, at the EARLIEST OPPORTUNITY. We assure you this is always the best policy. To avoid disturbing classes, do make arrangements with individual teachers, via your son's journal. In the interest of the Health & Safety of all, it is School Policy that all calls to school are via the front office - never directly to classrooms. From there, we will do our best to sort your queries.
 
Preliminary Notice 5K Fun Run  / Walk:    Your Parent Council will hold their now Annual, Fun Run / Walk on Thursday evening, 20th September. Please mark this date in your collective diaries, pray for good weather and join in with your families & friends!
 
North Cork Final:      Best of luck to Ballygiblin Hurlers and the Management Team in the North Cork Junior A Final V Shanballymore at Fermoy on Saturday.
 
That's all for now! It was great to see all the happy, eager smiling faces this morning. Thank you for your work in getting boys ready! We look forward to a fabulous New School Year.
 
Every good wish,
 
Mary O' Callaghan                                      John Weir
Principal                                          Acting Deputy Principal
And all here at C.B.S. Primary!