PARENT INFO
February 2025 BOM Agreed Report
The Board of Management of Kilmacrennan School met in February 2025. The Principal Teacher/Sec Report was presented and included In-School Activities, including reports on matters such as the Enrolment Application process/ approvals, Assistant Principal 11 vacancy, Child Protection Annual Review, Anti Bullying, preparation of Annual Accounts, Health and Safety, Attendance Matters, CPSMA, Policy updates, School Self-Evaluation, a planned celebration to mark the Solas Autism Suite Extension, Communication with parents including the Monthly Newsletters etc.
November 2024 Agreed BOM Report
The Board of Management of Kilmacrennan National School met on 11/11/2024. Among the items discussed were In-School activities that include ongoing Science Week, Debating, GAA coaching, Swimming classes, Parent-Teacher Meetings, planned trips etc
The Code of Behaviour was reviewed and approved. The Admission statement and Enrolment procedures was approved. Applications for the enrolment of pupils for the 24/25 school year will run from 6/1/25 until 29/1/25.
Child Protection & Anti Bullying Reports were submitted.
The School Calendar has been amended to include a closure for Numeracy training on on 28/11 and General Election Closure on 29/11.
Parents’ Association News
- The PA held a Table Quiz in Nora’s Bar on Friday 8/11/24
- The PA are running a weekly Silver Circle draw until Christmas
- The PA are organising a Christmas Fair; approved by the BOM. Scheduled for Sunday 1 December 2024
- The November School Newsletter has been circulated and is posted on the school website.
Agreed Board of Management Report September 2024
- The Board of Management of Kilmacrennan National School met on 9/9/2024. Among the items discussed were the Opening of the new ASD Rooms School Extension and Official Opening, an Enrolment Update, Admissions Statement, Staffing & Class Matters, In-School Report, Child Protection & Anti Bullying (including the most recent DES update and requirements for the coming year), Curriculum Maths training, Financial Report etc.
Enrolment 24/25 Notice
PART 1 – Admissions to the 2024/25 school year
Application and Decision Dates for admission to Kilmacrennan NS 2025/2026
The following are the dates applicable for admission to Junior Infants
| 1 | The school will commence accepting applications for admission on: Monday 6 January 2025 |
| 2 | The school shall cease accepting applications for admission on: Wed 29 January 2025 |
| 3 | The date by which applicants will be notified of the decision on their application is: 19 February 2025 |
| 4 | The period within which applicants must confirm acceptance of an offer of admission is: 26 Feb 2025 |
Note: Applications made after the specified closing date of 29 Jan 2025 will be processed as late applications. The school will consider and issue decisions on late applications in accordance with the school’s admission policy.
Failure of an applicant to accept an offer by the stated date may result in the offer being withdrawn.
Special Class Application and Decision Dates for admission to Kilmacrennan NS 2025/2026
The following are the dates applicable for admission to the school’s Special Classes which caters for children with Autism
Note: The figures set out below in relation to the Special Classes are subject to change dependent on whether current students in the Special Classes retain their place in the school and whether a student(s) transfers into the school after the publication of this Notice.
| 1 | The school will commence accepting applications for admission to the special class on: Monday 6 January 2025 |
| 2 | The school shall cease accepting applications for admission to the special class on: Wed 29 January 2025 |
| 3 | The date by which applicants will be notified of the decision on their application for admission to the special class is: 19 February 2025 |
| 4 | The period within which applicants must confirm acceptance of an offer of admission is: 26 February 2025 |
Note: Applications made after the after the specified closing date of 29 Jan 2025 will be processed as late applications. The school will consider and issue decisions on late applications in accordance with the school’s admission policy.
Failure of an applicant to accept an offer by the specified date may result in the offer being withdrawn
Other Year Groups Application and Decision Dates for admission to Kilmacrennan NS 2024/2025
The following are the dates applicable for admission to other year groups (Senior Infants to 6th class):
| 1 | The school will commence accepting applications for admission to other year groups on: Monday 6 January 2025 |
| 2 | The school shall cease accepting applications for admission to other year groups on: Wed 29 January 2025. |
| 3 | The date by which applicants will be notified of the decision on their application is: 19 February 2025 |
| 4 | The period within which applicants must confirm acceptance of an offer of admission is: 26 February 2025 |
Note: Applications made after the after the specified closing date of 29 Jan 2025 will be processed as late applications; the school will consider and issue decisions on late applications in accordance with the school’s admission policy.
Failure of an applicant to accept an offer by the specified date may result in the offer being withdrawn.
Information about the number of places that will be available in the next school year 2025/2026
The figures set out below in relation to the Special Class are subject to change dependent on whether current students in the Special Classes retain their place in the school and whether a student(s) transfers into the school/from within the school after the publication of this Notice.
| The number of places being made available in Junior Infants is | 30 |
| The number of places being made available in the special class* catering for children with ASD is 1. | 1 |
| The number of places being made available in other year groups: | |
| Senior Infants 0 places | 0 |
| 1st Class 0 | 0 |
| 2nd Class 4 | 0 |
| 3rd Class 0 | 3 |
| 4th Class | 0 |
| 5th Class | 7 |
| 6th Class 0 | 0 |
Kilmacrennan NS has not accepted applications for places prior to the commencement of Section 62 of the Education (Admission to Schools) 2018 on 1 February 2020.
June 2024 Board of Management Agreed Report
- The Board of Management of Kilmacrennan National School met on 4/6/2024. Among the items discussed were progress on the School Extension, an Enrolment Update, Staffing & Class Matters, In-School Report (Green School Flag launch, School Graduation Mass, Highland Radio programme, Solar Panels/ Modern Languages/ School Parking/ etc) Policy Issues, School Management Report, Child Protection and Anti-Bullying Report, Financial Report, the Annual School Report etc (attached).
Foireann & Ranganna na Scoile
The 2024-25 Kilmacrennan National School teacher and class allocations is as follows.
We have a staff of an administrative principal, ten mainstream class teachers, four SET teachers (one shared), one EAL and 4 SNA’s. There are two ASD teachers, and five SNA’s in the ASD Solas rooms.
Naíonain Shóisearach 1 Ms Hegarty/ Ms McBride (subbing)
Naíonain Shóisearach 2 Ms Crossan
Naíonain Shinsearach Ms Greene
Rang a hAon 1 Ms Gallagher
Rang a hAon 2 Ms McCrossan
Rang a Dó Mrs Neely
Rang a Trí Mrs Diver
Rang a Ceathair Master O Donnell
Rang a cúig Master Toye
Rang a Sé Ms Sweeney
Solas 1 Elaine Nelis/ Donna McDaid
Solas 2 Leonie Nic Aoidh
EAL Nicole McGee
Múinteoirí Tacaíochta SET:
Annmarie Ferry, Pauline Doherty, Susanne Gallagher, John Paul Gallagher,
SNA’s : Winnie Huston; Helena Shields; Marie O Hara; Adrian Gaffey; Sheila Gorman; Brenda McAtavey; Monica McGranaghan; Sharon McLaughlin Mairead Cullen; James Doherty; Nóra Rice, (EAL SNA part-time hrs).
School Secretary; Grace McGinty.
Annual School Report
Kilmacrennan N.S Annual School Report 2023-24
Introduction and Overview of the School.
During the 2023-24 school year, there was a total staff of 16 teachers and 10 SNA’s in Scoil Cholmcille, Kilmacrennan. The teaching staff comprised of an administrative principal, nine class teachers, two ASD teachers and four SET teachers (one shared with a local school).
We have a further allocation of EAL and LS hours on a temporary basis.
There were 239 pupils on our school roll in September 2023.
School Activities
There was a strong emphasis on participation in a diverse range of activities over the course of the school year. Among the activities/events/competitions that our pupils participated in were
- We received an Amber Flag award
- We have a Digital School of Excellence National Award
- We received a Green Flag award (Sixth flag, Litter & Global Awareness)
- We achieved Active Flag status
- Weekly Class Assemblies were held
- We hosted School Concerts at Christmas and during Seachtain na Gaeilge
- Kilmacrennan’s Got Talent is an annual highlight towards year-end
- We participated in Feis Loreto Leitir Ceanainn (music, song, dance and poetry) and the Guth Ghoill poetry event
- Ghlacamar páirt i scéim Scríobh Leabhair Gaeilge i mbliana
- We operated a School Gardening Club but the new school extension will necessitate the relocation of our School Garden over the summer months
- We placed a strong emphasis on weekly training with the School Athletic club
- Pupils were offered Music tuition and a School Music group performed at several events, including appearing on Highland Radio’s Ruáille Buaille show.
- Science Day was a highlight
- We had an active Student Council in place
- Art competitions are enjoyable and we enjoyed entering numerous school quizzes
- We participated in the County Donegal Debating League
- Swimming lessons were facilitated
- All pupils partook in a gymnastic programme
- We participated in-school activities during Internet Safety Week, Anti-Bullying Week and Friendship programmes
- We took part in Cumann na mBunscol & FAIS soccer competitions
- School Cooking events were held
- While participation is the key motivation, individual and team success is also cherished. Among the notable achievements in school competitions was success in quizzes, including Ulster Cumann na mBunscol; Feis Leitir Ceanainn, Poetry competitions, Green Flag awards, Cross Country champions, Debating successes, individual pupil success in art competitions etc.
Home-School-Community links
We cherish and actively sought to enhance Home-School-Community links. Kilmacrennan N.S. has an active Parents Association, offering support and direction.
School Community links over the past school year included our Annual 5k event, a Tractor Run, a Family Movie Night, a Silver Circle Draw, Grandparents’ Day/ St. Bridget Cross making/ Valentine Bake day/ table quiz etc.
As part of our fifth Green Flag award, we held an International Cultural Day, showing food, music etc of the nationalities of our pupils
Our school community assist greatly with tea and refreshments on First Communion/ Confirmation and 5K events. We also enjoyed our involvement with the Young at Heart group.
Our School Music groups performed at religious events in the community.
We also held a ‘Greet and Meet’ day for the new Junior Infant incoming class. New Enrolment packs were provided to all incoming pupils.
Board of Management News
A new Board of Management was formed during the school year.
The BO.M. wishes to acknowledge the commitment of staff, the support of parents and guardians and the enthusiastic co-operation of the pupils who support the work together to promote the ethos of our school. The BOM met five times over the past year and provided an agreed report to the school body via our website.
The BOM has met its obligations in respect of Child Protection and Anti-Bullying Procedures.
The B.O.M. has reviewed Standardised Test Results and Pupil Attendance returns during the course of the year.
The school accounts have been audited in line with DES guidelines.
The BOM liaised with the DES throughout the school year and work on a two classroom ASD main school building extension is ongoing. We are hopeful that this work will be completed for the beginning of the 2024/ 25 school year.
The school will operate the Summer Provision Scheme for our ASD Solas classes this summer.
The BOM successfully appealed and received a further NCSE LS allocation
With our school having 239 pupils on our roll on September 30th last, we anticipate the appointment of a tenth mainstream teacher this summer.
The school introduced the Free School Book Scheme.
A Hot Meals progamme/ School Dinners was introduced for all pupils.
School Self-Evaluation/School Improvement Plan
The school engaged wholeheartedly in departmental led initiatives during the school year, most notably School Self-Evaluation (SSE) and updating Anti-Bullying procedures.
As part of this process of evaluation, we continue to identify many of our school strengths and areas for improvement. With regard to SSE, we are proceeding with our Literacy and Numeracy initiatives. The staff ascertained what we feel is working well and identified our strengths as
- annual testing of our pupils compares favourably with national averages in both English and Mathematics.
- the school has a print rich environment in relation to Literacy and Numeracy.
- pupils and teachers are positive when engaging in their approach and attitudes towards initiatives
- the school engages in a range of In-School activities that support good literacy practice, including DEAR, Reading for other classes, Shared Reading (with parental involvement), Paired reading, INTO Handwriting activities, a co-ordinated approach to handwriting etc.
- Croke Park hours were used to allow staff discussions on topics such as Wellbeing, School Digital Strategy, Numeracy etc.
- With regard to a School Improvement Plan, focusing initially upon Literacy, we identified Oral Language as an area that we would like to target. Teachers provide for discrete oral language times on their timetables and engage in a range of initiatives to promote good Oral Language targets.
- Following discussions regarding Oral Language at previous staff planning days/ Staff Meetings, we have over the years introduced a range of specific in-school initiatives in this regard, including 8 week Assembly Blocks where pupils from different year strands perform weekly (music, drama, poetry, improvisation, dance etc)/We have introduced class debates/power point presentations etc in Senior Classes.
- We introduced a School Self-Evaluation notice board to our staffroom. This allows all staff to clearly see termly and yearly targets etc
Legislative and Regulatory Obligations.
The school is compliant with legislative and regulatory obligations, as identified in ‘School Self-Evaluation- Guidelines for Primary Schools, 2012’. These aare
- Time in school as per Circular 11/95/ Arrangements for parent/ teacher and staff meetings as per Circular 14/04/ Implementation of Croke Park agreement regarding additional time requirement as per circular 08/2011/ Standardisation of school year as per circular/ Valid enrolment of pupils as per/ Section 9(1), 15 (2) and 23 education act 1988/ Sections 20 and 21 Education (Welfare) Act 2000/ Rules 55, 64, 108 and 123 rules for national schools/ Staffing schedule for current school year and Retention of pupils as per most recent circulars, including, but not exclusively, Development of school plan as per Section 21, Education Act 1998/ Appointments to posts of responsibility as per circular / Exemption from Irish circular/ Implementation of child protection procedures /Implementation of complaints procedure as appropriate/ Complaints procedures, Education Act/ Primary Boards of Management Information Manual / Refusal to enrol/ Section 29 Education Act 1998/ Garda Vetting circular requirements
Early Intervention/ Testing of Pupils
Our school undertakes testing of pupils at various stages of their schooling. Infants are generally screened through the BPVT Test and MIST. A new version of the Drumcondra tests was introduced nationally this year and our school has introduced this for pupils from First to Sixth Class. We also conduct testing of pupils in Gaeilge in Second, Fourth and Sixth classes.
Strategies are in place for pupils who require help at this stage. We also undertake annual testing of pupils of in English, Irish and Mathematics and IQ tests. We compare pupils performance in the standardised English and Mathematics tests with their measured ability and make provisions for those who are under-performing. The results of tests conducted on pupils in second, fourth and sixth classes are submitted annually to the DES. School staff monitor and track individual and class-testing results, and can compare them to national trends.
Resources
We updated and purchased two new interactive smartboards/ Special Education resources etc.
We used part of our Digital Grant to purchase a laptop charging portal, laptops etc
We purchased a range of LS materials
April 2024 Board of Management Agreed Report
- The Board of Management of Kilmacrennan National School met on 15/4/2024. Among the items discussed were
- the introduction of the School Meals/ Hot Dinners scheme for the first time
- the school’s participation in the Say Yes to Languages scheme this term
- the ongoing progress of the ASD School Extension, hoping that it will open in time for the new school year
- ongoing School Parking concerns
- in-school activities, including a cycling course, school lunch-time leagues, Scríobh Leabhair Gaeilge, Sacramental dates, gymnastics lessons, sporting events, outings, visit to Young at Heart and much more.
- a donation by the Parents’ Association to school funds, noting the significant input and organising of events such as a Valentine Bake Sale, a Hamper draw, a Tractor Run, Silver Circle initiative etc
- continued policy work, with a Leadership and Management Report input, as well as the ongoing attendance of Board members at CPSMA training events
- the Board of Management is currently preparing a Board of Management Plan for the period 2024-28. We invite submissions from the school community in this regard.
- compliance with regulatory reporting in relation to child protection/bullying etc
February 2024 Board of Management Agreed Report
The Board of Management of Kilmacrennan National School met on 6/2/2024.
The BOM conducted the Annual Review of the Child Protection Policy. The Board also reviewed the Critical Incident Policy, adopted the revised Parental Complaints procedure and assessed the school enrolment applications. The Annual Anti-Bullying Review was carried out.
Among other items noted were an application for Solar Panels and inclusion in the School Hot Meals programme from the last term onwards as well as the composition of the School Leadership and Management committee.
December Board of Management Agreed Report 5/12/24
The new Board of Management is in place. Members are Fr Chambers, Chairperson, Maeve Sweeney, Betty Connors, Kevin Doherty, Grace Anne McGarvey, Michael McBride, Susanne Gallagher and John Devenney
November 2023 Board of Management Agreed Report
The Board of Management met on 14/11/23.
Among the items discussed were the election process for incoming Boards of Management, the ongoing building extension works, staffing, the appointment of a Secretary, a Leadership and Management Report, ongoing school activities, Parent Newsletters, the approval of an EAL Policy, compliance with regulatory reporting in relation to child protection/bullying etc
September 2023 Board of Management Report
Fr Martin Chambers was appointed as the new Chairperson of the Board of Management and is wished all the best in this role. The BOM thanked Fr Patrick Dunne, the outgoing Chairperson, for his valued service over the years.
The Child Protection Procedures for Primary and Post Primary Schools (revised 2023) was adopted by the BOM at a Board of Management meeting on 11/9/23. John Devenney, School Principal is the Designated Child Protection Liaison Person and Mr Mel O Donnell is the Deputy Liason Person.
Construction work on the ASD two-classroom extension is underway at present.
School Enrolment is currently 240 pupils, with nine mainstream classes, two ASD rooms and four SET teachers. We have an English as Additional Language (EAL) post (provisionally) for the current school year, along with additional EAL Learning Support hours.
The school has introduced, as per government funding and guidelines, the Free School Textbooks, copybooks scheme for all pupils forthwith.
The School Leadership and Management submitted an Annual Numeracy and Literacy Report and an Annual Attendance Report.
A new Mathematics curriculum is currently being introduced to schools. We will relay further information throughout the year.
The four-year term of the current Board of Management is due to expire on 30 November. We will advise you of the arrangements for the formation of a new Board in due course.
Kilmacrennan N.S Annual School Report 2022-23
Introduction and Overview of the School.
During the 2022-23 school year, there was a total staff of 16 teachers and 10 SNA’s in Scoil Cholmcille, Kilmacrennan. The teaching staff comprised of an administrative principal, 8 class teachers, two ASD teachers and four SET teacher (one shared with a local school). We have a further allocation of EAL and LS hours on a temporary basis.
Our pupil enrolment has risen considerably over the past year and there were 241 pupils on our school roll in June 2023.
School Activities
There was a strong emphasis on participation in a diverse range of activities over the course of the school year. Among the activities/events/competitions that our pupils participated in were
- We received an Amber Flag award (for the first time)
- We have a Digital School of Excellence National Award
- We have a Green Flag award (Fifth flag)
- We have achieved Active Flag status
- Weekly Class Assemblies are held
- We host School Concerts at Christmas and during Seachtain na Gaeilge
- Kilmacrennan’s Got Talent is an annual highlight towards year-end
- We participate in Feis Loreto Leitir Ceanainn (music, song, dance and poetry) and the Guth Ghoill poetry event
- Ghlacamar páirt i scéim Scríobh Leabhair Gaeilge i mbliana
- We operate a School Gardening Club
- We place a strong emphasis on weekly training with the School Athletic club
- Pupils are offered Music tuition and School Music group
- Science Day is a highlight
- School tours are a must
- A Student Council is in place
- Art competitions are enjoyable and Quizzes are challenging
- We participate in the County Donegal Debating League annually
- Swimming lessons are held annually.
- All pupils partook in a gymnastic programme
- We organise in-school activities during Internet Safety Week, Anti-Bullying Week and Friendship programmes
- We take part in Cumann na mBunscol & FAIS soccer competitions
- School Cooking lessons are tasty
- While participation is the key motivation, individual and team success is also cherished. Among the notable achievements in school competitions was success in quizzes, including Ulster Cumann na mBunscol; Feis Leitir Ceanainn, Poetry competitions, Green Flag awards, Cross Country champions, Debating successes, individual pupil success in art competitions etc.
Home-School-Community links
We cherish and actively seek to enhance Home-School-Community links. Kilmacrennan N.S. has an active Parents Association, offering support and direction. School Community links over the past school year included our Annual 5k event, Young at Heart, Grandparents’ Day/ St. Bridget Cross making/ Valentine Bake day/ table quiz etc.
Our School Music groups have performed at religious events in the community. Our school community assist greatly with tea and refreshments on First Communion/ Confirmation and 5K events. We also enjoyed our involvement with the Young at Heart group.
We also held a ‘Greet and Meet’ day for the new Junior Infant incoming class. New Enrolment packs were provided to all incoming pupils.
Board of Management News
The BO.M. wishes to acknowledge the commitment of staff, the support of parents and guardians and the enthusiastic co-operation of the pupils who support the work together to promote the ethos of our school. The BOM met five times over the past year and provides an agreed report to the school body via our website.
The BOM has met its obligations in respect of Child Protection and Anti-Bullying Procedures.
The B.O.M. has reviewed Standardised Test Results and Pupil Attendance returns during the course of the year.
The school accounts have been audited in line with DES guidelines.
The BOM liaised with the DES throughout the school year and a contract has been signed with a view to begin work on a two classroom ASD main school building extension in June 2023.
The school will operate the Summer provision Scheme for our ASD Solas classes this summer,
School Self-Evaluation/School Improvement Plan
The school engaged wholeheartedly in departmental led initiatives during the school year, most notably School Self-Evaluation (SSE) and updating Anti-Bullying procedures.
As part of this process of evaluation, we continue to identify many of our school strengths and areas for improvement. With regard to SSE, we are proceeding with our Literacy and Numeracy initiatives. The staff ascertained what we feel is working well and identified our strengths as
- annual testing of our pupils compares favourably with national averages in both English and Mathematics.
- the school has a print rich environment in relation to Literacy and Numeracy.
- pupils and teachers are positive when engaging in their approach and attitudes towards initiatives
- the school engages in a range of In-School activities that support good literacy practice, including DEAR, Reading for other classes, Shared Reading (with parental involvement), Paired reading, INTO Handwriting activities, a co-ordinated approach to handwriting etc.
- With regard to a School Improvement Plan, focusing initially upon Literacy, we identified Oral Language as an area that we would like to target. Teachers provide for discrete oral language times on their timetables and engage in a range of initiatives to promote good Oral Language targets. Following discussions regarding Oral Language at previous staff planning days/ Staff Meetings, we have over the years introduced a range of specific in-school initiatives in this regard, including 8 week Assembly Blocks where pupils from different year strands perform weekly (music, drama, poetry, improvisation, dance etc)/We have introduced class debates/power point presentations etc in Senior Classes.
- Legislative and Regulatory Obligations.
The school is compliant with legislative and regulatory obligations, as identified in ‘School Self-Evaluation- Guidelines for Primary Schools, 2012’. These aare
- Time in school as per Circular 11/95/ Arrangements for parent/ teacher and staff meetings as per Circular 14/04/ Implementation of Croke Park agreement regarding additional time requirement as per circular 08/2011/ Standardisation of school year as per circular/ Valid enrolment of pupils as per/ Section 9(1), 15 (2) and 23 education act 1988/ Sections 20 and 21 Education (Welfare) Act 2000/ Rules 55, 64, 108 and 123 rules for national schools/ Staffing schedule for current school year and Retention of pupils as per most recent circulars, including, but not exclusively, Development of school plan as per Section 21, Education Act 1998/ Appointments to posts of responsibility as per circular / Exemption from Irish circular/ Implementation of child protection procedures /Implementation of complaints procedure as appropriate/ Complaints procedures, Education Act/ Primary Boards of Management Information Manual / Refusal to enrol/ Section 29 Education Act 1998/ Garda Vetting circular requirements
Early Intervention/ Testing of Pupils
Our school undertakes testing of pupils at various stages of their schooling. Infants are generally screened through the BPVT Test and MIST. A new version of the Drumcondra tests was introduced nationally this year and our school has introduced this for pupils from First to Sixth Class. We also conduct testing of pupils in Gaeilge in Second, Fourth and Sixth classes.E
Strategies are in place for pupils who require help at this stage. We also undertake annual testing of pupils of in English, Irish and Mathematics and IQ tests. We compare pupils performance in the standardised English and Mathematics tests with their measured ability and make provisions for those who are under-performing. The results of tests conducted on pupils in second, fourth and sixth classes are submitted annually to the DES. School staff monitor and track individual and class-testing results, and can compare them to national trends.
Resources
We updated and purchased two new interactive smartboards/ Special Education resources etc.
We are preparing to implement the Free School Book Scheme.
Board of Management Agreed Report
May 2023
The Board of Management held a meeting on the 22nd May 2023. Among the items discussed was
- news that contractors have been appointed for a two classroom ASD extension to our school building with work expected to start in late June 2023. Works are expected to last for one calendar year.
- Policy updates were approved in Music, PE, Drama, Numeracy and Literacy.
- The school has completed the purchase of new Interactive Boards for all classes.
- The school will adopt the new School Book scheme which will see pupils receive free textbooks and workbooks etc.
- Anne O’ Donnell, School Secretary since 1999, has indicated that she intends to retire in the summer. The school will organise a retirement tea in the School Hall in June.
- We will host a Meet and Greet Day for pupils and parents of the incoming Junior Infant Class on 8 June 2023.
January 2023
BOM Agreed Report
School Enrolment Applications
The School Enrolment Applications process opened on 9 January 2023 and will remain open until 31 January 2023 at 3pm.
Please note that we are currently accepting Enrolment Applications for both mainstream and ASD classes for the 2023-24 school year. The closing date for applications is Tuesday 31 January 2023 at 3pm.
Please see our Amissions Notice and Information.
School Calendar
has been tweaked. The information has been posted on the website calendar and parents informed via School Newsletter (January 2023).
Please note our amended school calendar to include an extra day off on the May Bank Holiday (Tuesday 2nd May) and the Summer closing date of 23 June 2023. It is anticipated that there will also be a School Planning Day (with the date yet to be confirmed).
Upcoming Events
Please note that we will host Grandparents’ Day on 1 February in the School Hall from 10am until 12 noon. We hope to do some St Brigid Cross Making on the day too. Tea will be served and all are welcome (parents/ guardians too).
The school will enter teams in the annual Credit Union Quiz, scheduled for Monday 30 January at 7pm in the Mount Errigal Hotel (registration by 6.30pm). Other forthcoming events include the Vex School’s Robot tournament in the ATU, Sportshall, Indoor Football, Internet Safety Day, Loreto Feis (Irish poetry and music) and round three of the Concern National Debating competition.
Please note that the Confirmation of Sixth Class pupils is scheduled for Sunday 26 February at 12.30pm. The First Communion is scheduled for Saturday 13 May at 11 o’clock.
Resources
We are in the process of gradually replacing our Interactive whiteboards throughout the school with new updated Smart Screens. With a further two installations in place this week, we are delighted to now have this technology in eight of our ten classrooms. We hope to be in a position to replace the final two screens over the next few months.
Building Extension Update
The tender submissions deadline has now passed and a Tender Report is now being prepared for submission to the DES.
END
Agreed Report of the Board of Management
15 November 2022
The BOM
Agreed the Enrolment process for the coming school year.
Noted that the school had received further allocations in SNA and LS due to an increase in EAL pupils in our school
Parent Teacher meetings will be held on 24 November 2022.
We will revert to hosting Christmas Concerts this year; scheduled for Tuesday, 20th December, TBC
School Staff are reviewing our Numeracy & Literacy strategies this school year.
We hope to be in a position to seek tender applications for the proposed extension within the next week or so.
END
Board of Management Agreed Reports
May 2022 Meeting.
The Board of Management of Kilmacrennan NS held a meeting on 9/5//2022. Among the key issues noted were
The BOM has been informed that sanction has been approved to proceed to tender document preparation for the proposed SEN main building extension.
The recent Kilmac 5k was an enjoyable event. €1855 was raised. The BOM propose to use this to fund IT resources upgrading.
We will welcome a member of An Garda Síochana for an Internet Safety Talk for Senior classes on Thursday 12 May.
The First Holy Communion is scheduled for Saturday 14 May 2022. Refreshments will be served in the School Hall.
The 2022-23 School Calendar was agreed and is available on the school website.
Our Annual Testing of pupils will take place during the weeks beginning May 16th and May 23 2023. End of Year Reports will issue in early June.
We will close for the Summer holidays on Friday 17th June 2022.
February 2022 Meeting
The Board of Management of Kilmacrennan NS held a meeting on 21/02//2022. Among the key issues noted were
Enrolment Applications
Preparations for opening the ASD Modular buildings
Planned Extension issues; Fire Cert; Disability Access Cert applications etc
Job-Share Applications
The School Board of Management Plan completion
Covid protocols
Courses for Parents
Please see the attached that has been shared with us regarding 2 x free Online Talks for parents around the area of cyber safety as part of the Healthy Ireland At Your Library programme of events.
The talks will be presented by experts with Cybersafe Kids-an Irish registered charity which works to empower children, parents and teachers to navigate the online world in a safe and responsible manner
- Developing Healthy Tech Habits at Home – Free Zoom Talk
| When | Tue 27 Sept 8-9pm |
Donegal Libraries and Cybersafe Kids present: Developing Healthy Tech Habits at Home – A Free One Hour Online Safety Session for Parents of Younger Children.
Booking is through Eventbrite – https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/developing-healthy-tech-habits-at-home-for-younger-children-tickets-416551656217
This session is aimed at parents of younger children and focuses on establishing and modelling behaviour at home for children who are yet to begin or are starting out on their online journeys. We cover areas such as when and how to introduce technology, managing screen time, sharenting and digital etiquette at home, and offer practical advice and resources to help participants deepen their own knowledge.
2. Digital Wellbeing & Online Safety for Teens – Free Zoom Talk
| When | Thu 29 Sept 8-9pm |
Donegal Libraries and Cybersafe Kids present: Digital Wellbeing and Online Safety for Teens – A Free One Hour Online Safety Session for Parents of Tweens & Teens.
Booking is through Eventbrite https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/digital-wellbeing-and-online-safety-for-teens-tickets-416579750247
This session aims to raise awareness of what children and young people are doing online, and the associated risks and safeguards. We provide information and guidance on platforms teenagers are using, digital literacy and wellbeing, and the inherent risks of being online: oversharing and privacy, cyberbullying, sexting, grooming and digital footprint.
Kind Regards
