A Word of Welcome

Another school year is in full swing and we look forward to a new year filled with learning and exciting projects. I wish to thank the staff, parents and entire school community for the wonderful support extended to me since my appointment as Principal. I am very proud to have been a part of the Kilberry School Community over the last fourteen years, and consider it an honour and a privilege to have the opportunity to lead Kilberry N.S. into the future. I, along with all the staff, are fully committed to ensuring that the wonderful traditions and spirit of the school are upheld, whilst having the best interests of the pupils and the school at the heart of all decisions taken.

We give a particular mention to our nine new junior infants:  Patrick, Kieran, TJ, Braxton, Kameel, Kate, Tori, Alishka and Faye and to our new pupils, Bailey, Cian & Maison. We hope that they will enjoy their time with us and we look forward to seeing them grow and develop over the next few years.

We also extend a very warm welcome to our two new staff members, Ms. Lacey and Ms. Shanahan and congratulate Ms. Carter on the birth of her baby girl.

Catholic Ethos

We celebrated a lovely school mass with Fr. Hannon on 4^th October. Pupils have enrolled for First Holy Communion and the enrolment ceremony for Confirmation is on Dec. 4^th. We, as a community will continue to support the children in the development of their faith.

Child Safeguarding

We are committed to ensuring the safety and welfare of all children in our care. Our Child Safeguarding Statement is on display in the front entrance hall. The designated Liaison Person is Ms. Browne and the Deputy Designated Liaison Person is Mrs. Prendergast.

We operate a policy of kindness and respect for others which is incorporated into our S.P.H.E. lessons. Our school motto is ‘Kind Hands, Kind Feet, Kind Words’ and all children are reminded of these simple words to help promote positive behaviour in the classroom and on the playground.

Board of Management 

We thank the outgoing members of the Board of Management for their dedication and commitment to our school over the past four years. The new Board of Management’s term will commence on 1^st December. The election process for Parents’ reps is underway.

Parents Council

The AGM of the Parent’s Council took place on 15^th October. We thank the outgoing committee for the many successful fundraising events they ran last year and welcome Karen Grainger as Chairperson, Ruth Bowler as Secretary and thank Gráinne Johnson for continuing in her role as Treasurer. Huge thanks also to Caroline Byrne and Celine Kelly who will take on the roles of vice Chairperson and Secretary respectively.

Monster Bingo

The Parent’s Council are running a Monster Bingo in aid of Kilberry N.S. on Sunday 17^th November. All money raised will directly benefit the pupils in the school. This year we are hoping to purchase some new ICT software, apps and Science equipment. Please support in any way you can.

ICT

Three classrooms have been fitted out with Smart Boards and we have recently purchased a new suite of 15 i-pads for the school. We are delighted to incorporate the use of technology into the classrooms and these will greatly enhance the learning of our pupils.

Mobile Phones

As per our school’s Mobile Phone Policy, any child who urgently needs to take a phone to school is required to have the phone switched off and handed up to the class teacher at the beginning of the school day. In the interests of Child Protection, Children are not permitted to use a mobile phone on school grounds or during any school related activity.

 Book Bills

Many thanks to all those who paid their book bills so promptly, your co-operation is greatly appreciated.

All remaining book bills must be cleared as soon as possible, the school is not in a financial position to carry this debt.

Health &Safety

Thanks again to all those who always drive carefully in and around our school in order to ensure the safety of our pupils. Please use the car park in the mornings and at collection times.

While the school grounds will be open to the pupils, the school cannot accept responsibility for children arriving before the official opening of the school or remaining in the school grounds after school.

School will open to pupils at: 8.50am

Classes will commence at: 9.00am

Please request a medical form (via homework journal/folder) if there is any change in your child’s health condition or any other circumstances that teachers need to be made aware of.

School Uniform

We must commend the children on wearing their beautiful uniform, of which we are very proud.  A number of parents have expressed confusion over the school tracksuit and I thank those who have brought this to our attention. We are aware that some parents have purchased generic navy tracksuit bottoms as a result. The school uniform policy remains unchanged. This includes the wearing of the crested school tracksuit top and bottoms. However, we do not wish to place unnecessary financial burdens on any parent and so wish to thank those for their assurances to purchase the correct uniform going forward. Tracksuits should only be worn on PE days (1^st-6^th)

Goal Jersey Day

We raised a fantastic 150 euro for Goal. Well done to everybody!

Active Schools

The u11’s Football team completed their season with a superb victory over Allenwood and narrow defeats to Two Mile House and Dunlavin. They did Kilberry, their many supporters and teachers proud. They had an ice-cream party as a special treat for all their hard work.

Swimming for 3^rd-6^th has been ongoing for the last 5 weeks. The children have made fantastic progress and will receive their PAWS Certificates in June.

Volleyball will commence for all classes after Mid-term.

Social Media

We are experiencing difficulty with our Scoil Kilberry Facebook account. We have had to set up another school account and will now operate as Scoil Cill Bhearraigh. Please friend request us!

Upcoming Events:

Hallowe’en Dress Up-Friday 25^th November

Mid-term Break-School closes Friday 25^th October and re-opens Monday 4^th November

Parent Teacher Meetings-13^th and 14^th November (Times issued after Mid-term)

Parent’s Council Event-Monster Bingo in aid of Kilberry N.S.-Sunday 17^th November 3pm in Athy GAA.