We recently welcomed Michèle Castiaux, Green Schools Travel Officer with An Taisce to our school.

Michèle is supporting us to make our school environment safer for all.

We carried out a Walkability Audit, assessing areas for improvement.

We also conducted a Speed Survey.

We will share the findings with our local community and our local authority officers.

Science Week is one of our favourite events at Cloneyhurke N.S. 

We hold a gold award from the Curious Minds Programme with SFI Science Foundation Ireland.

This year, we enjoyed a workshop at Mucklagh Community Centre funded by Midlands Science, hosted by the W5 Museum, Belfast.

We created circuits at school, and enjoyed making our own playdough. 

We learned about famous scientists, and enjoyed an interactive presentation from the SEAI Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland. 

Our Parents' Council took part in a successful fundraiser for school activities at SuperValu Mountmellick.

Thank you to those who represented our school so well on the day.

They also created a wonderful display board highlighting some of the activities that their fundraising help to provide. 

Thank you to the management and staff of SuperValu Mountmellick for their continuing support of our school. 

We enjoyed 6 weeks of Gymnastics lessons at Mountmellick Gymnastics Club.

Thank you to Mary and staff for providing us with a fun, engaging, and safe environment to learn new skills.

Thank you to parents/guardians, and staff for driving to the Gymnastics Club each week, and to the Parents' Council for their support with bus and lesson costs.

Maths Week is one of our favourite events at Cloneyhurke N.S.

We had a fun-filled week, where the teachers fully embraced the numbers 6 and 7.  😀

We had quizzes, challenges, and a Maths Trail.

The older and younger students worked together in groups and had a great week exploring Maths through play, games, and movement.

We recently welcomed Úna Halpin from Heritage in Schools, to Cloneyhurke N.S. Úna delivered a full day workshop to the whole school focusing on Biodiversity in our school environment. We identified trees, bushes, berries, insects, and birds.

We created layered maps of our school environment, and identified strategies for supporting Biodiversity moving forward.

Ms. Delaney organised this workshop as part of our SESE curriculum work and our Green Schools work.

Thank you to Caroline Clancy, Environmental Awareness Officer at Offaly Co. Co., for providing funding towards our Green Schools initiatives.

Congratulations to our Cumann na mBunscol panel on a sucessful campaign. 

Thank you to Mr. Cassidy for training the team, and organising the matches.

Thank you to our sponsor 'Brian Walsh Car Sales' for providing our jerseys and continuing to support our school. 

We had a visit from the Seatbelt Sherriff from the Road Safety Authority.

He spoke to the students about the importance of appropriate booster seats for height, appropriate seatbelt positioning, and general travel safety.

The students had fun trying out the seatbelts in the staff's cars. Everyone got a certificate, workbook, and hi-vis arm band.

The focus of our School Self-Evaluation (SSE) for 2024-2026 is            'Playful Learning Experiences in Maths'. 

Our School Maths Plan aligns to the new Primary Maths Curriculum (PMC), with staff undertaking continuous professional development training in providing playful learning experiences in Maths. 

We are enjoying active, play-based learning activities in our classrooms.

The students in the Junior Room have been exploring their 5 Senses. We had an exciting activity to explore our sense of smell.

What's that Smell? was an interesting challenge where the students made connections to their own lives. We heard how scent of Lavender reminded one student of their bean bag teddy that helps them sleep. 

Always a favourite in September, Show and Tell day was enjoyed by all. We learned about Pool, Hurling, Magic, Combines, and Barbie to name but a few topics. 

Thank you to the students for preparing their Show and Tell piece. 

Our weekly Cluichí agus Cómhrá meetings take place on Monday mornings. The students from the Junior and the Senior classrooms meet to play Irish games, practice conversational skills, songs, and rhymes, in a warm, playful, relaxed environment.

The students thoroughly enjoy these meetings. There are opportunities for reinforcement of conversational phrases and gaeilge neamhfhoirmiúil. 

We are in our 4th Year of the Gaelbhratach (Irish Flag) programme, and this is one of the initiatives that supports our work on the programme.

We are enjoying our weekly Basketball and Fitness classes with Alyssa.

Alyssa joins us on Monday mornings, and provides a fun and energetic start to our week. We are focusing on balance, co-ordination, active listening, and skill development. 

Student well-being is at the forefront of our approach, and this class sets a positive foundation to build our week on. 

Cloneyhurke N.S. would like to extend a warm welcome to our new students and staff members. We are looking forward to a another school year, full of learning, fun, and exploration.

This year’s school tour was to Dublin Zoo. We travelled by train from Portarlington Station to Heuston Station on Wednesday 4th June. We went on a double decker bus through Phoenix Park en route to The Zoo, then a guided tour as "Dinosaur Detectives", followed by a visit to some of the many animals of interest there. We enjoyed ice-cream bought by the proceeds of our Re-Turn Scheme fundraising.

It was a fantastic, fun day and was enjoyed by students and staff. Thank you to the parents for dropping and collecting from the train station and to our ever-supporting Parents’ Council for covering the cost of our tour.

We were delighted to hold our annual Sports Day on Wednesday, 18th June. It was a wonderful day filled with stations, activities and plenty of fun including a lively adult versus student game of dodgeball! We also had a surprise visit from the ice-cream truck that was very well received.

Thank you to the parents and guardians who came along to cheer on the children and take part. It was a wonderful day enjoyed by all. 

We were delighted to be invited to the Green Schools Awards in Athlone to be presented with our Water Flag. Out of 77 schools receiving their flags this year, we were one of five schools invited to the awards ceremony. Two representatives from our Green School Committee travelled to the ceremony in Athlone with Ms. Delaney.

It was a very proud day for our school. Thank you to the Green School Committee, Olivia, and Ms. Delaney for their work. Well done to the whole school community for taking part in our Water Flag initiatives this year. 

Special thanks to Caroline Clancy, Environmental Awareness Officer with Offaly County Council for supporting us through our assessment visit, and for providing funding towards our environmental awareness projects. 

Congratulations to our two winners of this years 'Write a Book' Competition run by Laois Education Centre.

Two students from the Senior Room travelled to Laois Education Centre with their parents and Ms.Coss to be presented with their certificates and medals. They were highly commended as both students had translated their books into foreign languages. Well done to everyone who took part. 

Ms. Fitzgerald has been working with the whole school for one hour each Wednesday, where we are learning about the European Union.

The Blue Star Programme teaches primary school students about European cultures and the EU through creative activities and projects. We are really enjoying the activities Ms. Fitzgerald has planned for us.

Thank you to Presentation Primary School, Portarlington for inviting us to their production of The Wizard of Oz. 

We thouroughly enjoyed the show, and the use of your play area afterwards. Congratulations to all the students and staff involved in this wonderful production. 

We have been working on our Bí Cineálta (Be Kind) Policy, with input from all stakeholders in our school community.

The teachers and students were tasked with creating a child-friendly version of our new policy. We focused our lessons on circle time, discussing what being kind looks like in our school. We revised our whole school motto 'Kind hands, kind words, kind feet', and assessed how we have been successful in following our motto.

Each student created a 'Bí Cineálta' Poster, which were merged into a whole school collage along with our school crest, and some of our key messages from our classroom lessons included.

As part of our Green Schools work, we took part in An Taisce 'National Spring Clean' Day.

We took part in a Community Litter pick, collecting over 10 bags of litter between our school and St. Brigid's Hall. We did some weeding in our school yard, and worked in our school garden. 

Thank you to the litter warden from Offaly County Council for providing us with the refuse bags and for collecting them to be disposed of. 

Thank you to 'Picker Pals' for our annual delivery of litter pickers and hi-vis vests. 

We enjoyed a whole school walk to Garryhinch Bog, led by a local parent, Pamela Dooley. 

We examined plants that grow on the bog, discussed how turf is cut, and found some bog oak. We brought some turf back to our school, which was a reflection on the history of our school. When our school was first opened in 1908, students would bring a sod of turf to school for the fireplaces in each classroom. 

Fourth Year of ‘Say Yes to Languages’ Programme at Cloneyhurke NS

Say Yes to Languages is currently in its fourth year, funded by The Department of Education and we have taken part each year. Children from 3rd to 6th class are given an opportunity to explore from a range of 16 Modern Foreign Languages or Sign Language. 

To date, children have sampled French, German and Spanish over the last 3 years. In this current school year, children will be given the opportunity to learn Sign Language. 

Throughout the 10 hours of learning, children explore the language, the country, sing songs and learn phrases they would use in everyday life. We have also purchased books for the children in the languages they have studied to date to enable them to develop their studies in the languages of interest to them. 

We are looking forward to exploring Sign Language after learning Silent Night for our Christmas Carol Service. Children enjoyed performing this at Oakdale Nursing Home, Portarlington.

As soon as I read about the Say Yes to Languages initiative, I applied for our school, knowing that children, particularly in 6th class would benefit from getting an opportunity to spend 6 weeks learning a language prior to attending secondary school. This in turn would let them know if they wanted to further their studies in the chosen language. I always believed one day teaching a language would be introduced at primary level and this will be the case in the new school year in 2025. I feel now having taken part for 4 years, children have had the opportunity to make decisions on what languages they might like to study further. The programme has also moved from initially being 6 weeks to 8 weeks & is now running this year for 10 weeks! – Mary Coss, Cloneyhurke NS Deputy Principal and Senior Room Class Teacher

Cloneyhurke National School: A Community of Growth, Inclusion, and Excellence

At Cloneyhurke National School, we pride ourselves on fostering a warm and welcoming environment where every child is encouraged to thrive. As Principal, I see first-hand how our school ethos that is centred around friendship, student voice, well-being, and active participation creates a place where children feel valued and inspired to learn.

Student Council: Giving Pupils a Voice

We believe it’s important for pupils to have a say in school life. Our Student Council is a brilliant example of this, allowing students to take on leadership roles and contribute positively to our school community. Last year, they organised fantastic events like Jersey Day and the 100km Challenge, raising funds for the Irish Red Cross and new playground sports equipment. They also treated the whole school to a Pizza Party to celebrate the end of the term which was very well received!

Well-being and Inclusion: A School for Everyone

The well-being of our pupils is at the heart of what we do. This year, we took part in the #SomeoneLikeMe Project, which promotes disability awareness in schools. One of the highlights was a visit from Ailish Dunne, who shared her inspiring journey of overcoming challenges after losing her sight. Activities like this help our pupils develop empathy and a deeper understanding of inclusion.

Friendship and kindness are also a big part of our school culture. Our annual Friendship Week, is a fantastic way for pupils to bond across different year groups through games, challenges, and creative activities. Each child is assigned a ‘secret friend’ to carry out acts of kindness throughout the week, which helps to build a really supportive atmosphere.

Keeping Active: Sport and Outdoor Learning

We know that physical activity is key to a child’s development, which is why we encourage participation in a variety of sports. Our pupils love representing the school in Cumann na mBunscol, demonstrating teamwork and determination. We’re also extremely grateful to Brian Walsh Car Sales, who kindly sponsor our school kits.

Our Sports Day is a highlight of the school calendar, packed with fun and teamwork. Plus, during Active Schools Week, pupils enjoy extra PE lessons, friendly competitions, and even a teacher challenge! The Student Council plays a huge part in organising games like tag rugby, dodgeball, and Olympic handball during break times, ensuring there’s something for everyone. We are also enjoying our swimming lessons in Portarlington Leisure Centre. 

STEM and Creativity: Learning Through Experience

We embrace hands-on learning through STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Maths). During Maths Week, pupils take part in outdoor maths trails, interactive games, and even coding challenges using Beebots and Scratch. Our older pupils competed in the All Ireland TT Rockstars Challenge, honing their maths skills in a fun and engaging way.

A Place to Belong

At Cloneyhurke National School, we’re more than just a school. We’re a community. Every pupil is encouraged to find their passion, develop confidence, and build lifelong friendships. Whether it’s through sport, student leadership, environmental initiatives, or creative projects, we strive to provide an environment where children feel supported, challenged, and inspired to achieve their best. Cloneyhurke National School is a place where every child belongs, and where memories are made that will last a lifetime. – Ciarán Cunniffe, Principal

“Since joining Cloneyhurke NS, S has been so much happier. They treat him as an individual and give him the 1-1 support he needs when required. He has recently been diagnosed with DCD (dyspraxia) and they have been so helpful, filling in forms and following recommendations. I can see S has grown so much both academically and socially since joining Cloneyhurke NS” – Parent testimonial

From Murals to Music: Creativity Thrives at Cloneyhurke National School

At Cloneyhurke National School, creativity is more than just an activity—it is at the very core of our learning experience. Through initiatives such as the Creative Schools Programme and the Teacher Artist Partnership (TAP), students have been immersed in a range of artistic endeavours that not only foster their skills but also boost their confidence and enjoyment of learning. Here’s a closer look at how creativity flourishes in our school.

Creative Schools Programme 

The Creative Schools initiative, part of the Creative Ireland Programme, aims to nurture creativity among young learners. This national programme has enabled our students to participate in various artistic projects, enhancing their self-expression, motivation, and academic achievement.

Students have taken part in a wide array of activities, including:

• Animation workshops

• Music Generation (where students learned to play the ukulele)

• A seven-week drama and music workshop

• Investment in LEGO through the Jack and Jill Foundation, allowing for weekly creative sessions

• An outdoor art installation to further enrich our school’s vibrant atmosphere

BLAST Residency Programme 

As part of the BLAST Residency Programme, Cloneyhurke National School was thrilled to welcome local artist Mary Slevin. Under her guidance, students worked collaboratively on a whole-school mural, adding a striking and colourful artistic feature to our learning environment. This project has provided students with a hands-on opportunity to create a lasting legacy within our school.

Teacher Artist Partnership (TAP) 

The TAP programme has further enriched our students’ artistic journey, thanks to our collaboration with artist Kate Heffernan. This initiative has focused on photography as a creative medium. These experiences have given our students a fresh way to express themselves artistically, encouraging them to see the world through a different lens—both literally and figuratively.

Our Commitment to Creativity 

At Cloneyhurke National School, we remain dedicated to fostering creativity across all aspects of learning. Whether through music, drama, photography, or visual arts, our students continue to thrive in an environment that celebrates self-expression and imagination. We eagerly anticipate more creative adventures in the years ahead! 

– Ciarán Cunniffe, Principal

“For such a small school, the children have had ample opportunities to try new things, take trips, and meet some wonderful people along the way. On a day-to-day basis, they are exposed to art, music, language, and even some gardening. No two days are the same, and they love it. Our kids have excelled in all areas of the curriculum, and are constantly challenged to do more. We couldn’t be happier we chose this school.” – Parent testimonial  

Say Yes to Languages is currently in its fourth year, funded by The Department of Education and we have taken part each year. 

Children from 3rd to 6th class are given an opportunity to explore from a range of 16 Modern Foreign Languages or Sign Language. To date, children have sampled French, German and Spanish over the last 3 years. In this current school year, children will be given the opportunity to learn Sign Language. 

Throughout the 10 hours of learning, children explore the language, the country, sing songs and learn phrases they would use in everyday life. We have also purchased books for the children in the languages they have studied to date to enable them to develop their studies in the languages of interest to them. 

We are looking forward to exploring Sign Language after learning Silent Night for our Christmas Carol Service. Children enjoyed performing this at Oakdale Nursing Home, Portarlington.

Thank you to our local councillor Eddie Fitzpatrick for calling in to visit.

Eddie is a past pupil of Cloneyhurke NS and the children enjoyed listening to stories about his time in school here. 

Eddie also answered questions about the upcoming elections and the issues facing schools. 

We would like to thank Eddie for helping us to get our road safety signage updated. We wish him the best of luck in the upcoming elections. 

The Senior room students thoroughly enjoyed a trip to Mountmellick Community School to experience exciting experiments hosted by Transition Year students.

Following this, children attended the Ógra Live Well Expo, where they enjoyed workshops to support Health and Wellbeing in school. 

Congratulations to the Senior Room and Ms. Coss on a successful Cumann na mBunscol campaign. 

Thank you to those who brought the children to and from the away games, and to all those who came to support the team at our home games. 

Thank you to our generous neighbours and sponsors at 'Brian Walsh Car Sales' Cloneyhurke for our jerseys.

Well done to our Student Council for organising a lovely end of year treat for the whole school. We enjoyed a Pizza party, movie, and popcorn on the last Friday of the term. Thank you to Bradbury's, our hot meals provider, for generously supplying the pizzas. 

This year’s school tour was to Lilliput Adventure Centre at Lough Ennell, Mullingar. We had a great day doing fun activities like climbing walls, forest adventures and of course the mucky bog run! Thank you to our Parents’ Council for funding a great day of memories for the students. It is greatly appreciated. 

On Monday 22nd April, we celebrated Earth Day.

As part of our Green Schools work and our Picker Pals Programme, we took part in a whole school litter pick. We collected 2 large bags of litter around our school. 

We read a nice story about taking care of the Earth. Thank you to Ms. Delaney for leading the Green Schools Committee. 

We hope to get out for another litter pick around our local area in the coming weeks.

We are continuing our Gaelbhratach work this year, and are enjoying practicing our conversational Gaeilge during our weekly 'Cómhrá agus Cluichí' sessions. 

During our Monday sessions the students from both classrooms meet in mixed groups and get to play games, chat, and have fun as Gaeilge. 

We are very lucky to have been selected to take part in the 'Sports Hall Athletics Programme' hosted by Laois Sports Partnership. This is a great way to get exercise, have fun, and learn new skills.

 Thank you to our Parents' Council for supporting this programme.

We would like to thank the Committee of St. Brigid's Community Centre for the use of their fantastic facilities.