News

First Communion Class
First Communion Class: Saturday 12th May - Tubberclare Church
Hurlers reach County Final

Congratulations to the school hurling team on reaching the Schools' County Final.  They have won six games since February to reach the final.  The final takes place next Tuesday, 22nd May at 3.30 p.m. in Cusack Park Mullingar.  The boys will be playing Rathwire National School.  Well done to the boys on their achievements so far and thank you to Ms. Dervin who has coached and looked after the team this year.
 

€300 for Share A Dream

The school presented €300 to the Share A Dream Foundation on Friday.  Two past pupils, Aoife Conlon and Laura Pettit are doing a tandem parachute jump in Kilkenny on 19th May.  The school will be holding its annual Fun Day on 15th June and decided to donate some of the proceeds to this very worthy cause.  Ms. Dervin, co-ordinator of Fun Day, is pictured presenting the cheque to the girls.
The Share a Dream Foundation goes to great lengths to make a dream come true for children who are
suffering from life threatening illness, chronic disease and disability.  Share a Dream can only make dreams come true with the wonderful support of so many people assisting in raising much needed funds.  For further information please visit www.shareadream.ie
We wish Aoife and Laura the best of luck and look forward to hearing about their experience next month.

 

Army Band performs for Children

Earlier today, Thursday 26th April, the Army Band conducted by Captain Fergal Carroll performed for the children in Tubberclare Church.  They played a wide range of well-known pieces and in between tunes, Captain Carroll explained to the children about the different instruments.  At the end of the performance Leah Hanley in Ms. Brook's class conducted the Band.  Everybody thoroughly enjoyed the performance and we are grateful to the Band for visiting.

April Newsletter
Read More
€3400 for Trócaire
Once again this year, the staff and children have responded magnificently to the annual school Trócaire appeal.  Over the past number of weeks, a range of activities have been organised with all proceeds going to Trócaire - Easter Egg raffles, Bun Sale, Sponsored Silence, Mad Hair Day.  The school total for this year amounts to €3400 which is fantastic.  Well done to all concerned.
Hockey Blitz

Second Class (Ms. Dillon & Ms. Kelly) took part in a fun Hockey Blitz in the Athlone Regional Sports Centre on Wednesday.  The blitz was organised by Ms. Olive Kennedy and was a follow-up to the hockey coaching programme earlier in the year.  The weather was fantastic and the children had a great time.  They were joined by children from Coosan and Mount Temple schools.

Bun Sale

4th (Ms. Mc Glynn) & 5th (Ms. Mc Ardle) classes held a bun sale on Tuesday with proceeds going to Trócaire.  They raised €330.  Considering all buns were 20 cent each, it means that nearly 1700 buns were sold!!  Well done.

Mad Hair Day

Sixth Class children had a "Mad Hair Day" last Friday with all proceeds going to Trócaire

Daffodil Day

Ms. Mc Ardle's 5th class mark Daffodil Day last Friday, 23rd March

March Newsletter
Read More
Greetings from India
Emma Mc Dermott (3rd class) visited the Taj Mahal recently.  The Taj Mahal is a white Marble mausoleum located in Agra, India.   It  is regarded as one of the eight wonders of the world, and some Western historians have noted that its architectural beauty has never been surpassed.  Emma and her family are currently in India for the year and she sent, along with the photo, St. Patrick's Day greetings to her classmates in Ms. Wilson's.
Confirmation 2012
The sacrament of Confirmation was celebrated yesterday, Thursday 15th, at 3 p.m. in Tubberclare Church.  44 children in Ms. Dervin's and Ms. Rattigan's 6th classes were confirmed by the Bishop of Meath, Dr. Michael Smith.  The school choir, composed of approximately 80 children from 3rd, 4th & 5th classes, under the guidance of Ms. Lenehan, Ms. Dillon and Ms. Mc Glynn, sang beautifully.  The Parents' Association provided refreshments in the Parish Hall afterwards.  It was a lovely day for all involved and thanks is due to Ms. Dervin, Ms. Rattigan, Ms. Sammon, Ms. Lenehan, Ms. Dillon, Ms. Mc Glynn and Fr. Mulvany for their input in ensuring that it was a memorable day for the children confirmed.  The next sacrament to be celebrated will be First Holy Communion, on Saturday 12th May at 11 a.m. in Tubberclare Church.
From Tubberclare to The Vatican

The International Eucharistic Congress Bell visited the parish of Tubberclare last Thursday.  The children walked behind the Bell (a number of children took turns carrying it and the 4 icons) from the school to the Church where a short prayer service took place.  A number of the children also rang the Bell.  Only 6 days later the same Bell was rung by Pope Benedict XVI in The Vatican in Rome.  This reminds us even more of the honour it was to have had the Bell in our midst.  The photographs below show the Bell in Tubberclare and 6 days later in The Vatican.


Super Speller!

Children in 5th and 6th classes took part recently in the Eason Spelling Bee 2012 initiative in partnership with RTÉ 2fm’s Tubridy show.  Danielle Madden (Ms. Rattigan's 6th) represented the school at the local stage of the competition which took place last Monday in the Athlone I.T.  Danielle did very well and finished second, a great achievement.  Well done Danielle and well done also to all the children in Ms. Mc Ardle's, Ms. Dervin's and Ms. Rattigan's classes who took part.  Thanks also to Ms. Mc Ardle for organising the initiative in the school.
Danielle is pictured with her certificate and t-shirt.

Trip to National Concert Hall
Children in 4th, 5th and 6th classes will visit the National Concert Hall in Dublin tomorrow, Tuesday, for a "Music in the Classroom" concert.  For most of the 106 children who will travel, it will be their first time in the Concert Hall so it promises to be an enjoyable and exciting day.  For more information about the Concert Hall, visit www.nch.ie
Wins for Hurlers & Girls' Football Team

The school hurling team and girls' football team got off to winning starts earlier today.  The hurlers had a home game against Ballymore.  The first half was very evenly contested with the lads ahead by 3 points.  With the aid of the wind in the second half and some excellent play particularly from Seán Dowd, Tubberclare ran out winners by 4 - 6 to 1 - 3.  Well done to the boys and Ms. Dervin.
The girls travelled to Coosan to take part in a mini-blitz.  They recorded wins over Coosan and Cornamaddy.  They have one game to play against Scoil na gCeithre Máistrí.  Well done to the girls and their coach Ms. Mc Ardle.

World Book Day
The 15th World Book Day in Ireland was celebrated today Thursday 1st March. Over the last 14 years World Book Day has become firmly established as Ireland’s biggest annual event promoting the enjoyment of books and reading. The main aim is to encourage children to explore the pleasure of books and reading by providing them with an opportunity to have a book of their own.  Pictured across are Ms. Mc Ardle's 5th class children reading to Ms. O'Connor's Junior Infants.
Sr. Briege & Fr. Kevin visit school
The Parish Mission concluded today after 4 days.  The Mission facilitators, Sr. Briege Mc Kenna and Fr. Kevin Scallon along with Fr. Mulvany, visited the school.  They spoke to children  from 3rd to 6th class.  Sr. Briege and Fr. Kevin are known all over the world and it was a great honour to have them call today.  The Mission itself was a great success.
Mrs. Sammon Retires

Ms. Bernadette Sammon retired yesterday, 29th February.  Mrs. Sammon started work in Tubberclare in July 1973.  She was appointed Deputy Principal in 1975.  She has made a wonderful contribution to the school over the past 39 years and she will be missed very much.  Click on 'Gallery' for group photo.
We welcome Ms. Aoife Rattigan who joined the staff today.

A Ballad for Mrs. Sammon
Read More
Presentation to Mrs. Farrell
Last Tuesday evening a presentation was made to Mrs. Farrell by the Irish National Teachers' Organisation (INTO) to mark her retirement.  Mrs. Farrell retired last June after 36 years in Tubberclare.  Mrs. Farrell is pictured with the President of the I.N.T.O., Ms. Eileen Flynn.
February Newsletter
Read More
Congratulations

Congratulations to Garrycastle G.A.A. Senior Footballers on qualifying for the All-Ireland Club Final.  They defeated St. Brigid's from Roscommon in Longford on Saturday afternoon.  They will now play Crossmaglen Rangers from Armagh on St. Patrick's Day in Croke Park.  Well done especially to past-pupils David and John O'Shaughnessey and Paul Dillon.

Dale Treadwell visits school
Dale Treadwell is an ecologist from Australia with a background in rainforest rehabilitation.  He has a unique talent for educating children about ecology and their environment. Living in Ireland for the past thirteen years, he has developed his unique teaching approach around the animals and trees of Ireland and from around the world.  He travels to schools and participates in after school and weekend activities around the country to lend a hand in informing students and teachers and the general public in a method which is both educational and entertaining.  Dale has appeared on many Children's television shows including RTE 2 Dustin’s Daily News, The BUZZ and The Club.  Dale visited the school on Friday and spent the day visiting all the classrooms.  It was a very interesting, informative and enjoyable day.

 
 
Confirmation Retreat in Knock

6th class children who are making their Confirmation next month visited Knock Shrine, Co. Mayo, on Monday for a Retreat.  Despite the early start (8 a.m.) they had a very enjoyable day.  Ms. Sammon, Ms. Dervin and Ms. Fox accompanied the children on the trip.  The children will be confirmed by Bishop Michael Smith on Thursday 15th March at 3 p.m. in Tubberclare Church.

Credit Union Schools' Quiz Success
Well done to our 3 teams that took part in the Credit Union Schools' Quiz in Athlone I.T. last Sunday.  39 teams took part and  Our Under 11 and Under 13 (2) teams won their respective sections.  They will now take part in the regional stage in early March.  Well done to all the children and thanks to Ms. Dervin and Ms. Mc Ardle for preparing the teams.
Under 11 team: Cian Nolan, Keelin Irwin, Ciara Quigley, Tori Farrell.
Under 13 team (1): Ciara Casey, Jess Groarke-Donagh, Danielle Madden, Ross Gibbons.
Under 13 team (2): Emma Clarke, Stephen Mc Gonagle, Emmet Connolly, Ellen Kelly.
Read More
January Newsletter
Read More
€540 for St. Vincent de Paul
The school Carol Service took place last Friday in Tubberclare Church.  There was a great turnout of parents.  Children in 5th class (Ms. Mc Ardle's) got proceedings underway with Silent Night and Jingle Bells in French.  They then used a set of bells to perform Joy to the World.  This was followed by the story of the nativity, narrated by 6th class children (Ms. Sammon & Ms. Dervin) with all classes joining in the singing.  The carol service finished with a recital by the school band under the guidance of Ms. Lenehan.  Apart from being a very enjoyable afternoon, €540 was collected for the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.  On Tuesday, Ms. Kathleen Lee and Mr. Paul Rohan accepted the cheque from school principal, Mr. Keating.  They thanked the children for their efforts and said that the money raised would go to great use.
School Carol Service
The school carol service will be held on Friday 16th December at 12.30 p.m. in Tubberclare Church.  There is no admission charge to the service although a collection will be taken up and the proceeds donated to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.  The Parents’ Association is providing refreshments afterwards in the school’s computer room so please call in.
December Newsletter
Read More
Thomas meets Ryan Tubridy
Thomas Farrell (Ms. Gaynor's Senior Infants) met Ryan Tubridy, presenter of the Late Late Show on RTE 1 every Friday night.  Ryan was getting ready for this week's Toy Show and Thomas gave him plenty of food for thought regarding the toys that boys like!!  Ryan Tubridy is one of Ireland's best known television and radio presenter and meeting him was a great moment for Thomas.
Season of Advent
Yesterday was the first Sunday of Advent (Awaiting the Coming of Jesus).  It marks the beginning of a new Liturgical Year and we begin 4 weeks of preparation for the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ.  Advent presents us with an opportunity to be spiritually prepared for the coming of the Christ child.  A new year means new beginnings and a chance to start over.  The first candle on the Advent Wreath was lit.  First (Purple) Candle of Hope: We have hope because God is faithful and will keep the promises made to us.  Our hope comes from God.  There are 3 purple candles (purple is the colour of penance) and one pink candle (pink is the colour of joy).  The white candle is lit on Christmas Day.  The wreath is made from evergreen leaves (never die, like God's love for us) and is in the shape of a circle (no start or end to a circle, again reflecting God's infinite love for us).
School Crib
The School Crib, assembled by Ms. Eithne Gallagher, is located inside the front door (beside Aedine's office).
New Board of Management

The members of the new Board of Management are as follows:
Fr. Seamus Mulvany P.P. and Mr. Philip Fagan (Bishop Smith's Nominees)
Mr. Oliver Keating (Principal) and Ms. Sinéad Lenehan (Staff Representative)
Ms. Brigid Delamere and Mr. Gerard Clarke (Parent Representatives)
Ms. Noirín O'Rourke and Ms. Kathleen Farrell (Community Representatives)

Irish Guide Dogs

Stephen Kelly from the Irish Guide Dogs visited the school today (Friday) to talk to the classes about Guide Dogs.  He had Quimpey, an 11 month old black labrador, who is in training with him.  Stephen's talk was very interesting.  He outlined the great help guide dogs are to the visually impaired.  The children were shocked to hear that it costs €38000 to train each dog with most of the money coming from donations and fundraising.  The school intends to donate some of next year's Fun Day to this very worthy cause.  More information about Irish Guide Dogs is available at www.guidedogs.ie

November Newsletter
Read More
Christmas Shoebox Appeal
Well done and thank you for the very generous response to the Christmas Shoe Box appeal.  Nearly 60 boxes filled with toys will be forwarded shortly to less fortunate children in Eastern Europe in time for Christmas.  A particular word of thanks to the co-ordinator Ms. Finn and her assistants Adam Connell, Conor Spollen, Kerryn O'Sullivan, Aaron Murphy, Amy Hackett and Patrick Quigley.
Ghosts!!

Pictured below are Ms. O'Connor's Junior Infants with their Halloween Ghosts

Halloween Characters!

6th class children (Ms. Dervin's) have been learning to knit since September.  The colourful pumpkins and other Halloween characters pictured below are the end product of their efforts.  Well done - they look great!

Look after your Teeth!

Children in Ms. Dermody's class (Senior Infants & First) had a visit earlier this week from local dentist, Ms. Rodrigues (Tara's mother).  Ms. Rodrigues gave the children very good advice on how to look after their teeth.

All-Ireland Winners visit School
There was great excitement earlier today (Tuesday) when 2 members of the Westmeath Ladies Football team that recently won the All-Ireland Intermediate Championship visited the school with the Mary Quinn Cup.  Sinéad Walker and Laura Walsh are past pupils of the school.  Laura captained the school team to a county championship in 1997 while Sinéad was on the 3 in a row winning team (2000, 2001 & 2002).  They received a great welcome from the children and the Principal, Mr. Keating, made a presentation to the girls in honour of their great achievement.
Christmas Shoebox Appeal
Read More
Jon meets President Clinton
Jon Ganly (Senior Infants) met former U.S. President, Bill Clinton, on a trip to Dublin last weekend.  President Clinton is still one of the most famous people in the world and it was a great moment for Jon.
October Newsletter
Read More
Hockey Coaching

Hockey coaching for second class facilitated by Ms. Olive Kennedy has resumed in recent weeks.  It is hoped, as in previous years, to hold a blitz before the Halloween break in the Athlone Regional Sports Centre.
 

Jersey Day raises €425

 

Jersey Day last Friday 23rd September raised €425 for GOAL and Westmeath Ladies GAA Football team.  Two past-pupils, Sinéad Walker and Laura Walsh are members of the Westmeath team which drew the All-Ireland Intermediate Final in Croke Park versus Cavan last Sunday.
Clonmacnoise
As part of the 6th class History programme, children in 6th class will make their annual visit to the monastic site in Clonmacnoise on Wednesday 21st September.
Produce from the Garden
Adam Connell, Jack Connaughton and Katie Ganley from Ms. Dervin's class with potatoes and onions from the school vegetable plot.
September Newsletter
Read More
New Infants

A special welcome to our new Junior Infants (Ms. O'Connor's and Ms. Gaynor's) who started school today.
 

Congratulations!

 

Congratulations to Ms. Michelle Buckley on her marriage to Mr. Darren Mc Ardle.  The ceremony took place on Friday 5th August in St. Patrick's Church, Moate.  The reception was held in Glasson Country House Hotel.
€1500 for Ronald Mc Donald House Charity of Ireland
The proceeds (€1500) from the recent Fun Day were presented to the Ronald Mc Donald House Charity of Ireland on Wednesday.  For more information on this very worthy cause visit www.rmhc.ie/.  Niamh Irwin is pictured presenting the cheque to Mairéad from the House Charity.  Also in the photo are Niamh's parents Lorraine and Frank.
French Mayor visits School

Last Thursday, Monsieur Jackie Soulisse, Mayor of French town Parce-Meslay, and his wife visited the school.  Parce-Meslay is a small town located close to Tours in the centre of France.  As part of their French programme co-ordinated by Ms. Mary Durnin, children in 5th and 6th classes established a link with the children in the primary school in Parce-Meslay.  It was through this link that the Mayor's visit was made possible. There was great excitement in the school when news of Monsieur Soulisse's impending visit was announced.  French bunting and flags adorned the corridors while children also made colourful posters with French greetings.
After planting a tree to mark his visit, Monsieur Soulisse and his wife visited each classroom where they received a warm welcome.  Classes sang, played the tin whistle and recited poetry for the guests.  In the afternoon, Monsieur Soulisse raised the school's 4th Green Flag which the school was recently awarded.  The day's proceedings ended with the playing of the French and Irish National Anthems.

 

National Prizes for Áine & Lisa

Well done to Áine Gallagher and Lisa Harrington on their recent successes at National Level.  Áine won a silver medal in the Community Games National Finals (Under 10 Model Making) which took place in the Athlone I.T. at the weekend.  Lisa also won a silver medal in the All-Ireland Gymnastics Finals (Under 13 Vault).  Well done to both girls on their great achievements.

4th Green Flag for School
The school has been awarded its 4th Green Flag.  The theme of this flag was Travel.  A representative from An Taisce visited the school before Easter to assess the school's application.  Particular thanks is due to the Green Schools Committee under the guidance of Ms. Dervin - Alan Parker & Lisa Harrington (6th Class), Ross Gibbons, Ellen Kelly, Patrick Quigley & Rachel Murphy (5th Class).  The presentation will take place on Wednesday 18th May in Athlone.

Laoise & Jess receive their bicycles

Laoise Mc Daid and Jess Groarke-Donagh received their bicycles at a Green Schools presentation in Dublin yesterday.  They are pictured below holding their winning slogans with Junior Minister, Alan Kelly.
 

Credit Union Quiz: All-Ireland Final
Best of luck to our Under 11 team in the All-Ireland Final of the Schools' Credit Union Quiz.  The final will take  place in the RDS, Dublin this Sunday, 3rd April.  It is the first time that the school has reached this stage.  The members of the team are Emmet Connolly, Ciara Casey, Simon Fagan and Rachel Murphy.  They have been preparing since early January under the guidance of Ms. Dervin and Ms. Buckley.  The school is very proud of their achievement and wish them well on Sunday.
Going, Going, Gone!!

The old pre-fabs, erected in 1985, were demolished earlier today, Tuesday 22nd.  It took less than an hour for the units to be levelled.  2 new pre-fabs will be installed during the Easter break.

A Famous Cousin!
David O'Shea (Junior Infants) is pictured with his cousin, Munster & Ireland rugby star, Paul O'Connell, after Munster's match against London Irish last Saturday in Thomond Park, Limerick.  David was delighted with Munster's 28 - 14 win.
Swine Flu Prevention
Read More
Ms. Buckley's Crib
Ms. Buckley brought in her own Crib to school today.  All the characters were knitted by her mother Rose, and the Crib was assembled by her father, Anthony.  Considerable time and effort has gone into the Crib - it is located on the corridor in the old wing of the school.
School Christmas Tree

Thank you to Paul Kearney & Joe Lennon who once again have arranged our school Christmas tree.

 

There once was a shining Christmas tree
Standing out where all could see.
Its brilliance captured every eye
And seemed to cheer each passer-by.

Motorists' Prayer
Grant me O Lord a steady hand and watchful eye.
That no one shall be hurt as I pass by.
Thou gavest life, I pray no act of mine
May take away or mar that gift of Thine.
Shelter those, dear Lord, who bear me company,
From the evils of fire and all calamity.
Teach me to use my car for others need;
Nor miss through love of undue speed
The beauty of the world; that thus I may.
St. Christopher, holy patron of travellers,
Protect me and lead me safely to my destiny.
A thought for the week.....

"If the only prayer you said in your whole life was thank you, that would suffice."
- Meister Echhart (Theologian & Philosopher)

New Junior Infants

A special welcome to the 37 Junior Infants who started school today, Wednesday 1st September. 

 

 

                                Junior Infant Boys
                              Junior Infant Girls
Congratulations

 


Congratulations to Ms. Hanley on her marriage to Mr. Karl Dermody.  The ceremony took place on Friday 6th August in St. Mary's Church, Newtowncashel, Co. Longford.

 

 
   

 

Schools Websites