June Assembly
We met together in the hall for the final time of the 2024/25 school year on the last day, and it did not disappoint.
We got to see the last batch of Core Value certificates being handed out to a spectacular bunch of students. Not only did we see a new group of AR Superstars, but Ms Carey's class won the reading trophy for the month of June, a few word millionaires were announced and some students received Honours certificates for their AR reading.
We acknowledged the girls camogie team for all the hard work they put in to reach the final the other week. Another set of sports superstars we are all so proud of. We also paid tribute to the two winners of our recent Bí Cineálta poster competition in preparation for our flag raising.
It was also a sad day as the school bid farewell to Ms. Fiona Finn, who has worked in our school for a good number of years now. We'll truly miss her kindness, hard work, sense of fun and her infectious smile. Wishing her the very best in what lies ahead as she moves back home to the west of Ireland!
We got to see the last batch of Core Value certificates being handed out to a spectacular bunch of students. Not only did we see a new group of AR Superstars, but Ms Carey's class won the reading trophy for the month of June, a few word millionaires were announced and some students received Honours certificates for their AR reading.
We acknowledged the girls camogie team for all the hard work they put in to reach the final the other week. Another set of sports superstars we are all so proud of. We also paid tribute to the two winners of our recent Bí Cineálta poster competition in preparation for our flag raising.
It was also a sad day as the school bid farewell to Ms. Fiona Finn, who has worked in our school for a good number of years now. We'll truly miss her kindness, hard work, sense of fun and her infectious smile. Wishing her the very best in what lies ahead as she moves back home to the west of Ireland!
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Camogie Final
Wishing the girls the very best of luck this weekend at the Cumann na mBunscol final!
Special thank you to Mickey Burke for taking the camogie girls for their last session ahead of their final on Saturday in Trim G.A.A. at 10am. He kindly donated these sliotars too.
Special thank you to Mickey Burke for taking the camogie girls for their last session ahead of their final on Saturday in Trim G.A.A. at 10am. He kindly donated these sliotars too.
Visit by the Minister for Education
We were so lucky to be joined by the Minister for Education herself, Helen McEntee, last week to help us raise our new Cineáltas flag that we have achieved in our school this year.
Ms. McEntee took the time to talk to the children about their school and education. Some students got to ask her some questions about her life, the work she does and of other school related things.
She was greeted by the oldest and youngest student on her way in, as well as Fr. Tom and other staff. We headed outside after our assembly and counted down the raising of the flag. It was a lovely day for us all.
Ms. McEntee took the time to talk to the children about their school and education. Some students got to ask her some questions about her life, the work she does and of other school related things.
She was greeted by the oldest and youngest student on her way in, as well as Fr. Tom and other staff. We headed outside after our assembly and counted down the raising of the flag. It was a lovely day for us all.
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May Assembly
It was a very busy week leading into our May assembly. Not only were classes finishing off their standardised tests, but it was also Well-being Week and Staff Appreciation Week too. A big thank you to all the staff who helped make both events very successful. The thought that went in was extremely appreciated.
At the assembly itself, we were gifted in getting to see all the latest Core Values certificate winners. A new batch of AR superstars was unveiled as well as two honours reading certificates. The AR trophy was won over by Ms. Bagnall's class with an average reading of 41 minutes per day. Amazing! Ms. Henry awarded two students certificates for efforts in speaking Irish around the school.
The school got to watch a fabulous performance by Ms. Finn's class. They sang a song all about the Core Values of the school. To finish off Well-being Week, Mr. Tormey and his class did a Friday Fitness workout based around the quirkiest of stories.
At the assembly itself, we were gifted in getting to see all the latest Core Values certificate winners. A new batch of AR superstars was unveiled as well as two honours reading certificates. The AR trophy was won over by Ms. Bagnall's class with an average reading of 41 minutes per day. Amazing! Ms. Henry awarded two students certificates for efforts in speaking Irish around the school.
The school got to watch a fabulous performance by Ms. Finn's class. They sang a song all about the Core Values of the school. To finish off Well-being Week, Mr. Tormey and his class did a Friday Fitness workout based around the quirkiest of stories.
Falconry
Our school was visited by a falconry earlier on in the week. Classes got to take turns going out to the yard, where there were a range of birds on show. Falcons, Owls, Hawks and even a big Eagle. The presentation was very interesting and we learned a lot in the time we were out there. Even some of the teachers were lucky enough to have a barn owl perch on their heads.
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New Books!
Thanks to all the income from our School Book Fair with Scholastic back in early April, we have been able to add to the school's libraries with some very interesting material. A big thank you to the teachers who put all the work into the Book Fair and ordering through our new books.
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Easter Madness
The school had an exciting final day before the Easter holidays when they met in the hall for the big Easter Raffle. Not only did each class raffle off their own eggs, but every name was included in the big giveaway extravaganza.
We had our winner of the Android tablet, the Coyne's Cycles voucher, the Junior hamper, the Senior hamper, as well as many other eggs on offer. A big thank you to those who donated. It's greatly appreciated.
Wishing everyone a very Happy Easter!
We had our winner of the Android tablet, the Coyne's Cycles voucher, the Junior hamper, the Senior hamper, as well as many other eggs on offer. A big thank you to those who donated. It's greatly appreciated.
Wishing everyone a very Happy Easter!
Easter Raffle
Tickets are now on sale for our annual Easter Raffle.
Tickets are €1 each and can be obtained from the class teacher.
The big raffle will take place on the Friday 11th April, the day we finish for the holidays.
As usual, there will be two eggs raffled off in each class, but that's not all!
As well as various spot prizes on offer as well, we are blessed to also raffle off the following:
1st prize - 7 inch Android tablet
2nd prize - €100 voucher for Coynes Cycles
There will be an Easter hamper for one lucky person from the junior end and another for someone in the senior end of the school as well.
Tickets are €1 each and can be obtained from the class teacher.
The big raffle will take place on the Friday 11th April, the day we finish for the holidays.
As usual, there will be two eggs raffled off in each class, but that's not all!
As well as various spot prizes on offer as well, we are blessed to also raffle off the following:
1st prize - 7 inch Android tablet
2nd prize - €100 voucher for Coynes Cycles
There will be an Easter hamper for one lucky person from the junior end and another for someone in the senior end of the school as well.
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March Assembly
Our latest assembly in the school hall was an exciting one. We were gifted to a performance from Ms. Bagnall's on the school's values and our feelings. Mr. Regan's class sang an Irish song as well.
We got to see the latest Core Values winners, as well as the next group of AR Superstars. Mr. Regan's class was overjoyed to receive the trophy for the highest average reading this month, as well as more students achieving a high personal average of daily reading.
Those who took part in the recent Credit Union Quiz finals were recognised. A student from the junior and senior end of the school was congratulated on the effort in speaking in Irish during the recent Seachtain na Gaeilge. Book Week has arrived in the school and some lucky children won a raffle for numerous vouchers for the book fair.
We got to see the latest Core Values winners, as well as the next group of AR Superstars. Mr. Regan's class was overjoyed to receive the trophy for the highest average reading this month, as well as more students achieving a high personal average of daily reading.
Those who took part in the recent Credit Union Quiz finals were recognised. A student from the junior and senior end of the school was congratulated on the effort in speaking in Irish during the recent Seachtain na Gaeilge. Book Week has arrived in the school and some lucky children won a raffle for numerous vouchers for the book fair.
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Magic of the Musicals Success
A massive thank you to everyone involved in the production of our variety concert, as well as everyone who came to see it on its three night run. It was a huge success, raising a total of €7000.
The children involved had a wonderful time showing off their fantastic singing and dancing skills to the people of Longwood. There was so much positive feedback and surprise at what they got to see in our quaint little school hall.
Longwood truly does have talent!
The children involved had a wonderful time showing off their fantastic singing and dancing skills to the people of Longwood. There was so much positive feedback and surprise at what they got to see in our quaint little school hall.
Longwood truly does have talent!
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Art Mural
Our class had the fantastic opportunity to work with Trim artist, Dawn McGrath as part of the Teacher Artist Partnership (TAP). TAP is a Department of Education programme that provides teachers with the opportunity to collaborate with an artist to enhance arts education in schools and develop the creative potential and voice of every student.
The idea of doing a school mural was suggested and when Dawn visited our class we discussed what the theme of the mural could be. The students wanted the mural to represent the culture of the school and to include the core values of ‘Care, Respect, Trust, Hope’. They then had the opportunity to draw and write about their ideas. Dawn took these suggestions back to her studio where she combined them into a sketch of what the mural could look like. They students made some final adjustments before Dawn finalised the drawing. After outlining the wall, every student got an individual part of the mural to paint. They are very proud to have been part of the creative process and of the end result.
6th Class (24/25) and Ms. Skelly
The idea of doing a school mural was suggested and when Dawn visited our class we discussed what the theme of the mural could be. The students wanted the mural to represent the culture of the school and to include the core values of ‘Care, Respect, Trust, Hope’. They then had the opportunity to draw and write about their ideas. Dawn took these suggestions back to her studio where she combined them into a sketch of what the mural could look like. They students made some final adjustments before Dawn finalised the drawing. After outlining the wall, every student got an individual part of the mural to paint. They are very proud to have been part of the creative process and of the end result.
6th Class (24/25) and Ms. Skelly
Assemblies
As ever, the level of recognition at St. Nicholas Primary School is extremely high. Our monthly assemblies give us a chance to come together as one school body to catch up, share and award individuals. Ms. Henry always welcomes us warmly to the school hall with a prayer. Then we make our way through the agenda of performances, awards and other news. It's a lovely way to finish up at the end of the month.
Awards include the Core Values certificates for those children who model some or all of the school's core values. We are deeply involved in the Accelerated Reading programme and like to recognise our superstar readers, millionaire readers, millionaire classes and highlight those who do the most reading on average per day.
Usually a class or two will prepare a performance for the school. We also get to hear and cheer on those who did well recently in things such as badminton, credit union quizzes, Confirmation ceremonies, etc.
Awards include the Core Values certificates for those children who model some or all of the school's core values. We are deeply involved in the Accelerated Reading programme and like to recognise our superstar readers, millionaire readers, millionaire classes and highlight those who do the most reading on average per day.
Usually a class or two will prepare a performance for the school. We also get to hear and cheer on those who did well recently in things such as badminton, credit union quizzes, Confirmation ceremonies, etc.
January Assembly |
February Assembly |
Digital Schools Week
We were very busy throughout the week learning about the internet and internet safety through the use of Web Wise and all it has to offer. A competition took place, one for the junior end and one for the seniors. We were visited yet again by comedian and magician, Reuben, where he talked about the idea of peers, influence and staying safe. Many of the classes took part in other "in class" activities that help spread awareness of internet safety.
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Accelerated Reading Update
December AR Superstar Winner
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Pizza Parties: Congratulations to Miss Dolan’s class and Miss Keogh’s classes for reading well over a million words! Both classes got to celebrate their win with a pizza party.
Cup challenge: Congratulations to Miss Dolan’s class for winning the December Cup challenge! The average daily number of minutes that the class read for 21 minutes! Well done! 
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December Assembly
We finished the first term of the year on a high at our final assembly of 2024. There were awards aplenty, with our core values and AR superstars being recognised. Ms. Dolan's class achieved the highest average reading per day. We even introduced a new Accelerated Reading award on the day as well. Mr. Regan's class did a poem and song for everyone, as well as Ms. Casserly and Ms. Smyth's class giving us a performance too.
It was a lovely week to finish on outside of the assembly. The school choir had a very successful concert on the Wednesday night, with some fabulous singing by the children as well as some special guests on the night. The 5th and 6th class graced the village with their presence as they performed songs and carols to raise money. The Junior Infants showcased their Nativity to the school and for the parents.
Here's to a Happy New Year in St. Nicholas', full of further achievements and experiences for the staff and pupils to enjoy.
It was a lovely week to finish on outside of the assembly. The school choir had a very successful concert on the Wednesday night, with some fabulous singing by the children as well as some special guests on the night. The 5th and 6th class graced the village with their presence as they performed songs and carols to raise money. The Junior Infants showcased their Nativity to the school and for the parents.
Here's to a Happy New Year in St. Nicholas', full of further achievements and experiences for the staff and pupils to enjoy.
Santa Visit
We were blessed with a very special visit from Santa at our school in Longwood today. The man himself showed up early this morning, arriving in style aboard a very impressive motorbike. He did a couple of rounds of the car park before setting down and meeting the children around the Christmas tree. After a few lovely words, he helped us count down to the official lighting of our tree. Thank you so much for taking the time to visit us, Santa. The best of luck on the big night!
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November Assembly
Another very successful assembly took place in our hall to mark the end of another month. The Core Values certificates were plenty, as well as the AR Superstars. Ms. Keogh's were delighted to obtain the trophy to mark the most minutes read by a class on average per day in the Accelerated Reader. We were also blessed to receive a presentation by Ms. Houlihan's class all about the Advent Wreath and what the meanings and colours of the candles are. Christmas is fast approaching!
October Assembly
We had an action packed assembly on our final day before the Halloween midterm break. There was fancy dress galore, where the children put all the effort in giving us a whopper variety of characters and creatures. We celebrated Tina's first birthday. The Core Values and AR Superstars were announced. Mr. Regan's class recited a Monster Alphabet ABC for the students. The juniors also did a performance for us too. Ms. Finn's class were the latest to receive the AR trophy for most average minutes read per day. The Student Council for the new school year was announced and each received their badges. We celebrated the absolutely phenomenal win by our girls' team in the Cumann na mBunscoil final. A first for our school, and another thing to add to the sporting success in Longwood these past few weeks!
Shake and Bake SaleDear Parents,
We are organising a Halloween Bake Sale on Wednesday, 23rd October in our school, which will be led by 6th Class students on the day. Monies raised for this event will go directly to the school's fundraising drive. We encourage as many students/families to bake something for this event & if you bring in a tray, please put your child's name/class/teacher on it (we will have some labels/markers at reception so that items don't go missing!). The baking can include, but not limited to, buns, cakes, brownies, cookies (the scarier the better!) etc. with items such as apple tarts, full cakes etc. being raffled off at the end of the day to the lucky winners! Please be aware we are a nut free school as some students have allergies and gluten free options are welcomed too! Students will not have homework on Tuesday night so as to give them time to bake at home! The more food, the better, we have a lot of mouths to feed! Thanks for your support, 6th Class. |
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Admissions Notice
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Inspectorate Update for Primary Schools
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STEAM Academy
We were lucky enough to have been selected for facilitators from the STEAM Academy to come in to us to showcase their workshops.
All classes got to attend the event in the hall on Friday 27th September and got a whole variety of demonstrations, from state of the art holograms and LEGO-style robots, to interactive games and the chance to meet Robo Dog. This very impressive robot was a hit with all!!
All classes got to attend the event in the hall on Friday 27th September and got a whole variety of demonstrations, from state of the art holograms and LEGO-style robots, to interactive games and the chance to meet Robo Dog. This very impressive robot was a hit with all!!
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First Assembly of 24/25
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It was great to get the entire school together last Friday for our first assembly of the year. Ms. Henry welcomed us all and spoke about how well the students have been working over the past few weeks.
We were delighted to see all those who were rewarded with Core Value certificates (for modelling some or all of the school's official core values of Care, Respect, Trust and Hope). We also learned of the achievements from last year's 2nd Class with Ms. Houlihan, when they spent time on Farm Safety with Agri Aware. Ms. Henry got the opportunity to make use of our new sound system too, including a brand new set of speakers for our hall and wireless microphones. Here's to a wonderful new school year in St. Nicholas'! |
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INTO Budget Campaign |
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Dear School Community,
Every year the INTO launch a campaign before the budget. This year’s campaign has three points:
Thank you for your continued help and support.
Yours sincerely,
Siobhán Henry.
Every year the INTO launch a campaign before the budget. This year’s campaign has three points:
- Reduce class sizes by 2: this would reduce the staffing schedule to one mainstream class teacher for every 21 pupils (from the current 23).
- Restore Posts of Responsibilities: I would like to take this opportunity to commend our current In-School Leadership and Management Team which consists of Ms. Coburn, Ms. Moynihan, Ms. King, Ms. Gavin, Mr. Regan and Ms. Casserly for their assistance in running our school. Our current level of posts of responsibilities is still below pre-austerity (2011) rate despite a larger school community.
- 20% increase in funding: Additional capitation would facilitate a more effective running of the school. This extra funding would allow us to allocate funds towards educational resources rather than towards lighting and heating.
Thank you for your continued help and support.
Yours sincerely,
Siobhán Henry.
SNA Appreciation DaySNA Appreciation Day, Thursday 26th September. Forsá are running a competition for a school per province to win €1,000!! We need as many entries as possible to this competition to support our SNAs in continuing the amazing job they do in our school. The SNAs could use these funds to purchase resources such as balance boards, peanut balls, weighted balls and lots more to continue to support the children in our community.
Please take the time to enter the competition at this link: https://act.forsa.ie/thank-our-snas Our school roll number for entry is 16655P. If you would like to send any SNA appreciation messages for the day to you can send it via one of the following:
Please take the time to leave a SNA Appreciation message to show our SNAs how integral they are to our school community. |
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