cholmcillecbs.scoilnet.ie

RALLY TO REVERSE BUDGET CUTS TO DEIS SCHOOLS IN CORK :
A rally organised by parents who are against the cuts takes place on Saturday outside the Central Library on Grand Parade at 3pm. This rally is supported by our Parents’ Association, the Teachers in the school and the local I.N.T.O.
S P O R T – SWIMMING :
Swimming is on this Friday for 2nd, 4th and 5th class.

S P O R T – HURLING :
Our 3rd class Indoor Hurling final was played on Monday and congratulations to the winning team as follows; Ryan Kenefick, Pádraig Kirby, Alex Sagi, Nathan Breen, Evan Crean, Evan Forde and Rinalds Matvejevs. All the boys who were in the Indoor Hurling played fantastic and will receive a medal at our next assembly. There is also a 3rd & 4th Hurling Blitz starting next month.

S P O R T – SPIKE BALL :
Our Spike Ball team are playing an Indoor Spike Ball tournament today in Ballincollig, best of luck boys!
S P O R T – CHESS :
Every Wednesday, Chess puzzles are sent around the classrooms. The boys are getting very good at solving them. Chess is a great way to promote thinking and overall academic ability. CHESS CHAMPIONS LEAGUE: Congratulations to Ice Ybanez, Conor Ross, George O Sullivan, Conor Twomey and Michael GBadero who are competing in our school Champions League. Best of luck boys!
LAST WEEK FOR JUNIOR INFANT ENROLMENT 2012
CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS – 27TH JANUARY 2012
APPLICATION FORMS IN OFFICE. PLEASE TELL YOUR FRIENDS AND ANYBODY ABOUT TO START THEIR SON IN JUNIOR INFANTS NEXT YEAR.

O N E B O O K , O N E C O M M U N I T Y :
This year, children from around Cork city are reading about the Titanic. Boys in second classes and fifth class have been given books to take home and read with their parents. In March there will be a celebration of all the reading done, with a concert, an art exhibition and a table quiz. We hope you enjoy reading these books with your children!
R E A D I N G   F O R   F U N  :
ding for Fun will be starting for parents of Junior Infants next week. The first sessions will be in the staffroom next Tuesday 1st February and Wednesday 2nd February morning. Further details will be sent home!
WOW – Walk on Wednesday:
Remember to put on your walking shoes tomorrow and walk or ‘park and stride’ to school if you can.
4th G R E E N F L A G :
We are hoping to receive our 4th Green Flag which is for Transport to school.
M O B I L E   P H O N E   A P P E A L :
Many thanks for all the old phones and digital cameras that you have donated to the Jack and Jill foundation. The box is still in the office, if anybody still has not brought in their old phones.

Leave children in DEIS schools alone

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

AT a meeting of the Northside Principals’ Group meeting in Scoil Iosagáin, Farranree recently, 22 principals in Cork city met to discuss the proposed cuts to DEIS schools.

We issue a cautious welcome to the minister’s recent announcement seeking a report on the effect the budget will have on DEIS schools.

We welcome the three studies published by the Inspectorate and the Educational Research Centre, which prove what we already know: that children are really benefiting from the small class sizes, the enhanced learning support and the effective reading and maths initiatives in DEIS schools.

We see every day that the maths and reading levels of the children attending our schools are improving. Inspectors’ Whole School Evaluations and standardised tests testify to the success of our schools.

We are really proud of the progress we are making and the minister should be proud of it, too. He should be doing everything he can to protect disadvantaged children and to ensure the rising standards in schools continue to rise.

This progress has been hard-fought and we, as principals, are committed as a group to making sure that there are no cuts that will affect our pupils. We urge the government to leave children in DEIS schools alone.

We acknowledge the support of the local TDs and councillors who have lobbied on behalf of the children in our schools.

We praise their parents, the media and communities for campaigning to have these cuts reversed and urge parents to continue to lobby their politicians over the next few weeks while this report is being written. Principals believe that there is huge uncertainty about this report and hope that it is not a political move to calm concerned parents and communities. The message is simple — leave children in DEIS schools alone and ring-fence these schools from all cuts.

The principals of Scoil Cholmcille CBS, Blarney St;
St Vincent’s Convent NS, St Mary’s Road;
St Mary’s on The Hill, Knocknaheeny;
Scoil Padre Pio, Churchfield;
North Presentation Primary School, Gerald Griffin St;
Scoil Mhuire Fatima, North Monastery;
Scoil Íosagáin, Farranree;
Scoil Aiséirí Chríost, Farranree;
Sundays Well Girls’ NS;
Sundays Well Boys’ NS;
St Mark’s NS, The Glen;
St Brendan’s NS, The Glen;
Scoil Mhuire Banríon, Mayfield;
St John The Apostle, Mayfield,
St Patrick’s BNS, Gardiners Hill;
St Patrick’s GNS, Gardiners Hill;
St Patrick’s Infants NS;
Gaelscoil Pheig Sayers, Holy Cross, Mahon;
Scoil Ursula, Blackrock;
Maria Assumpta, Ballyphehane and Gaelscoil Mhachan, Mahon.
And Billy Lynch, principal, Scoil Cholmcille,
CBS on behalf of: Northside Principals’ Group, Scoil Cholmcille,CBS, Blarney St, Cork

Read more: http://www.irishexaminer.com/opinion/let…

SCHOOL ASSEMBLY:
School assembly in hall tomorrow Wednesday 18th January at 8:40a.m. all welcome. Brass band is playing.
PARENT TEACHER MEETINGS:
Parent Teacher meetings will be held over the next few Mondays, your son’s class teacher will be in contact with you to organise a suitable time. Classes will finish as normal. Homework club will take place as normal.
Entry and exit from school is through gate in bottom yard and then through top yard through Bridge Door. Note all other gates and doors will be locked. (Both doors on ground floor will be locked and gate at the top of the steps in lower yard. Parents enter through gate in the lower yard only.
S P O R T – Swimming:

Swimming is on this Friday for 2nd, 4th and 5th class will start up again.
€45 per child for this term.

S P O R T – Hurling:
Hurling start again this week for 1st, 4th and 5th class. We would like to thank Garret and Anthony from St. Vincents G.A.A. club for their expert coaching, which is free to the school.

S P O R T – Basketball:
3rd class will start basketball this Thursday. We would like to thank Blue Demons for
providing their weekly free coaching.
M O B I L E P H O N E A P P E A L :
We are still collecting old mobile phones for Jack and Jill – have a look in the drawers at home! They also accept old console games and old digital cameras. Thanks to all of
you who have already donated your old phones!
A B O O K U N D E R E V E R Y T R E E :
We had a wonderful response to our “A Book Under Every Tree” project. We have some lovely photos of the boys with the books they have at home – have a look at the notice-board in the yard or outside the infant classrooms! Thanks to everyone who brought in their books and photos!
LIFETIME LAB:
The boys in Senior Infants, 1st and 2nd class are to avail of a free “Guzzler” energy workshop from Lifetime Lab at school, this Friday.
WOW – Walk on Wednesday:
Remember to put on your walking shoes tomorrow and walk or ‘park and stride’ to school if you can.

Click below to see some of the music talent coming through our school….

Sam playing at the music concert

CHRISTMAS   HOLIDAYS:
The school will close this Thursday, 22nd of December at 12:00 for the Christmas Holidays and will re-open on Monday the 9th January 2012.
Everyone in Scoil Cholmcille CBS wishes you and your family a happy Christmas and a wonderful New Year!
School Concert – Wednesday 21st @ 10:50. – Note for parents

Dear Parents,
Due to record numbers of boys attending our school, we will split our Christmas concert in half. This is to allow parents and boys comfort and space to enjoy the concert. Parents are very welcome to attend the full concert if they wish, or, just the half that their son is in. Please, also enjoy tea and coffee during the interval and at the end of the concert. Contributions will gladly be accepted towards school funds.

10:50am    All Junior Infants, 2nd Classes, 3rd Class.

11:20am    Interval with teas and coffees

11:30am  Senior Infants, 1st Classes, 4th Class, 6th Class.

5th Class Brass Band will play in between classes.

If you wish, you may take your son home after the concert once you have signed him out from his class. Please note that once you have signed your child out he will not be allowed into the hall. Children cannot be collected from the hall. Looking forward to seeing you there, Mr. Billy Lynch.

Thursday 22nd December:
Inclusive Carol Service – 7:30pm (not 8pm as was originally stated) @ St. Anne’s Shandon.
(some staff members will be singing – all are welcome).

Well done to all the Choir and Brassband who performed at the Carol Service last Sunday, all the boys were brilliant!
EDUCATION  CUTS:
All of the local schools have been very badly affected by Budget Cuts. Our school asks that politicians reverse the cuts and we plan to send a petition to the Minister of Education. Please sign the petition, available in the yard at the concert and in the school office. Also contact local TDs and councillors to ask that cuts be reversed.
PARENT / TEACHER  MEETINGS:
The Parent/Teacher meetings will be held in the middle of January, Class Teachers will send out details after the Christmas Holidays.
WOW – Walk on Wednesday:
Remember to put on your walking shoes tomorrow and walk or ‘park and stride’ to school if you can.
MOBILE PHONES – JACK & JILL FOUNDATION:
Please bring in any old phones and we will donate them to the Jack & Jill Foundation.

SAM_0918Well done to the boys from 6th class who enjoyed a day at the Lifetime Lab. The boys spent the day learning about electricity and its uses. Using this knowledge the boys set about wiring houses and creating buzz games. The boys also created their own race cars. F1 look out!

Samson the puppy

 There is a puppy named Samson,

 He always wants to play,

He likes his toys and plays with them,

Each and every day. He is a hungry puppy,

He really loves to eat,

One of his favourite dishes is,

Lobster and meat!

He has a box of toys,

His favourite one is Mr. Bump.

He loves to gnaw and chew on him.

 And he made a great big lump!

 He loves to chase Mr. Buckley,

In the house, all around,

But Mr Buckley gets tired easily,

Then he falls to the ground.

 Samson is very funny,

They all say ‘he’s a beaut’,

Those big black eyes and Short curly tail,

make him very cute!

SANTA VISITS INFANT CLASSES:
Santa came to visit our Junior and Senior Infant classes today. There was great excitement. All the boys have been really good this year so they each got a special present! Well done, boys and thank you, Santa!! 
CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS:
The school will close next Thursday, 22nd of December at 12:00 for the Christmas Holidays and will re-open on Monday the 9th January 2012.
MUSIC:                                                                                                                                         Thursday 14th & Friday 15th December:
Choir & Brassbrand busking in Blackpool Shopping Centre from 9:30am to 11:00am.
Sunday 18th December:
Choir & Brassband performing in Sunday’s Well Carol Concert at 5:00pm in St Vincents Church.
Wednesday 21st December:
School Concert in halla at 10:50a.m. – All welcome!
Thursday 22nd December:
Inclusive Carol Service – 7:30pm (not 8pm as was originally stated) @ St. Anne’s Shandon.
(some staff members will be singing – all are welcome).

Well done to all the music students who took part in yesterday’s concert. ‘Little Mix’ will have a bit of competition in a few years. Lessons continue on this week as normal but there are no lessons next week. Have a happy and musical Christmas!
CHRISTMAS CIRCUS SHOW:                                                                                        Thanks to Arran Towers for visiting the school last Friday, the kids had a great time watching his performance!
PARENTS’ COUNCIL – COFFEE MORNING:
The Parents’ Council will hold a Coffee Morning on Wednesday 21st December during the school concert. All welcome!
HAMPERS FOR VINCENT DE PAUL:
A big “thank you” to everybody who has brought in food for Vincent de Paul; we really appreciate your generosity!
WOW – Walk on Wednesday:
Remember to put on your walking shoes tomorrow and walk or ‘park and stride’ to school if you can.
BOOK UNDER EVERY TREE:
Lots of the boys have been telling us about the kinds of books they like to read. We’re hoping Santa has a sackful of books this year to keep everyone happy!

School Assembly in hall tomorrow Wednesday at 8:40a.m. – School Choir will be playing!

Chess Championship – At the assembly tomorrow we will present prizes for our 1st School Chess Championship. The competition has been wonderful and we congratulate all who took part.

CHRISTMAS CIRCUS SHOW:                                                                                         Arran Towers is visiting the school this Friday 9th to perform his Christmas Circus Show for the whole school. The cost for each boy is €2.
CHRISTMAS PARTY – ROCK COMMUNITY CENTRE:
At the Rock Community Centre they are having their Christmas Party this Saturday, 10th December, from 2:30 to 5:00pm. All welcome, children must be accompanied by an adult. Contact Liz 0857129938.
HAMPERS FOR VINCENT DE PAUL:
A big “thank you” to everybody who has brought in food for Vincent de Paul; we really appreciate your generosity! We are still collecting non-perishable food items, so if anybody would like to donate something, there is still one week left! Thanks again.
6TH CLASS – LIFETIME LAB:
The 6th class boys are visiting Lifetime Lab next Thursday 15th December. Please pay €3 towards the cost to Mr Buckley.
MUSIC – UP AND COMING DATES:                                                                               Monday, December 12th: Concert for Music Students.

Thursday 14th & Friday 15th December: Choir & Brassbrand busking in Blackpool Shopping Centre.

Sunday 18th December: Choir & Brassband performing in Sunday’s Well Carol Concert.

Wednesday 21st December: School Concert.

Thursday 22nd December: Inclusive Carol Service – 8pm @ St. Anne’s Shandon.
(some staff members will be singing – all are welcome)
SPORT – SWIMMING:
Last week of Swimming this Friday and swimming will start up again on Friday 20th Janurary.
WOW – Walk on Wednesday:
Remember to put on your walking shoes tomorrow and walk or ‘park and stride’ to school if you can.
SENIOR INFANTS – MATHS FOR FUN:
Many thanks to the parents of boys in Senior Infants for all your help with Maths for Fun over the last few weeks. Tomorrow (Wednesday) is the last day of Maths for Fun so we hope to see you all there! (We will be starting a little late, straight after Assembly).
CHRISTMAS ANNUALS ARE STILL AVAILABLE €4:

Dino the dinosaur

Dino the dinosaur is made from wood.

All of the teachers think he’s really good!

He came from a box,

Wearing no socks,

I made him myself as fast as I could!

By Jordan   4th Class

My friend Dino

Dino the dinosaur is very kind.

Dino the dinosaur has a lot on his mind.

Dino the dinosaur is our friend,

He can make anything bend.

Dino the dinosaur has lots of buddies,

Dino the dinosaur is afraid of mummies.

Dino the dinosaur eats lots of meat,

Be a good friend… or it’s YOU that he’ll eat!

By Jordan   4th class