- Castlehackett 8K
A huge thank you to all the school’s staff, organising committee, BOM, sponsors and parents and pupils for the fantastic 8k event on Sunday the 12th of June. We raised the second largest amount ever for this year’s 8k; €9867.52!! A fantastic achievement. We are the talk of the Community for how well it went off. An event like this really shows off what makes this school so special. This was a brilliant team effort and without you all it would not have been the huge success it was. I sincerely thank you all!
- Tiny Tots extended hours
We are very fortunate to have Tiny Tots Pre-school service in Castlehackett N.S.
They now offer extended hours until 2pm daily. We are delighted to announce that Tiny Tots are now working in partnership with a local creche and can provide a collection/drop off service for children that need care beyond 2pm. If you are interested in this service, we would recommend early booking as there are limited places available. Call Thelma to discuss all options on 086 3982513.
- After School
Another brilliant addition to Castlehackett NS; This year we are very lucky to have Majella Murphy and Ginalee Healy setting up an After School service in our school. We are blessed to have these services available in our school and community. Thanks to Majella Murphy and Ginalee Healy on the successful start to our new After School Service.
Please spread the word!
School starts at 8:50a.m. and finishes at 2:30p.m. Junior and Senior Infants finish at 1:30 p.m. It is important that children are on time each morning so that classes can commence as scheduled.. All meetings with teachers are made by appointment via our school’s email address info@castlehackettns.ie or by phone. This measure reduces interruptions to class time and ensures that all the pupils in our care receive the best education possible all of the time. Our insurance provider has advised we circulate the following note. The school will open to receive pupils at the hour of 8.40 a.m. No responsibility is accepted for pupils arriving before that time. Classes will commence each day at 8.50 a.m.
Classes will end each day at 2.30 p.m. Parents who wish to have their children escorted home should make their own arrangements to have them met at the school door and the person to escort them should be at the school not later than 2.30 p.m. as the school cannot accept responsibility for looking after the children after that time.”
In the case of children travelling by the School Bus, the school cannot accept responsibility for escorting them from the bus to the school or from the school to the bus. Parents who feel that their children may need to be escorted in these circumstances should make arrangements to ensure that some escort is provided.”
- School Uniform
Your co-operation to ensure that your child wears the full school uniform every day is most appreciated. You’ll find a detailed outline of what our school uniform is on the school’s website (www.castlehackettns.ie). Please remember to label your child’s uniform and all their belongings. School name tags can be purchased online eg www.mynametags.ie
- New Jerseys
A big thank you to Corofin Ladies GAA club and Lidl for donating towards a new set of Jerseys for the school.
- Education Welfare Act
We would appreciate a note explaining any absence should it arise throughout the year. Please note that if a pupil is absent for more than 20 days or is continuously late arriving to school, the principal is legally obliged to report the matter to the education welfare officer.
- Personal Accident Insurance and Back To School Fees
All pupils are now covered for 24 hour personal accident insurance. Thanks to those that have already paid the back to school fees. These fees are very fair as a lot of schools have the 24hr Pupil Insurance separate to the book rental/arts and crafts fees. We endeavour to keep these fees as low as possible due to the brilliant fundraising drives our whole school community engage in.
- Medical needs
It is very important for us all to remember that Castlehackett N.S. is a nut free zone. Please continue to make the school aware if your child has any medical problems. The information given in this regard will be treated with total confidentiality.
- Party Invitations
We kindly ask that parents/pupils do not circulate invitations to parties/gatherings during the school day. This is out of consideration for the feelings of children who may not be invited. This will be strictly adhered to in the interests of kindness, respect and consideration for all pupils.
- Home Work
Home-work helps consolidate the work done in school and it gives parents an opportunity to be involved in their child’s school life. It should be noted that homework time devoted to reading and learning is as important as written work. It is normally set from Monday to Thursday nights. If your child finds undue difficulty with any aspect of his/her homework, please discuss this with the teacher. The following are suggested guidelines for time spent at homework: Infant Room :10 – 15 minutes,1st /2nd Class: 20 – 30 minutes, 3rd /4thClass: 30 – 40 minutes, 5th /6th Class: 40 – 60 minutes.
- Mobile Phones
As per school policy, pupils are not allowed to have or use mobile phones in school or on school trips/outings (including school tours). Teachers will have lists of parental contact details while at outings/events if emergency situations arise.
If a child accidentally brings a phone to school, the phone will be taken up by the teacher and returned to the child at home-time. The school landline/email is the main point of contact for all queries and information.
- Clothes Recycling
We are accepting clothes for recycling, please donate any unwanted clothes as funds raised go to our brilliant Parents Association who help buy education equipment/PE equipment and subsidise school trips/tours etc.
- G.A.A. Training and Basketball Training.
The weekly lunch-time training sessions have commenced for senior pupils(4th, 5th and 6thclass) every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday with Mr Reilly and Mr. Farragher. Senior room basketball training will also commence shortly. The senior room will be informed when this is. All pupils are encouraged to participate, those that train will then go to the tournaments. Mr. Farragher will inform his pupils of the times of our 2 visiting GAA coaches (one hurling and one football) later in the year.
- Trading Cards/ Keychains/Keyrings
The swapping/sharing of trading cards is prohibited. Also, keychains and keyrings have seemingly become a big accessory for school bags. These can pose a distraction during the school day so please refrain from sending them into school so that they can be enjoyed at home.
- Cars & Carpark
Parents who bring children to school by car in the morning and collect in the afternoon are asked to be vigilant when children are entering or leaving the school.
- Bicycle Shelter
The school has received some funding for a bicycle shelter. The concrete base has been poured and we are awaiting delivery of the bike rack and shelter.
- Castlehackett Multi Activity Summer Camp
This camp was a great success and we were delighted to welcome pupils from our school along with pupils from neighbouring schools to Castlehackett. The children had a brilliant time in our fantastic modern facility and it was lovely to see new friendships develop. We look forward to hosting more camps like this in the future in our beautiful school.
- Michael Ryan Landscaping
We would like to thank Michael Ryan landscaping for donating trees to our school. These were planted in honour and in memory of Dr. John Bligh a past pupil of Castlehackett N.S.
- GRD
Thank you to Galway Rural Development who continue to help maintain the school grounds. Thanks also to Pat Shaughnessy who cares for our school building and grounds with such pride throughout the year. A big thank you also to our Board of Management members who are always at hand to help out.
Wishing you and your family continued good health and happiness as we work together during the year ahead
Le gach Dea-ghuí
David Reilly
Principal
