A Message to the Clonlisk National School Community

As we near the end of the first term and as 2020 is drawing to a close, we’d like to take this opportunity to reflect on and share some of the highlights from Clonlisk National School over the last 4 months. As our pupils walked through the gates on the 1st of September 2020 with smiles on their faces, we were confident that the work of all the Staff, Board of Management and Parents’ Association throughout the summer months had ensured that these children were walking into as safe an environment as possible. All the necessary protocols were in place such as the installation of hand sanitizers throughout the school, the provision of PPE, social distancing measures and enhanced hygiene regimes. We are greatly appreciative of the immense support that we received on so many fronts throughout the summer and the first term as we navigated our way through some very uncertain times. The continued support and cooperation of the whole Clonlisk National School Community as new systems and protocols were put into operation has been immense.

The financial support that we received through the funds generated from the Go Fund Me initiative allowed us to upgrade the school environment further to bring it to a standard where we would be able to operate even more safely & effectively throughout this pandemic. Snapshots of some of these items can be seen in the pictures included below.

We are very fortunate that most of our spacious classrooms facilitate single seat desks. The construction & installation of Perspex screens for the 5th & 6th classroom as well as the SET rooms provided an additional safety mechanism for the pupils and staff in these spaces. The addition of coat hangers and storage boxes for all ensures that our pupils belongings are kept safely each day.

A state of the art Karcher floor washer was purchased and the small room inside the G.P. room has been transformed into a ‘Cleaner’s Store’ where new items such as a cleaner’s sink, an electric water heater, washing machine, cleaner’s trolley, floor washer and other new accessories are safely housed alongside the stocks of hand sanitizer. This new room and new equipment further support the excellent cleaning protocols that are in place in Clonlisk National School. Cleaning checklists are maintained daily and are on display throughout the school.

The access system that was purchased and installed on the front & back entrance of the school has proven to be highly effective. In these uncertain times, it brings great peace of mind knowing that no unauthorised visitors can gain entry to our school as all those inside go about their day. New fire-extinguishers were installed throughout the school too and the children have practised a number of fire drills throughout the term.

Our pupils got busy adding a splash of colour to the play shed where new P.E. storage units will be installed in January. Grants’ Engineering kindly provided the school with hurl and gear bag holders recently through Gary Kelly. Past pupil, Jason Sampson an engineer in Grants, designed the holders that have the school motto of “ní neart go cur le chéile” on them. In the New Year, pupils will be assigned a gear holder where their belongings can be safely stored each day. With a safe space for our pupils’ gear, we are really looking forward to practising our hurling, camogie & other sporting skills in the New Year.

Staff & pupils worked extremely hard throughout the first term. Fun was had inside and outside of the classroom. Everyone enjoyed dressing up for Halloween and for the recent non-uniform day in aid of Team Hope. The ‘Festive Gathering’ outdoors was a wonderful opportunity to gather all pupils together in a very safe way and is a massive highlight of the first term. A lot of work was put into this event by the staff, pupils & Parents’ Association representatives so that a memorable evening would be had by all. There is no doubt that the performances, decorations, displays, lights, hot chocolate and treat bags were thoroughly enjoyed by everyone. Click on the following link to watch the performances from the evening https://tinyurl.com/y5p6kyfg

We have lots more to look forward to in the New Year. Digital equipment will be purchased that will further enhance teaching and learning in our classrooms. Past pupil, Marty Cleary in consultation with past and present staff members is in the final stages of designing the new school crest which we look forward to unveiling in the coming weeks.

The support and cooperation that we received from the community of Clonlisk National School this year has been heart-warming and is greatly appreciated. We look forward to 2021 with hope, positivity and optimism.

Finally, for those in our community who have lost loved ones this year, we know that this is a particularly difficult time for you and we want you to know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.

Wishing you all a relaxing, peaceful, safe & healthy Christmas.

Nollaig shona agus athbhliain faoi mhaise daoibh go léir.

The Staff, Board of Management & Parents’ Association of Clonlisk N.S.