Virtual Crest Launch Day

There was great excitement in Clonlisk N.S. today for the unveiling of our new school crest. Technical difficulties may have delayed the process but didn't deter us from sharing our new crest virtually with the wider school community via Zoom.

The process of developing a school crest began as part of the 60th birthday celebrations of Clonlisk National School. A sub-committee of past & present staff met in August 2020 with the aim of capturing the essence of what Clonlisk National School stands for in 2020/2021, but also incorporates the legacy of the past 60 years. Sincere thanks to Mary Fitzgerald, Anne Kehoe Cleary & Siobhán Doorley for the considerable thought, effort, time and commitment that they put into the creation of the crest.

Ideas are just that, ideas, until someone brings them to fruition. That person is past pupil, Marty Cleary, who interpreted perfectly the ideas that the group brought forward and was so patient throughout the process. Marty did a stellar job in producing a crest that everyone in Clonlisk is so very proud of and showcases exactly what our school stands for. Having a past pupil with such strong connections with the school, design our school crest is very special indeed.

The eldest & youngest pupils in Clonlisk N.S., Jack & Fionn, had the honour of unveiling the new crest. Well done Jack & Fionn! 6th Class pupils performed one of their final duties in Clonlisk N.S. and explained the key elements of the new crest to our virtual audience. Maith sibh Rang a Sé! (see below)

The Parents’ Association had a huge role to play in the crest launch. Diarmuid Haugh made the beautiful crest in the pictures below to showcase Marty Cleary’s design. We're currently in the process of identifying the perfect position for this exquisite creation in Clonlisk N.S. Yvonne Guidera added the curtains that kept everyone in suspense as we patiently waited for the unveiling. Many thanks to Yvonne & Diarmuid for their support today and throughout the year.

6th Class pupils performed one of their last duties in Clonlisk N.S. and explained the key elements of the new crest.

Maith sibh Rang a Sé! (see below)

The overall theme of the school crest is “a caring, nurturing environment”. The symbols on the crest represent some very important elements of our school community & culture.
The crest takes the form of a shield. A shield is a symbol that represents protection, safety & strength.
The tree occupies a central position in the crest & the children represented in the tree, symbolise the growth and potential of each child within the Clonlisk National School. It also symbolises the importance of caring for our environment & each other.
The cross is a symbol of Christianity & reflects the ethos of our school. Its Celtic design represents the prominent position of the Irish language & heritage in Clonlisk N.S.
The open book is a symbol of learning & knowledge. Education and knowledge open windows to the world.
The map of the barony of Clonlisk on the open book reflects the school’s heritage & the history of the local area.
The hurl & sliotar represent the great tradition of sport in Clonlisk N.S. and the school’s ongoing promotion of active health & well being. It further highlights our strong links with local sporting clubs.
The music note represents the arts. It represents the many wonderful music & drama productions throughout the years in Clonlisk N.S. that have brought us together as audiences and as performers. It also recognises the artistic & creative talents of the pupils and the school community.
The ‘Cluain’ in ‘Cluain Lisc’ means meadow and is represented by the grass. The grass is representative of our roots and of the strong links between Clonlisk National School and the local, rural community.
The red colour represents the local communities of Shinrone, Ballyskenagh & Roscrea and the strong connection that our school has with them.
At the base of the crest is our school motto: “Ní neart go cur le chéile” which symbolises the strong community spirit between Children, Staff, Boards of Management, Parents’ Associations & the wider school community, working together for the welfare of all involved in Clonlisk National School.