• After a break of almost six months because of COVID-19 restrictions and the summer holidays, both teachers and pupils enthusiastically returned to school at the end of August. Children very quickly adapted to the new protocols put in place, which include regular hand sanitising throughout the day, playing in designated areas of the yard within their class bubbles and maintaining social distance upon entering and leaving the school. We wish to acknowledge and praise the concerted efforts of both children and parents in helping to implement these changes.
• We were delighted to welcome five new Junior Infants – Corey Duffy, Luke Duffy, Lauren Leonard, Rian Loughney and Mia Shiel. In addition to our Junior Infant intake, we were very happy to also welcome the Purcell brothers-Dale, Devon, Casey, Tate and Rudi who have recently moved to Kilmovee. We sincerely wish that all of our pupils have a happy and productive year ahead of them as they learn and make new friends within the school community.
• Tom Shiel, Freelance Reporter and native of Kilmovee, wrote an article which was published by the Irish Times, featuring the Purcell family and the positive implications for school enrolment numbers which their arrival has brought. Midwest Radio also interviewed Principal Mrs. Warde about the extensive measures put in place in order to ensure the safety of pupils in the era of COVID-19. Mrs Warde spoke about frequent handwashing, provision of sanitising stations, reconfiguration of bathroom areas and playground, the fitting of perspex screens to teachers’ tables, the purchase of a fogging machine and the wearing of face coverings by staff members. She thanked parents for their immense cooperation and pupils for how they have adapted so well to all of the new safety measures.
• Ms Orna Fahey will be teaching in the senior room for one day each week. Teaching Principals have been granted a day per week to attend to the extra administrative demands arising from the impact of COVID-19.
• Traditionally a prayer service welcoming the new Junior Infants, to which their parents would also be invited, would be held in September. However due to COVID-19 restrictions, this was unfortunately not possible. Instead Fr. Sherlock conducted a prayer service via webcam for all pupils in the three schools of the parish. In addition, he also made a number of short videos for the First Communicants in the period leading up to First Penance and Eucharist. We thank Fr. Sherlock for his flexibility in maintaining the connection with our pupils.
• Staff and pupils were thrilled to receive a visit from members of the victorious Kilmovee Ladies Football Team. The team had been crowned winners of the County Intermediate Championship the previous day, having beaten Mac Hale Rovers in an enthralling encounter. The socially distanced visit took place outside, with the three class groupings staying apart in their bubbles. Following words of welcome and congratulations from Mrs Warde, Captain and past pupil Sinead Cafferky spoke to the children about the importance of continuous practise of football skills and dedication to your club. Player of the match Elaine Duffy was delighted to pose for photos with her nephews Nathan and Corey. Well done to the team and management on their success to date!
• There were shrieks of delight to be heard when the pupils heard the jingle of the ice-cream van on a beautiful, sunny Friday afternoon. Many thanks to the Committee of the Kilkelly-Kilmovee Parish Magazine who organised this unexpected treat. Both children and teachers enjoyed their ice-creams, under blue skies on a warm autumn day!
• Taking advantage of some of the lovely weather we had during September, band practise was held outside. Class bubbles sat some distance from one another while still giving pupils opportunity to play tunes together as a whole group. Whistles, fiddles, accordions, concertinas and banjos along with drum and keyboard make up the mix of instruments in our school band.
• Following a delay of four months due to COVID-19, ten of our pupils received the Sacraments of First Penance and First Eucharist. First Penance was held in a socially distanced manner at school. On September 26th our Communicants gathered in Kilmovee Church, along with seven other pupils from Tavrane and Kilkelly schools to receive the Sacrament of First Communion. Due to guidelines, each child was accompanied by just two family members. The ceremony was both prayerful and intimate. Beautiful traditional music and hymns added to the sense of occasion. Thanks to Fr Sherlock who provided each child with a Mass booklet and certificate, wonderful keepsakes of this special celebration. The glorious weather reflected the joy of everyone in the parish that this special day had arrived and our pupils could rejoice in receiving Jesus. Congratulations to Hadley-Jack, Sean, Oisín, Cian, Killian, Patrick, Aoibhe, Kayleigh, Caitlin and Tate.
• Well done to winners in the school lotto- Luke Duffy and Kayleigh Duffy.
• Frása na Míosa- Níl aon tinteán mar do thinteán féin!
• The Aistear theme in Mrs. Shevlin’s room was The School Yard.
Children used playdough to make bells, schools, birds’ nests and other objects seen in the yard. They made buddy benches, schools and tunnels during Junk Art. On the lego station, learners made many versions of Kilmovee N.S. and one group even constructed St Nathy’s. In small world, the pupils explored life going to and from school. Pupils had great fun during their first Aistear of the school year!