8 years ago you all joined the school community here in Coolanarney N.S. Over the years your teachers have watched you grow, develop, have fun and become the young adults you are today. Today that journey comes to an end. 

​All of you have contributed so much to the school. You have gotten involved in so much, helped out other children just the way pervious children had helped you. You've made us all laugh, cry, get frustrated with you but at the end of the day you have all make a huge mark on all the other children in the school, your teachers and most importantly, your parents who do so much for you - drive you places, bring you to matches/training, pay for things, feed you (and by the way your dirty clothes don't magically just get cleaned, folded and put away. That would be your wonderful mother that does that!!!). 

It has been a pleasure watching you grow these past 8 years. Teaching you, developing your life skills and having fun with you all. You may be leaving us but we will never forget you or what you have contributed to the school. You are all amazing young adults and we wish you all the very best in Secondary School and the years ahead. 

And don't be strangers - pop back in at any time for a chat. 
All the Best,
The Staff and children in Coolanarney N.S. 

"The Pieta Amber Flag Initiative recognises the individual efforts of primary and secondary schools, youthreach, third level institutions, community groups and clubs to create healthy and inclusive environments that support mental well-being. It unites these groups in their efforts to work together towards a happier, healthier Ireland and eradicates the stigma associated with mental health issues". 

Back in February 5th and 6th Class hosted a "Feel Good Friday" where they made pancakes and hot chocolate for all the children in the school to raise funds and awareness for promoting positive mental health in the school and our lives. We raised over €750, which is a an excellent achievement for such a small school. 
Last week, Ms. Delaney was back in the school and we held a short ceremony for the raising of the flag. 

To end our action packed Sports Day, we had some past pupil superstars back to the school to present the medals to our 5th and 6th class hurling team. Cathal Donoghue, Daniel Hand, Jack Screeney and Adam Screeney presented the medals to our team on winning their Cumann na mBunscol hurling final. This was also the first time the school was able enter a team into the competition on our own and to go all the way to the final and win was an achievement in itself. 
The lads names have been spoken many times over the past few weeks on their own recent wins and performances with Offaly and spoke a little about their own experiences getting to where they are today. And they said that they wouldn't be where they are today without the support of their wonderful teachers in Coolanarney, back in the day!!! 
All of the children in the school look up to the four lads and they have become role-models for them. 
With excellent teamwork and determination, the future is in great hands! 

2022 marked the return of our action packed, fun filled Sports Day!!!! Everyone has so much fun participating in all of the events and activities that were going on. The whole school was divided into 8 teams with children from all classes in each group. The team leaders were the boys and girls from 5th and 6th class who cheered on their team, encouraged them and did great work in making the so much fun for the younger children. 
​It was so nice to see all the children so relaxed and having so much fun!!! 
And we also want to say a massive thank you to Ms. Gath for organising the day. Everything was set up so well, everything ran so smoothly and no one missed out on any of the activities. 
Check out some photos and videos of the day. 

Stations were the first part of the day. There were 8 stations with a different activity at each. From basketball to throwing the javelin to building a bench the children worked so well together do the activity. 

This is where the competitive side came out in everyone! The races!!! Everyone gave it there all and had a blast running the different races. From the potato and spoon race (which resulted in broken potatoes scattered all over the yard!!!), the sack race, bean,bag race and much much more. Everyone did so well and had so much fun!! I personally thing the 5th and 6th class children were the biggest kids out of everyone!!! 

There was great excitement in the middle and senior rooms as we boarded the bus on our school tour to Castlecomer Discovery Park. All the children from 2nd class to 6th class had a very enjoyable day.
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The children in 2nd to 4th class got to do the climbing wall and tree top adventure. Here the children had to climb a wall while harnessed in. The Tree Top Adventure they had to climb up to the top of a tree and follow the trail around several trees such as walking over wooden planks, wires and climbing across nets. 

While 5th and 6th class (even Ms. Flynn and Mr. Bolger did it - well actually we were forced into it by some very persuasive children!!!) did the octagon. Here we had to climb up a flight of stairs to the bottom level where we crossed a wire to get out to the octagon and follow along the various paths across wires, planks and various climbing frames. While out there we were harnessed in but had to change out harness wires each time we went onto another part of the octagon. 

All classes got to explore the river near by looking for creatures, fish and other signs that the river was either polluted or not polluted. 
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Once we were finished with the activities we ended the day with a trip to the shop and a fairy town. The children cleared out the shop, from hot chocolates, ice-creams and bars!!!  Apologies to all parents returning them to you hyped up on sugar!!!! 
It was a very enjoyable day where everyone had so much fun!!! This tour this year was a hit with everyone!!! 

This year the children in 5th and 6th class took part in the Cuman na mBunscoil Hurling blitz on Wednesday 11 May. The team showed great heart and determination and had two wins on the day, resulting in the team going to the final in St. Brendan's Park Birr. 

The final took place on Tuesday 17 May. The team really worked together and showed so much drive to perform well in the final and to ultimately win the final!!
This is a massive achievement for the team and for the school. This is the first year in Coolanarney's history that we have been able to field a hurling team on our won and to win that final was the icing on the cake! 

All the staff, the children, parents and wider community are so proud of our team.
Congratulations to our team and to Ms. Flynn who coached and trained the team.