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 and champion you to d your best.

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. ​

It was a bittersweet day here in Coolanarney as we said a huge goodbye to two important members of our staff: Mrs. Ann Cowan, our SNA and Mrs. Michelle Bennett, our cleaner. 

The children have been preparing the past few weeks learning two goodbye songs for the occasion, under the guidance of Ms. Killeen. The children sang wonderfully and the lyrics of the songs really showed them both how much we will miss them. Ms. Mahon, Mrs. Lynch and Paul Carroll, BOM Chairperson, all spoke so well and fondly about the two ladies mentioning their dedication to the school, their drive in doing their best, their wonderful personalities which contributed to the great atmosphere of the school. We presented flowers, vouchers and a frame of the lyrics to the song as a parting gift. 

Mrs Cowan has been in the school for the last 7 years and has made her mark across the school, both in the classroom and in the staffroom. She has worked with so many children over the years, ensuring they got the best out of their education and time in Coolanarney. She went far and beyond for the children and the staff. 

Mrs. Bennett is the unsung hero of the school. She has worked in the school for the past 20 year as our cleaner. Every evening Michelle comes in and cleans the school, late into the evening. Without her hard work and dedication the school wouldn't be looking as amazing as it looks. Covid also made things tougher where cleaning became so important to reduce the virus spreading. 

The staff, Board of Management, Chairperson, past staff and the children wish both Ann and Michelle the very best in their retirements. 

Sports Day was a big hit with everyone this year. Everyone has so much fun participating in all of the events and activities that were going on. The whole school was divided into 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 were so lucky that the weather held up nicely - bar the one shower near the end of the day!
And we also want to say a massive thank you to Ms. Gath for organising the day. 
Check out some photos and videos of the day. 

The morning part of the day consisted of the stations. Each group had to work together to complete the station. The stations comprised of basketball, hurling, teambuilding exercises, javelin, soccer, obstacle course and  balancing and walking. 

After we had finished the stations, and the middle and Senior Rooms arrived back from Swimming, we held our races. The children took part in the backwards race, hoop race, sack race, potato and spoon and three-legged races. The competitive side came out in everyone. 

Have a look at some videos taken during the day. 

A big well done to the children and classes who received medals and trophies for performing so well in the speed endurance test a few weeks ago. Before Easter, the children were practising their athletics skills with Johnny - endurance, speed, pacing and had a lot of fun. 
After Easter, the children took part in the Offaly Sports Partnership Endurance test test where they had to run the course, up and down, for two minutes. They were competing against all the other school in Offaly. Coolanarney performed really well in the county winning 3 individual medals and 4 group trophies.

Class Trophy Winners:

• 1st Class Boys
• 1st Class Girls
• 2nd Class Boys
• 3rd Class Boys

And three individual winners:

• Two boys in 2nd Class
• One girl in 3rd Class.

A big congratulations and well done to all the children who helped Coolanarney place as one of the fastest schools in Offaly!