News
School Information Evening
BOM together with Parents’ Council invite parents to information evening regarding future development of school on Tuesday 18th November at 8.30pm in school.
Hall0we’en Fun
Victorious Camogie Team
Congratulations to our camogie team who had a great win over Rath in the recent Cumann na mBunscol final. Well done girls.
Dale Treadwell Workshop
The children were very excited to meet Dale Treadwell, most of them were familiar with him from his appearances on RTE Junior and CBBeebies. Dale grew up in the Australian Outback and recently he has been hugely involved in the Naturally Wild Pollinator Project. Dale entertained the children with stories of bugs, bees and other mini-beasts. He carried out workshops and the children learnt about pollination and planted a wildflower area.
Skydome
Pupils from infants to sixth enjoyed learning about the solar system while inside a skydome.
Daffodil Day
Our No Uniform Day was a great success, we raised €400 for the Irish Cancer Society. Well done to all involved.
Killeen National School Parents Council Social Night
We would like to invite all parents to a “Thank You” get together
to acknowledge everyone’s generous support over the last
number of years.
We are hosting a social night :
Where: Gleesons of Riverstown
When: Saturday March 15th 2014
Time: From 9pm
Music & Finger Food
Offaly Libraries Reading Challenge
A big reading challenge is taking place in schools all over the country to see which county can read the most books.
Turn those I-Pads off, put the phones down and pick up the books to help us in our efforts to become book-a-holics!!!
Boys Gaelic Football Blitz
In an effort to emulate the achievements of the girls recently the senior boys took part in a 7-a-side gaelic football blitz in Ferbane.
We got off to a poor start losing our opening two games but bounced back with two comfortable wins but sadly it wasn’t enough on the day as Clonlisk N.S ran out eventual winners.
A great shift was put in by the boys so well done all!
Credit Union Quiz 2014
Congratulations to our two teams from Killeen who both won the Credit Union Schools Quiz in their respective categories.
This is the second year in a row that Killeen have come up trumps so well done to all!!
Girls Indoor Camogie Blitz
The senior girls from Killeen N.S showed their sporting pedigree by winnig a fiercely contested indoor hurling blitz in Shinrone recently. Yet again we returned home with the silverware so well done to the girls for doing our school proud.
Albert Nolan Biodiversity Talk
We were thrilled recently to have a guest speaker come talk to us all about biodiversity recently.
Albert Nolan is a specialist in biodiversity and wildlife and travelled all the way from Newport Co. Tipperary to share his vast knowledge with the children.
They learned all about plant and birds in the locality (finding out that there are actually NO CROWS in Ireland) as well as going on a nature walk along Killeen Lane to the site of a rookery. The day was enjoyed by all.
We thank Albert for his visit. Our next Green Flag is just around the corner so well done to everybody.
BT Young Scientist 2014
Well done to Patrick O’Connor and Lizzie Burns on their fantastic research into the growth of bread mould which made it to the RDS for the BT Young Scientist Awards.
Christmas Plays Extended Photo Gallery
Click on the pictures below to view our Christmas play gallery
Christmas Plays 2013
All classes were very busy in the lead up to Christmas preparing for the various Christmas plays which were put on in the school before the Christmas break. Needless to say the children thoroughly enjoyed it and they really brought a Christmas spirit to the school. We look forward to seeing many of our stars on the stage in the future.
Fundraiser for the Simon Community
We held a ‘No Uniform’ Day in the lead up to Christmas in order to raise funds for the Simon Community.
Well done to all the children for their generous input. The money raised will really help those without a home this Christmas time.
Christmas Shoeboxes for Team Hope
Boys and girls from junior infants right up to 6th were busy again this year preparing specially packed Christmas gift-boxes for children in need.
Team Hope is the foundation in charge of the shoebox appeal this year and we responded greatly by donating over 70 packed shoeboxes.
Clink on this link to watch a video of how our shoeboxes will help children in poor areas at Christmas this year.
‘Our House’ Poster Competition
Lucy Butler was the winner of the St Brendans Community School Poster competition for their production of ‘Our House’ this November. Congratultions to her for the fantastic work she put in.
Rugby Blitz
Birr Rugby Club organised a tag rugby blitz for senior classes from all around the Birr area on Thursday last, the 21st of Nov. Boys and girls from 5th and 6th in Killeen participated along with children from Carrig, Birr and Crinkle. We had two teams of 10 players involved. It was a great day out in cold and harsh conditions but that didn’t dampen our spirits as we ran out as eventual overall winners. Congratulations to all the players involved and a huge thanks to Peter Swanipole for organising such a successful event.
Green Schools Biodiversity Calendar
The Green Schools Team are currently working on a calendar which aims to raise funds in our efforts towards achieving our next green flag.
This calendar is based on the four seasons and will involve work from the children in our school along with some photos.
Calendars will be available for purchase before we break up for the Christmas holidays on Dec 20th.
Gymnastics
Gymnastics with Emer Feehan began on Friday the 8th of November for all class groups.
This is something the children greatly look forward to each school year so we’re delighted to have Mrs. Feehan back with us again this year.
Birr Workhouse Talk
Pupils from 5th and 6th class attended a talk about the Birr Workhouse recently down in the library.
It was conducted by local historian Mrs. Hogan. She provided a great insight into life in the workhouse a midst tough times during the mid 1800’s.
The children really enjoyed their time down in the library and came back to school feeling relieved that they were not entering conditions such as those found in the workhouse many years ago!!
Football News
Hard luck to our footballers who were beaten by Ballyboy N.S on Friday last 18th of November in Carrig.
It was nip and tuck all the way but Ballyboy prevailed as the stronger team in the last few minutes to take the game.
Ballyboy went on to beat Gortnamona in the semi-final and faced Coolanarney in the final in St. Brendan’s Park, Birr on Wednesday.
Coolanarney dominated the game throughout and took home the cup.
Thanks to all the players for their dedication and hard work. Hopefully we’ll come back stronger next year.
Trip to Birr Castle
As part of our Green Schools theme for the upcoming year we organised a nature walk for our Junior and Senior Infants to Birr Castle. Mr. John Joyce kindly led us on a guided tour and told us all about the wonderful plants and trees which come from all over the world.
The trip was enjoyed by all and we look forward to visiting the castle again in the near future.
Green School 2013/2014
‘Biodiversity’ is the word which will be rolling off the tongues of the Green Schools Team this year. We are going for our 5th Green Flag this year so it’s important that we work hard and maintain our high standards.
Once again a new committee has been elected . They will be responsible for keeping the whole school informed on our progress throughout the year.
Hurling and Rugby
Hurling coaching with Hughie Hannon takes place on Wednesdays for classes 3rd – 6th this term.
Rugby also commenced in September and takes place on Tuesdays. We are delighted to have Peter back with us this year.
Gaelic Football
It’s that time of year again when we take to the field for the Cumann na mBunscol Football Championship.
This year we have been pitted against tough opposition High St of Belmont, Ballyboy, Coolanarney and Gortnamona.
So far we’ve lost our games to Coolanarney and Gortnamona but after a comprehensive win over High St we are poised to take on Ballyboy for a play-off place.
Best of luck to the team in the upcoming fixtures.
Our New Junior Infants
Visit from The President of the GAA
Parents’ Council Table Quiz
We would like to thank everyone who supported the table quiz on Friday last June 7th. All money raised will go towards the new book scheme and the payment of buses for the school tours.
Trip to Birr Castle
First and Second class enjoyed a trip to Birr Castle on Friday last June 7th. Michael Hogan gave the children a very informative tour of the castle grounds providing them with lots to write about in the projects they are currently doing in class.
Confirmation Class
Our Hurlers make it 3 in a Row
A huge congratulations to our hurlers who completed a hat trick. We are delighted with the success we have achieved in hurling and camogie this year. We would like to thank all who contributed in any way throughout the year. A special thanks to our trainers Ken Hogan, Martin Errity and Tom Carty. Thanks also to William Harding for his contribution towards sponsorship this year.
Great win for our Camogie Players
Congratulations to Killeen Camogie players who had a great win over Coolderry in the Cumann na mBunscol finals Wednesday 15th May. The team played superbly on the day with outstanding performances from several players. The first score came from Aoife Hogan and was followed by many more, we went on to win comfortably. Captain Dara Hanamy received the trophy on behalf of the school from the Cumann na mBunscol Chairperson Brendan Hanamy. The girls were thrilled with their second victory in the last week and rounded the day off with a trip to Macari’s.
National Walk to School Day
Camogie Win for Killeen/Carrig
Congratulations to Killeen/Carrig camogie team who were victorious over St. Rynagh’s of Banagher in the combined schools camogie final.
Soccer Skills
International Soccer Player Sylvia Gee introduced all the classes to some fun soccer skills on Friday last. The children really enjoyed their session with Sylvia.
Communion
Congratulations to all the children in Second Class who made their First Holy Communion in Birr on Saturday 27th.
School Camogie and Hurling Matches
To date our hurlers have played three matches and won all three. Our camogie players have played two matches and won one. The Killeen/Carrig camogie team have played two matches and won both of these.
Cake Sale
Thank you to the Parents’ Council who organised the Cake Sale, it was a huge success raising €866. This money will go towards funding our book rental scheme. The Parents’ Council would like to thank all who supported their annual cake sale.
Swimming
Swimming will begin for pupils from 1st to 6th class in term 3 for 8 weeks
Times: 9.30 – 10.15 – 1st, 3rd & 4th and 10.15 – 11.00 – 2nd, 5th & 6th
Cost: €20 per child
As with gymnastic (1st term) the Parent’s Council will make a contribution towards the swimming. We are very grateful for this help.
We need to leave school at 9.15am for the first session and lifts would be appreciated. Let the class teachers know, if you are available. Children from town, swimming in the first session, may go straight to pool, if you wish. Children should wear swim wear under their tracksuits on that morning for handiness. Dressing rooms cannot be reserved; lockers must be used to store clothes until child is ready to re-dress as dressing rooms will be needed by other groups. When children finish in the pool they have a quick shower and then collect their clothes from locker and only then use dressing room.
The Book Fair
The Book Fair is now running until the end of the week (April 19th). Children can bring money to school if they wish or parents can call to the office to view/buy. Please remember that if you buy three books the cheaper one is free, also there are plenty of bargain books from 1 euro.
“The Story of Rubbish Monster” Puppet Show
Infants to second will be entertained by “The Story of Rubbish Monster” Puppet Show on Monday 15th of April.
Board of Management
Since last summer the B.O.M. and especially our Chairperson, John have been very busy advancing our school making it more comfortable for all. The office is now completed and is a great addition to our school. At present, we are preparing a second learning support room as the visiting teacher tends to have to move from place to place, depending on what’s going on in the school at the time. The toilets(beside the GP room) are rarely used so we are converting them into another available room. All this work should be completed by Easter and then some painting will take place. All this will make teaching and learning more fun.
Book Fair
Celtic Book Fair will be in school from Monday 15th to Friday 19th April. More information later.
Oliver
Children from 3rd class up will be going to see Birr Stage Guild’s Production of Oliver on Monday 15th of April. We look forward to seeing Mr. Madden in his role as the Artful Dodger.
Parents’ Council
The Annual Cake Sale will take place on Friday 22nd March. Anyone wishing to donate cakes, buns, etc. can drop them to the school on the morning of the Cake Sale. Parents can purchase cakes from 11.30a.m. onwards.
We are currently working very hard with Mrs. Connolly and the Board of Management to help set up a book rental scheme in our school. It is our hope that the Parents’ Council will be able to help fund a scheme for the entire school.
We thank you in advance for your continued support for all our fundraising efforts.
Hurling Match
Well done to the hurling team on winning their first hurling match on Wednesday 20th.
Write a Book
Best of luck to 3rd & 4th Class who will be entering their stories in the Write a Book Project on Wednesday.
Cumann na mBunscoil Skills Competition for Croke Park
Well done to our four participants Clare, Mark, Dara and Rory who took part in the Skills Competition. Congratulations to Dara who qualified in the camogie competition we look forward to seeing her in Croke Part in the coming months.
Sixth Class
Entrance exam for St. Brendan’s Community School will take place in our school on Friday 15th of March
First Confession
Children in Second Class made their First Confession on Wednesday 13th March in Birr Church. They enjoyed a celebration in the school afterwards. Thanks to the Parents’ Council for providing food and beverages on the night.
Rugby Blitz
Childen in sixth class will be participating in a rugby blitz on Wednesday the 13th of March. The blitz will be held in Birr.
Bike Workshop
Children from junior infants up to second class will be participating in a fun bike workshop with Senan our Green Schools Co-ordinator on Tuesday the 12th of March. All children are asked to bring in their bikes and helmets on the day if possible.
Football Blitz
Congratulations to the 5th and 6th class students who played 4 matches to win the football blitz in Ferbane on the 5th of March.
Credit Union Quiz
Congratulations to the u 11’s who came second in the chapter stage of the Credit Union Quiz in Nenagh on Friday. They will now represent Killeen National School in the finals in Dublin a HUGE achievement as only 50 schools in the country qualify. Also well done to the u 13’s who came fourth narrowly missing qualification.
Sport
Hurling and Camogie will start in March. Dates to be confirmed.
World Book Day
World Book Day takes place on Thursday March 7th
Confession
Confession will take place in the school on Wednesday 6th of March in preparation for Easter.
Seachtain na Gaeilge
Seachtain na Gaeilge 4ú go 15ú lá de Mhárta
Community Games
Congratulations to all who took part in the Community Games art competition and well done to those who have received medals and/or progressed onto the next stage.
Ash Wednesday the start of Lent
Fr. Redden was out today to give ashes for Ash Wednesday, we were delighted to see him as always.
School Building
The school is under construction at the moment as we are building on a new room. We are hoping to have all building completed by Easter.
Credit Union Quiz Winners 2013
Congratulations to our u-13 and u-11 teams who both received first place at the recent Schools Credit Union Quiz. A huge achievement of which the school is very proud.
Both teams will now go on to represent the school in the next stage in Nenagh.
