Last Thursday our Transition Year students visited Penny Dinners on James Street, Cork. Despite a very wet and rainy morning, students worked together to bring in the many boxes of food and essential items donated by different year groups and their families. 

Students got a great opportunity to see inside Penny Dinners and learn about the amazing work they do, providing around 500 meals a day for people experiencing homelessness in Cork. Penny Dinners were delighted with the generous donations from our school.

A big thank you to Ms Regan O’Broin for all her hard work in organising this annual Transition Year Initiative.

The school paused today to reflect back on the year that was and to remember those within our community most in need. Fr. James and Canon Elaine led our celebrations and the school listened to some beautiful carols and hymns. There was an especially lovely rendition of Oh Holy Night.  

We presented a donation on behalf of the school community to St Vincent de Paul and the choir ended the celebration with a fantastic rendition of Fairy Tale of New York.  We extend our sincere thanks to Chaplain and organiser, Mr. C O' Brien for the event and to Ms. Cooke and her talented choir for making it such a reflective and memorable occasion. 

Friday the 5th of December was that very special day, when the school comes together and celebrates Christmas, with a huge emphasis going on supporting the most vulnerable and needy within the greater community. The cafeteria was a hive of activity as the stalls were wheeled into place. The Transition Year students' and the LCA students' various wares and delicacies were on display.  Each year group visited the cafeteria and commerce, craic and  carols were very much the order of the day. A product that drew massive attention was the bespoke set of Match Attacks cards made up of teachers! Each teacher's superpower was listed. These flew off the shelves. Let's hope another run will be printed in the new year as students and staff flocked to buy packs. 

There were many lovely treats on offer also and this writer's waste line was suffering by about 11:30. Excitement was mounting slowly, as students and teachers prepared themselves for the highlight of the day. 

Concurrently in the gym Mr. Herlihy was running The Cube. (Based upon the popular TV show.) This saw students pitted against each other attempting to complete physical and spacial challenges. There were tears of joy and disappointment as some rose to the occasion, whiles others quite literally "dropped the ball."  But the end of the morning two worthy winners had emerged. (See below.) 

The moment that everyone was waiting for. The moment when staff would do battle against each other, for the coveted prize of champion of Teachers' Karaoke.  

First on stage were our trio who performed Killeagh with a rousing tribute worthy of KingFishr. The crowd was enthralled and the cheers that greeted the end of the song almost took the roof off the cafeteria. 

Mr McCarthy was up next. He chose a Christmas classic, and like the belovèd grand-da from the Wurthers Original ad, instantly connected with the audience. You could have heard a pin drop, until he began singing.  The whole audience got behind him, either in appreciation or in an effort to clear the stage. Who knows, who cares?  He was the teacher who captured Christmas! Could any act upstage him?

Then came a cowboy duo, complete with hats and vests. With the reluctance of a pirate facing the plank they took to the stage and with resilience borne of long suffering stints in the classroom, managed to butcher Wagon Wheel to such an extent as to make it completely unrecognisable.  The crowd were driven mad with joy mixed with confusion. 

Then came the "Ladies of the Centre" rocking the stage with a medley of tunes that were in no way tied to Christmas.  It was a treat to behold.  The crowd, initially sceptical, got into the spirit of things and gave them a rousing round of applause. The left with their heads held high. 

Next up we had a rendition of Wonderwall. The teacher in question, drew on all his method acting skills and for one brief moment, it did feel like we were at an Oasis tribute band, one - man - show. That was until the singing began and we were brought quickly back to reality. 

Finally Mr. Ryan was up, living and breathing La Vida Loca.  The star at the top of the Christmas Tree. Costume, mixed with talent, with a sprinkling of stage presence and an uncanny ability to appeal to the lowest common denominator saw this act soar above all others. Tears, laughter, joy all mixed together to pull off what might be considered one of the all time greats. Naturally, we weren't burdened with a strict interpretation of either lyrics or melody. The dance moves were terrifying and the costume showed off his toned physique. 

The centre ladies took the top honours, with La Vida Loca in second, Mr Ryan,  perhaps not for the first time, robbed of what seemed a clear and certain victory. 

A special thank you to the 14  TY students who went above and beyond by giving up their time for street collecting on Tuesday 9th (when they actually had a day off school.) 

A massive thanks to the following: Ms N O' Donovan, (coordinator) Ms. McGrath (Event planner) Ms McKnight and Mr McCarthy (Year Heads) and Mr D Herlihy (The Cube.) In total 9,000 euros were raised for good causes but it's not over yet, as we have still some events in support of good causes, between now and the end of term.  Nollaig Shona duit. 

Congratulations to 5th Year student Aaryan Ghosh who won a bronze medal in the Physics Olympiad of Experimental Science in DCU in November. 

He is one of the top 30 physics students in Ireland to participate in this round. He will now be returning to DCU to prepare for team Sweden in May.

The International Physics Olympiad is an annual physics competition for second level students. It is one of the International Science Olympiads. The first IPhO was held in Warsaw, Poland in 1967. Each national delegation is made up of at most five student competitors plus two leaders, selected on a national level.  We are very proud or Aaryan's achievement. 

On Monday 24th November, 25 1st years took part in an engineering / STEM workshop with Pfizer. The students enjoyed a range of STEM activities which culminated in a practical which required them to think critically and work as part of a team. No doubt this group of young Engineers and Scientists will have a bright future ahead of them in the STEM field!

The school was honoured to accept an award at the recent Carrigaline Tidy Towns event in the hotel in  recognition of the work by Ms Guerin and her team in developing a Tiny Native Woodland Forest on the school grounds. In 2024, 670 native tress were planted including alder, birch, rowan, scots pine, wild cherry, holly, crab apple and many more! This initiative would not have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors Phelan’s Pharmacy, The Good Fish Processing Co, The Kerry Group and Cork County Council.  Thanks also to Ms Guerin for all her work in driving this initiative. 

Toby is what is known as a a shorthair mackerel tabby cat.  Tabby cats are some of the nicest cats you’ll ever meet. Their round faces and soft fur make the shorthair a popular cat in Ireland and around the world. These cats have a rich history in the area dating back to Celtic times, making the shorthair one of the oldest breeds around. 

It's a fact that the famous Cheshire Cat from Alice in Wonderland is based upon a mackerel tabby cat that looked a lot like Toby.  

Commiserations to our Junior Camogie Team who lost out in the county final against Colaiste Mhuire Crosshaven. Despite their valiant effort, the girls came up short on the night. Thanks to all who came out and supported us on a cold and windy night.

Congratulations to our boys u15 rugby team on winning the Munster McCarthy Cup C competition today in Limerick. 🏉🥳 The team faced some tough competition from all corners of the province, with a few closely fought matches that put them to the test. However, they managed to win all 6 matches on their way to the final, while showing grit and determination to come from behind and scoring in the last play of the game, claiming the trophy for CCS! Our first trophy in Rugby in almost 10 years! 😱

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A special mention to Mrs. Murphy for supplying some well needed cookies on the sideline, providing the vital carbohydrates needed to give our lads a boost of energy before the final. 🙌🏼🍪

Our 1st year girls played St. Als Carrigtwohill. They were unfortunate to lose out finishing up 3-1. Both sides were evenly matched playing a very competitive game of soccer. A free kick taken by Mia Wafer in second half to score CCS only goal. Well done to everyone involved 👏

Our Senior Girls' Football team, triumphant in the County Final v Colaiste Ghobnatan Macroom, were welcomed with a guard of honour back to school. Stand out players included Robyn O' Mahony, Zoe Gardner, Emma Keane, Mia O' Mahony and Giselle Aherne. It finished 4 6 to 1 9. Our sincerest thanks to coaches Doireann O' Sullivan and Donal Herlihy for their time and effort with this team.

Our Spring 2026 Adult Education programme will be going live on Thursday 18th December. Classes will start in February and take place in the school on Monday and Tuesday evenings and we also have a number of Wednesday afternoon courses.Our full programme can be downloaded online at www.carrigcs.ie/adult and you can register and enrol for courses online too. We have a huge range of courses ranging from languages, cooking, health & fitness, music & dance, bookkeeping & finance, QQI Special Needs Assisting (Level 6) and Care Skills (Level 5), personal development and general hobbies. Enrolment is open to anyone over the age of 18. Further information is available from the Adult Ed office on 021-4373767 or by emailing adulted@carrigcs.ie

After school study takes place in the school library from 4pm until 6pm every Monday , Tuesday and Thursday and follows the school academic calendar .All students are welcome to join after school study at any time of the school academic year .

After school study is split into 2 sessions and runs from the beginning of September until the end of December and again from the beginning of January until the end of May .

From experience however it is best when possible to start a good routine of study in September or January so as to get the most out of study and reap all the positive benefits outlined below.

All students involved in study have the option to do 1 ,2 or all 3 nights. Any after school study sessions missed or lost due to sporting commitments / extracurricular activities / unforeseen absences will always be facilitated and can of course be made up .

After school study provides a quiet , productive and extremely consistent learning environment .

After school study facilitates student progression and academic consistency .It helps create a positive and organised approach to learning .

After school study students can complete homework daily or weekly / complete assignments due / prepare for cba’s / practice aural work and oral work when applicable ( with their supervising teachers permission )

After school study provides the opportunity to to be fully organised and prepared for class tests, inhouse exams and of course state exams when and where applicable .

After School study follows school rules .Student personal phones are not permitted as chrome books are permitted so google classroom can be used throughout study .

Students are supervised at all times during study and will be told and reminded by their supervising teacher at each session about the importance of being organised at all times for study so as to make the most of their time, therefore helping them become better all-round learners and help guide them to their full academic potential .

All information re After School Study can be gotten from :

cmulvihill@carrigcs.ie and/or scorbet@carrigcs.ie at any time .We welcome any queries and look forward to seeing all students reap the benefits of our extremely successful after school study sessions.

Ní féidir a shéanadh “ Tús maith leath na hOibre “ / “ A good start is half the battle “

We are very excited to announce that our TY Show Legally Blonde will be taking place at the end of January. A huge amount of work has gone in to the show, with rehearsals starting in September with Mr McGrath, Ms Mullaney and Ms Morrissey O'Connell. It promises to be a fun evening of entertainment. We appreciate your support and perhaps tickets would make nice Christmas presents for family, neighbours and friends. Tickets can be purchased at the links below:

Tuesday 27th January

https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/1976710774137?aff=oddtdtcreator

Wednesday 28th January

https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/1976718242475?aff=oddtdtcreator

Thursday 29th January

https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/1976719941557?aff=oddtdtcreator

Updates and information pertaining to the running of the school 

Thursday 15th January: Year 1 Parent Teacher Meeting (School closes for all students at 15.20)

Tuesday 20th January 17.30: Parents Meeting for current Year 1 students re Chromebook Devices

Tues 27th-Thurs 29th: Legally Blonde school show 7pm 

Friday 30th Jan - Pre Exams begin for Year 6

Monday 2nd February - No school - St Brigids Day

Tuesday 3rd - Friday 13th February - TY Work Experience/Ski trip 

Tuesday 3rd - Friday 13th February - Pre Exams for Years 3 and 6

We would like to remind students and parents/guardians of the rules around phone use in school. 

The use of smartphones is not permitted between the times of 08:40 and 15:40 except when planned

for use in class with teacher permission for learning and assessment.

Phones may be used in the queue if ordering for Food Village.

Sincere thanks to all parents/guardians that have paid the €120 student actitivty fee. 

The Student Activity Fee (which is voluntary but relied upon) goes a distance to helping the school provide a quality service for all students. This student activity fee contributes towards:

• The vsware app including messaging

• Individual pupil insurance

• Use of locker for the year

• Cost of in house examinations (not including Pre Exams)

• Photocopying

• Materials for subjects such as Art, Wood Tech, Engineering

• Subsides the cost of buses for trips/outings etc

• Photocopying costs

• Guest speakers 

• Affiliation and entry fees for clubs and societies

• Prizes for school activities and competitions such as bonding days, masterchef etc 

• Eirquest interest testing and My Future Choice aptitude testing with 4th years

• Cognitive Ability Testing (CAT) for First Year students

• Reach plus careers programme for Fifth and Sixth Year students

• Health Week activities and guest speakers - mental health, physical health, sexual health,

• Subsidised study skills seminars

To pay the student activity fee: Go to the Fees link on your VSware app (we will no longer be using easy payments plus).

or 

Call into the school Reception ( Cheques payable to Carrigaline Community School).

Thank You.