Carrigaline Community School Newsletter

Ni neart go cur le chéile

Summer Holidays

As we approach the end of the 2024/2025 academic year I would like to thank all members of our school community who ensure that Carrigaline Community School continues to thrive in these ever-changing times. My thanks go to all staff, parents / guardians, Board of Management and all the wonderful students that pass through our doors. This year saw Tyrone Productions capturing various aspects of school life which I am sure will show the wonderful work done by all in CCS. It is looking like the documentary series will air in October on Virgin Media One and this will be clarified in advance.

I hope that these newsletters have been successful in communicating various information to you throughout the year. Wishing everyone a happy and peaceful summer break.

Paul Burke

Principal

Junior and Leaving Certificate Exams

We wish our students all the very best as you head into your exams. You've worked hard—now is the time to show what you know. Remember to be on time and bring everything you need, including calculators, pens, and any other required materials.

Exams don’t define you, but give it your best effort. We’re here to support you every step of the way, so don’t hesitate to reach out if you need help.

Mr O'Donovan will be available throughout the exam period in case of any emergencies.

Exam timetables are available at the following links. Please take the time to highlight your exams and work out your individual schedule.

Junior Cycle Timetable

Leaving Certificate Applied Timetable

Leaving Certificate Timetable

Official Opening of Nigel's Coffee Dock

On Friday 2nd May “Nigel’s” Coffee Dock was officially opened in Carrigaline Community School. This intiative, spearheaded by Ms Faherty and Ms O'Donovan is an exciting venture for the school. The coffee dock provides both refreshments and valuable work experience for some of our students. This initiative is particularly special to us as it is being run by some of our Transition Year students, alongside their peers from our autism classes. This collaborative effort fosters inclusivity within our school while providing an invaluable opportunity for real-world skill development for all students. We are indebted to the team at Three Fools Coffee for their partnership with us on this venture. The Coffee Dock is named in memory of our deceased Caretaker Nigel Herlihy. Nigel was very popular with students and staff and is sorely missed.

We have been very fortunate that we have received some most generous donations from businesses and individuals in the local community without whom this project would not have happened. In particular, our thanks to Thermo Fisher, Pfizers, Rebel Ice cream, Munters and the very many other local businesses for their generous support.

Sponsors: Thermo Fisher Scientific, Pfizer, Rebel Ice Cream, Munters Cork, Kearney’s Coaches, Tyrone Productions, BioMarin Pharmaceutical, Profix Maintenance, Munster Business Equipment, Choc Services, Charles McCarthy Plumbing, Cahill’s School Wear, Copymoore Ltd, Miko Metals, Lettertec, Carrigaline Computer Services, KWP Print,Ted Kelleher First Aid and Students, Staff, Parents/Guardians CCS.

Huge thanks to all our sponsors and particular thanks to Ms Faherty and Ms O'Donovan for their trojan work in establishing and running the Coffee Dock.

Transition Year Prom

Thursday 8th of May was an evening of great glitz and glamour in CCS when we hosted the Transition Year Prom, with the theme of the Great Gatsby. Students spent hours decorating the school cafeteria and entrance way for this special event. The style on the night was incredible! DJ Andrew McCarthy provided the music on the night. Thanks to Ms McGrath, Mr McCarthy and Ms O'Donovan for their hardwork and enthusiasm for making the night such a success.

Principal's Awards

Congratulations to all our students in receipt of a Principal's Award. This award is given to students who have excelled at class level initially and then have been selected by the Year Head Team as having contributed in a very positive way to the year group. The criteria for selection ranges from a marked improvement, acts of kindness, contribution to ECA, charity and school events to being a positive role model for other students.

2nd Year Principal's Awards

6th Year Principal's Awards

TY Principal's Awards

1st Year Principal's Awards

5th Year Principal's Awards

3rd Year Principal's Awards

Transition Year Evening

Last night, Thursday the 15th of May, the school opened its doors once more to the community to celebrate a thrilling Transition Year. It was hosted by the coordinator, Ms. N O' Donovan and parents were invited to see the many displays in the building reflecting different aspects of the programme. Students' work and digital portfolios were on display for parents to explore.

The evening culminated in the presentation of certificates and awards for 'positivity,' 'leadership,' 'excellence,' and 'creativity.' The assembled families and friends were treated to a wonderful musical number and the assistant Year Head, Mr. McCarthy gave some sage advice regarding 5th year.

The evening was a celebration of the hugely positive role the Transition Year Programme plays in this school and this community. Our special thanks to Ms. N. O' Donovan for her dedication to TY and her unflagging energy and positivity. Our thanks too, to Ms. G McGrath Year Head and her assistant Mr. D McCarthy, without whom the Transition Year programme couldn't function.

Sixth Year Graduation

On Wednesday, 14th May, we celebrated the graduation of our Sixth Year students here at school. The Class of 2025 is an exceptional group, and the day’s speeches reflected how they have truly lived out our motto: "Together We Achieve."

A special thanks goes to Ms. Cooke and Mr. O'Brien for their hard work in organising a memorable ceremony. For the past six years, the students have been supported and guided by their Year Head, Mr. Ryan, and Assistant Year Head, Ms. Murphy. The students expressed heartfelt gratitude to both for their dedication and encouragement throughout their time in school.

Doireann and Arda spoke eloquently about their journeys, from the challenges of the COVID-19 lockdowns to the triumph of reaching Sixth Year. They shared their experiences with great pride, reflecting the resilience and spirit of their year group.

Maria and Isaac did a wonderful job as MCs, keeping the event running smoothly and with warmth.

We would also like to thank the students who led the prayers during the ceremony, helping to create a reflective and meaningful atmosphere. A special thank you as well to the talented students who sang and performed—your contributions added so much to the celebration and showcased the incredible creativity within the year group.

We are incredibly proud of the Class of 2025. As they step into the next chapter of their lives—whether in further education, training, travel, or the world of work—we know they will carry with them the values, friendships, and memories formed during their time with us. We wish each and every one of them success, happiness, and fulfilment in all that lies ahead. Best of luck with the exams in June.

Fifth Year Chemistry Workshop

Thanks to UCC Chemistry Department for facilitating a practical workshop with our fifth year Chemistry students in April. This was very informative and students were really engaged throughout the session. Thanks to Ms McCarthy for orgainsing the workshop.

Sports Corner

Updates of all sporting activities in CCS

1st Year Girls Basketball

Congratulations to our 1st Year Girls Basketball team who played in the 'A' All Ireland Tournament in UL over the weekend of May 10th/11th. The girls came home as silver medalists in the Shield tournament, an incredible achievement for the team. Thanks to all the parents who provided transport and support to the girls over the weekend. A special thank you to Ms N O'Donovan, Ms D Keohane and Ms T Looney for their work with the team throughout the year and for the time and effort they put into organising the weekend in Limerick for the girls.

U16 Hurling & Football Double County Champions

Well done to the U16 boys hurling and football teams who won their respective County Finals recently. Thanks to Mr A Sheehan andMr D McCarthy for coaching the hurlers and Mr S O'Sullivan and Mr C O'Shea for coaching the footballers throughout the year.

Athletics

26 of our Student Athletic Coaches represented our school at the @CorkSports Primary Schools Athletics Blitz in @MTUarena recently. We also had 43 students participating in the @Ask123ie South Munster Schools Athletics Track & Field Championships in MTU. Congratulations to our 11 medal winners who qualified for the Munster Championships.

Our thanks as always to Mr D O'Sullivan for his efforts with our track & field athletes.

Rugby

Well done to our Senior Rugby squad who won the newly instated "Carrig Cup," in a thrilling local derby between CCS and Colaiste Muire Crosshaven. Although trailing at half time two well worked tries and conversions saw Carrigaline take a 2 point victory in the dying seconds of the match.

Our thanks go to the coaches Mr. Buckley and Mr. T O' Donovan who have nurtured this team to a very high level.

1st Year Girls - Gaelic Football

Huge congratulations to our 1st Year Ladies Gaelic Football team who reached the final of the Cork PPS Blitz competition in Ballincollig. Thanks to Ms D O'Sullivan for her work in organising our LGF teams all year. Thanks to Ms D O'Regan and Ms T Looney for their help with the team on the day of the blitz.

Under 16 boys- Gaelic Football

Our under 16 boys footballers won their county final in a hard fought match against a well organised MICC Dunmanway. They showed resilience and great team spirit to hang on and win by a goal. On their return to school they were greeted by cheering crowds from 1st to 3rd year.

A special thank you goes to the two team coaches Mr. S O' Sullivan and Mr. C O' Shea on this very special achievement.

Sporting Achievement Reception in PE Hall

We finished off the sporting year with a now traditional reception for our successful teams / athletes. A special presentation was made to past pupil, Becca Sexton, who will shortly be heading to the US on a college basketball scholarship. Becca presented the school with her International jersey and Ms O'Donovan reciprocated with a CCS jersey. Well done to all who have helped with ECA throughout a busy year.

New optional PE training top

The students recently voted on the design of a new PE training top which will be an optional part of the uniform in the new school year. The top, shown on the left, will be available to buy via an online shop.

School Business

Updates and information pertaining to the running of the school

CCS goes Solar

114 Solar panels were installed on the roof of the school over Easter. These panels are now fully operational. Our thanks to our partners on this project, Verde Energy Group and special mention to one of our past pupils, Daniel Marnane, one of the project engineers with Verde.

Student Activity Fee '25/'26

School Activities

The schedule of activities (matches/speakers/assessments/outings etc) is available on the school website for parents/guardians to view. This is updated each week.

https://carrigcs.ie/activities-and-events-2024-2025/

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