Month: June 2018

We will miss Sixth Class so much. They were a really wonderful group of kids. The ceremony and tributes at their graduation brought back lots of memories and celebrated their talents, their efforts and their contribution to our school. They are a credit to their families and teachers. We could not be prouder! They headed off to Castlgregory for an afternoon of watersports, fun, friendship and pizza. A perfect ending for a great class. We wish them every happiness and success in their chosen secondary schools. They will represent Caherleaheen well!!

Congratulations to our Fourth Class pupil, Enda Sheehan, who recently won a Science competition for his whole class, held by Astellas Laboratories, Killorglin. Many thanks to Astellas for the visit to their labs, the interaction with technicians and the hugely generous prize of €500, which will be well spent on STEM resources. It was a very memorable and enjoyable day for all.

The Mad Scientists joined us and told us all about their jobs as microbiologists. Then we had a lot of fun experimenting with dry ice.

The microbiologists told us about the different items they tested for bacteria. We learned that the average desk has 400 times more bacteria than a toilet seat. Imagine that!! No wonder Ms Mary has planned a desk scrubbing day next Tuesday.

A mobile phone has 18 times more bacteria than a public toilet. (Yuck).We just need to wash our hands more and take care, without being too worried about being ‘ too clean’! Exposure to bacteria can be good too- it prepares our bodies and our immune system to fight back, preveningt us from being unwell.

There is absolutely no doubt, that yet another sport is growing deep roots and tall shoots in Kerry! This is the 12th year that we have participated in the Tralee event and advanced to the County Finals. However, this is the first year that I have witnessed such amazing talent, from all corners/schools in Kerry. I strongly believe that Tralee Harriers has led the way in promoting athletics in Tralee and beyond. The club is leading the way for junior, senior, amateur and professional athletes. It is just wonderful to see how primary schools around Kerry are now embracing the sport and competing with each other. Yes, there are many clubs around the county, but T.Harriers host and attract the best qualifying schools in the wonderful An Ríocht track. Caherleaheen has featured proudly in the relay medals for the last decade at final level. Local Secondary schools have won National Schools Relays-always with a Harrier/Caherleaheen baton!(Mounthawk Mercy Secondary All-Ireland Champions 2018…..Go Luke O’Carroll!). It really doesn’t matter what your speed is, or your shot or javelin throw or your long jump distances are. It’s your Personal Best. Your PB is all you want to be- in athletics, in sports, in effort, in school, at home, in friendships. I am a slow learner and it took me quite a while to grasp why I was attracted to this wonderful sport, (as an ould one in my 50s who had never ever run 100cm) and the great endeavours of our young athletes and their coaches/parents: Physical/social/self-esteem dividends. I have to acknowledge the selfless Harrier coaches, all volunteers, who spend Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays on a weekly basis training and competing in Tralee IT (winter), Dan Spring Rd, An Ríocht, and provisional/national venues. These last few years, Paul Griffin has devoted hours, days, nights, weekends to promoting and progressing our young athletes in Tralee, as well as mentoring, organising and attending every single competitive event. He is a superb analysist and writer (check out the Tralee Harriers Facebook Page). His administrative skills and sponsorship coups are enviable. But, his encouragement, which I witness every Tuesday night these last 2 years, his humour, his hard work ethic and his total devotion to Harriers are truly inspiring. I just want to acknowledge this local hero here on this website. There are many many great parents and coaches and BoM members behind him. They have nurtured the club for many years. John arrived in this town 4/5 yrs ago. How lucky are we! Enough of that ( I could go on!) Here, are our very own young heroes from Caherleaheen. These are our medal winners from the Kerry Finals. They were ably supported by all our other qualifiers. Could you be prouder?

We had a superb day last Friday. The children were treated to lots of different activities: tug of war, penalties, turbo javelins, sprinting, relays, egg and spoon, three-legged, parachuting, pipe and ball race, wellie throwing etc. A fantastic atmosphere! Parents helped with equipment, teas, coffees and fruit prep. Teachers and assistants worked the stations and set up equipment with Alan Duggan. The fruit was delicious and all the kids enjoyed blueberries,strawberries, melons, grapes, apples and oranges. Many thanks to Byrne’s SPAR for sponsoring this incredibly generous feast. Bhí an bua ag an bhfoireann dubhghorm! All the coloured teams were great!!

Bhain na páiste an-taitneamh as an ngáirdín i rith na seachtaine. Bhí an aimsir go breá. Leitís, pónairí, luibheanna, Lus na gréine, puimcín, cúirséad, scailliún, oinniúin, sútha talún, rúbarb agus biatas….