Athenry News & Views Winter 2025

Athenry News & Views

Maths Week: Learning Through Fun National Maths week transformed classrooms into buzzing centres of problem solving and creativity. Pupils explored maths through hands-on activities, problem-solving challenges, buddy trails, competitions, and creative tasks like the much admired “Maths Hats.” From Mathlete awards to class challenge winners, students were recognised for their curiosity, effort, and mathematical thinking throughout the week.

A look at the exciting activities, achievements and developments shaping school life this term. Newcastle National School has had a busy and productive start to the school year 2025/26, with term one featuring a wide range of activities, achievements, and whole-school initiatives. Friendship Week: Building Connections: The year began on a high note with Friendship Week, a much-loved annual tradition that reinforces the school’s values of kindness, inclusion, and positive relationships. Pupils in all classes explored what it means to be a good friend through art, games, discussions and their very successful Big Buddy, Little Buddy programme. The week concluded with a hugely successful 6th Class Bake Sale and raffle, raising an impressive €1,342.03 for the Newcastle Community Centre; a proud moment that highlighted leadership, teamwork, and generosity across the senior classes.

Pupils from second class showcasing their maths hats.

Student Leadership and Community Spirit Leadership opportunities continue to flourish through the newly elected Student Council and Wellbeing Committee, empowering pupils to share ideas, strengthen school life, and promote positive initiatives. Monthly Star Pupils awards celebrate kindness, hard work, and personal achievement, reinforcing the values at the heart of the Newcastle NS community. Looking Ahead: A New Extension on the Horizon Amidst all the activity, excitement is building for one of the school’s latest development: the new school extension. Construction is progressing well, and the school community is hopeful and optimistic about moving into the new extension after Christmas. This much-needed additional space will provide bright, modern learning environment supporting pupils’ learning for many years to come. With language programmes, chess club, sports blitzes, community visits, and countless enriching opportunities throughout the term, Newcastle NS continues to be a place where students grow in confidence, curiosity, and character. Enrolment and Parents Information Night Newcastle NS will be accepting enrolments after Christmas from 7th January to 5th February. A Parents’ Information Night will take place on Tuesday 13th January, and all are warmly welcome to come along and learn more about what makes Newcastle NS such a special place to learn and grow. For more details about school life and upcoming events, visit www.stoliverplunkettns.com.

Pupils Dara and Cara presenting cheque to Karen and Jacinta, Newcastle Community Centre Committee

Sporting success across the Board Sporting achievements remained front and centre this term as pupils represented the school in numerous sporting activities to include Gaelic football, hurling, camogie, tag rugby, and cross-country running. Whether reaching semi-finals, displaying determination in tough weather conditions, or gaining valuable match experience, pupils consistently demonstrated teamwork, resilience, and school pride. Photograph: pupils Elsie and Annie Mae representing Newcastle NS at the Cross Country County Finals