Scoil na mBuachaillí, Clonakilty – A Busy and Bright Half-Term of Learning, Creativity and Community Spirit

It has been a wonderfully busy and inspiring half-term at Scoil na mBuachaillí, Clonakilty, filled with creativity, community engagement, and hands-on learning opportunities.

As pupils and staff settled back into school life after the summer break, the focus was on reconnection, wellbeing, and creativity, with beautiful art lessons inspired by the school’s own sunflower garden setting a positive tone for the term. Engineering and STEM skills were also in full bloom through a range of science, technology, engineering, and maths projects, encouraging innovation, problem-solving, and teamwork — reflecting the school’s growing STEM focus. The school also celebrated World Space Week, inspiring curiosity and discovery through exciting space-themed lessons and activities.

A major highlight of the term was the official opening of Áras Uí Mhúineacháin, a proud moment for the school community. Music and culture also featured prominently, with Scoil na mBuachaillí’s participation in the Clonakilty Guitar Festival, the launch of the school’s original song, “We Can Be Stars”, and pupils singing and playing music at the First Friday Mass in Clonakilty Parish Church, showcasing their musical talents and contributing to parish life.

Sporting activities flourished throughout the term, supporting the school’s commitment as an Active School. Pupils represented Scoil na mBuachaillí with pride in the Sciath na Scol hurling competitions, while others enjoyed tag rugby training and a blitz with Clonakilty RFC, cycle skills training, and the inaugural Primary Cork Cups soccer competition, where the school achieved first-round success.

The dedication and commitment of our staff, who provide after-school Sciath na Scol hurling training and chess coaching, have played a key role in the school’s continued progress and success — enabling Scoil na mBuachaillí to compete in West Cork hurling at the highest level while also fostering strategic thinking and teamwork through the chess club.

Scoil na mBuachaillí’s commitment to wellbeing and positive mental health was evident through the school’s ongoing Amber Flag activities, which encourage kindness, inclusion, and care across the school community. Pupils also took part in a range of themed wellbeing and awareness days, including World Mental Health Day and World Egg Day.

Environmental awareness and global citizenship were central themes this term. Pupils participated in the Big Beach Clean, Autumn nature walks, National Tree Day, Climate Action Week 2025, and the Composting for Schools Programme. They also attended Plastic Planet workshops at Clonakilty Library, learning about sustainability, waste reduction, and responsible consumption. The school further engaged with Irish Aid workshops on global citizenship and participated in GLOBE Ireland citizen science projects, developing pupils’ understanding of sustainability and responsibility.

The term also featured the school’s first-ever Student Council elections, giving pupils a new voice in school life. Enrolment for new pupils is now open, and there is a renewed sense of excitement for what lies ahead.

Enrichment and afterschool activities were in abundance — from baking with Noreen, caring for the school hens, and visiting the local library, to afterschool chess and Sciath na Scol coaching by staff, sound crew training with John Fitzgerald, and maths fun during Maths Week featuring Times Tables Rock Stars.

The school’s participation in Concern’s Debating Programme and Climate Action Week encouraged pupils to think critically and act responsibly about global issues, while final training for the warden teams helped strengthen leadership and safety awareness.

Scoil na mBuachaillí also celebrated creativity through its entry in the Leap Scarecrow Festival, and ended the half-term on a festive note with Halloween activities and a school parade, filled with laughter, colour, and imagination.

There was added pride in being mentioned in the winning report for Clonakilty Tidy Towns’ Gold Medal award, recognising the school’s continued contribution to the local community.

Rounding off a term of excellence, the school celebrated its growing digital capacity, with new IT investments supporting its journey as a Digital Forward School. Excitement reached a peak when SNB was featured on RTÉ’s Today Show, highlighting the school’s vibrant spirit and achievements.

Principal and staff expressed immense pride in the pupils’ efforts, enthusiasm, and sense of community throughout this busy half-term, noting that “Scoil na mBuachaillí continues to thrive through creativity, collaboration, and care.”