Parents and grandparents attended the coffee morning on 26th June to mark the occasion of Mrs. Joan Dwyer’s retirement. The Parents Association presented Joan with a bouquet of flowers and a gift which was the result of a collection from parents in the school – many present commenting ‘Joan had all of mine’ and noting the contribution she had to their development in their early years. Those in the first class Joan taught in 1993 are now in their mid thirties, some of whose children Joan taught this year. We congratulate her on the long service and huge impact on the community during that time.

Go neirí go an t-ádh leat, Joan agus bain taitneamh as an gcéad aistear eile i do shaol!

On Wednesday March 29th, the Ratheniska Parents Association held an Easter raffle. We had a very special visitor who came to the school and help us with the raffle. There was great excitement as the Easter Bunny met each class. We had winners from each class along with a class raffle. The children and families did a great job selling lines for the raffle and we will have the final count on the amount that was raised soon. The money raised will be going directly to the school to help with ongoing costs and skills development. Wishing all the families of Ratheniska National school a Happy Easter and don’t forget to drop into the Community Hall after Mass on Easter Sunday for a cup of tea and a sweet treat.

Smiles all around this morning as the children received their Christmas Annual and Class Photo as a gift from the Parents Association. We would like to wish all the teachers, staff and families of Ratheniska National School a Happy Christmas and all the best for the New Year.

On Saturday 21st May, 2nd class celebrated their First Holy Communion. Fr Ciprian celebrated the Mass where 22 boys and girls received their First Communion. Pupils from 3rd-6th class provided beautiful singing which enhanced the ceremony. Many thanks to Louise Kavanagh for leading the choir. 

After the ceremony the Parents’ Association hosted a party in the GAA clubhouse. This was a great success and gave the boys and girls time to chat and have some fun. Many families came and it was lovely to hear the buzz back in the community. It really made the day special for the boys and girls of 2nd class. Many thanks to all the parents who helped out on the day, dropped sandwiches and treats and for setting up the night before. Your help is really appreciated. 

A special thanks to Ms. Michelle O’ Byrne and Ms. Pauline Dunne for preparing the children for their First Holy Communion. 

Thank you to the GAA club for the use of  the clubhouse on the day. It truly is a great facility to have in the community. Photographer Denis Byrne was there to capture the family photos along with Videographer John Brophy who recorded the ceremony as a keepsake for families. 

Nadia Tavolieri surprised us all on the day with a fabulous cake. She has recently set up her business of D’Laois Cakes. Thank you for the delicious cake, Nadia!

On Friday the 20th May we held a very successful Jersey Day in Ratheniska NS. Many club and county jerseys were on display on the day. Thank you to all the parents for their generous donations and we are delighted to inform you we raised €1561.92. This funding will be used to cover events between now and the end of the school year. Check out a photo of some of the jerseys  here.

Towards the end of the day, and in the presence of the entire school community and staff, we held a raffle and we were very lucky to have some sporting celebrities in attendance on the day to help out.

Representing their clubs were Enda Shortall, Kieran Lillis, Enda Rowland, Jamie Baldwin and Gareth Dillon who presented the winners with their prizes.

The prizes included vouchers for Roll ‘n’ Bowl, Kirsten’s Cakery, Pippa’s Parlour, McDonalds, Supermacs, wine from Peig’s Bar  and Bracken’s Gala, chocolates, doughnuts and a fruit hamper. The prizes were well shared out among the classes and staff and we would like to thank sincerely all those who organised and sponsored them.

There was great excitement among all the children on the day and thanks to all the lads for coming and inspiring the boys and girls in Ratheniska NS. 

Click here to see the excited winners!

At our recent AGM, the following officers were elected.

Chairperson – Laura Baldwin

Secretary – Michelle Clear

Treasurer – Olivia O’Donovan

The winners of our Christmas Draw are as follows:

1st – Mattie Fingleton (Conor and Abbie Sugrue’s card)

2nd – Sé Ramsbottom (Brian Ramsbottom’s card)

3rd – Dan Mortimer ( Millie Sydes card)

4th – Alan Roberts (Valérie Mahé’s card0

5th – John and James Fingleton (Fingleton’s card)

We would like to express our gratitude to all those who organised the draw and to all those who contributed so generously.