Second Class made their First Holy Communion on the 26 May in Ratheniska. They had beautiful weather for their special day.

1st Class went for a walk up the lovely Loughakeo Hill near the school. It was a beautiful day and we saw the whole country almost from up there! There were lots of wild plants to look at and we visited the huge sycamore tree. We painted some pictures and had singsong aswell.

3rd were again out and about in the lovely weather of May, this time to Dysart where they met Fiona Dunne through the Heritage in Schools Programme.

3rd Class took a trip to Abbeyleix Bog in May to see and learn about the work there on bog regeneration and the variety of flora and fauna to be found. Their host was Fiona Dunne.

The first Student Council in Ratheniska NS were elected in October. Campaigns and elections took place with a Polling Station and Presiding Officer overseeing matters. Congratulations to all involved.

23 boys and girls from sixth class celebrated their confirmation on Saturday, 1st of March 2025. The ceremony was held in Saint Peter and Paul’s Parish Church, Portlaoise. A wonderful day was had by all. Comhgairdeachas libh! They are pictured here with the boys and girls from Gaelscoil Phortlaoise and The Heath NS

6th Class recently held a very successful Bake Sale in aid of the Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation, raising €700. This is the equivalent of 39 hours of in-home nursing respite care for the families using their service. Mary-Joe, a Jack and Jill nurse, visited 6th class to accept the cheque and spoke to the class about the impact their money will have in the community. Well done everyone and a huge thanks to all our bakers!

Senior Infants celebrated World Down Syndrome Day on the 21st of March. The whole school wore odd socks & brought in a total of €…… for Down Syndrome Ireland. Senior Infants had fun drawing odd socks with chalk outside. Some of the children served ice cream to their class to celebrate the day.

Senior Infants recently celebrated World Book Day by bringing in their favourite book & making their own bookmark. They told their classmates why it was their favourite book.

The girls and boys had a lovely day in advance of the St. Patrick’s Day weekend with our Shiúl Mór followed by our Ceolchoirm, Mr. Lawlor acting as M.C.