Due to demand all around the county, the Liam McCarthy Cup made its (more or less) annual visit to the school a little bit later than usual recently. Many thanks to Fintan and to Billy Fitz for making the arrangements.

Just as this year's French Classes given by Miss Fogarty come to an end, we are pleased to announce that Table-Tennis Classes are being held in Crosspatrick Hall on Fridays as part of the P.E. component of the school's curriculum. The classes are in two modules - the lower room and the seniors - and are given by one of Ireland's leading coaches, Jimmy Hayes. These classes are funded by the Irish Table Tennis Association through Crosspatrick Table Tennis Club, of which all the children are members.

As part of the school's Arts and Crafts programme, we have also embarked on a series of in-class seminars, the first of which, in Pottery, was held recently, and was generously sponsored by Crosspatrick Community Shop.

In October 2011, the department of Education conducted an inspection of our school. This inspection, known as a Whole School Evaluation, examined every aspect of the school: teaching, management, pupil performance and satisfaction.

The report, whch has just been published (February 2012), gives the school top marks in every area, and is considered to be among the best reports issued to a school in Co. Kilkenny in recent times.

The school wishes to express their appreciation to the Department of Education and Skills for engaging with them in such a positive and constructive manner.

Highlights

Among the highlights of this report are:

Quality of teaching

'The overall quality of teaching and learning is very good. The teachers communicate high
expectations regarding pupil achievement and as a consequence, the quality of learning
outcomes is also very good. Well-structured teaching, combining a range of
methodologies, is used consistently. Oral aspects of lessons are emphasised suitably
and the pupils benefit from targeted speaking opportunities with their teachers and peers.
They present as confident learners and willingly demonstrate the high quality of their
learning achievements.'

Pupil behaviour and ability

'The management of pupils is very good and their behaviour is excellent. All relationshipsare respectful and inclusive. Of particular note are the pupils’ capacity to workindependently and collaboratively, and their full engagement in all learning activities.'

Teaching of mathematics

'The quality of teaching, learning and pupil achievement in Mathematics is very good. The
results of the pupil questionnaires indicate that all pupils consider that they are doing well
at Maths. Significant emphasis is placed upon consolidation and manipulation of number.
Challenges are differentiated suitably for all class levels, enabling the pupils to progress
and experience success. New concepts are presented, developed and explained
carefully. In-class support for Mathematics in the senior room is employed beneficially.'

Teaching of Irish

'Irish is very capably taught and the pupils achieve a commendable standard.Communication is prioritised within the teaching and learning process. Consequently, thepupils, most notably in the middle and senior classes, use Irish effectively to ommunicate. The teachers’ positive attitude to Irish, together with the richness andaccuracy of their own language, are especially praiseworthy. There is a good reading scheme in place and most pupils read with fluency. Writing skills are well developed.'

Over the last couple of years the Board of Management has embarked on an ambitious refurbishment scheme at the school. This has involved the installation of state-of the-art computer equipment; overhauling the bathrooms; attic- and wall-insulation; external lighting; the purchase of new goals and nets for our playing field; reroofing the school; and laying down a new tarmacadam surface around the school.

During the Easter break the Board of Management continued this work and availed of the opportunity presented by the good weather to have the exterior of the school painted. A new gate has also been erected. The work was 50/50 funded from the school's own resources and from a generous donation from the Crosspatrick Community Shop, to whom we are most grateful.

During the summer holidays all the carpets were cleaned professionally. In addition, the parents voluntarily carried out internal painting work: very many thanks to all who participated.

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