​This school received a grant in 2021 to implement initiatives aimed at addressing the digital divide and support our learners at risk of educational disadvantage as a consequence, as part of the Irish National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP) a project under the Recovery and Resilience Facility funded by the European Union through NextGenerationEU. This funding was used for relevant software on a class set of iPads that are used for literacy and numeracy support at the junior end of the school. We were also able to install brand new IWBs in 4 classrooms and buy 6 new laptops for teacher use, with the help of this funding. Finally, we subscribed to an interactive music package, supporting teachers to teach the music curriculum in a fun and engaging way.
The effects of this funding have been felt schoolwide in the years since we received the grant.

 Maths Week took place during the week of the 14th October 2024. We focused on collaboration, creativity and play; we had great fun!

Each class had the opportunity to participate in a fun maths challenge where they answered maths questions displayed on posters throughout the school. When the children answered the questions correctly, they received a letter. When they had all the letters, they had to unscramble them to find the hidden message. 

There were also daily riddles that were announced to the school on the intercom by the Student Council members. We also participated in a 'Guess the Pom Poms' challenge where each class guessed how many poms poms were in two jars. Many classes also took part in their own additional maths activities too.

Well done to everyone on a successful and enjoyable Maths Week!

Our Class Names Showcase took place on October 24th 2024. As per last year, our pupils spent some time learning all about their new class name. They worked enthusiastically and collaboratively to prepare artwork, songs, poems and more to share with the community. 

Thank you to everyone who came to celebrate learning on the day.  A special thank you to our Parents Association who kept the teas and coffees flowing. We appreciate you! 

Check out some photographs of our pupils' work and stay tuned for more news from around our school!

Back in June, our school hosted a fundraising event for Laura Lynn, Ireland's Children's Hospice. We participated in a Colour Fun Run to raise funds and awareness for this wonderful cause. 

We recently received confirmation from Laura Lynn that we raised an incredible amount of money. Check out our certificate below!

Our donations will help to ensure that children with life-limiting conditions and their families can come to Laura Lynn and make memories together. We have done something truly special!

On the 2nd of October, Skylarks & Swans attended a book reading with  author, Gerard Siggins.

We set off on a beautiful Autumn morning on the Luas and made our way to Tallaght Library. We were accompanied by three super helpful parents. Thank you very much to Brian, Peter and Daniella.

We received a warm welcome and enjoyed browsing the books and facilities before the reading. We also received library cards for anyone who had not yet joined the library. Thank you to Tallaght Library for organising this!

Then came the talk with Gerard Siggans who has lived a full life as an editor for the Sunday Tribune, working also as a sports journalist and novelist. Mr Siggans was very kind to answer the many questions the children had about his books and life. Thank you, Gerard! Gerard has written many sports related books for children. He is currently writing a children's novel featuring girls rugby.

Perhaps you might get a chance to visit this wonderful facility on our doorstep. There really is something for everyone at Tallaght Library. We are already looking forward to our next trip!

For the first time since before COVID, our school entered a team into the Cumann na mBunscol league this year. The league gets started very early in the year, which meant that we only had time for one training session before our first match! We were all a little unsure as we togged out and took our positions on the pitch.
Our first match was against Solas Chríost NS, and it was played at the St. Mark's football grounds on McGee Park. The Citywest players showed a great account of themselves, learning so much about the format of Gaelic football matches in the process!
The match was close throughout, but ultimately was won by Solas Chríost, by a margin of two points.
The atmosphere on the bus on the way back to school afterwards was buoyant - we were all buzzed about how well we did and how much we learned! Our next match is against our next-door neighbour - Citywest & Saggart CNS! Wish us luck!