Dear Parents/Guardians,

I hope you are keeping well. As notified also via email, I am writing to you with regard to the Mock Exams which will take place in the coming weeks (Junior Cycle 10th - 14th Feb, Leaving Certificate 4th Feb - 14th Feb, Leaving Certificate Applied 11th - 14th Feb).

The mock exams provide an important objective and independent assessment in each subject as the exam papers for the mocks are set and marked by teachers outside the school. A small number of teachers set and correct their own exams as it suits the subject better. This is factored into the cost.

This gives each student a very accurate idea of how well their study and revision is progressing. In this regard students establish clearly the areas in each subject where they need to focus.  It helps teachers also to evaluate the effectiveness of the teaching and learning of their subject.  

Arising from the cost of buying the papers and paying for their correction, the cost is: 

• €135 per student in 3rd year
• €150 per student in 6th year
• €80 per student in 6A (Leaving Certificate Applied) 

This needs to be paid by Monday 17th February 2025 at the latest please.

It was a real pleasure to welcome back Eddie O'Loughlin before Christmas to CPC.

Eddie graduated from the Class of 2024 and achieved the maximum 625 points in his Leaving Certificate examinations. Eddie described how good routines, maintaining a balance between study and other interests and most of all a dedication to hard work and effort led to his success. We are all incredibly proud of the Class of 2024 and congratulate Eddie on this outstanding academic achievement.

A presentation was made to Eddie and his name added to the Awards Board for Academic Achievement. Pictured are Eddie along with myself, his proud father Ed and year head Ms O'Malley.

Eddie is currently studying Actuarial and Financial Studies in University College Dublin and we wish him continued success with his studies.

Good evening all,

thank you to everyone for your patience and support during this very uncertain period of weather we are experiencing. It was fantastic to see over 90% attendance today. 

As you all know, Kildare is included in the current orange weather warning for low temperature. Temperatures are forecast to drop to as low as -4 degrees tonight in Kilcullen and are not expected to go above freezing point throughout the day (Wednesday). 

The current plan is to open school as normal tomorrow morning. 

Every parent/guardian needs to assess the local situation in the morning - some students live very near, some have more challenging journeys to undertake. Everybody should make an informed decision based on safety over the next couple of days. If arriving later to school please just sign in when you arrive.

In light of the low temperatures forecast for the next few days please encourage your son/daughter to wear some extra base layers / t-shirt etc under their uniform.

Hoping everybody stays safe during this period.

The situation over the next couple of days is quite fluid so please continue to check the app for updates.

Kind regards

J Leonard

Principal

Recycle used batteries for the Laura Lynn foundation - battery collection box in reception.

Dear parents, guardians, students and staff,

Happy new year to you all.

Due to the poor weather conditions, the forecast overnight and the changing situation, the decision has been made not to reopen tomorrow.

This decision was made reluctantly and in the interest of the safety of staff, students and their families who might have travelled.

I expect that we will be able to reopen on Tuesday.

Kind regards

Joe Leonard

Principal

Dear Principal,

As the cold weather continues, the HSE public health division has asked for your help in sharing the following important information with your school community:

• Flu is circulating widely in the community, with children being significantly affected.
• Please remind families that anyone who is unwell should remain at home to help prevent the spread of infection.
• Cough and sneeze etiquette, along with regular hand hygiene, are essential to limiting the spread of illness.
• The free nasal flu vaccine for children aged 2–17 is still available through local pharmacies and GPs.

For more information, go to hse.ie/flu

Thank you for your support in sharing this information with your school community.

Neart live events this week:

Parents and Guardians webinar Thursday 27th February 7:30pm; Register HERE

Information on all webinars for parents/guardians is available on www.jigsaw.ie/neart 

Dear parents, guardians and students,

the staff of CPC join me in wishing you all a very merry Christmas and a happy new year.

Classes resume on Monday 6th January 2025 at the normal time of 9am.

J Leonard

Principal