Our New School Here at St Michael ’ s We have a new school New classroom and books

1. Our New School Here at St Michael’s We have a new school New classroom and books Even new computers too. We have the same teachers The best of the lot. We sing songs, play games And have fun a lot. Our school is the best All colourful and bright. We have fun in the yard And play about outside. I love our school The village is very near. If you haven’t seen it yet Maybe next year. By Rachel Looney, 6th class. The Official Opening Of St Michael’s N.S. ExtensionBy John O’ Donoghue Thursday June 23rd 2011

2. Welcome Ar son an Bord Bainistíochta, na muinteoirí agus na páistí scoile, ba mhaith liom céad míle fáilte a chur romhaibh go léir. Tá an-mheas againn ar ár scoil, agus is cúis mhór athais dúinn an forbairt go léir atá déanta againn. Is mór an onóir dúinn gur thóg sibh an t-am chun i bheith i láthair linn chun páirt a ghlacadh i gceiliúradh an lae inniu. Go raibh míle maith agaibh go léir as ucht teacht. On behalf of the Board of Management, the staff & the pupils I extend a warm welcome to you all. We are very proud of our school and all that has been achieved so far. We are proud and happy to have you here today to share in our celebrations. Thank you for coming! Áine Murphy, Principal. Our New School Garden. Along with the new extension, the school acquired an area of land that could be developed as a vegetable garden. The children in Mrs Dignam’s room have been gardening for a few years so they took charge of developing the plot. With the help of parents and family they cleared the ground, made raised beds, built bird tables and an impressive compost bin. Throughout Spring the children planted seeds in our new garden. We now have potatoes, peas, onions and cabbage (to name but a few) growing in beds. We also have young apple trees, a black current bush, blueberries, rhubarb and a herb garden. We have left some parts of the garden wild to encourage biodiversity. We hope to add to our garden over the years and watch it grow and bloom.

3. Order Of Events • Mass of Thanksgiving • Official opening with the unveiling of the school stone and cutting of the ribbon. • Refreshments and exploring the school. Pictures above are from some of the many fun days throughout the year. Ranging from the senior class in homemade Halloween costumes, Nature walk in Parknasilla where the children also enjoyed a day in the beach chilling out enjoying their picnic! School tour 2011 took place in Douglas where the children took part in all different games and activities which involved the kids running, racing, climbing and hanging upside down!!!!

4. Blessing for Sneem school Almighty God, Bless this school and surrounds, make it a place of Learning and of Wisdom. Bless all those who work here. Help the teachers to be true to their vocation. Give the pupils a spirit of knowledge and love. May they grow to find happiness and fulfilment in life. Bless all who played a part in providing this school, in the planning, design, construction and financing. Give to all of us here today a renewed commitment to your will in our lives. We ask this blessing through Christ Our Lord. Amen More fun times in our school! The Junior Infants enjoyed some time out at the Garden of Senses , the senior class took part in flower arrangement and produced beautiful pieces. The green flag was raised proudly in front of the school. Winter Wonderland in December, the children enjoyed playing out in the snow and having many snow ball fights!!!

5. Looking Back My Memories (Batty Burns) The opening of St. Michael’s National School in 1966 was a time of great personal excitement and anticipation for me. Five years previously I had taken over as principal of the two teacher Sneem Boy’s School located on the Killarney Road where I worked with Margaret Murphy. This building was a relic of the old days with an open fireplace, draughty windows and doors, outdoor primitive, dry toilets, no electricity, no running water, rat infested and no proper playground. Now we were being presented with a fine new school, four lovely classrooms, modern toilets, electricity and a fine spacious playground. My only slight disappointment was that the school manager at the time decided that the form of heating should be a fuel ( turf and coal) stove in each classroom. By the time these stoves heated up a good portion of the day was gone! Some years later electric storage heaters were installed. The staff included my mother, Margaret Burns, Mary Egan, recently deceased, both from Sneem Girl’s School, Margaret Murphy and myself. I was in the rather unique position as principal of having my mother on the staff!! A mixture of pictures! 5th and 6th class made their Confirmation on the 30th march. 2nd class made their First Holy Communion on the 29th May 20110. The senior class enjoying a bit of Gardening and testing out their strawberries picked from their garden, yum yum!! A book of poems and stories written by all the children of 1st-6th class, well worth a read! St. Patrick’s Day parade where our school won the overall prize on the day with their beautiful colourful costumes of Tutankahmun!

6. On the first of July 1967 Glenlough School was closed and we were joined on the staff by Josie O’ Leary and Joan Rice which necessitated the building of two prefab classrooms. About this time we had an enrolment of over 130 pupils. When Margaret Burns retired in 1976 she was replaced by Tim O’ Sullivan, who had been a pupil in the school when it opened in 1966. now I had one of my own pupils on the teaching staff!! The 1970’s were a very exciting time to be in the teaching profession as a completely new curriculum was introduced by the Department of Education. Rather than dishing out knowledge to the pupils, the teacher was now obliged to create the situation whereby a child would discover knowledge through his/her own research. It laid special emphasis on knowledge of the immediate locality; it’s history, geography, plant and animal life as well as it’s traditions, songs, stories and poems. It is a tribute to the staff of the school that St. Michael’s was selected by the Department of Education to do experimental work on Environmental Studies. Here also I must acknowledge the cooperation of a fine bunch of pupils who readily adapted to the new curriculum. Through many contacts I had in the USA I succeeded in coaxing a number of regular teachers and student teachers to the school between 1971 and 1944 when I retired. One of these teachers called Kay Adams arrived with her husband, Mural (also a teacher) and family in 1976. he created quite a stir when he got the sixth class pupils to build small home-made rockets, that were eventually launched in the Sports Field. • The Extended and Improved school (continued) • Tar macadam complete with plastered yard wall were put in place. • New and improved fencing surrounds the entire school. • The garden has been planned, planted & begun! • Several educational thermoplastic designs have been drawn on the new yard. • All doors have been replaced in the old school. • Each classroom in the old school has been refurbished & painted. • The hall is now divided by double doors, which is a requirement of fire safety. • The old school received new & improved lighting. • The old school also received new energy efficient heating, including radiators above and below the double hall doors. • The hall was washed, sealed & polished. • The timber floors were sanded and polished.

7. The Extended / Improved School • The following were the works carried out to create our new school: • A large 3 classroom (complete with toilets) extension and an office have been built. • 3 interactive whiteboards complete with all systems and start-up software have been installed. • 13 computers, 5 laptops, 3 printers & 1 fax machine have been networked in the new school. • New furniture has been purchased & placed in the each classroom. • In the old school... • The windows and exit doors have been replaced with double-glazed brown PVC windows and doors. • The boys toilets have been replaced with one large and two small toilets. The large toilet is wheelchair accessible. • The school wall has been knocked, moved forward & rebuilt, creating 15 parking spaces. The 2 stiles & the main gate have been replaced with 2 wide school gates. • The school wall was also given a stone front. • Car park, wheelchair & bus markings were completed. A lady from the USA called Virginia Armstrong came to the school in the late seventies to help children with learning difficulties. When she returned home she provided funding for the employment of a remedial teacher for a number of years, and I was very glad that Eileen O’ Sullivan, a sister to Mary Egan, took up that job. I heard many good comments from pupils in my time, but few could beat the reply I received from one who arrived an hour late for school one Monday morning. I chided him for being late and reminded him that nine thirty was the time to be in and not ten thirty. He stared me straight and, without batting an eyelid, replied “ There’s a good long day there till three o clock, Sir! School life has changed dramatically since I left in 1994 and I am so glad to witness today the wonderful new classrooms and facilities which are such a huge advance on what I thought was Heaven in 1966! I had really enjoyable years in Sneem and I now wish the current pupils and staff ( it includes one of my former students), every success. Tá suil agam go mbainfidh siad idir tairbhe agus sonas as an scoil nua ar feadh treimhse fada. Mr. Batty Burns ( Principal 1966-1994)

8. School Memories By Tim O’ Sullivan. My first association with schools in Sneem took place in 1960 when I commenced my primary education in the Old Boys School, long since demolished, on the Killarney Road. My first teacher there was Ms. Margaret (Joban) Murphy of North Square and when I graduated to the senior classes I was taught by Batt Burns of South Sq. In addition to pleasant academic memories, other abiding memories of that time are walking from Gerah to the school, my father bringing in a pony cart of turf to help to heat the building and especially getting covered in mud as we played football in all types of weather in the sloping school yard. This early walking proved a great foundation for the recent JFK challenge. When I was in sixth class I used to provide free transport on the carrier of my bicycle for my sister Marianne, who had just commenced school and it was always a challenge to cycle up ‘ Jer Connor’s Hill ‘ without alighting. There was a great excitement in 1966 when the new St. Michael’s N.S. was opened on the Waterville Rd, replacing both the Old Boys and the Convent School for the girls. Initially the boys and girls were taught in separate classrooms and as one of the senior boys at that stage, I can still recall us exchanging notes/messages with the girls under the partition in the large middle room. My next association with the school was in 1973 when I undertook my student ‘ teaching practice’ in the school as part of my teacher training course in St. Pat’s, Dromcondra. Amongst those in the class at the time were Danny Murphy, now residing in New Zealand, Michael Burns of Lomonagh and Seaview and my sister Marianne O Sullivan-Lawlor, now based in Tralee. Senior Room Mrs. Dignam’s brand new room is well equipped for all of the older students, with five computers, a printer, an interactive whiteboard everyone is computer savvy. This room also had 2 bathrooms and a great view of the new garden! 4th Green Flag Transport. Last year the school received it’s 4th green flag (for the area of transport). The children worked hard for this great achievement. Here’s hoping we get our 5th flag next year for Biodiversity. Keep up the good work kids!

9. My next and longest association with Sneem School commenced in January 1976 when I was appointed as an assistant teacher in the school, replacing Mrs Margaret Burns who had just retired. Though I had spent 18 months teaching in Tinahely in West Wicklow, teaching pupils in one’s own parish was a new experience. Some of my first pupils in 3rd and 4th classes in Sneem, among others, were the Hussey twins, Michael and Eugene of Ardsheelane, Thomas Burke of South Sq. Jim Pete O Sullivan of Nth. Sq, Zeta Teahan of Oureigh and Jennifer Downing of Driminamore. For many years there was little change in school. Batt Burns was principal and taught the 5th and 6th classes. I taught 3rd and 4th, Mrs Josephine O Leary of Bohocogram taught the 1st and 2nd grades whilst Mrs Mary Egan, just recently deceased, taught the junior and senior infant classes. The 1990s however, saw several staffing changes. Mrs O’Leary and Mrs Egan both retired and as our enrolment numbers had fallen there was only one replacement. Mrs Joan Rice returned to the staff of Sneem school. In 1994 principal, Batt Burns took leave of absence and was replaced by the current Principal, Áine Murphy. I assumed the role of principal at that stage. At Christmas of the same year Mrs Rice retired and was replaced by Ms. Claire Doyle of Beaufort. So within a short space of time I had gone from being the youngest member of staff to being the oldest by a considerable distance. Some years later Claire Doyle left to take up an appointment in her home parish and was replaced by Ms Gail O’ Sullivan. Junior Room: Mrs. Murphy's beautiful and bright new room has five computers, a printer, two bathrooms and an interactive whiteboard. Middle Room: Mr.Hussey’s brand new bright and airy room has five computers, a printer, two bathrooms, an interactive whiteboard and more space for all the fun lessons and projects!

10. Due to Maternity Leave I had the pleasure of working with quite a number of other young teachers. In addition ‘ Resource’ teachers were now being appointed to all schools and Mrs Eileen Curran, RIP, Ms Anita Murphy of Killarney and present class teacher Ms Niamh Hallissey of Kenmare were among the longer serving resource teachers during my time. Some years ago Gail O’ Sullivan started teaching in her adopted home of Kilgarvan and was replaced by Michael Hussey, originally of Sportsfield Rd. Ms Claudine O’ Sullivan of the Quay Rd. was appointed as Resource Teacher serving Sneem, Tahilla and Caherdaniel schools in 2007. In addition our local staff numbers were regularly supplemented in the school by ‘ American Teachers’ who had been directed to our school by Batt Burns from a number of U.S. universities. These students made great contributions to school life and introduced interesting cultural variety which benefited both the pupils and teaching staff alike. During my 14 years as principal, the Board of Management in conjunction with the teaching staff were always trying to make improvements to the building and the school grounds etc. Scarcity of money of course was always the limiting factor. Our fortunes changed remarkably just prior to the 2007 general election, Government Minister, at that time, John O’ Donoghue informed us that due to the inadequate size of the classrooms in our school, the Dept. of Education had considerable funds available to provide better facilities for Sneem School. This exceeded all our expectations as we had only been campaigning for years for a ‘ General Purpose Room’. However great credit is due to one and all who played a part in providing a state of the art school building and associated facilities in Sneem. A special word of thanks must go to Principal, Aine Murphy, to Michael O’ Sullivan and his Board of Management and of course to former Minister, John O Donoghue. The present and future generations of local school children will no doubt, benefit greatly. Resource Room: Our fabulous resource room was once the junior classroom. Now children coming out to resource can avail of the computers, and all the space we have now The Extension: Interactive White Boards: Each of the 3 new classrooms have had a brand new interactive whiteboard installed. These are a fantastic resource. They can be used as a giant touch screen computer, an interactive learning tool or even just as another way to display children’s work.

11. After thirty four years as a primary teacher, I retired in 2008. I have many great memories of my time in Sneem N.S. I hope that the many children that I encountered down through the years will have benefited in some little way. A special word of thanks to the school caretakers during those years, especially to Nora O Neill, Breda O’ Shea, Marion O’ Sullivan and Noreen Larkin who kept the school spic and span and to Eddie Mulcahy and in particular to Noel O’ Sullivan who were always available to tackle all kinds of maintenance jobs in the school. In addition, during my tenure as principal, I received invaluable help from all involved in the various FAS schemes in the village. Finally, I would like to pay tribute to the various Boards of Management down through the years and in particular to Fr Pat Murphy with whom I had most dealings as principal. My abiding memories of my time in Sneem School, apart from the routine tasks of teaching, include the energy and enthusiasm of the children, their excitement on occasions such as school tours, the fervour with which they participated in the school leagues and cherished any victory in same and the excitement of the children and the pride of their parents as they performed in the many Christmas concerts that were staged. I also have excellent memories of co-operating with the very many staff members during my teaching career. I wish to congratulate the present staff and management board for bringing the plans for a new school to fruition and I am eagerly looking forward to viewing the finished article on June 23rd. Go n-éirí go geal le cách i Scoil Nua na Snadhma. Tim O‘ Sullivan. ( Principal 1994-2008) The Extended School The old school now P.E. room: This was the senior classroom. Now it is home to all our wonderful equipment and our very popular ping pong table! It is also used to carry out the P.E activities on rainy days. Art room:Our new art room used to be the middle classroom. Now it stores all our art supplies and we make our masterpieces on the newly painted purple tables! This room is great for the children it lets them develop their creative side in a special place.

12. School League . My own record in the school league is rather dismal as I never even reached a final once, but the memory that will never leave me is when I togged out for the first time in the Old Boy’s cloakroom and jogged promptly up the old corridor with the sound of the football studs hitting the floor still resonating in my ears. Even today when the children are getting ready, the excitement is palpable. The school league gives the children a chance to demonstrate new skills and join a long list of players who have graced ‘back the field’! I know in my heart that we will only be settling into school next September that I will be asked “Sir, when are we picking the teams for the school league?” and you know a warm smile will come to my face! Mike Hussey • Acknowledgements • We acknowledge the assistance of the following people in bringing together this project: • Design work: Damien Ray & Warren Reidy - Warren Reidy Engineering • Builder: Mr Stephen O Brien of South Gerah Construction. • Internal works: Mr. Tómas Damanski & team. • Government Ministers: Ms. Mary Hanafin, Mr Batt O’ Keeffe, Ms Mary Coughlan & Mr John O Donoghue. • School Building Unit: Ms Regina Gannon. • Inspector: Mr Séan Uí Bhríain. • Kerry County Council: Mr John Shepherd & Mr. Eamon Cunningham. • The Board of Management: ( 2005-2008): Mr Michael O’ Sullivan (chairperson), Mr. Tim O Sullivan( Secretary), Mrs Áine Murphy, Ms. Bernie O Sullivan, Fr Pat Murphy. (P.P), Mr. Noel O Sullivan, Mr. Garbhan Kavanagh, Mrs Mary Margaret Casey. Gerald Hussey presenting the first School League Trophy to winning captain Joe Murphy in 1977

13. The Board of Management: ( 2008-2011): Mr Michael O’ Sullivan (chairperson), Mrs. Áine Murphy( Secretary), Mr. Michael Hussey (Treasurer), Fr Pat Murphy. (P.P), Noel O Sullivan, Mrs. Mary Margaret Casey, Mrs Mary O’ Dwyer. • Plumbing: Mr. Raymond Downing • Electrical Work: Mr Kieran Casey • Painting: Mr Vincent Casey • Computer Networking: Mr Rogier Schumacher • Fencing: Tom Campbell Fencing • Gardening Advisor: Paul Fairbairn • Stonemason: Mr. O’Sullivan Casey and FÁS. • Tarmacadam: Pat Ashe • Thermoplastic designs: Iveragh Markings • Caretakers: Mrs. Noreen Larkin & Mr. Noel O’Sullivan. • School Stone: Mr. Timmy O’Sullivan. • FÁS: Mrs. Eileen Burns, Mr. Joe Murphy & their team. • Summer Work Scheme: John Casey and Sons, builders. School League When Michael (Toddy) Murphy won the school league for the 1st time in 1976 little did he realise he would be watching his son and 2 daughters playing in the school league some 35 years later. The school league captures all that is good about Gaelic football. Improving skills, team work, defending, attacking and above all getting exercise while having fun. In 1977 Gerald Hussey presented a trophy for the school league and Joe Murphy was the first winner of this. Yesterday his daughter Tara captained her team in the final. Today the children play for the Pat Hussey Memorial Cup. Over the years there have been many memorable games involving titanic battles between the best of friends. While there can only be one winner every year, there have often been inconsolable players at the end of games. This teaches the children that you can not win at everything and you must always give your best even if things are going against you. A very valuable lesson for life, especially in today’s economic climate. Several school league players have gone on to grace the field in Croke Park but all of them still remember fondly playing in the school league. I once asked my brother Ronan what it was like to win an All- Ireland medal, “ As good as winning the school league with Marky (Drummond) ”he replied with a smile.

14. Sneem School In 1966 • There were students in St. Michael’s N.S. IN 1966. • There were four classrooms in the school. • There were four teachers on the staff role. Batty Burns, Margaret Burns, Mary Egan and Margaret Murphy. • The facilities included modern toilets, electricity, 1 large yard and fuel stoves in each classroom. • Sneem School Today • There are 66 students attending St. Michael’s N.S. today. • The school has 3 classrooms, an office, a staff room, 2 resource rooms, a P.E. room and an art room. • The number of staff has increased. There are 3 class teachers Áine Murphy, Mike Hussey, Niamh Dignam. There is a resource teacher, Anita Murphy and a shared learning support teacher Joyce Bambury. As well as that we have 2 S.N.As Marion O Sullivan and Stephanie O Sullivan Cahill. • Facilities include; toilets in each classroom & the old building, electric heating, computers and internet in all classrooms, Interactive Whiteboard, printers & photocopiers.