Return to School and School Updates
I hope you have all enjoyed the summer break. As we prepare to reopen our doors, I want to extend a very warm welcome back to all of our students and families. We are really looking forward to seeing everyone again and to having the corridors and classrooms of Coolmine full of life.
A particular welcome to our new First Year students and to all students and families joining Coolmine for the first time. Starting in a new school is a big milestone, and our staff will be on hand to make the transition as welcoming and positive as possible.
Please see our Return to School Student Schedule for 2026/2027. The pdf download is at the bottom of the page. Please take particular note of the arrangements for the first few days:
Thursday 27 August: First Year Orientation, 9.30am–12.30pm. First Years should wear their PE uniform and bring a drink and a small snack.
Friday 28 August: 3rd & 6th Year Induction, 8.55am–10.15am; 2nd & 5th Year Induction, 10.30am–11.50am. There is no school for First Years on Friday.
Monday 31 August: All students attend from 8.45am–1.10pm, finishing after Period 6. TY Induction and Device Deployment will take place from 8.55am–11.50am.
Tuesday 1 September: Device Deployment will take place for 5th Year students during the school day. This is a full school day for all students.
Some Good News from Coolmine
There has been a great deal happening in and around the school over the summer, and I am delighted to share a brief update on some of the developments underway. Construction of our new Special Class building is now well underway, and we very much look forward to welcoming all of our students to Tearmann and seeing the new facilities come to life in due course. I would like to extend my thanks to our parents and families for their support as we work to get these new facilities in place.
Our accessibility works are also progressing. A new accessible bathroom has been added to the school, with new front doors and improved car-parking arrangements to follow ahead of the October mid-term break.
We continue to work through the Safe Routes to School process. A meeting of all stakeholders will take place shortly to consider the Outline Delivery Plan for Grove Road. This will then move forward to the next stages of detailed design and consultation, with a view to construction. This is an important project for our school community and our aim is to create a safer and more accessible approach to Coolmine for our students.
A second programme of roof works was completed over the summer, and all looks good so far. In the Sports Complex, a new Sports Hall floor is currently being laid, and a new gym will be installed in the Green Room on 7 September, providing another excellent facility for our students.
Finally, our application for a new school building is currently with the Minister and the Department of Education. I very much look forward to engaging with the Department regarding the long-term plans for Coolmine Community School and continuing to make the case for facilities that meet the current and future needs of our students and community
Huge congratulations to the Class of 2026 on their Leaving Certificate results. It was wonderful to welcome so many of our students back to the school on results day and to share in some very joyful moments of celebration. Seeing our young people leave Coolmine as happy, confident and well-rounded young adults was a timely reminder of what school is ultimately all about. We are immensely proud of them and wish every member of the Class of 2026 happiness, success and every good wish as they begin the next chapter of their lives.
There is plenty happening in terms of our focus on excellence in teaching and learning, and I will provide a more details in the first few weeks of the new term.
Preparing to Return
As a final reminder before returning, students should have their full school uniform and PE uniform ready, bring their phone pouch on their first day (note that 1st year students will receive their pouch at orientation). Parents, please check that books and stationery under the free book scheme has been collected from the school, and ensure you have access to Compass. A reminder that students in 2nd–6th year may go home for lunch, while 1st year students will remain on the school premises.
We are looking forward to a very positive year ahead, with a continued focus on excellent teaching and learning and ensuring that every student feels supported, challenged and encouraged to make the most of their time in Coolmine. Thank you, as always, to our parents and guardians for your continued support and partnership.
Enjoy the final days of the summer break. We are ready and very much looking forward to welcoming you back to Coolmine.
Warmest regards,
Pauline Connolly
Principal
Coolmine Community School