Confey College Newsletter
October 12th, 2026
Week 7
Good morning!
Update re national industrial relations: Please be aware that industrial action (strike day) will take place on Wednesday, 14th October 2026. On the day of the strike and there will be no timetabled classes for students. We will share further updates with families as they become available.
Congratulations to last year’s third-year students on receiving their Junior Cycle examination results on Wednesday, 7th October. Thanks to parents and guardians for their support, and to Ms Fox and all staff who guided our students throughout their Junior Cycle. The Junior Cycle Profile of Achievement (JCPA), recognising students’ broader learning and achievements, will be presented later this year.
Well done, and thank you to students, parents and staff who participated in Confey College Open Night last Wednesday (7th October). Over 200 students, parents, and staff took part in presenting the school in its best light. Approximately 900 people attended, and the student ambassadors and demonstrators excelled, with students' work and practical demonstrations featured throughout.
Thank you to everyone who contributed to the WSE Junior Cycle Thematic Evaluation at Confey College. Sincere thanks to our students, parents, staff and Board members who participated in the guided tour, workshops and focus groups. Well done to everyone for your cooperation and support. We will receive feedback on Tuesday, and classes will finish at 2.47pm that day.
Best of luck to 5th and 6th LCA who are on Work Experience (Block 1 and 3) this week.
40th Anniversary Celebration:
- Throwback Thursday: As part of our 40th anniversary celebrations, we are sharing photographs and memories from across the past four decades on our Facebook page. Follow along at www.facebook.com/confeycollege30 and enjoy a look back at 40 years of Confey College.
- Poetry Competition: We are inviting students to write a poem celebrating Confey College. Poems may be handwritten (and decorated if you wish) or created digitally. Please submit your poem by taking a photograph or emailing it directly to bkenny@confeycollege.org. We would love students to include some of our key words or phrases. There will be prizes for winning entries. Please do not use AI to write your poem. Closing Date: Monday, 20 October 2026
We have commenced the enrolment process for 1st year 2027. Applications for places in 1st year will be received from 1st October to 22nd October. All students who wish to attend 1st year next year must complete an application form, including siblings of current students.
Open Night
JC 2026 Results Day
Senior Rugby
Open Night
Students
- It Starts With You is a booklet that shares recommendations from children and young people across Ireland on how the Department of Education and Youth can better listen to their views, involve them in decisions, and show how their feedback makes a difference. The booklet outlines the importance of student voice and participation. Download the booklet here.
- A Robotics Class for First Year students will take place on Wednesdays from 1:30pm to 3:30pm and will provide students with an opportunity to develop their skills in coding, engineering, problem-solving and teamwork. Places are limited to 20 students. First Year students received an email last Wednesday with further information and an application form. Any questions can be submitted through the form and the Robotics team will respond directly. / Ms Selkirk & Mr Gordon
- Photography Club: The first meeting of the Confey College Photography Club took place on Tuesday, 6th October at 1.15pm in B06. This is a student-led club with photography competitions and themed challenges planned throughout the year. Posters are displayed around the school and students can join the Google Classroom to find out more. No fancy camera is required – everyone is welcome to get involved.
- A new Junior Book Club began on Thursday at lunchtime in A08. All Junior Cycle students are welcome to attend, whether you already enjoy reading or would simply like to try something new. If you are interested in joining, come along and see what it's all about. New members are always welcome. / J Byrne
- The HSE will host a Day Services Information Evening on Tuesday, 20th October 2026 from 5:30pm to 7:30pm in Naas Community College. The event is aimed at students in their final three years of school who have a formal diagnosis of Autism or complex physical needs, together with their parents/guardians. Students and their families will have an opportunity to meet HSE staff and a range of Day Service providers to learn about the supports, programmes and training opportunities available to young people after they leave school.
- Pathways to Law Webinar: Interested in studying Law? Students in 5th and 6th Year, together with their parents/guardians, are invited to attend a free online Pathways to Law webinar on Tuesday, 20th October at 7.00pm. The webinar will explore CAO pathways, careers in law and opportunities for law graduates. Register here: https://ti.to/BarofIreland/pathways-to-law26
- The State Examinations Commission (SEC) has published important information relating to Junior Cycle Engineering 2027. Engineering teachers are asked to familiarise themselves with the documentation and bring the relevant information to the attention of students preparing for the examination. The documents are available on the SEC website.
- Important information relating to Leaving Certificate Construction Studies 2027 has been published by the State Examinations Commission (SEC). Construction Studies teachers and students preparing for the 2027 examination are encouraged to review the documentation, which is available here: https://www.examinations.ie/?l=en&mc=ex&sc=he#ConstructionStudies364
- Taoiseach Takeover – Opportunity for Students: UNICEF Ireland is inviting young people under 18 to apply for this year’s #TaoiseachTakeover to mark World Children’s Day. The successful applicant will have the opportunity to meet the Taoiseach and discuss an issue they care about, such as education, mental health, climate action or equality. All participation costs will be covered. Applications close on 16 October, with the successful applicant required to be available during the week beginning 16 November. Find out more and apply here.
- EU and Me Competition 2026: Have you ever wondered how decisions made in Europe affect your local community? Students in 1st–3rd Year and TY are invited to take part in the EU and Me Competition 2026, exploring how Ireland's EU Presidency connects to local communities and issues that matter to young people. Entries are open until 27th November 2026. Winning students will be invited to an awards ceremony in Iveagh House and will have the opportunity to present their work to EU policymakers. Further details are available on the Ireland.ie website.
- Leixlip Village Renewal – Have Your Say: What would you like to see in Leixlip in the future? Leixlip Village Renewal Group is asking local people of all ages, including young people, to share their ideas through a series of community surveys. The feedback will help the group develop plans and seek funding for the future of the village. We would encourage our students and families to take a few minutes to have their say. Complete the survey here.
- Schoolbooks – Please Take Care: Students are reminded that all schoolbooks issued to them are provided for their use and must be treated with care and respect. Please keep your books safe, clean and in good, usable condition. Books that are lost or damaged may need to be replaced. If you have a book you no longer need or were given by mistake, please return it to the office. All books must be returned at the end of the academic year and should be in good condition.
- Oireachtas Essay Competition: Students in TY, 5th and 6th Year are invited to enter the 5th Oireachtas Essay Competition / Aiste an Oireachtais. This year’s theme is ‘Parliamentary Politics Matters for Europe’, inspired in part by Ireland’s Presidency of the European Council. Essays can explore the Oireachtas, Northern Ireland Assembly, British Parliament, European Parliament or other decision-making forums, with both political analysis and creative writing welcome. Register by 6 November 2026. Full details are available at oireachtasessay.ie or aisteanoireachtais.ie.
- Maths Club returns! 3rd and 6th Year students are invited to join us for help with homework, test preparation, study advice and any questions about Maths. B16 on Tuesdays, 15:45–16:45. Starting Tuesday 15 September. Maths teachers will be available to support students. All 3rd and 6th Year students are welcome! / S Murphy, U Casserly, E Carey
- StudyClix & Exam Revision: The school is currently evaluating StudyClix and Exam Revision as resources to support student learning and exam preparation. Staff and students will have access to both platforms from now until mid-October. We encourage students and teachers to explore the resources and use them where helpful. Further information on StudyClix and Exam Revision was provided to students on Google Classroom.
- iPad Drop-in Clinic: All Students can drop is on Friday at Lunchtime in B04 / Ms K Mullen
Respect for all
Open Night
What is happening this week
Monday 12th October (day 31)
- 5th and 6th year LCA on Work Experience
- AP1 meeting in A04 at 12.11
- Inservice – L Murphy
- 2nd yr GAA vs LCC match home dept 10-ret 12:30 / J Byrne
Tuesday 13th October (day 32)
- Whole School Evaluation: feedback to staff 2.47pm in B14. All classes end at 2.47pm.
- TY Forensic Fun Workshops B14. TY1,2 & 3 - 11.13 am - 1.09 pm. TY 4 & 5 - 1.49 pm - 3.45 pm / R Reynolds
- 5th and 6th year LCA on Work Experience
- HSE Assist Inservice – L Murphy
- Oide Inservice VEP – S McLoughlin
- Ladies GAA match home game v Coláiste de híde 11am / A Kilcommins
Wednesday 14th October (day 33)
- No timetabled classes for students due to national industrial action by trade unions (strike day).
- 5th and 6th year LCA on Work Experience
Thursday 15th October (day 34)
- 5th and 6th year LCA on Work Experience
- 1st years: the Big Dig – groups to be posed / P O’Connor
- Boys soccer home cup game / K Coffey
Friday 16th October (day 35)
- 5th and 6th year LCA on Work Experience
- 1st years: the Big Dig – groups to be posed / P O’Connor
- Oide Sen Cycle inservice – Accounting / K O’Dwyer
- Snr ladies gaa away / M Moran
Upcoming events
- Thursday 1st – Thursday 21st October: Applications period for 1st year 2027
- Monday 12th October: Parents/Guardians Council meeting 7.30pm in B14
- Monday 12th - Friday 23rd October: LCA (1&2) Work Experience Block 1
- Tuesday 20th October: Oide Inservice day for staff (School Closed)
- Wednesday 21st October: Industrial Action (Strike Day) To Be Confirmed.
- Thursday 22nd October: 6th Year Parent/Guardian, Student, Teacher meeting. 4.15pm-6.45pm.
- Thursday 22nd October: Confey Board of Management October meeting 6pm
- Monday 26th – Friday 30st October: October mid-term break