Third and fourth Class set off yesterday morning bright and early on our school tour to Lough Key Forest Park and Rathcroghan Visitor Centre Tulsk. The weather for the day wasn’t as nice as we had hoped for but it didn’t stop the fun or dampen our spirits. We had a very adventurous day that was enjoyed by all.

Firstly we arrived at Boda Borg at Lough key a little ahead of schedule so we took this time to enjoy our morning break. We fuelled our bodies for the fun filled challenges, imaginative puzzles and enjoyable tasks ahead of us. We were brought into a media room where we watched a quick video on what was expected of us through the big doors. We then formed our teams and our two hours of activity started. During the challenges we used many skills such as balance, cooperation, collaboration, problem solving and most importantly teamwork. Laughter, excitement and camaraderie could be heard from every room which was lovely to hear and see.
After our two hours of challenges we sat down to have our packed lunches and headed then for the Lough Key Tunnel Tour. This tour was very interesting and took us through the servant tunnels of the old Rockingham House which once stood on the grounds of Lough Key Forest Park.

The children listened to Chloe the tour guide very attentively who told us that the Park was formally known as Murlorg up to the 17th century and that the kings of Murlorg were the McDermotts. They sold the land to the King family who built Rockingham House. Unfortunately Rockingham House was destroyed by fire in 1957 due to an electrical fault in the basement. During the tour we climbed the 160 steps of the Murlorg tower which now stands where the house once stood. From the top of the tower we could see the beautiful landscape around Lough Key including Castle Island the home of the McDermotts.

After our little history lesson we got to go to Adventure Kingdom Playground where we explored the giant climbing frames, slides, monkey bars, tire swings and much more. Thankfully the weather stayed fine for us to enjoy this great facility.

We hopped back on the bus and set off for our final stop of the day Rathcroghan Visitor Centre. We were greeted by the lovely and very informative tour guides Daniel and Lewis who showed us around the interpretive centre and told us the story of the Medieval Village of Tulsk and its surrounding historical sights. We learned that it is the home of the Warrior King Meabh of Connacht. We learned a very interesting fact about her too that she was killed by her nephew who fired a piece of cheese through a sling shot which hit her in the temple and killed her. Who knew cheese could be so dangerous!!

The best and final part of our tour was to go and visit one of the historical sites. We travelled by bus and then had a little walk to Oweynagat – The cave of the cats which we were informed is Ireland’s ancient entrance to the Otherworld and the home of Halloween. This was an amazing end to a wonderful day as we got to travel down underground in the souterrain to the cave and experience what it would have been like for the warriors of long ago.

Unfortunately the heavens opened while we walked to Oweynagat and we got soaked waiting for each group to go underground but we embraced our surroundings and the weather conditions and enjoyed the freedom of being wet to the core and jumped in the puddles…it was great knowing a nice dry change of clothes was waiting for us back at the bus.

We had a very enjoyable, educational and fun filled day and no doubt everyone slept well last night!

Rang 5/6 enjoyed a very special morning at Mayo Movie World earlier. Mayo Education Centre hosted the celebration for the FÍS Film Festival Mayo award winners.

It was lovely to see our film on the big screen and enjoy the wonderful productions from the other award winning schools.

Finally a special word of thanks to Pat Concannon of Mayo Movie World for his support of todays event and in particular Paul Butler (Director) and staff of Mayo Education Centre.

The children are not likely to forget this lovely event.

If you wish to enjoy our film please use this link.By scrolling across the bottom you can find our film.

Also you can find a report of our day the Helix here.

Best wishes to all starting their Junior and Leaving Certificate examinations in the morning.
In particular we remember all our past pupils and their families and hope that all the hard work and effort pays off.

Go neirí go geal libh go leir!

Rang 1/2 set off early today from school with our school tour to Achill with Marty as driver. The weather was beautiful and the scenery was great on the bumpy roads over to the island. Mrs. Reilly even sat in the back seat to enjoy the bumps!

We arrived at the Aquarium where Elaine, Linda and Carol Ann were waiting for the children with drink and bars to cool us down after the long journey. They made pop up cards in a big room with lots of different markers and colours. 

Then the children went into the aquarium where Tom told them all about the different fish in the tanks, and even showed us where some were hiding! We got to hold little starfish and feel the huge spiny starfish! He told us they can even regrow their legs! He lifted a cat shark out of the tank and he was very scary! The scallops were squirting water at everyone. Ms. Connaghan and Mrs. Reilly both got sprayed! Mrs. McCafferty was standing well back!

We had a lovely lunch in a restaurant and then went to Keel beach. The water was very warm and we didn’t mind getting a little wet! The weather was absolutely fantastic and we would have stayed there all day if we could. 

Our children as always are a pleasure to take anywhere. A lovely day was had by all.

At our weekly assembly the children were praised for their enthusiasm and eagerness to take part in all school activities. Many children were commended on always giving their best effort and one child’s work was described as a pleasure to look at.

We learned of others who have impressed in their classrooms with a changing attitude, becoming more independent and trying their very best and of those who are excellent role model’s and a great help to the younger students and indeed, the teachers, in our school.

The importance of working hard at homework was also highlighted and one student is progressing very well in Maths due to the effort she puts in at home as well as school.

A great example to all our students to finish the school year in style !

Maith sibh!

Mental Health and Wellbeing

Many thanks to all who attended Wednesday evening’s National Parents Council’s talk on Mental Health and Wellbeing. It was a very informative and worthwhile. Thank you to our Parent’s Association for all their help and support on the evening.

JEP Update

A huge thank you to all who supported Rang 5/6’s Junior Entrepreneur ‘Pantastic’ programme over the past three weeks. It was a wonderful success made possible by the kindness of our students and their families. Well done to all our senior students who worked very hard over the course of the project, lernin mant life skills in the process.

Cumann na mBunscol

Our girls will play their County Semi Final against Bekan NS on Thursday next at 1pm in McHale Park.A very important date to look forward to. We wish the girls every success! Go n-eirí libh!

Have a lovely weekend!