Year: 2017

-  General School Information

Up for the Match!

What a morning we had in school welcoming RTE’s Mike McCartney and past Mayo stars and parents of students in our school John Casey and Aidan Higgins.

Their visit was part of a recording for a segment on RTE’s Radio’s Drivetime show this evening (Friday 15th) between 5.30 and 7pm.

Mike interviewed Aidan and John and visited Mr.Rushe’s 6th Class, Ms.Henry’s 5th Class and Mr.Clarke’s 3rd/4th Class taking the views and opinions of our wonderfully informed students!

Mike was very generous with his time telling us all about being a reporter working with RTE and what it is like working on match days.

We concluded our morning with a fantastic ‘Up for the Match’ discussion where John and Aidan shared their experiences of playing for Mayo in All Ireland Finals, the build up to these games, the morning of the match, the parade and the game itself.

Young and old really enjoyed this!

A very special word of thanks to Aidan, John and Mike for their patience and openness with the children. We look forward to tuning into Radio One this evening! Up Mayo!

-  General School Information

Second and Third Class School Tour : Horizon Westport

Last week the children from 2nd & 3rd class headed off with great excitement for their school tour to Horizon Outdoor Activity Centre in Westport. Mr Rushe, Mrs McCafferty and 32 eager children departed Charlestown at 8:30am for the short trip to Westport. The weather was forecast to be dry and hot so sun cream and shades were the order of the day. The children arrived at the Activity Centre and were met by staff members who brought us to our information meeting. We were briefed on the 6 activities that the children would be taking part in and also about the safety procedures of the centre. Then it was off for a day of fun and memories.

Each child got to take part in archery, rock climbing, trampoline aeroball, high rope climbing, fencing and a blindfolded trust activity. There were lots of cheers, laughter, screams and high jinks as the children got stuck into each activity. As always we were so proud of the excellent behaviour of our children.

We arrived back at the school at 5:20pm tired, dirty but very happy. A sincere thanks to all the parents for helping make the day a success and for having the children ready for action.

-  General School Information

Junior and Senior Infant School Tour: Graune Pet Farm

On Wednesday of last week our Junior and Senior Infant Class went on their school tour to Graune Pet Farm. They had a great time feeding the animals in particular the goats and geese and petting the puppies and rabbits.

After spending time with the animals they enjoyed lots of play activities which included sand, giant slides, bouncy castles and a really fun zip wire. After they all had a lovely lunch before returning very tired to school! Well done to all the girls and boys who were so well behaved throughout the day. We hope they each had a great time!

-  General School Information

Sports Day 2017

This afternoon we enjoyed our annual Sports Day. Thankfully the weather was very kind to us and as always it was a very special date on our school calendar.The children were very excited, in advance, about the day’s activities, and they didn’t fail to impress us with their enthusiasm, determination and sportsmanship.

Firstly, there was a Sports 4 All activity rotation, with teams of children from all classes getting the opportunity to practise and enjoy activities such as the obstacle courses, crossbar challenge, bench exercises, chair throw and basketball/rugby skills, hurdles (amongst many others!). Special mention must be given to the children in Fifth and Sixth Class for leading and helping with all teams. They proved themselves to be great leaders and role-models on the day.

After a much needed break for lunch, the children lined out for the wide range of events planned for the afternoon. We were joined by many grandparents, parents, siblings and friends, who cheered everyone on with great gusto!

Events on Sports Day ranged from the regular athletic sprints and relays to the fun egg & spoon, sack races and three legged races. The children, as ever, threw themselves into all activities with great spirit, displaying a strong sense of fair play and sportsmanship. All our younger students received a medal and there is no question they were all winners on the day!

We would like extend a big “Míle buíochas agus Comhghairdeachas Mór” to the children and their families for making this one our many days to remember.

Finally the children from 4th/5th and 6th enjoyed a swim in the beautiful Charlestown Swimming Pool to cool down after their active day. We thank the team and all involved at the pool for making us feel so welcome!

-  General School Information

Fourth/Fifth and Fifth/Sixth Class School Tour to Delphi Adventure Centre

4th, 5th and 6th class had a fantastic day of fun and adventure on Tuesday last in Delphi Adventure Centre. Here the children got the opportunity to conquer their fears on completing the high ropes challenge and do a leap of faith.

They also took part in the bushcraft survival where they took on the role of Bear Grylls and learned how to do some basic survival skills including making a fire and a shelter from natural materials. There was great competition between the boys and the girls during this activity. The highlight of the day for everyone was the very fun, wet and thrilling kayaking activity. The children got ‘stuck’ into getting their wetsuits on, where there were lots of giggles and team work experienced.

On completing the kayaking the children got to jump off the pier into the water and have some free play. The best part of the day was getting to push Mr. Clarke into the water….some might call it pay back!! It was a brilliant day out enjoyed by all.

-  General School Information

Art Exhibition in St.Attracta’s: Invitation

The children from our school would like to invite all parents, family members and people of the locality to visit the school in the coming days (Friday/Monday) to see their very first Art Exhibition.

Each child in the school has contributed a piece of artwork that they completed during the year and is displayed wonderfully in the school hall. You will be amazed at the beautiful display of colour, texture, crafts, imagination and talent in all the students of our school. Ms. Henry’s 4th and 5th also have their beautiful display of the clay pieces they produced during their CRAFTed project with Henri Hedou along with Mr. Clarkes 3D engineering construction pieces. It is an exhibition not to be missed!! We’re very much looking forward to meeting you all!

Finally a very special word of thanks to Ms Henry who has coordinated this wonderful event.

Reminder: Green School Flag Raising Ceremony on Friday at 12.30pm and Class Graduations on Monday at 1pm. All details in recent circulars.

-  General School Information

First Class School Tour

Claremorris was the location of First Class’ school tour this year. Their first stop was Commons Clay Cafe for an art activity. They got a plate to paint with their favourite colours and designs. They have to be put into a special hot oven for 12 hours and they will receive them next week – they can’t wait to show everyone!!! They tucked into a delicious hot lunch, knowing they would need plenty of energy for their next activity.

The children were greeted by the ducks in McMahon Park where they began their walk around Clare Lake and The Land of the Giants. Clare and Morris are giants and the children looked out for clues that they lived there – they found lots!! It was a very enjoyable walk in the lovely dry weather.
We finished our day in the playground – there were roundabouts, swings, slides, see-saws and climbing frames to enjoy. We had a wonderful day!

-  General School Information

Sonas & Spraoi School Tour

On Friday the 9th of June, the students from Mrs. McDonagh’s and Ms. Ruane’s Sonas and Spraoi classes went on their first school tour. What an exciting day it was…

First, our bus picked us up to bring us to our first destination, Funster in Castlebar. We sang songs and rhymes and read stories on the bus. Before we knew it, we had arrived! Funster is a play centre with ball pits, soft play, trampolines, spinners, bridges, slides, football, basketball and much more. We had so much fun running, jumping and playing.

Then we moved to the party area for our lunch. We had nuggets, sausages, chips, drinks and ice-cream. It was really yummy and it gave us time to get our energy up for more play.

When our time was up, we packed up and got back on the bus to go to the next fun activity.

We headed off to Swinford for swimming fun and water play. There was a big kayak for us to have rides in, sinkers, floaties, ball games and noodles. Everyone had a ball!

After we had gotten dressed, it was time to return to school to meet our mums and dads and go home. We were all happy and tired after a super day.

Thank you sincerely to all the staff in Funster Castlebar, Trevor in Arás Attracta and our bus driver, Sean for making us feel so comfortable and welcome, and giving us a fun-filled day. We are already so looking forward to next year!!

-  General School Information

Foróige Presentation to 5th/6th Class JEP Project

A very special word of thanks to our past pupils Erica and Holly who visited our school earlier supporting our 5th and 6th Class Junior Entrepreneur project ‘Don’t Judge’.

We are very grateful to the girls and indeed Charlestown Foróige Club for their very kind words about this project and in particular for their generous support. We are delighted that this important message is very much to the fore even amongst our older siblings and friends.

Many thanks again to all involved in the Foróige Club. This gesture was very much appreciated. All here in St.Attracta’s wish it continued success.