Category: General School Information

-  18-19

5th and 6th Class School Tour

What a day Rang 5/6 had in Dublin for their school tour. From start to finish the day offered us lots of fantastic experiences. The weather forecast hadn’t been great, but the sun came out to welcome us to the capital on many occasions!

We had an early start at 8.30am but the excitement on everyone’s faces was a sign of all the great times ahead we would have. Our first stop in Dublin brought us to the Office of the Children’s Ombudsman, Niall Muldoon. We learned all about the Children’s Charter of Rights, had a cinema experience, group workshops and chill-out time on their fabulous buddha bags. As ever our students were a joy to have with us and were very impressive in their input into the session. Our facilitators Aoife and Stephen were very impressed by the children’s knowledge and interesting questions regarding children’s rights, and commented on the excellent levels of manners and enthusiasm.

We then headed off to our second destination St. Patrick’s Cathedral to board the hilarious, exciting and informative Viking Splash Tour. Sitting in the open-topped 1940’s amphibious vehicles used first in the D-Day landings in Normandy, our tour guides imparted vast knowledge on some of the most famous historical sites around the city. With the Bórd Gáis theatre in sight, we parked at the Grand Canal Basin and our guides passed out the life jackets for the next treat of the day…our buses took to the water and we continued our sightseeing of Dublin, all the time entertained by our guides. Back at base in Christchurch, we all agreed on one thing for sure…that this was so much fun!

Croke Park is a familiar stop for many, however we rarely get to look behind the scenes. The children were treated to a tour of the grounds and facilities. We got to see the player’s lounge, dressing rooms, warm up area and we even got to climb the hallowed steps to collect Sam! Once we had raised the famous cup, we took on the vertigo inducing Skyline tour. After climbing 140 steps, we were led on a bird’s eye tour of some more famous sights of the city, with lots of informative facts and tales from our tour guides. We saw Mountjoy Prison, Poolbeg, Christchurch, The Four Courts, Glasnevin Cemetary, the Olympic torch sculpture and much more. At 44 metres in the air we had an amazing view of the city and the grounds, along with the added excitement of the sky-high walk.

All that was left was our journey home with a yummy treat along the way! We got back to school at 10.00pm and were still all full of beans as we could not have asked for a better day, and as always our children made us so proud with their good humour, manners and sense of fun.

This certainly was a day to remember!

-  18-19

Cumann na mBunscol Area Finals and County Quarter Finals

We’ve had a very busy week on the sporting field. Firstly, on Wednesday, we had our Area Finals. We’re delighted to report that both our Girls and Boys team progressed after thrilling contests against St.Attracta’s Ballaghaderreen and Scoil Mhuire agus Treasa Swinford to the County Quarter Finals which were held this morning in Charlestown.

First up this morning our Girls defeated Barnacarroll NS after a great battle and team performance. They now progress to a County Semi Final on Wednesday/Thursday of next week in McHale Park (Dates to be confirmed).

Our Boys were then pitted against an excellent Ballindine NS team. Unfortunately it did not go our way but we gave our all and can be very proud of reaching this stage.

Well done our young players who as always represent their school with great pride. Best wishes and good luck to our girls in their Semi Final next week!

-  General School Information

Students of the Week Friday May 3rd

We had a wonderful first assembly of the Summer term and presentation of our latest students of the week. Firstly we received the great news that our latest renewal for the Green Flag has been successful and we have been awarded our eight Green Flag. We also reflected on our trip to Dublin earlier this week and our Mission Possible award. This really was a special day and an award which all our students should be very proud of.

Next week is ‘Active School’s Week’. As always we spoke of the importance of being active, having a health lifestyles and learning to enjoy different activities and sports. Most importantly we focused on enjoyable participation and learning to work and play with others. Please note the children can wear their tracksuits throughout the week.

Our teachers this week praised students for settling down and getting straight back to work on their return to school. Some expressed their delight at the maturity and level of common sense on display this week. It is always a pleasure to hear of children achieving with a task that they found difficult. It shows that their hard work will pay off, if they persevere. Children learn by example and the praise we heard today was a great example for all of our students.

Congratulations to those awarded Student of the Week. Keep up this great work!

Dates for your Diary for the coming week.

Monday: Reminder on Monday next we will close for the May Bank Holiday.

Finally best of luck to our 5th and 6th Class students who prepare next week for their confirmation on Saturday 12th. We wish each of our students and their families well and hope they enjoy this very special day.

Bainigí taitneamh as an deireadh seachtaine!

-  General School Information

Assembly Friday March 22nd 2019

Todays assembly was a little different in that as a result of our short week we hadn’t our usual ‘Students of the Week’. However there was still lots to celebrate. In particular, congratulating Fifth Class who today completed their Weaving Well-Being programme ‘Positive Relationships’.

This has been a great success introducing the children to proven relatable strategies to strengthen positive relationships on a daily basis. The feedback from our students has been extremely positive, enjoying the transferrable skills into their daily lives.

The students gave a lovely presentation about their learning and the project followed by a beautiful rendition of ‘This is Me’ . All our students really enjoyed it. Well done to Ms.Munnelly for her vision and belief in this project and we thank her for all her hard work.

Assembly concluded with a special presentation to Síofra McGuinness of her ‘Aisteoir is Fearr’ award from the recent Féile Scoildramaíochta Chonnachta. This is a very special award to receive. We are so proud of Síofra and indeed all our students who took part in this years Féile Dramaíochta competition. Maith sibh go léir.

Another extremely busy weeks awaits our students next week, in particular for our senior students who represent us in the FAI 5’s on Thursday and Friday next.

We hope you all have a lovely weekend!

-  General School Information

Daltaí Na Seachtaine 15ú Márta

Um seachtain ar scoil chuir muid béim ar labhairt ghaeilge. De réir sin, bhí Gaeilgóir Na Seachtaine againne in aghaidh Dalta Na Seachtaine! Mar is gnáth, níor lig siad síos muid.

Bhí neart gaeilge líofa le chloisteál timpeall na háite, agus ba chóir go mbéadh. Fuair na páistí an-mholadh ón móltóir féile drámaíocht an seachtain seo chaite i nGaillimh, mar tá gaeilge álainn acu. Mar a deirtear, tír gan teanga, tír gan anam. Má tá gaeilge agat, labhair í.

This week in school we placed great emphasis on speaking Irish as part of our Seachtain na Gaeilge celebrations as a result we had Gaeilgóir na Seachtaine in place of Student of the Week. As always our students didn’t disappoint or let us down.

We heard lots of beautiful Irish throughout the school and why wouldnt we! The children standards have received great praise of late particularly from the judges this week at the Féile Dramaíochta. Maith sibh!

If you have gaeilge, use it!

We look forward to seeing you all at our St.Patrick’s Day Parade, bainigí taitneamh as an deireadh seachtaine!

-  General School Information

Féile Scoildramaíochta: Féile Chonnacht

News of the results of the Féile Scoldramaíochta Chonnachta has come through to us this evening in which Ranganna 1,3/4 and 5 participated in this week.

Unfortunately on this occasion none of three plays have progressed to the All Ireland Finals. However, a special well done to Ms.Delaney’s First Class, Ms.Henry’ s Third and Fourth Class and Ms.McDonagh’s Fifth Class. While they may not have progressed we are so proud of each of them and their performance on Tuesday last. Maith sibh!

Despite this disappointment, some good news reached us as we learned that Síofra McGuinness was awarded the overall Best Actress. “Aisteoir is Fearr (cailín)” ar Shíofra McGuinness as Scoil Naomh Athrachta, Baile Chathail a rinne páirt an Phíobaire sa dráma “Píobaire Hamelin.”

This is a fantastic achievement as there was over thirty plays on stage over the past week. Maith thú Síofra we are very proud of you.

-  18-19

Great leaps: Does the length of our legs determine the height of our jumps?

Congratulations to the students of 5th and 6th Class who earlier displayed their excellent project ‘Great leaps: Does the length of your legs determine how high you can jump?’ at the Science Blast in the RDS Dublin

The project explored biomechanics and the science behind it. It looked at jumping in particular, how we can classify jumps and measure them effectively. It involved collectively engaging in/with a variety of scientific skills before establishing very interesting findings.

This was a real team effort, all of the students played a huge part in the success of the project, not alone in preparation but also in the confident manner they presented their work today. The children received many compliments and impressed the judges from whom they received wonderful feedback. They were rewarded with a beautiful trophy for their efforts.

We are so proud of each and every one of these students and indeed all our students throughout the school. They have set a wonderful example for all our younger students and proved that with hard work, determination, enthusiasm and confidence in their own abilities anything is possible.

We look forward to what the rest of the school year brings ….!

To conclude a special word of thanks to Ms.McDonagh and Mr.Rushe for all their hard work with Rang a Cúig agus a Sé with this project. We sincerely appreciate their continued hard work, talent and interest.

Finally thank you also to Ms.Durkan and Ms.Fitzgibbon for their support today and in the lead up to today’s exhibition. 5th and 6th Class were delighted that you were with them in Dublin!

-  General School Information

First and Second Class on Tour

First and Second Classes tour destination was Westport Adventure Centre!

Their day of adventure started with Aeroball. Lots of energy was needed as they bounced on trampolines and tried to score baskets on their opponents. The Climbing Wall was next. Coordination was key as they climbed with determination, with some children reaching the very top!! Afternoon activities were a Blindfold Walk through the forest and Parachute and Co-operative Games! They showed off their great teamwork skills.

The boys and girls enjoyed the day and will have the weekend to recover after all the activity and excitement. Thank you to Ms.Sloyan, Ms.Delaney and Mrs Sweeney who looked after the students so well throughout their exciting tour to Westport.

-  General School Information

Third and Fourth Class Tour of Trim Castle and Tayto Park

Earlier this morning, we departed from school at 7:15 Eastbound for Trim Castle and Tayto Park. We passed through the counties of Roscommon, Longford and Westmeath.

At 9:45am we arrived at Trim Castle, Co. Meath.This castle is a Norman Castle built in the 12th century by a Norman Lord named Hugh De Lacy. It is a huge castle and the children were captivated by the sheer size of it as we walked straight to the top. We heard from our brilliant tour guide about life in Norman times and what was most fascinating was their lifestyle. We were reminded about the motte, moat and bailey as well as the watch tower at the very top. It is the largest Norman Castle in Europe, which was very interesting.

After this, we hopped back on the bus and our brilliant bus driver Gerry drove us towards Tayto Park. On the way to Tayto park, the children were thrilled to see that we were to get VIP treatment as we entered. Past pupil, Garda Cathal Walsh kindly met us and led us to the entry of Tayto Park. We are so thankful to Garda Walsh for this lovely act of generosity and the children loved it.

From there, we were greeted by our Tour Guide in Tayto Park, Samantha, who would lead us on our tour of the Zoo. She showed us all the very interesting animals from the Amur Tiger, Mountain Lion, Alpaca, sheep, chickens, owls as well as loads more!
We then went on a short tour of the Potato Factory where we saw all the machines and the Tayto’s being made. We learned all about the Tayto, crisp the history of the Potato and history of Tayto in Ireland.

Then the children really got what they had been waiting for – use of all the attractions! They stayed in groups and made sure they got on as many as possible. We decided to stay a little longer so the children could get full use of the park. The really enjoyed these.

Finally, we boarded the bus at 5;00pm. Heading Westbound, this time passing through Counties Meath, Kildare, Westmeath, Longford, Roscommon and finally Mayo. We arrived back a little tired at the school at 8;30pm after a long but brilliant day!

A very special word of thanks to Mr Clarke who organised this wonderful tour and to Mrs McCafferty and Ms Colson who looked after all the girls and boys so well throughout the day. This certainly was a tour to remember!