On Friday last we enjoyed our annual Sports Day. Thankfully the weather was very kind to us to enjoy this 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, all classes getting the opportunity to practise and enjoy activities such as the parachute stations,obstacle courses, tennis challenge, water run, bench exercises, parachute and basketball skills, hurdles (amongst many others!).

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 a variety of novelty events 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.

We would like extend a big “Míle buíochas agus Comhghairdeachas Mór” to the children and their families for making it a day to remember.

The day concluded with our annual soccer game of 6th class against our staff, a thrilling conclusion to a great day!!

At last the day had come! The fifth class school tour took place on Wednesday 12th June.

A beautiful, bright, sunny morning matched our moods as we climbed aboard the bus and headed for Galway. The journey was full of songs and laughter and the time flew by.

Our first stop was in Pure Skill in Knocknacarra, which is a huge indoor sports hall, divided into various sporting challenges, incorporating ten different sports. These included familiar sports like GAA and basketball, but also some more unusual ones such as baseball and golf. The children each got a swipe card, which allowed them to move through the challenges independently. They also had scoring cards to keep track of their goals, points, putts and volleys! We were so proud of how well they all behaved here. They were patient, careful, enthusiastic and best of all, supportive of each other. The words of kindness and encouragement we heard as we walked around were so wonderful – something they should be very proud of.

After two hours, they had worked up an appetite and so we had a picnic outside in the sunshine before we got back on the bus for the short journey out to Salthill. As always, it was so beautiful there and we couldn’t resist a walk along the promenade. A local busker was playing the saxophone and a few of the boys chatted with him about which soccer team he supported. Again, they were so well behaved and on the way back the busker remarked, “They brightened up my day!”

It was time to go to our second stop – Galway Atlantaquaria! This aquarium is full of Ireland’s native species found in our oceans, rivers and lakes. We split into two groups and began our guided tour. It was so informative and we saw such an amazing variety of creatures, including some wobbly jellyfish, little sharks, a camouflaged octopus, dangerous piranhas and we even spotted Nemo and Dory! We learned all about their habitats, survival skills and what they liked to nibble on. We also saw the incredible Bearna Log boat, which is over 5,500 years old and on display in the aquarium. Our guides Tara and Niamh were so enthusiastic about their work, they were certainly inspiring to a few of our group. Maybe we have a future marine biologist or two in fifth class!

As we made the short journey from Salthill to Jump Lanes in Mervue, outside the city, the children were ‘bouncing’ with excitement! Shoes off, wristbands on and they were ready for action! They jumped and flipped, leaped and twirled their way across the trampolines. There were a few comfy bean bags for anyone who needed a little rest, but no one stayed too long because they were having too much fun. After an hour up in the air, there was one more activity – football pool! In teams, they competed to kick the ball into the pockets. Here, after a busy day, we once again heard the children encourage and support each other. What a wonderful way to end the day.

What school tour is complete without a tasty Supermacs? We arrived in Ballindine and there were hungry bellies all around! The children were patient and respectful, despite a long queue. They enjoyed their food together and after all the activities, we thought there might be a few sleepy heads on the last leg of our journey. Oh how wrong we were! The singing and chants brought us all the way to the school gate, so I think we can say they truly enjoyed every last minute of the day. Some of the boys went on to play – and win – a match shortly after they arrived home, we don’t know where they got the energy!

It was such a wonderful day out with fifth class. They were a credit to the school and to their parents, we couldn’t have been prouder of them. We hope they had a great time and that these days hold special memories for them all.

We are all very aware that we are heading into the final stretch of our school year. We think back to our first assembly in September while looking at all the faces in front of us, and we are acutely aware of the progress that has been made by each and every child who looks up at us, anxiously awaiting the announcement of the student of the week. 

Over the past month, we have heard today of pupils who have made a huge effort to help others who they see having difficulty with a task. We learned of the collective effort that classes have put into making days more enjoyable for others. We are reminded that every day counts. Every day as we go about our busy lives in school we have opportunities to impact on the lives of others, and it’s important to make that a positive one and finish the school year on a high.

Our teachers consistently speak of children who do not always find things easy but who are making an effort every day to do it better. We were reminded by our teachers that small differences made over a period of time make a big change. So as we finish our testing, we remember that these tests do not define our children. They don’t show their compassion, their gentle nature, their kindness to others, their sense of humour, their willingness to try new things and sometimes fail but try again, their best intentions, their talents and their endless possibilities.

As their teachers and you as parents, we see these qualities every day which is why we are so proud of them. Maith sibh go léir. Well done to all!

Wednesday morning June 5th had finally arrived….we had been counting down the “sleeps” to the 3rd & 4th Class School Tour. And it did not disappoint!

The children boarded their bus at 8.45am and began the day with great excitement. The bus journey flew and soon we reached our first stop of the day, the Jump Street Trampoline Centre in Carrick-on-Shannon. The children were super patient and courteous, waiting for their special grip socks and hearing the safety advice before being unleashed on the trampolines. 

And then….the racing, chasing, bouncing, flipping and crashing started! It was the best fun. The children were alight with energy, and enjoyed every minute. There were trampolines, foam pits, basketball hoops and obstacle courses. Everyone had ample opportunities to play with each other, and as a group, they played so well. Drinks breaks were vital but lasted only a minute or two, in the rush to get back to the “craic” on the trampolines.

After the trampoline time was over, we had a lovely treat lunch of nuggets, sausages and chips and got our energy back for the next stop on our tour, Boda Borg at Lough Key Forest Park.

For anyone who has not been to Boda Borg, it’s like an escape room challenge. There are a number of different “Quests”, each broken down into different challenges, such as World Colours, The Mummy, Score, Rats and The Quiz. The children were in teams of 3-5 members. It was orchestrated madness at first with children racing around the challenges at speed, in an effort to be the ones to complete a quest. The challenges were divided into Black challenges (Physical), Green (Mental) and Red ( A combination of both). They were extremely tricky! Quickly, teams started to devise a game plan, and the individual strengths of every team member came into play.

Two hours later, we broke for another lunch break and got to enjoy the terraced area at Lough Key. We went to the shop and got a chance to buy treats and mementoes of the day. 

But, we weren’t finished yet! 

The final part of our tour was a guided tour through the original servant tunnels of the 19th Century Rockingham House to the top of the Moylurg viewing tower providing 360-degree views of Lough Key Park and Estate. Then we meandered higher and higher up into the trees on our Tree Canopy Trail, (the only one in Ireland!). This is a stilted timber and steel construction, rising 9 meters above the park floor and stretching for 300mtrs giving us a bird’s eye view of the parklands and islands on the lake. The tour gave us an insight into how life worked when Rockingham House was a functional family home to the McDermott family (Not Mr McDermott!). It also gave us a brief history of the estate and its owners. We also got to pass by some beautiful specimen trees whilst on the canopy and learn about the flora and fauna which inhabit the parklands.

Phew! This was a super day, packed with energetic activities, brain challenges, scenic experiences and history. The perfect school tour. Thanks so much to Ms. Henry and Mrs. Delaney for organising a day to remember. And also, to Ms Kenny and Mrs McDonagh for coming along on the day to assist. 

Finally, the most sincere thanks go to our wonderful students, for savouring every minute of the day, and for conducting themselves with great manners, kindness and playfulness. They are a pleasure to bring away on a day out and that is credit to themselves, their teachers and their parents. We hope you had the best fun and made memories to last. Maith sibh go léir. 

What an amazing day out for First and Second Class in Westport Adventure Park! We set off on a bright and sunny morning to a wonderful send-off from all our Mums and Dads. A quick sing-song along the way and we hit sunny Westport in what felt like no time! 

We were treated to an informative tour of the historic Westport House by our tour guides, who escorted us through the dining rooms, ladies parlour and drawing room, showing us some of their excellent artefacts. A quick tour of the old kitchen gave us insight into the work of the house staff before we were escorted to the dungeon!!! Thankfully nobody was imprisoned and we were back to the Lady’s Walk Train Station for a spin around the grounds.

After a break for our lunch (thank you Mums and Dads for all the treats!) we were full of energy and enthusiasm and hit the Adventure Park! We scaled new heights on the climbing wall, showing our determination and conquering our fears. 

Then it was a quick dash to the Net Park where we challenged our agility and skills while we explored a network of tunnels, aerial bridges, aerial tree houses, giant bounce zones and spiral nets. A quick stop for drinks before we embarked on the Giant Slides!!! Huge bravery was needed for the exhilarating journey, zooming down camel humps, curves, and corkscrews at lightning speed. But unsurprisingly, the children rose to the challenge and were no sooner at the base of the slide when they were racing back to the summit to go again!!!! 

A quick picnic on the grass to cap off what had been an excellent day before we dragged our tired and weary bones back to the bus! A huge well done must be extended to the children for their exemplary manners and positive outlook for the day! Maith sibh go léir!

Oh what a day! 

On Friday, our Junior and Senior Infants finally got to the day they had long anticipated….the School Tour. And it did not disappoint. Graune Pet Farm was the destination and we had a wonderful day.

Thankfully, the sun was shining and everything went to plan. It was so lovely to see all the mummies, daddies, grannies, grandads and siblings out to wave us off on our trip. Thank you to all of the families for adding to the excitement on the day. 

The atmosphere was electric from first arrival on Friday morning. All of the children were delighted to have their first bus trip together, and hopefully this is the first of many. Our bus was huge..and we had fun on our journey to Graune. Once we arrived, our guide, Conor, led us on to the first part of our fun day. The children were separated into two groups and began their tour of the fabulous farm. 

Junior Infants began with a visit to the indoor play centre. They had the best time traversing the steps, nets, slides, obstacles and ballpits. Everyone had great fun. Once this was over, and after a quick drink and snack break, they made their way to the outdoor playground, where they built sandcastles, swung on the swings, slid on the zipwire and crashed on the go-karts. Then they had their lunch break, and once the refreshments were finished, they began their tour of the petting farm. There were cute little bunnies and chicks to hold, rabbits to be fed, parrots to be seen, goats to play with, geese, ducks and turkeys to view, and Alpacas and Llamas to admire. They were very taken with the animals, and their families may be happy to know that there could be a few new pet requests over the coming days!

Senior Infants began with the petting farm. Then a visit to the slides, followed by the indoor play centre and the playground. Our hosts were fantastic and made everything run like clockwork. It was so fabulous to hear the children describe this as the “best day ever” throughout. 

Once all of the attractions had been visited, we made our way back to the bus. Everyone was buzzing after their fun-filled day…although a few crashed and slept on the way home. It was beautiful to hear the children discussing their day, and their favourite parts on the journey home. The general consensus was that it was their “best/favourite/most fun day ever”. Magic words to hear from little children!

As always, we are so proud of our students in St. Attracta’s. Their genuine excitement, innocence, awe and enthusiasm was infectious. But the things that stand out the most are the way in which they treat each other, and others they encounter. Their manners and kindness to everyone was the stand out takeaway from the day. Our hosts and teachers all commented that the children were a pleasure to accompany on their tour day. Families should be very proud of the little people they are raising. We certainly are! Maith sibh go léir. We will be looking forward to many more happy days out.

On Wednesday, the children from Spraoi and Sásta went on their school tour to Castlebar. When we arrived we visited ‘Nokeys’ play centre. Lots of fun was had in the ball pond, going down the slide and climbing on the ropes.

After, we went to Mayo Movie World to watch the film ‘Superwings’. The children were fantastic and really enjoyed watching the film. We were all delighted to see Jets and his friends working together and saving the day at the end!

Before we returned to school we went to the Bowling Alley for some delicious food. It was a fantastic day with young and old having a brilliant time!

What a wonderful week Active Schools week was for young and old here in school! We all really enjoyed it. As part of our aim to move more, the pupils have engaged with many sports throughout the week – basketball, soccer, dance, athletics and hurling. We even made time for a whole school walk and enjoyed lunchtime games.

All this would not have been possible without the generosity of many people in giving their time to facilitate the school. We wish to extend our sincere thanks to Barbara Duffy/Joanne Mulligan (Charlestown Cubs Basketball) Luke Connor (Caisheal Gaels Hurling), Gemma Higgins (East Mayo AC) and Ms.Vanessa Henry (Dance) for helping to make our week more active and fun!

Finally, thank you to Ms.Quinn who coordinated and organised a brilliant week for us all to enjoy. Míle buíochas.

Throughout the week our key messages included the importance of enjoying ourselves, trying out a range of activities and having great fun.

What’s most important for us all is living a very healthy and active lifestyle!

In the past week, we celebrated Autism Acceptance Week in school. It was a wonderful opportunity to appreciate, celebrate and support our students in their understanding of what autism is and to further develop acceptance and inclusion in our school. We are very proud that this is very much in evidence daily already! Throughout this week, all classes completed activities based on Autism Awareness and Acceptance.

Finally, on Friday we celebrated with a Rainbow Colours theme to celebrate the beauty in the diverse spectrum of the human mind. Here all the children and staff wore rainbow and/or colourful clothes to school on this day. This finished off our week brightly, celebrating all of the wonderful children and adults that we have in our school community.

A very special word of thanks to Ms.Durkan who coordinated this wonderful week in our school. We really appreciated her hard work and support.

Finally, we would really appreciate it if you could take five minutes to watch these short videos to inform your own thinking and understanding.