Junior and Senior Infants have been exploring the theme of Spring and new life over the last few weeks.  We got a first hand account from Killian and Morgan about their chicken  which hatched out recently. The little chicken was quite unfazed by his new environment! 

Senior Infants have been patiently waiting since October for their tulip bulbs to grow. We have been keeping a close eye on developments. This week we have moved the bulbs into the spring sunlight from their winter sheltering spot. The class are doing their bit for the environment by using recycled milk and juice cartons for their flowers.

Third Class are gearing up for the St. Patrick’s Day festivities. We designed and created some really cool floats for our own mini parade. Did you ever hear the story about St. Patrick slaying the dragon? Or the one where St. Patrick turns into a crab? Our creative floats tell some amazing stories! We are really proud of our great work.

The students of Ratheniska were smacking their lips last Tuesday, as they each got the chance to eat a freshly prepared pancake cooked by the in-house chefs.

Recently, Sixth Class held class elections to elect a class president and vice-president. They were given the challenge to write and deliver a persuasive speech including all the reasons they would make a great president. In addition to fantastic speeches, many candidates treated voters to punchy posters, bright badges, colourful cupcakes and crunchy cookies. After all the votes were counted, Reem was elected Class President and Ellen was elected Vice-President. Congratulations girls and thank you to all who made that extra effort.

President Reem and Vice-President Ellen

We have been selected by Laois BirdWatch Ireland for a nest box pilot scheme.The aim of the pilot scheme is to encourage us to become more aware of the bird life in our school grounds.  Five bird boxes have been placed in the trees around our school and we are watching them to see if  any birds will make their nests in them. If they do a camera may be placed in the bird box so we can see what’s happening inside.

Second class took a big step on their journey towards receiving their 1st Holy Communion on Saturday the 1st of March when they received the Sacrament of Reconciliation. It was a great day and our steps were a little lighter afterwards when leaving the church!

2nd and 4th class  took advantage of the cold weather lately and had fun in the snow. 2nd class worked collaboratively  to build a class snowman called ‘Olaf’ while 4th class boys and girls had a competition to see who could build the most creative snowman. Which is your favourite, the girls’ winter olympic contestant or the boys’ giant snowman?