We are very lucky this term to have been selected by Laois Education Centre to trial their suite of 15 IPads. As Ratheniska currently has super high speed broadband thanks to Siro, all children in our school are benefitting from this. Each class has access to the Ipads and are using them to consolidate their learning. We hope , in the next few weeks, to connect with some schools in other parts of the country. Click here to read more about Siro’s Pilot project for rural broadband.
First class have been busy lately reading Roald Dahl’s “Fantastic Mr.Fox”. This has spurred them on to explore the life of a fox in more detail. They then went on to write very interesting reports about the fox, they drew portraits of foxes and made foxes from paper plates.
First Class reports on the fox
Under the watchful eye of Ms. Stapleton, 6th Class are eagerly awaiting their Confirmation which will be held in St Peter and Paul’s Church, Portlaoise on 20th February . The Ceremony will commence at 12 noon. They are currently attending weekly practices for the ceremony which are led by Fr. Paddy.
As the country’s hospitals continue to struggle with increasing numbers of sick people during the Winter months, Junior Infants decided to turn the classroom into a mini A&E department during their Aistear sessions each morning this week. After being admitted by the receptionist, temperatures were checked, hearts were monitored and all illnesses were very quickly cured!
The age old story of”The Wooden Horse of Troy” continues to be a favourite as witnessed in 4th Class recently. Having heard and discussed the story, they set about constructing their own wooden horses. All agreed that the plan masterminded by Greek army to hide inside the giant horse was a very clever plan indeed!
To start off the New Year on an active, healthy note, 3rd -6th classes started their 6 week swimming sessions at Portlaoise Leisure Centre. All levels are being taught by the very efficient staff of the Leisure Centre. Once again, the Parents’ Association have kindly offered to subsidise the cost of transport to and from the pool.
