E-learning has come to our school in recent weeks! Computer literacy classes continue each Tuesday where the older boys and girls have started coding using Scratch.  Many classes have taken the opportunity to use our new Ipads to enhance their learning. Some of the Junior classes  are using them to practise phonics and numeracy skills while Senior classes have engaged in researching International Women’s Day, World War 1 and many other topics. Apps such as Kahoot and Animoto are being used for assessment and video-making respectively.

All the children are very grateful to everyone who was involved in fundraising to help bring our school into the Digital Age!

We’re dreaming of a white …….EASTER!!!???

Bhíomar an-ghnóthach ar fad i rith Seachtain na Gaeilge. Bhí na páistí go léir ag déanamh a ndícheall an Ghaeilge a labhairt. Bhain cúpla rang an-taitneamh as Tráth na gCeist ó Seomra Ranga agus Kahoot, bhí gach duine gléasta go hálainn agus bhí spórt agus spraoi sa halla.

We had a visit recently from two Transition Year students from Scoil Chríost Rí who are taking part a competition sponsored by The Irish Angus Producer Group. The girls told us that the aim of the competition is to encourage secondary school students to become more involved  in their families’ farms and to gain an understanding of the production of beef. During the presentation, they explained that they are aiming to be chosen to rear 5 Angus calves. We wish them luck in their quest!

Rang 6 have been very busy in the last few weeks researching and learning about the forgotten children of 1916. We learned that 38 children were killed during the 1916 rising. Each group researched a particular child and recorded and presented our work to our classmates. The children we found out about were Neville Fryday, Charles Darcy, Christopher Hickey, Eleanor Warbrook and Maggie Veale. We got a great insight into what life was really like for children at that time.

25 of our 6th Class pupils were confirmed in Ss Peter and Paul’s Church, Portlaoise last weekend. Bishop Denis Nulty officiated and the sun shone on one and all on their special day.

Water is the third theme of our Green Schools programme. This theme teaches us about water conservation at home and in school.  So, last week, we had a visit from Michele Costiaux (originally from Belgium). Michele came to talk to Rang 3 and Rang 4 about water conservation and geology. We examined some really interesting rocks and listened to Michele explaining where our water comes from.

We are very grateful to Laois County Council who funded Michele’s visit.

We celebrated renowned author Martin Waddell on World Book Day this year. All classes took the opportunity to read and discuss some of his books and learn about him. Acrostic poems were written, mock interviews with Farmer Duck were held and some even decided to become authors themselves and change the ending to some stories! Others took the opportunity to use the Ipads and create new stories complete with text, illustrations and background music while one class performed impromptu sketches on the story they had read. Rang a Cúig finished off the day by writing a letter to Martin Waddell and are awaiting a reply from him with anticipation!

All classes from 2nd to 6th have taken to the pitch in recent weeks to improve their hurling skills in preparation for the upcoming hurling season. Here we see Rang 2 practising roll lifts, jab lifts and blocking. Let the games begin!