- Kindness Week was celebrated during the first week of the month. This initiative which aims to promote the importance of being kind to one another was co-ordinated by Mrs Shevlin. In each classroom the concept of kindness was discussed and explored. Each day a different aspect was highlighted, for example, being kind to oneself, at school, at home and in the community. It was a week to learn, teach and share kindness with others. The fact that being kind and experiencing kindness contributes to our overall physical and mental health was emphasised to the pupils. The theme gave us an opportunity to celebrate the small things we do that can make a big difference to others. It also tied in with the start of Lent and gave children ideas of ways in which they could help others during the time ahead.
- Fr Joseph visited the school on Ash Wednesday and administered blessed ashes to mark the start of the Lenten season.
- World Book Day is a celebration of books and reading. To this end and to underline the concept of reading being fun and exciting, children had the opportunity to dress up as their favourite characters. Much merriment was had, as Gangsta Granny, Miss Trunchbull, Matilda, Harry Potter, Captain America, Little Miss Sunshine, The Worst Witch and many others attended school on this day! Each pupil was also given a voucher which could be put towards the cost of a book. It is hoped that these initiatives will go some way towards establishing a lifelong habit of reading for pleasure.
- On March 19th, Education Minister, Norma Foley announced a major expansion of the DEIS programme. (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools) As part of that extension, Kilmovee NS was included in the rural DEIS category. This will give the school access to the School Meals Programme, access to additional funding under the School Books Grant scheme and the opportunity to avail of a range of planning and professional development supports. The School Community has welcomed this news and is looking forward to the benefits the DEIS programme will bring.
- We were delighted to welcome past pupil Amy Sharkey to the school as she completed work experience in the Infant Classroom. This was part of her course requirements for the LCVP programme. Amy is currently a student in St. Nathy’s College.
- A non-uniform day ‘Go Green for Ukraine’ was held on March 16th. Pupils wore clothes in many shades of green and donated money to the Candle of Grace Ukrainian Humanitarian Appeal. A total of two hundred and fifty euro was raised. Well done to everyone who gave so generously to this deserving cause.
- Five children from Second Class received the Sacrament of First Confession. Due to ongoing safety measures, the Sacrament took place in the school. Many thanks to Fr Joseph and congratulations to pupils- Danny, Peter, Chloe, Tara-Rose and Kiera on this step of their faith journey.
- During the month of March, Fifth and Sixth Class pupils were covering the topic of electricity in their science class. John Roddy, parent of Fifth class pupil, Seán Roddy, kindly agreed to visit the senior classroom to give some practical demonstrations explaining how electricity works. Using a simple circuit board, John – an electrical engineer- described the workings of batteries, circuits, conductors, insulators, switches, breakers and resistors. The children had an opportunity to light up bulbs, activate simple alarms and observe a variety of circuits in operation. Mrs Warde thanked John for taking the time to share his skill and expertise with the senior pupils.
- There were two winners in the School Lotto this month- Mrs Meehan and Rian Loughney.
- Frása na Míosa- Is fearr an tsláinte ná an táinte!
- The Aistear theme in Mrs Shevlin’s room was The Garden Centre. Children used paint and bubble wrap to paint ladybirds and a garden for them to inhabit was created using fabric. Lego was used to make garden centres and flowers. In role-play, pupils were animals who came to life when the Garden Centre closed for the night! In construction, play-dough was used to make flowers, plant pots, and various garden creatures. Clay was used to make snails and when dried, learners painted them by mixing and using primary colours. Once again, Aistear provided a myriad of opportunities for children to explore and develop many important skills.