School Newsletter-November 2021

A new programme called Covid Learning and Support Scheme (CLASS) has been put in place in all schools to help mitigate the adverse impact of the pandemic on pupils’ learning loss and well-being. This programme provides additional teaching hours on a once off basis for the 2021-2022 year. A block of these hours began at the start of this month facilitated by Ms Rebecca Ryan. The focus in our context is a combination of structured games and small group teaching in the areas of reading and maths. We look forward to working with Ms Ryan and are delighted at being afforded this opportunity, which will benefit our children’s well-being and learning.

A one day Sean-Nós dancing workshop was provided by Eimear Mulvey of ‘Bróga Bríomhar’. Pupils were given a brief history of the origins of Sean-Nós and were than shown two basic steps. Each child had a chance to dance on a barrel in true Sean-Nós style! Both boys and girls enjoyed the experience with some expressing an interest in attending lessons in the future!

Science Week was marked at the school with pupils investigating and experimenting with a number of different materials. Bubble-making, colour experimentation, ‘naked-egg’ experiments and the creation of ‘slime’ were just some of the activities in which our learners were involved. This provided an opportunity to learn through play and to predict and discuss outcomes with peers and teachers.

We had two winners in the Annual Art Competition organised by Ballaghaderreen Credit Union. The theme for this year was ‘Imagine.’ In the ‘Seven Years and Under’ category, Lauren Leonard was awarded second prize and in the ‘Eight to Ten Years’ section, Caitlin Llongo claimed third prize. Both girls received trophies, certificates and cash prizes from the Credit Union. Congratulations to Lauren and Caitlin on their artistic endeavours!

We were very happy to be offered six sessions at the Athletics Centre in Claremorris. Pupils in the Infant room had two sessions while the children in the senior room had one. Pupils experienced hurdling, long jump, high jump, relays and had a chance to jog or run on the track. The remaining sessions were deferred until after Christmas.

There was just one winner in our lotto this month, well done to Orlaith Llongo on having the lucky number.

This month’s Aistear theme was The Post Office. During the month of November, the children in the junior room were learning all about what happens there. They sent postcards, addressed packages, delivered post, sold stamps, weighed packages and much more in the role play area. Using art and craft material, the children designed their own post-boxes, post offices, envelopes, post vans and other objects. Everybody was really impressed with how creative and imaginative their ideas were! Learners did lots of numeracy, literacy and fine motor skills based on the topic of the post office also. In the construction area, children used a variety of materials to construct a post office. Some pupils used the very popular magna-tiles to put a modern spin on the post office building!! Once again lots of fun was had this month.