On Saturday, the 9th of January, we took part in the 2016 Primary Science Fair in the RDS.
Our project posed the question ‘Does Background Music Improve Childrens’ Concentration Levels?’
We discovered, using two different tests, that background music does improve concentration.
Following analysis of the results, we also discovered that children did not perform well during the timed jigsaw test when classical music was played because they relaxed too much and this slowed their performance!
We received a trophy and very positive feedback from the Judge who quizzed us regarding our project on the day.
We would like to thank all the teachers and parents who helped make the day such a success.
Look Who Came to Visit Sixth Class!!
On Friday, the 18th of December, we were delighted to welcome Dr. Aoibhinn Ní Shúilleabháin to our classroom.
Ms. Hughes organised for Aoibhinn to come and see our RDS Science Fair Project Presentation and to talk to us about the wonders of maths and science.
Aoibhinn answered many of our mathematical questions and gave us wonderful advise regarding our science project. She even tried out our Buzzwire!!
We are now looking forward to attending the RDS Science Fair on the 9th of January.
Sam Maguire Arrives!!
On Tuesday 15 December, the Sam Maguire Cup visited the school in the company of representatives of the Dublin GAA and the St. Mary’s GAA clubs. Senior Dublin player, Michael Fitzsimons, answered the children’s questions and encouraged them to pursue their love of GAA and to participate in sport. Michael kindly agreed to pose for photos with the children and to sign autographs for them.
Recyclable Christmas Tree Decorations
Well done to all the children who made beautiful Christmas Tree decorations out of recycled materials. The standard was very high and the judges faced a difficult task in selecting the two entries to represent us all at the Wicklow Co. Council final. Our winning decorations this year were made by Ella and Olivia in 3rd Class.
On Sunday 29th November, members of the school choir led by Ms. Seoighe sang Christmas carols at a craft fair in Kilruddery. The craft fair was a fundraiser for Bray Lakers. Both the choir and its audience enjoyed themselves.
Bíonn báisteach, uafásach san fhásach! (See how fast you can say this Irish tongue twister!)
OUR SCHOOL RECEIVES THE NATIONAL FLAG
On Thursday 19th November, to commemorate the centenary of the 1916 Rising and to celebrate 100 years since the Proclamation of the Irish Republic, a team from the Defence Forces delivered the National Flag to our school.
The team led by Lieutenant Peter Dunne, and including Lieutenant Evelyn Fahy, Sergeant Heneghan and Private Radford, formally presented the National Flag to the school in a special ceremony in the school hall.
First the team taught us how the National Flag should be cared for and the protocol that surrounds this vibrant symbol of our nation. Retired Brigadier General Jim Farrell (Sinéad O’Mara’s Grandad) accepted the flag on our behalf. Lieutenant Evelyn Fahy, Eva Murray and Evan Donnelly (from 6th Class) read out the Proclamation of the Irish Republic.
Lieutenant Peter Dunne then invited us to write our own School Proclamation which we should read out along with the Proclamation of the Irish Republic on Proclamation Day (15th March 2016). We will also raise the National Flag on this day.
Finally we all stood to sing the National Anthem.
Gabh mo leithscéal a mhúinteoir!
Dúirt bean liom go ndúirt bean léi.. (A woman told me that a woman told her…)
Meaning-‘Don’t believe everything you are told. It may just be gossip!’
Respectful Online Communication Talk
On Thursday, 12 November, two members of An Garda Síochána from Bray, Sergeant John Fitzpatrick and Garda Adam Nolan, spoke to the children in 5th and 6th Class about respectful online communication and cyberbullying. They reminded the children to post only messages or photos that “Granny” might like to receive. They urged the children never to respond to unkind messages; to save any such messages; to block the sender; and to tell someone they trusted about such messages. We would like to thank John and Adam for their advice and time.
The children were delighted to learn that Adam has represented Ireland in boxing at the 2012 Olympics, at the European and World Championships and is a four time Irish Elite Welterweight Champion, having won the titles in 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2015.
Filleann an feall ar an bhfeallaire
(What goes around, comes around)
‘A mhúinteoir, thit mé sa chlós!’
“A mhúinteoir, thit mé sa chlós!”
Aon Scéal Agat?
Aon scéal agat? (Any news?)
Diabhal scéal! (Divil a bit!)
Aithníonn ciaróg, ciaróg eile.
(It takes ones to know one!)
Avondale Cross Country Races
Well done to all of the pupils who participated at the Wicklow Cross Country Races at Avondale. Despite the stiff competition many medals were won, including team and individual events.
SIXTH CLASS DEBATING LEAGUE
Congratulations to David, Isabelle and Sorcha who took part in our first debate against Glencullen National School today.
They received great help from the whole class, in particular the sub team, Aoibhe, Evan and Mia.
The motion was ‘Homework is a Waste of Time’.
Our team had to oppose the motion, which they did with great confidence and maturity.
We look forward to our next debate against Kilternan.
Oíche Shamhna Shona Duit!
Bob nó bia?
Oíche Shamhna Shona Duit!
5th & 6th Class Maths Trail
On Monday 12 October, the children from 5th and 6th Class went to Corkagh Park in Clondalkin to do a Maths Trail. On 120 hectacres of open grassland and wooded areas, the children completed an 18 station trail exploring number, time, shape, line, angles and symmetry in this natural environment. They conducted a scavenger hunt; created pictures using materials from nature; witnessed swans in flight and ducks on lake water; visited the pet farm to see goats, pigs, chicken, horses, sheep and a variety of birds in the aviary; and enjoyed time in the playground. We had a great day in the autumn sunshine.
Green Flag Ceremony
On Tuesday, 30th June in glorious sunshine and to great applause from the children and their parents, Marie Farren raised our Green Flag for Biodiversity for us. This is our sixth Green Flag and it reflects our support for and commitment to environmental awareness and care.
We would like to thank everyone who offered assistance and support to the Green Schools’ Committee over the last two years; who gave generously of their time and expertise on our Day and Evening of Action; and who made speeches and sang songs during our our flag-raising ceremony. We share our success with you.
A special word of thanks to the children who served on the Green Schools’ committee; to Mrs. Healy who made a special Green Flag “Congratulations” cake for the day; and to Marie who, on her last day at the school, shared her life-love of gardening with us and raised our flag for us.
75th ANNIVERSARY
On the 24th of June, the school celebrated its 75th Anniversary.
A display in the hall of old government school letters, exam papers, roll books and photos were of great interest to young and old alike.
Ken Doyle, a past pupil, designed and constructed wooden replicas of the old and new school. His attention detail was incredible and we are very grateful to him for these amazing pieces of work which will be on display in the school for years to come.
A timeline created by Fifth Class was on display in the corridor highlighting the historic events and famous people from the period between 1940 to 2015.
Sixth Class students took many of the past pupils on a tour of the school showing them the different classrooms and facilities.
Ms.Kearney and her troop of Irish dancers performed for our visitors in the hall.
Ms. Seoighe and the school choir sang a couple of songs to end what was a most enjoyable afternoon.
Hopefully we will all be around in 25 years to celebrate the school’s 100th Anniversary!!
SWIMMING AWARDS
Congratulations to all the children who won awards at the recent School Swimming Gala.
CHARITY DONATION
Following their Confirmation, the sixth class children decided to donate some of the money they received to the Child Line charity.
A representative from the ISPCC called to the school to collect a cheque for 320 euro and thanked the class for their very generous donation.
GREEN FLAG AWARDS
An Taisce has written to inform the school that its application for its 6th International Green Flag for Biodiversity has been successful. An Taisce writes, “Congratulations on all your hard work and achievement.” Our 6th Green Flag will be presented to the school at the National Green Flag Award Ceremony in The Helix on 21 May. Well done, everyone!
LEINSTER CHAMPION
Congratulations to Amy who became Leinster Champion in Boxing recently.
Amy in coached by Pete Taylor at the Bray Boxing Club.
Who knows, maybe we will have an Olympic medalist in the future from our school!!
GREEN SCHOOLS’ BIODIVERSITY CODE
Congratulations to Eoin Mc Carthy (5th Class) whose Green Code on Biodiversity has been selected as our new Green Schools’ Code:
“Start being green and do it fast. We have to make Biodiversity last.”
CROSS COUNTRY RELAYS
On the 24th of March, children from Third to Sixth Class took part in the Wicklow Cross Country relay races in Avondale. The course was very tough but we still managed to bring home medals.
It was wonderful to see so many parents there cheering the children on.
Many thanks to Mr. Connor for all the training and advice given.
CONFIRMATION
On the 6th of March, Sixth Class children made their Confirmation in the local church.
The weather was beautiful and the Parents’ Association organised a great party in the hall afterwards for the children and their families.
Ms. Seoighe and the School Choir provided the wonderful music for the ceremony.
WICKLOW SPELLING BEE
Congratulations to Matthew in Sixth Class who took part in the Eason Spelling Bee competition recently.
The County Wicklow Spelling Bee was held in St.Peter’s Primary School, Bray.
21 super spellers from all around Wicklow competed on the day.
BODHRÁN PLAYER
On the 12th of March, a Bodhrán player came to our school to tell us all about bodhráns. He demonstrated how to play the instrument. Some children brought in their own bodhráns and played with him.
CÉILÍ
The first Céilí ever held in our school took place last year on March 13th in the school hall.
A great night of dancing and fun was held by all!
This year, the Céilí took place on Tuesday the 10th of March from 7.30pm to 9pm. Children from 5th and 6th class were invited to attend accompanied by a parent/guardian.
There was a great atmosphere and we were treated to a wonderful display of Irish dancing from 5th class and Mrs. Kearney!
Many thanks to Ms.Hughes for organising such a fun night.
DAY OF ACTION UPDATE
Congratulations and sincere thanks to all 80+ volunteers, both adults and children, who worked tirelessly and enthusiastically on 12 sites during our Day of Action to make our school grounds attractive, educational and child friendly. Your support, co-operation and goodwill on the day made it a very enjoyable, productive and successful experience. We hope to hold a mini Day of Action again in May.
STORYTELLER
Niall de Burca, a well known Irish storyteller, visited our school on Thursday, 29th January and enthralled all the children with tales from foreign shores and local legends.
PRIMARY DEBATING
Last November, the children in Sixth Class formed a debating team and invited St. Patrick’s National School, Curtlestown to a friendly debate in our school hall. The motion was, ‘Every child of school going age should have a mobile phone.’ It was a lively debate and a great experience for all the children.
Following its success, we were invited back to St. Patrick’s National School in January to debate a new motion, ‘We should not have to pay for water.’
A very topical issue, it was quite evident that both teams had prepared well and spoke confidently whilst displaying great debating skills.
Well done to both teams and all their supporters.
LEGO
First Lego League (FLL)
The First Lego League is an international competition for children from 11 – 16 years of age. Each team must complete a science project and programme the Mindstorms Lego robot to complete a series of tasks on a large table. Twenty eight teams entered the competition in Ireland.
Each Monday night (from September to January), Blaithin Butler, Matthew Connelly, Aidan Skelly, Ben Hackett Delany, Ciara Kennedy, Brian Ward, Evan Donnelly and Oscar Considine met in the school hall to work on the FLL. All children are in 5th and 6th class.
Science Project
On the project side were Aidan, Ben, Ciara, Blaithin and Matthew. This year, the theme of the project was “The FLL World Class Question” which was “How to Make Learning Easier?” They decided to come up with glow in the dark toothpaste so parents would know if their child had been brushing their teeth or not. They did research, experimented with different ingredients and visited a dentist for ideas. The toothpaste was put onto a large set of teeth. When a UV light was shone onto the teeth, they glowed in the dark.
Mindstorms Lego robot
Brian, Evan and I were the robot team. What we had to do was:
- Make a robot (from scratch!) out of Lego,
- Design attachments for it to do the tasks
- Learn to program it to do a certain amount of tasks on a large table. This included picking objects up, moving objects and scoring a goal with a ball.
For each objective completed, we would get points. The goal was to be the team with the most points.
Competition Day
On the day of the competition, we had to do the presentations in front of the judges:
- Project Design
- Robot Design
- Team Core Values
- Robot competition.
The robot team had to compete three times against other teams on the competition tables. We came 12th out of 28 teams.
EU Robotics Week
All the FLL teams took part in EU Robotics week in November. We were awarded a prize of a camera for Best Team.
Oscar Considine 6th Class
