Miss Boyle's Secret Mission
Due to Covid 19, the 5th and 6th Class could not attend Tanagh Adventure Centre. In secret, Miss Boyle arranged with the parents to take both classes on a surprise adventure on Friday 18th June. Bags of appropriate clothing were dropped on the QT by the parents to the school over the course of the days previous.
As far as the children were aware, they were going on a nature walk to identify plants and fauna. The children were left speechless when Miss Boyle announced a mysterious change of plan.
Instead, the classes were to take a walk to Cloone Lake where there was a day of meticulously planned activities set up by Ms. Boyle which involved gathering clues from the lake to support in finding the survival materials needed to start a fire and ultimately, cook a delicious burger on the barbecue.
The weather was glorious, and the sun shone beautifully while the children swam and had fun in the lake.
A huge ‘Well Done’ to Miss Boyle for organising this memorable event for the Graduation Class and a big ‘Thank You’ to the parents who put up the tents, sent over ice-pops to the children and for the support and contribution of everyone in making the day a huge success.
As far as the children were aware, they were going on a nature walk to identify plants and fauna. The children were left speechless when Miss Boyle announced a mysterious change of plan.
Instead, the classes were to take a walk to Cloone Lake where there was a day of meticulously planned activities set up by Ms. Boyle which involved gathering clues from the lake to support in finding the survival materials needed to start a fire and ultimately, cook a delicious burger on the barbecue.
The weather was glorious, and the sun shone beautifully while the children swam and had fun in the lake.
A huge ‘Well Done’ to Miss Boyle for organising this memorable event for the Graduation Class and a big ‘Thank You’ to the parents who put up the tents, sent over ice-pops to the children and for the support and contribution of everyone in making the day a huge success.
The Class of 2021
The sun shone down on The Church of the Holy Family, Loch Gowna on Thursday 17th June, as our seven sixth class pupils celebrated their Graduation Mass and Ceremony of Light in preparation for their Confirmation. Both pupils and parents alike found it hard to believe that their time here at St. Patrick’s National School is drawing to a close. Mrs Crossan spoke to the class with words of praise and encouragement. She finished off by reading the inspirational Indian legend; The Story of the Rainbow. The seven children were a credit to their teacher, Ms. Boyle. The theme of the evening was peace and hope for the future.
‘From now on, when it rains, each of you will stretch across the sky in a great bow of colours as a reminder that you can all live in peace. The rainbow is a sign of hope for tomorrow.’
Congratulations to the Class of 2021. We here at St. Patrick’s National School, wish all of our pupils the very best in the future.
‘From now on, when it rains, each of you will stretch across the sky in a great bow of colours as a reminder that you can all live in peace. The rainbow is a sign of hope for tomorrow.’
Congratulations to the Class of 2021. We here at St. Patrick’s National School, wish all of our pupils the very best in the future.
Sports Day 2021
With the good weather this week, came Sports Day. Lots of running and racing with the Individual Race, The Egg and Spoon Race, The Sack Race and The Obstacle Race.
Everyone was a winner by taking part, having fun and most of all, making memories with their friends and classmates.
After Lunch, Miss Boyle organised a GAA skills session where children from each class took their chance at kicking the ball over the bar while incorporating their best GAA skills. From this, it was really evident that the future is RED and GREEN!
We finished off our day with a game of Rounders as part of Cumann na mBunscol Week and having being inspired by our very own Erne Valley Rounders Senior Mixed Team and All Ireland Winners from the weekend past.
The 5th and 6th Class played the Rounders Match, refereed by Ms. Sheridan with the children from 1st - 4th as spectators.
It was a lovely day, celebrated and enjoyed by all.
Everyone was a winner by taking part, having fun and most of all, making memories with their friends and classmates.
After Lunch, Miss Boyle organised a GAA skills session where children from each class took their chance at kicking the ball over the bar while incorporating their best GAA skills. From this, it was really evident that the future is RED and GREEN!
We finished off our day with a game of Rounders as part of Cumann na mBunscol Week and having being inspired by our very own Erne Valley Rounders Senior Mixed Team and All Ireland Winners from the weekend past.
The 5th and 6th Class played the Rounders Match, refereed by Ms. Sheridan with the children from 1st - 4th as spectators.
It was a lovely day, celebrated and enjoyed by all.
School Tour Staycation
This year, our school took a school tour with a difference. We had a ‘Staycation Fun Day’ here in Gowna School.
A Magic Show took place outside for Junior Infants to 2nd Class by Magician, Seán Galligan. There were lots of magic tricks that flabbergasted the children and teachers alike. This was followed by a puppet show where there were lots of laughs and jokes. Before long, it was time for the disco. The music was playing aloud, everybody was dancing and lots of fun was had by all. Later in the day, the children walked down to the playground with their teachers and enjoyed their very own teddy bears picnic. There were treats galore and lots of chats, games, and fun.
Each class in the school took part in a drumming workshop facilitated by Fionnuala from ‘We Drum Ireland’. They learned lots of different drumming techniques, Samba, African and Cuban rhythms as well as the names of many different types of drums. We are sure that some the children’s rhythms were heard from afar.
At lunchtime, Greg, from Cavan Icecream surprised us by his arrival and we all enjoyed a well-earned, delicious 99.
3rd to 6th class proceeded to Swan Lake where they took part in a treasure hunt, gathering clues and answering questions and riddles along the way.
Here is one that caught a few of us out…
‘David’s dad has three sons; Snap, Crackle and ___’ ? Can you work it out?
Meanwhile, Heather Bothwell a lifelong birdwatcher and wildlife enthusiast from ‘Heritage in Schools’ took 3rd-6th Class on a fieldtrip to Teresa’s field, our neighbour across the road. Some of the children found a grasshopper while using their nets and pooters which Heather informed us was rather unusual to find and identify. We were given the chance to study our findings under the microscope. It was a great experience for the children. It opened their eyes to the incredible biodiversity in the area we live in.
We were incredibly grateful to the facilitators for giving us a great day and a school tour like no other.
A Magic Show took place outside for Junior Infants to 2nd Class by Magician, Seán Galligan. There were lots of magic tricks that flabbergasted the children and teachers alike. This was followed by a puppet show where there were lots of laughs and jokes. Before long, it was time for the disco. The music was playing aloud, everybody was dancing and lots of fun was had by all. Later in the day, the children walked down to the playground with their teachers and enjoyed their very own teddy bears picnic. There were treats galore and lots of chats, games, and fun.
Each class in the school took part in a drumming workshop facilitated by Fionnuala from ‘We Drum Ireland’. They learned lots of different drumming techniques, Samba, African and Cuban rhythms as well as the names of many different types of drums. We are sure that some the children’s rhythms were heard from afar.
At lunchtime, Greg, from Cavan Icecream surprised us by his arrival and we all enjoyed a well-earned, delicious 99.
3rd to 6th class proceeded to Swan Lake where they took part in a treasure hunt, gathering clues and answering questions and riddles along the way.
Here is one that caught a few of us out…
‘David’s dad has three sons; Snap, Crackle and ___’ ? Can you work it out?
Meanwhile, Heather Bothwell a lifelong birdwatcher and wildlife enthusiast from ‘Heritage in Schools’ took 3rd-6th Class on a fieldtrip to Teresa’s field, our neighbour across the road. Some of the children found a grasshopper while using their nets and pooters which Heather informed us was rather unusual to find and identify. We were given the chance to study our findings under the microscope. It was a great experience for the children. It opened their eyes to the incredible biodiversity in the area we live in.
We were incredibly grateful to the facilitators for giving us a great day and a school tour like no other.
Cavan County Council’s Anti-Litter Campaign
As part of this year’s Anti-Litter Campaign, our school took part in a poster competition.
Cavan County Council gave the Primary School Children in County Cavan a task to compose a slogan and design a poster aimed at spreading awareness in our local community about the negative impact littering has on the environment.
This really encouraged the children to take a stand on issues that may affect our local area here in Gowna. The children had a chance to express themselves artistically and remind everyone to ‘Keep Cavan Clean’.
Have a look at some of the fabulous entries from the poster competition.
Junior Infant Winners were
1st Isabelle Jordan
2nd Adam Wiercioch
Senior Infant Winners were
1st Mia Wiercioch
2nd Liam Simpson
1st and 2nd Class Winners
1st Iarlaith Hartin
2nd Megan Harrington
3rd Darcy Galligan
3rd and 4th Class Winners
1st Orna McDonnell
2nd Ellen Madden
3rd Kevin Bannon
5th and 6th Class Winners
1st Charlotte Madden
2nd Hannah Reilly
3rd Emma OReilly
Cavan County Council gave the Primary School Children in County Cavan a task to compose a slogan and design a poster aimed at spreading awareness in our local community about the negative impact littering has on the environment.
This really encouraged the children to take a stand on issues that may affect our local area here in Gowna. The children had a chance to express themselves artistically and remind everyone to ‘Keep Cavan Clean’.
Have a look at some of the fabulous entries from the poster competition.
Junior Infant Winners were
1st Isabelle Jordan
2nd Adam Wiercioch
Senior Infant Winners were
1st Mia Wiercioch
2nd Liam Simpson
1st and 2nd Class Winners
1st Iarlaith Hartin
2nd Megan Harrington
3rd Darcy Galligan
3rd and 4th Class Winners
1st Orna McDonnell
2nd Ellen Madden
3rd Kevin Bannon
5th and 6th Class Winners
1st Charlotte Madden
2nd Hannah Reilly
3rd Emma OReilly
School Year 2020-2021
VEX Robot Art Challenge
Dundalk Institute of Technology, in partnership with Munster Technological University, Letterkenny IT, Waterford IT, Galway Mayo IT and Offaly County Council ran a national competition for primary and secondary students to draw a piece of art by coding a virtual robot with VEX VR. Pupils from 3rd & 4th class worked on this project and entered some fantastic coded art works.
There was immense excitement as we watched the live awards ceremony on You Tube, www.youtube.com/dojomor when Zara Brady and Ava Leigh Reilly’s joint entry won a prize for the Louth, Meath, Westmeath and Cavan area. There were even more celebrations when we were announced as the school winner along with Ballynarry NS for the same area. Our school will be receiving a school prize of a VEX IQ Super Kit Robots, valued at €500, which was funded by Science Foundation Ireland. Huge congratulations to all the pupils in 3rd & 4th class and to their teacher Ms. Sheridan on this wonderful achievement.
There was immense excitement as we watched the live awards ceremony on You Tube, www.youtube.com/dojomor when Zara Brady and Ava Leigh Reilly’s joint entry won a prize for the Louth, Meath, Westmeath and Cavan area. There were even more celebrations when we were announced as the school winner along with Ballynarry NS for the same area. Our school will be receiving a school prize of a VEX IQ Super Kit Robots, valued at €500, which was funded by Science Foundation Ireland. Huge congratulations to all the pupils in 3rd & 4th class and to their teacher Ms. Sheridan on this wonderful achievement.
Zara and Ava Leigh’s winning entry
A Special Visitor
the
Anglo Celt Cup
Creative Schools Week 2021
This week, 10th-14th May we celebrated Creative Schools Week 2021. The theme of this year’s celebrations is “Brave New Future”, celebrating our children’s courage in the face of a very tough year, and looking forward to a bright future.
We celebrated the creativity of the pupils in our school, and each class had an opportunity to share and showcase many different creative projects that were undertaken during the week. Pupils alsotook part in online workshops and watched the online celebrations which highlighted the work from a selection of Creative Schools.
We hope you enjoy some of our highlights of this week.
We celebrated the creativity of the pupils in our school, and each class had an opportunity to share and showcase many different creative projects that were undertaken during the week. Pupils alsotook part in online workshops and watched the online celebrations which highlighted the work from a selection of Creative Schools.
We hope you enjoy some of our highlights of this week.
5th and 6th Class
Rap and Rhythm!!!
Rap and Rhythm!!!
3rd & 4th Class recreate the Big Picture of a painting by Artist Romero Britto.
Infant Recitations!!!
1st & 2nd Class
Great Gowna Bake Off
Great Gowna Bake Off
Toyota Art Competition
Congratulations to Junior Infant Adam on winning the Toyota Dream Car Art Competition. Adam’s picture also received a commendation from the RTÉ “This is Art” competition. A super talented young boy!!!
Science Week 9th-13th November
Investigative Infants!
What a very explosive Science Week we have had in Infants this week.
The skittles experiment was a big hit with a dash of colour thrown in too! Did you know that skittles are coated in food colouring and sugar? We predicted that the fire brigade might have to be called during this experiment and that there was going to be a huge explosion! After we poured water over the skittles, the coloured coating started to dissolve spreading through the water. It was then, that the colour and sugar dissolved into the water. After a few seconds, it diffused through the water, turning it into the colour of the skittle. It was such a fun and colourful experiment. We had great fun making all of the beautiful colours. It really was like a fairy-tale.
The next experiment we did was one with 'eggscellent' eggs and salt water. We had some very funny predictions about this one. One was that a chick might even hatch from the eggs! We filled a cup with water and put the egg into the cup. The egg looked huge in the water and it didn’t float. We added lots of salt to the water and couldn’t believe that the egg started to float in the water. The reason for this was because the saltwater's solution density becomes higher than the egg's, so the egg will then float!
Our third experiment of the week involved making our very own lava-lamps. We had a few predictions as to how this would work. We thought there was going to be another huge explosion and also, that the oil would make the water go yellow-green. The first thing we did was fill a small bottle quarter full with water. Then, we filled the rest of the bottle with vegetable oil. From this, we learned that water and oil do not mix. After, we added some red and green 'Gowna Inspired' food colouring, followed by an Alka-Seltzer. That is when the fun started…
The fizzing began and it soon looked like a wonderful, glowing, Gowna Lava Lamp.
What a very explosive Science Week we have had in Infants this week.
The skittles experiment was a big hit with a dash of colour thrown in too! Did you know that skittles are coated in food colouring and sugar? We predicted that the fire brigade might have to be called during this experiment and that there was going to be a huge explosion! After we poured water over the skittles, the coloured coating started to dissolve spreading through the water. It was then, that the colour and sugar dissolved into the water. After a few seconds, it diffused through the water, turning it into the colour of the skittle. It was such a fun and colourful experiment. We had great fun making all of the beautiful colours. It really was like a fairy-tale.
The next experiment we did was one with 'eggscellent' eggs and salt water. We had some very funny predictions about this one. One was that a chick might even hatch from the eggs! We filled a cup with water and put the egg into the cup. The egg looked huge in the water and it didn’t float. We added lots of salt to the water and couldn’t believe that the egg started to float in the water. The reason for this was because the saltwater's solution density becomes higher than the egg's, so the egg will then float!
Our third experiment of the week involved making our very own lava-lamps. We had a few predictions as to how this would work. We thought there was going to be another huge explosion and also, that the oil would make the water go yellow-green. The first thing we did was fill a small bottle quarter full with water. Then, we filled the rest of the bottle with vegetable oil. From this, we learned that water and oil do not mix. After, we added some red and green 'Gowna Inspired' food colouring, followed by an Alka-Seltzer. That is when the fun started…
The fizzing began and it soon looked like a wonderful, glowing, Gowna Lava Lamp.
1st and 2nd Class Looking Through The Glass
What a busy week we have had in 1st and 2nd Class this Science Week! We did several experiments and learned so many new things. The first experiment was called ‘Save the Ship’. Our job was to save the ship by turning on a light-bulb in the lighthouse. We predicted that we would need electricity to turn the light on. First of all, we got the battery and placed it between the two rods off the LED bulb. Using a sharp pencil, we made a hole in the yellow circle where the LED light went through the top of the lighthouse. Then, we stuck the long rod with the positive charge to the top copper tape and the negative charge through the bottom copper tape. We attached a battery to the grey circle on the card and we peeled the copper tape back and placed it on top of the battery. Then, we folded our card to save the ship. Thankfully, there were no ship sinking’s in Gowna this week all thanks to 1st and 2nd Class. Something we found was that there are certainly a few electricians and electrical engineers in the making!
The next experiment was the ‘Orange Fizz’ experiment. We took in our own orange fruit to school. Our teacher taught us all about the pH Scale and we classified orange as Acidic. We learned that baking soda was a Basic. We made a few predictions about what would happen when they were mixed. One of the predictions was that it would start to foam and another was that there would be an explosion! We found it really interesting when we were told that this experiment would actually take place in our mouths! There were lots of foamy mouths and unpleasant faces in 1st and 2nd Class after this experiment. Our predictions were correct and we became self-proclaimed Super Scientists.
Later in the week, there were a lot of fireworks to be found in our class even though Halloween was well and truly over! In this experiment, we were to fill a glass jar with water and pour a mixture of food colouring and oil on top of the water. We predicted that the water would turn green with the food colouring. However, we observed that the oil and water would not mix no matter how hard we tried to mix them. Patience was definitely a virtue in this experiment as we eagerly awaited the food colouring to move through the oil, into the water to form a firework display. We were thrilled with our very own fireworks display and we all agreed that this was probably our favourite experiment of the week.
What a busy week we have had in 1st and 2nd Class this Science Week! We did several experiments and learned so many new things. The first experiment was called ‘Save the Ship’. Our job was to save the ship by turning on a light-bulb in the lighthouse. We predicted that we would need electricity to turn the light on. First of all, we got the battery and placed it between the two rods off the LED bulb. Using a sharp pencil, we made a hole in the yellow circle where the LED light went through the top of the lighthouse. Then, we stuck the long rod with the positive charge to the top copper tape and the negative charge through the bottom copper tape. We attached a battery to the grey circle on the card and we peeled the copper tape back and placed it on top of the battery. Then, we folded our card to save the ship. Thankfully, there were no ship sinking’s in Gowna this week all thanks to 1st and 2nd Class. Something we found was that there are certainly a few electricians and electrical engineers in the making!
The next experiment was the ‘Orange Fizz’ experiment. We took in our own orange fruit to school. Our teacher taught us all about the pH Scale and we classified orange as Acidic. We learned that baking soda was a Basic. We made a few predictions about what would happen when they were mixed. One of the predictions was that it would start to foam and another was that there would be an explosion! We found it really interesting when we were told that this experiment would actually take place in our mouths! There were lots of foamy mouths and unpleasant faces in 1st and 2nd Class after this experiment. Our predictions were correct and we became self-proclaimed Super Scientists.
Later in the week, there were a lot of fireworks to be found in our class even though Halloween was well and truly over! In this experiment, we were to fill a glass jar with water and pour a mixture of food colouring and oil on top of the water. We predicted that the water would turn green with the food colouring. However, we observed that the oil and water would not mix no matter how hard we tried to mix them. Patience was definitely a virtue in this experiment as we eagerly awaited the food colouring to move through the oil, into the water to form a firework display. We were thrilled with our very own fireworks display and we all agreed that this was probably our favourite experiment of the week.
Third and Fourth- A ‘Force’ To Be Reckoned With
This week, was a busy one for everyone in 3rd and 4th Class. There was an abundance of Science and most importantly, an abundance of learning done during this Science Week.
We watched a very interesting webinar with Dr. NoraH Patton, an astronaut and award winning STEM advocate, from Ballina in Co. Mayo. She answered many questions that we had sent in the day before about life in Space like ‘Have you ever worn a spacesuit and is it heavy?’, ‘Had you experienced Zero-Gravity?’, ‘When did she first become interested in becoming an astronaut?’ and many more. She told us that if we have an interest in Space and think we would like to follow in her path to Space that now is the time to start working towards it. We can work at keeping fit, maintaining a healthy diet and doing lots of reading and research on Space.
We watched a very interesting Webinar with the author of Horrible Sciences; Nick Arnold. He did some ‘Live’ experiments on Forces which we found very interesting. This will really help us when we move on to our learning about ‘Forces’ later this year.
We really enjoyed our learning on 'Sporting Science'. We learned how top athletes and coaches use a whole lot of science and engineering to improve performance and increase the chances of winning. Technologies like better tennis rackets, sleeker running and swimming outfits, and aerodynamic soccer balls, mean that current athletes are breaking world records left and right. We were able to then explore how science and engineering impact your favourite sports.
On Wednesday, we watched a webinar on how to make our very own Geodesic Dome. This required excellent listening skills, concentration, perseverance, patience and teamwork. There were green, red and black straws everywhere to be seen in our classroom. Each straw had a part to play in the formation of the dome. This one definitely tested our patience but through our determination and grit, we formed some very dashing domes indeed!
Another experiment we very much enjoyed, was the ‘Scrappy Circuits’ one. We were each provided with a kit of crocodile leads, back clips, a LaserCut ‘Battery’, a LaserCut ‘Switch’, a LaserCut ‘LED’, a Cr2032 battery and 1 LED. ‘Surely we could not make a scrappy circuit without electricity!’ we predicted. With the help of the livestream and the materials provided, low and behold, we made a superb scrappy circuit. Not only did this experiment introduce us to simple Making Skills, it allowed us to make something, to construct a circuit and we felt on top of the world when we completed it.
During the week, we became Coders too! We learned all about the history of Coding, the First Algorithm, how computers have changed over time and we even became computer programmers!
On Friday, The Ten Top Discoveries by Robert Hill was an excellent webinar provided by Cavan Monaghan Science Festival. We loved Robert's way of taking us to the night sky where we imagined what lies beyond our protective blanket of the atmosphere. He explained that we sometimes glimpse visitors from beyond as shooting stars as they burn up in the atmosphere above. There was so much to learn from this webinar and we enjoyed it thoroughly. It really was a twinkling start to our weekend.
We finished off the week with experiments on Static Electricity, learning about positive and negative charges, using balloons, pieces of paper and tissue. Miss Sheridan made us a Static Electricity booklet with many experiments, some of which we completed this week. The booklet provided us with the knowledge and the information we needed to form a realization that Electricity is absolutely everywhere!
WOW! Science is REALLY all around us!
This week, was a busy one for everyone in 3rd and 4th Class. There was an abundance of Science and most importantly, an abundance of learning done during this Science Week.
We watched a very interesting webinar with Dr. NoraH Patton, an astronaut and award winning STEM advocate, from Ballina in Co. Mayo. She answered many questions that we had sent in the day before about life in Space like ‘Have you ever worn a spacesuit and is it heavy?’, ‘Had you experienced Zero-Gravity?’, ‘When did she first become interested in becoming an astronaut?’ and many more. She told us that if we have an interest in Space and think we would like to follow in her path to Space that now is the time to start working towards it. We can work at keeping fit, maintaining a healthy diet and doing lots of reading and research on Space.
We watched a very interesting Webinar with the author of Horrible Sciences; Nick Arnold. He did some ‘Live’ experiments on Forces which we found very interesting. This will really help us when we move on to our learning about ‘Forces’ later this year.
We really enjoyed our learning on 'Sporting Science'. We learned how top athletes and coaches use a whole lot of science and engineering to improve performance and increase the chances of winning. Technologies like better tennis rackets, sleeker running and swimming outfits, and aerodynamic soccer balls, mean that current athletes are breaking world records left and right. We were able to then explore how science and engineering impact your favourite sports.
On Wednesday, we watched a webinar on how to make our very own Geodesic Dome. This required excellent listening skills, concentration, perseverance, patience and teamwork. There were green, red and black straws everywhere to be seen in our classroom. Each straw had a part to play in the formation of the dome. This one definitely tested our patience but through our determination and grit, we formed some very dashing domes indeed!
Another experiment we very much enjoyed, was the ‘Scrappy Circuits’ one. We were each provided with a kit of crocodile leads, back clips, a LaserCut ‘Battery’, a LaserCut ‘Switch’, a LaserCut ‘LED’, a Cr2032 battery and 1 LED. ‘Surely we could not make a scrappy circuit without electricity!’ we predicted. With the help of the livestream and the materials provided, low and behold, we made a superb scrappy circuit. Not only did this experiment introduce us to simple Making Skills, it allowed us to make something, to construct a circuit and we felt on top of the world when we completed it.
During the week, we became Coders too! We learned all about the history of Coding, the First Algorithm, how computers have changed over time and we even became computer programmers!
On Friday, The Ten Top Discoveries by Robert Hill was an excellent webinar provided by Cavan Monaghan Science Festival. We loved Robert's way of taking us to the night sky where we imagined what lies beyond our protective blanket of the atmosphere. He explained that we sometimes glimpse visitors from beyond as shooting stars as they burn up in the atmosphere above. There was so much to learn from this webinar and we enjoyed it thoroughly. It really was a twinkling start to our weekend.
We finished off the week with experiments on Static Electricity, learning about positive and negative charges, using balloons, pieces of paper and tissue. Miss Sheridan made us a Static Electricity booklet with many experiments, some of which we completed this week. The booklet provided us with the knowledge and the information we needed to form a realization that Electricity is absolutely everywhere!
WOW! Science is REALLY all around us!
5th and 6th Class- Science Week Surpassed
Well, this was a week we will not forget! We became scientists, astronauts, pilots, electricians, engineers and many more professions this week and one thing for sure; we have been inspired several times throughout the week.
Here is a ‘scientific summary’ of some of the things we got up to this week.
We watched a very interesting webinar with Dr. Norah Patton, an astronaut from Ballina in Co. Mayo. Norah told us of how she was fascinated by space as a child after visiting NASA when she was around our age; only 11. She always had that keen interest in space and it soon became a passion. She spoke of how she visited NASA on numerous occasions as a teenager and studied Aeronautical Engineering at U.L. She mentioned that she received her doctorate in Aerodynamics in 2011. She answered many questions that we had sent to her via Webinar Chat like ‘What happens when you go to the toilet in Space?’, ‘What would happen if you became sick in Space?’, ‘How long does it take to reach Space?' and many more. She explained to us about the importance of starting our work and study now if we have an interest in becoming an astronaut. However, we don’t think we will have many future astronauts in our class. Only one of us has a keen interest in visiting Space!
On Friday, we were due to watch a webinar on how to make our very own Geodesic Domes. However, following a few technical glitches and the webinar not working very well for us, Mrs Crossan and Miss Boyle talked us through the many steps on how to construct the dome. There were paper straws, (red and green of course) black straws and pins provided to us to construct the geodesic dome. The task required precision, excellent listening skills, concentration, perseverance, patience and teamwork. It was a very engaging activity and we were very proud of the results of our hard work. We learned that it is important not to give up when we find something difficult. Through perseverance and grit, it feels all the more rewarding to finally achieve or construct something amazing. That moment when it all comes together, that is what Science is all about.
Another experiment we had great fun participating in, was the ‘Scrappy Circuits’ one. We were each provided with a kit of crocodile leads, back clips, a LaserCut ‘Battery’, a LaserCut ‘Switch’, a LaserCut ‘LED’, a Cr2032 battery and 1 LED. There were many predictions circulating around the classroom, and some people querying if we would need electricity to make a circuit. With the help of the livestream and the materials provided, we managed to make a scrappy circuit. We learned that the circuit we made was wired exactly the same as the mains electricity, but with very different levels of power.
During the week, we became Cool Coders too! We learned all about the history of Computer Science, the abacus, how it all started and the first computer. Computers sure looked very different in 1950 to how they look now! In addition, we created algorithms. In doing this, we found that computers are actually not very smart. They have to be told exactly what to do in order for something to work.
Finally, we watched a really lovely webinar on ‘Zoology’ from Belfast Zoo which was provided to us by the Cavan Monaghan Science Festival.
We really had a great week and most importantly, we learned lots of great things. It is safe to say we have many future scientists in the making here at St. Patrick’s National School.
Well, this was a week we will not forget! We became scientists, astronauts, pilots, electricians, engineers and many more professions this week and one thing for sure; we have been inspired several times throughout the week.
Here is a ‘scientific summary’ of some of the things we got up to this week.
We watched a very interesting webinar with Dr. Norah Patton, an astronaut from Ballina in Co. Mayo. Norah told us of how she was fascinated by space as a child after visiting NASA when she was around our age; only 11. She always had that keen interest in space and it soon became a passion. She spoke of how she visited NASA on numerous occasions as a teenager and studied Aeronautical Engineering at U.L. She mentioned that she received her doctorate in Aerodynamics in 2011. She answered many questions that we had sent to her via Webinar Chat like ‘What happens when you go to the toilet in Space?’, ‘What would happen if you became sick in Space?’, ‘How long does it take to reach Space?' and many more. She explained to us about the importance of starting our work and study now if we have an interest in becoming an astronaut. However, we don’t think we will have many future astronauts in our class. Only one of us has a keen interest in visiting Space!
On Friday, we were due to watch a webinar on how to make our very own Geodesic Domes. However, following a few technical glitches and the webinar not working very well for us, Mrs Crossan and Miss Boyle talked us through the many steps on how to construct the dome. There were paper straws, (red and green of course) black straws and pins provided to us to construct the geodesic dome. The task required precision, excellent listening skills, concentration, perseverance, patience and teamwork. It was a very engaging activity and we were very proud of the results of our hard work. We learned that it is important not to give up when we find something difficult. Through perseverance and grit, it feels all the more rewarding to finally achieve or construct something amazing. That moment when it all comes together, that is what Science is all about.
Another experiment we had great fun participating in, was the ‘Scrappy Circuits’ one. We were each provided with a kit of crocodile leads, back clips, a LaserCut ‘Battery’, a LaserCut ‘Switch’, a LaserCut ‘LED’, a Cr2032 battery and 1 LED. There were many predictions circulating around the classroom, and some people querying if we would need electricity to make a circuit. With the help of the livestream and the materials provided, we managed to make a scrappy circuit. We learned that the circuit we made was wired exactly the same as the mains electricity, but with very different levels of power.
During the week, we became Cool Coders too! We learned all about the history of Computer Science, the abacus, how it all started and the first computer. Computers sure looked very different in 1950 to how they look now! In addition, we created algorithms. In doing this, we found that computers are actually not very smart. They have to be told exactly what to do in order for something to work.
Finally, we watched a really lovely webinar on ‘Zoology’ from Belfast Zoo which was provided to us by the Cavan Monaghan Science Festival.
We really had a great week and most importantly, we learned lots of great things. It is safe to say we have many future scientists in the making here at St. Patrick’s National School.
Farewell Rosemary O'Reilly
Today, the 16th October 2020, should have been a huge day of celebration as we bid farewell to our longstanding member of staff, Ms. Rosemary O’Reilly. Unfortunately, giving Rosemary the send-off that she truly deserves, was not to be. However, we would like to remember just how much Ms. O’Reilly means to our school community.
Although she had taught in Mullahoran NS for many years, Rosemary has been teaching in our school for the past 27 years. During that time she has seen many changes to the education system, most of them for the better. I recall that at one stage in her career, Rosemary was a shared support teacher and was travelling between 7 schools each week!! This has resulted in Rosemary being the recipient of several tributes and many good wishes from all the past schools she has worked with.
Rosemary’s love for teaching, her sensitivity for those who needed help, her helpful manner, excellent teaching capabilities and her commitment to passing on the highest standards to her pupils are among her finest qualities. She had a wonderful insight into the minds of the children she taught. She could recognise immediately the dodger, the hard worker, the trier, the pet, and she had a sensitivity for the one that was really in need.
As a colleague, Rosemary was a loyal and dedicated member of staff with a wealth of knowledge which she was always willing to impart. I will always remember the help and support she has given me down through the years, and in particular when I was a newly appointed Principal, and for this I will be eternally grateful. Her wonderful sense of humour, quick-wit and timely one-liners has led to many laughs in our staffroom and, I can assure you, Rosemary, that you will be truly missed.
On behalf of all staff, pupils, parents, members of the Board of Management and Parents’ Association, I wish Rosemary many years of health and happiness in her retirement and thank her for the many years of excellent service she has given to St. Patrick’s NS.
Although she had taught in Mullahoran NS for many years, Rosemary has been teaching in our school for the past 27 years. During that time she has seen many changes to the education system, most of them for the better. I recall that at one stage in her career, Rosemary was a shared support teacher and was travelling between 7 schools each week!! This has resulted in Rosemary being the recipient of several tributes and many good wishes from all the past schools she has worked with.
Rosemary’s love for teaching, her sensitivity for those who needed help, her helpful manner, excellent teaching capabilities and her commitment to passing on the highest standards to her pupils are among her finest qualities. She had a wonderful insight into the minds of the children she taught. She could recognise immediately the dodger, the hard worker, the trier, the pet, and she had a sensitivity for the one that was really in need.
As a colleague, Rosemary was a loyal and dedicated member of staff with a wealth of knowledge which she was always willing to impart. I will always remember the help and support she has given me down through the years, and in particular when I was a newly appointed Principal, and for this I will be eternally grateful. Her wonderful sense of humour, quick-wit and timely one-liners has led to many laughs in our staffroom and, I can assure you, Rosemary, that you will be truly missed.
On behalf of all staff, pupils, parents, members of the Board of Management and Parents’ Association, I wish Rosemary many years of health and happiness in her retirement and thank her for the many years of excellent service she has given to St. Patrick’s NS.
Ms. O’Reilly
You helped so much in every way, every day.
The laughs we had, some good some bad.
When we struggled with our Maths,
you helped us put on our thinking caps.
The Maths you did with ease, were made a breeze.
The class would seize at the amazing speeds
the quiz would be written down.
The riddles you had, we tried to solve,
but we failed.
The students you had, you taught better than
Albert Einstein would.
You will be missed, so buy some crisps.
Sit down without a frown, to enjoy your retirement.
And thank you for all your years of teaching
up until our last year.
Slan agus go raibh maith agat!!
By,
Ben Brady
You helped so much in every way, every day.
The laughs we had, some good some bad.
When we struggled with our Maths,
you helped us put on our thinking caps.
The Maths you did with ease, were made a breeze.
The class would seize at the amazing speeds
the quiz would be written down.
The riddles you had, we tried to solve,
but we failed.
The students you had, you taught better than
Albert Einstein would.
You will be missed, so buy some crisps.
Sit down without a frown, to enjoy your retirement.
And thank you for all your years of teaching
up until our last year.
Slan agus go raibh maith agat!!
By,
Ben Brady
Frightening Friday
We had a fantastic day today and the perfect beginning to our Midterm break. The school was taken over by wicked witches, ghastly ghosts, vicious vampires and many other horrifying characters. A big thank you to Ms O’Reilly and the Green Schools Committee who judged the recycled costumes. They had such a difficult job as the standard of homemade costumes this year, were outstanding. Here are some of the frightful photos!!!
There was also exciting contest to win the title of Best Decorated Pod in 5th and 6th class. The competition was fierce, but the winning group was Clodagh, Shauna, TJ and Cian.
Climate Action Week October 2020
Climate Action Week, was celebrated in our school this week. Infant-2nd class took part in an online event organised by our Green school Climate Change officer Grainne Ryan. It begin with a short introduction from Grainne, followed by storytime and some funny commentary on the book “We want our Park Back”, with the author Oisin McGann. There was a short interview with Oisín, then a little illustration lesson, and then it finished with a kids book review! The children really enjoyed it.
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The Infants busy drawing their pictures based upon the story
"We want our Park Back" |
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Two beautiful drawings from 1st & 2nd Class by Irlaith and Kayla
First Holy Communion 2020
On the beautiful sunny morning of September 26th 2020, eight wonderful boys and girls received their First Holy Communion in the Church of the Holy Family. Before the communion mass began the children received the Sacrament of Penance for the first time. These sacraments had been long awaited for and made the celebrations even more special. Congratulations to each child and their families. A special word of thanks to Fr. Bannon and teachers Ms. Comaskey and Ms. Sheridan for preparing the children so well and to Ms. Boyle, Noreen Grant and Sinead O'Ferrel for the beautiful music which really added to the ceremony.
