Class of 2023
We bid farewell to our sixth class pupils. I’d like to take this opportunity to congratulate Ava, Avae, Orna, Jessica, Aaron, Isaac, Tom, Kevin, Kai and Artem on their graduation and wish them every success as they proceed to Second Level. We thank their parents for the help and support during the year. A special word of thanks to the parents of Avae O'Reilly, Jessica Shiels and Tom Crotty who will make their final primary school collection on Friday afternoon. They have featured greatly in school life for the past number of years and will be missed.
Junior School Tour
The pupils from Junior and Senior Infants along with 1st and 2nd Class, headed off on Wednesday 21st June to visit Molly Moo’s pet farm in Mullingar. A wonderful time was had by all, meeting and feeding the animal and playing in the playground. The go-karts were also a favourite of many of the children.
Senior School Tour
by Tom Crotty
On the 19th of June 3rd-6th classes went to Emerald Park for our school tour. We got the bus at eight o’clock in the morning and arrived at half nine. Firstly, we were put into groups and went on rides for forty minutes. After that, we went to the zoo and learned about strange animals. My favourite was the Lynx fox and we learned that it roamed Ireland before humans came. Then, we left the zoo and went back to the park to eat.
Following lunch, my group went straight for the daring Cú Chullain. The Cú Chullain is one of the scariest fastest and biggest rollercoasters in Europe. We all enjoyed it and after we got off we looked at the pictures of how we looked. We all looked silly and funny. Meanwhile, we went on the Viking voyage. For the Viking Voyage, you get on a boat and sail down a river with lots of Viking statues and swords. Eventually, you go up a hill and down the other side very quickly and at the bottom, there is a big splash and you get wet. Finally, we went on Dino Dash and as we got on the bus it started to rain so it was great timing. We arrived home at five o’clock after a very exciting day.
Following lunch, my group went straight for the daring Cú Chullain. The Cú Chullain is one of the scariest fastest and biggest rollercoasters in Europe. We all enjoyed it and after we got off we looked at the pictures of how we looked. We all looked silly and funny. Meanwhile, we went on the Viking voyage. For the Viking Voyage, you get on a boat and sail down a river with lots of Viking statues and swords. Eventually, you go up a hill and down the other side very quickly and at the bottom, there is a big splash and you get wet. Finally, we went on Dino Dash and as we got on the bus it started to rain so it was great timing. We arrived home at five o’clock after a very exciting day.
Cumann na mBunscol Activity Week
Congratulations to Kate O' Shaughnessy (1st) and Megan Harrington (3rd) on being placed in the Activity Week Art Competition for Cumann na mBunscol.
Further Congratulations go to Dearbhla Courtney on winning 3rd Place in the Poetry Category for her poem 'Camogie'.
Further Congratulations go to Dearbhla Courtney on winning 3rd Place in the Poetry Category for her poem 'Camogie'.
A Fieldtrip with Local Historian
by Jessica Shiels
On the 17th of May 4th, 5th and 6th class went on a trip with Eamonn Brennan, a local historian. Firstly, we took a bus to the Dolmen in Colmcille which is a ancient burial site. We had to walk through a field and we saw some horses in a nearby field. After that, we went to the remains of General Sean Mc Eoin's birth place in Bunlahy. We walked to the primary school in Bunlahy where there was a tree called “The Big Tree of Bunlahy”. After we studied the tree, we got back on the bus and drove past where General Sean Mc Eoin moved to and built his forge. Next, we went to the statue at the crossroad in Ballinalee. Eamonn talked about the statue for some time and gave us plenty of knowledge to take away. After lunch, we headed back on the bus and went to the moat in Granard. We climbed up the moat and there was a great view. Eamonn told us about the statue on the top of the moat. We got on the bus and went to the library. We went upstairs and Rosie, the librarian told us about the hole in the wall and the harp festival. On our way home, we stopped in Derrycassan woods. We sat down on some benches and Eamonn told us a story about a dragon named Smoky. Then we went back to school. It was a great day and it was very nice of Eamonn Brennan to take the time to do the tour with us.
Cumann na mBunscol Rounders
by Colin McCabe & Isaac Eccleston
On the 15th of June, we went to the 3G pitch in Cavan's Kingspan Breffni Park. The team were Isaac, Orna, Colin, Tom, Zara, Ellen, Ava, Adam and Blathain. Unfortunately, our first game ended in a loss against Mullahoran. In the second game we were victorious to Lisboduff and progressed into the semi-finals. However, Redhills defeated us in a challenging semi-final.
Thanks to Miss Sheridan for coaching us and for teaching us the rules of this excellent game.
Thanks to Miss Sheridan for coaching us and for teaching us the rules of this excellent game.
1st & 2nd Class STEM Activities
First and Second class have been busy doing lots of fun STEM activities, indoors and outdoors, this term. As part of Science we explored sounds and made our own xylophones from water and glass. During Maths stations, we used technology to learn some computer programming. We used the lightbot app on the iPads to programme a bot to move and light up squares.
We learned about engineering by exploring how strong, different shapes can be. We used marshmallows and cocktail
sticks to build cubes and pyramids and explored which were the strongest. We used what we learned to to have a challenge to build the tallest tower in 10 minutes.
As part of Maths, we also learned about co-ordinates and grids. We used chalk to copy and enlarge grid pictures, outside i the playground. We also completed Maths trails and discovered shapes in our environment ad completed practical activities such as measuring.
We learned about engineering by exploring how strong, different shapes can be. We used marshmallows and cocktail
sticks to build cubes and pyramids and explored which were the strongest. We used what we learned to to have a challenge to build the tallest tower in 10 minutes.
As part of Maths, we also learned about co-ordinates and grids. We used chalk to copy and enlarge grid pictures, outside i the playground. We also completed Maths trails and discovered shapes in our environment ad completed practical activities such as measuring.
FAI Primary Schools 5s Programme
by Isaac Eccleston
The girls had their soccer first on the 14th of March in Baileborough. In their first game they destroyed their opponents 11-0. In their second game things didn’t go the same as the first and lost 5-2. They lost their last game 6-3. They didn’t make the playoff’s.
The boys had their soccer a week later on the 21st of March. Their first game was against Lacken and they won 6-1. Their second game was against Tonyduff and they won 12-0. Their third game was against Kill and they won 6-1. They made it to the playoff’s. The other team lost 2 games and didn’t make it to the playoff’s. The team that made it to the playoff’s played Tonyduff’s first team. It was back and forward stuff and went to extra time. Gowna came out on top with a 6-4 win. They were going to the county final!
At the county final they beat both Curren and Kilinaleck 3-2. They beat Clifforna 5-2. They also beat Darly with a 7-3 win. They were county champions!
Now they had tough challenge ahead. They were going to represent Cavan in small school’s in Ulster. They were going to Burnfoot in Donegal. They drew 2-2 in their first game and they also drew 2-2 in their second game and they won their third game 3-1. They came second in Ulster which is a brilliant achievement.
The boys had their soccer a week later on the 21st of March. Their first game was against Lacken and they won 6-1. Their second game was against Tonyduff and they won 12-0. Their third game was against Kill and they won 6-1. They made it to the playoff’s. The other team lost 2 games and didn’t make it to the playoff’s. The team that made it to the playoff’s played Tonyduff’s first team. It was back and forward stuff and went to extra time. Gowna came out on top with a 6-4 win. They were going to the county final!
At the county final they beat both Curren and Kilinaleck 3-2. They beat Clifforna 5-2. They also beat Darly with a 7-3 win. They were county champions!
Now they had tough challenge ahead. They were going to represent Cavan in small school’s in Ulster. They were going to Burnfoot in Donegal. They drew 2-2 in their first game and they also drew 2-2 in their second game and they won their third game 3-1. They came second in Ulster which is a brilliant achievement.
The National Children's Choir
by Tom Crotty & Avae O'Reilly
We first started National children’s choir in September and the first song we learned was “All is Found” which is a song that was played in the movie Frozen 2. We learned 7 songs from September to November and we had our first big practice in St. Emers school with Mulllinalaghta, Drumshambo, St Joseph’s and St Eimears and a few other schools. Our second practice was here in Gowna and we learned five new songs: Bring me Little Water Silvy, Athair ar Neamh, Be still my Sou,l Dobru Noc and Ar Scath a Cheile. Our next practice was Drumshambo in February and then we learned the last three songs With or Without You, Take a Chance, and Mary had a Little Blues. We had our final practice in March until the 4th of May which was the performance day. We had a practice in the morning and then we went home. At seven o’clock it started and the first song was Cantar. After an hour of singing ,it was time for the last song With or Without you. Then we were finished but we decided to do Take a Chance again as it was voted the favourite song out of the students.
By Tom Crotty
On Monday the 29th of May, Avae O’Reilly, Tom Crotty and Aaron Courtney went to Dublin to sing in the National Children’s Choir in The National Concert Hall. The day in started in Dublin by the three students practicing each and every song. Close to the end of the practice, Avae was brought away from the practice to get interviewed by RTE news. Then, we had a couple hours to ourselves to do whatever we would like. Soon after, we arrived back to the hall to practice how to get to our different positions. As the concert began, we went to our assigned positions and sang our hearts out.
By Avae O’Reilly
By Tom Crotty
On Monday the 29th of May, Avae O’Reilly, Tom Crotty and Aaron Courtney went to Dublin to sing in the National Children’s Choir in The National Concert Hall. The day in started in Dublin by the three students practicing each and every song. Close to the end of the practice, Avae was brought away from the practice to get interviewed by RTE news. Then, we had a couple hours to ourselves to do whatever we would like. Soon after, we arrived back to the hall to practice how to get to our different positions. As the concert began, we went to our assigned positions and sang our hearts out.
By Avae O’Reilly
Concern Visit from Gillian Boyle
Having worked with Irish humanitarian organisation 'Concern' Worldwide as a logistics coordinator for several years, Gillian Boyle's visit to our school was extremely appreciated and provided us with an abundance of knowledge on the work of Concern and especially in the war times and times of Climate Change we are currently living in. When Gillian came to our school, the classes gathered and she talked to us about the countries she visited and the people she had met there. She joined Concern over 10 years ago and said that she really enjoys working with them. Recently, she was in Turkey saving people trapped in rubble from the earthquake. She also told us about how she was kidnapped by a tribe and saved by her team. One time, she had to save people because their car was hanging of a cliff. After she was finished talking we done a Kahoot! Quiz to assess our listening skills.
Thanks to Gillian for coming into our school and providing us with this important knowledge.
By Tom Crotty
Thanks to Gillian for coming into our school and providing us with this important knowledge.
By Tom Crotty
Growing Gardens in Gowna
Throughout the classes, the children have each taken a part in making the garden outside a blooming success.
We made some changes to the Wildflower garden next to Fr. Bannon’s house. We planted some wildflower seeds in modules and started them in a greenhouse to see if this will increase the production of wildflowers. We also scattered wildflower seeds supplied to us by www.BiodiversityinSchools.com. It came with a teaching kit called Bosca Dúlra, which produces Irish seeds. The ground was prepared and seed planting took place at the end of May.
This year after a break due to COVID our school vegetable garden is back up and running. This is with the aid of the ‘Woodies Budding Gardeners Programme’, ‘Super Value GIY Programme ‘and ‘The Incredible Edibles’. Each programme included clear step by step instructions on how to grow vegetables as well as seeds, pots, compost and vouchers to purchase plants. The windows sills were laden with sprouting seedlings and then they were planted into the outdoor beds, including the potatoes, peas and strawberries.
Pupils from 5th/6th class were very busy improving the look of the school frontage by painting window boxes, pots, pencil fence, wheelbarrow and our recycled tyre pots. Our summer bedding was planted and there is a lovely array of colour to the front of the school.
Below are a few pictures of the children sowing seeds, tasting their lettuce plants and planting peas. Well done to all of the children and their teachers on the upkeep of our beautiful garden.
Jumble Sale for Temple Street
On the 31st of March, the committee decided they were going to do a jumble sale. We were allowed to bring in toys, cakes and books. Junior and Senior Infants were the first class to come in and they really liked the toys and books. First and Second were a very keen on toys like nerf guns, toy cars, books and cakes. The committee also had some games like basketball, kicky upies, a raffle and a guess how many is in the jar.
The next class; Fifth and Sixth chose the mini games and cakes. Finally, Third and Fourth Class chose toys, books, cakes and mini games.
The winners of the raffle were Isaac Eccleston, Adam Wierchoch and Dylan Fitzpatrick.
The money was donated to Temple Street.
The amount of money raised was €460.
By Isaac Eccleston
The next class; Fifth and Sixth chose the mini games and cakes. Finally, Third and Fourth Class chose toys, books, cakes and mini games.
The winners of the raffle were Isaac Eccleston, Adam Wierchoch and Dylan Fitzpatrick.
The money was donated to Temple Street.
The amount of money raised was €460.
By Isaac Eccleston
Chess Champs
Congratulations to Colin, Orna, Tom, Aaron, Ava Leigh and Isaac who were the chess finalists this year! Below are some pictures of the children in 'chess zone' and also,
pictured here being presented with their Easter Eggs by Fr. Bannon.
pictured here being presented with their Easter Eggs by Fr. Bannon.
World Book Day 2023
We really enjoyed celebrating World Book Day in our school. There were lots of discussions about out our favourite books and characters. Ms Boyle's class were set a homework task to make a hat to represent a character from a book. The creations were very impressive. The children took part in a parade to the classrooms where they discuss their headpieces and to tell the younger children a little about their favourite books.
Later that day, the Senior and Junior pupils paired up for 'Buddy Reading'. Children read to one another and listened to one another and even did some acting out. We loved sharing our favourite books and making memories on this special day.
Later that day, the Senior and Junior pupils paired up for 'Buddy Reading'. Children read to one another and listened to one another and even did some acting out. We loved sharing our favourite books and making memories on this special day.
Going Green to School
With the support of Ms O Reilly, Ms Boyle and the Green Schools Committee, the pupils of our school successfully completed a two week 'Walking to School Challenge' in February. Children are encouraged to try and walk to school, to reduce our carbon footprint. We are currently working towards our 'Travel' flag and this was a nationwide campaign.
The Green Schools Committee and Green Schools Co-ordinator would like to thank everyone for their great support of this very successful fortnight.
The Green Schools Committee and Green Schools Co-ordinator would like to thank everyone for their great support of this very successful fortnight.
Our Quiz Quests
Well done to our Senior Credit Union Quiz Team; Aaron, Colin, Jessica and Ellen and to our Junior Team ; Iarlaith, Kailum, Tiegan and James for taking part in the Credit Union Quiz on the 2nd February. Both teams were placed in the Top 20.
Another big well done to the Junior Cumann na mBunscol quiz team; Aidan, Iarlaith, Kailum and Colin as well as our Seniors; Tom, Jessica, Aaron and Isaac. Both team performed extremely well on the night.
Another big well done to the Junior Cumann na mBunscol quiz team; Aidan, Iarlaith, Kailum and Colin as well as our Seniors; Tom, Jessica, Aaron and Isaac. Both team performed extremely well on the night.
Catholic School's Week
Catholic Schools week took place from 22nd – 29th January. We celebrated Grandparents day with a mass held in the church on 31st January. Our 5th & 6th class pupils had made St. Brigid’s Crosses for their grandparents and these were blessed during the mass by Fr. Bannon. We thank Fr. Bannon for making the mass such a memorable occasion for the pupils and their families.
Christmas Carol Service
Well done to all pupils who performed their Christmas Carol Service in the Church on Wednesday night last. It was a beautiful service and we thank all the teachers for preparing the children so well for this occasion.
National Children’s Choir
The pupils of Fifth and Sixth Class continue to learn more songs for the performance which will be taking place in Longford Cathedral in Longford in May . They had their first rehearsal in Longford in November and their next one is here in the Community Centre in February where we will be hosting the other schools in the cluster.
Dog Trust Ireland
We thank Tom Kelly for visiting us here in the school last week with his guide dog, Queb. Tom gave a talk to all the pupils with an insight as to what it’s like to be blind, coping mechanism and the importance of his wonderful friend and helper, his guide dog and the wonderful quality of life guide dogs provide. He answered many questions about his disability.
Science Week 2022
All classes participated in various experiments for science week.
Junior and Senior Infants engaged in conducting experiments and making predictions. One experiment was ‘Dancing Raisins’ where they placed raisins in a fizzy drink and watched what happened. Some of them thought we were going to have an explosion. The made lava lamps using vegetable oil, food colouring, water and an alka seltzer tablet. Their last experiment was making a volcano using soap, warm water, vinegar, food colouring and baking soda. They were very excited when there finally was an explosion.
First and Second Class brought in science investigations and experiments to share with their class. These included the ‘Skittles Colour Investigation’, ‘The Cocoa Powder in Water Investigation’, ‘The Mentos and Coke Experiment’, ‘The Glass and Candle Experiment’, ‘The Paper Towel Rainbow Experiment’ and ‘The Wheels of Spinning Colour Investigation’. In pairs the class also designed sail cars which are powered by wind and raced these sail cars to see which ones were the most effective at moving quickly and smoothly. The class learned a lot about the various fields of science such as chemistry and physics and engineering.
Third to Sixth Class participated in many webinars and zoom presentations on a variety of topics. The infants and first and second class also participated in some of these webinars .Thanks to Cavan County Library for facilitating these online workshops which were both entertaining and educational. The Secret Life of Bees by Aidan Brady was a particular hit with the pupils as he outlined the sources of pollen and nectar like an all star team along with some fascinating facts about life in a bee hive.
Marine Biologist visit on 24th November
Mr Benny Joyce, a marine biologist, visited the school on Thursday 24th of November to talk to third and fourth class pupils about plant and animal life in our seas, lakes and rivers. He spoke about plankton and pollution and showed the children how to make a Secchi Disk, which measures the amount of light getting through the water and the impact of pollution on light reaching the different depts in our lakes and seas. He was particularly impressed with how well behaved and attentive the pupils were and said it is a credit to their parents and the school that they were so respectful and so well able to follow directions. Benny talked about the phenomenon of "Marine Snow" (which is beautiful and well worth googling!) and concluded his visit by saying he would love to visit the school again in the future.
Texaco Children's Art Competition Winner
Congratulations to Adam Wiercioch Chinatamunnee, whose winning entry to the Texaco Children's Art Competition, was chosen to appear in the Art Competition Calendar. Adam's artwork entitles "Still Nature" appears on the February page of the 2023 calendar. Well done Adam!
A Boo-tiful Day!
We had a Fang-tastic 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 were as outstanding as ever. Here are some of the frightful photos!!!
Victorious County Champs 2022 - GOWNA
There was great excitement around the school for the past few weeks in anticipation for the County Final. Pupils outdone themselves with stunning art work to adorn the windows and 5th and 6th class created some very motivational posters for the team in their dressing rooms. We thank the PA for presenting each child with a flag which they were able to raise in glory on final day. Thanks to manager and entire panel for making the children’s dream come true when they visited us on Monday 17th. They had an inspiring questions and answers session followed by a photoshoot with the Oliver Plunkett Cup and creating some wonderful memories. We congratulate the team on their wonderful success.
Maths Week
17-21 October
Maths week took place from the 17th to the 21st of October. Apart from our usual maths activities during the week, we celebrated this by having an afternoon of maths games on Friday 21st. Fifth and Sixth class prepared and played maths games with the Infants, while third and fourth class did the same with first and second class. It was a lovely way to explore and share the fun we can have with numbers. Some of the games included Dotty Six, Dicy operations, Three way mix up, Magic Vs and Got it!
Athletics Achievements
24 pupils participated in the Cavan Schools Cross Country Athletics on Wednesday 12th Oct in Killinkere. After a very enjoyable day with great performances we took home a Team Silver for the Girls Intermediate Team which included, Avaleigh, Jessica, Mary and Kate and also a Team Bronze for the Junior Girls Team which included, Darcy, Fiadh, Lexey, Julia and Amelia.
Competitive Camogie by Ava Leigh and Ava
'This year 4th, 5th and 6th girls took part in the school girls camogie. We had a blitz in the 3G pitch in Cavan. Our team included Ellen Madden in goals, Ava Reilly, Jessica Shiels and Zara Brady in the backs, Blathín Pierson and Kate O Shaughnessy in midfield and Avae O Reilly, Orna McDonnell and Abigail Reilly were our forwards. We played Kilnaleck in our first match. They were a very strong team and the score finished up in Kilnaleck's favour. Our next match was against Shercock which they won well. We had only been playing for four weeks and we were all still learning how to play camogie whereas most other teams had been playing for some time. It was a great opportunity and we all had great fun. All of the teams were so strong and it was great to play another sport. We had a brilliant time playing camogie and lots of fun along the way.
Thanks to Miss O’Reilly for teaching us.'
Thanks to Miss O’Reilly for teaching us.'
Sliotars and Sticks by Aaron and Kevin
'We started our school boys hurling against Arva. The score was 3 goals and 1 point to Arva and we scored 2 goals and 1 point. Isaac was in goals. Charlie, Aaron and Noah were the backs. Kevin and Michael were midfield. Kai,Colin and James were forwards. Kai scored the first goal. Colin scored the second goal and Kevin scored a point from a free.
The second match was against Ballyhaise. That match finished 9:4 to Gowna, 0 to Ballyhaise. Isaac was In goals. Aaron,Noah and Charlie was the backs. Kevin,Tom and Micheal were midfield and Kai, James and Colin were forwards. There was very heavy rain but that didn’t stop us from playing. We were awarded a 45 and Kevin took it and put it over the bar. Ballyhaise were attacking and took a shot but Isaac made an incredible save. Colin scored three goals and Tom scored two. Kevin then scored another four goals. We were well in the lead now. Tom scored a great point and Kevin followed with another three. It was full time and we had won. We were all so happy. Well done to Ballyhaise and Arva and good luck in the next matches.'
The second match was against Ballyhaise. That match finished 9:4 to Gowna, 0 to Ballyhaise. Isaac was In goals. Aaron,Noah and Charlie was the backs. Kevin,Tom and Micheal were midfield and Kai, James and Colin were forwards. There was very heavy rain but that didn’t stop us from playing. We were awarded a 45 and Kevin took it and put it over the bar. Ballyhaise were attacking and took a shot but Isaac made an incredible save. Colin scored three goals and Tom scored two. Kevin then scored another four goals. We were well in the lead now. Tom scored a great point and Kevin followed with another three. It was full time and we had won. We were all so happy. Well done to Ballyhaise and Arva and good luck in the next matches.'
First Day at St. Patrick's NS
The 31st August 2022 was a very special day for all the boys and girls who started in Junior Infants and also for their parents and teacher Ms. O'Reilly. It was a very exciting time for Authur, Nica, Alex, Cadáin, Lorensas, Dáire, Caoláin, Arya, Gearóid, Pippa, Sunny & Bethanne and everyone enjoyed their busy day. We look forward to a fun-filled year of learning and discovery at St. Patrick's NS.
