Well, what a week it was! There was so much exploration, play, investigations and fun going on in St. Mary’s this week. From Science experiments to maths problems to STEM challenges to coding, the pupils of our school were put to the test so many times, and excelled in exciting and ingenius ways.
One of the big talking points and sources of interest, was our whole-school STEM challenge, The Egg Drop Challenge. Every class were given a small list of supplies and an egg. Their challenge: To find a way using only those supplies to protect their egg from a 6 metre or 20 foot drop. Ideas were aplenty and it all came down to a big drop event on Friday afternoon, when each class submitted one design to withstand the drop. Our pupils were hugely successful, with 12 classes beating the drop and their egg remaining intact. Unfortunately, 7 designs left their eggs scrambled! But what a fun challenge.
It ended in the hall but started in each classroom, with brainstorming, group ideas, experimenting and finally deciding collectively on a class design submission. Here are some pictures of Room 13’s process – which, I’m sure they’d like to add, was successful in protecting their egg.
As well as all the fun in school, our 6th class were also treated to a hugely entertaining and educational science show in Virginia Library. Mark Langtry, or Mark the Science Guy, from RTE and Explorium Ireland, gave our pupils a wonderful presentation on the effects we have on our climate. It was hugely entertaining. Our pupils showed off great knowledge and inquisitiveness throughout and came back to school beaming.
Our 6th classes have started their cycling course with instructors from CycleRight.
All students, no matter their ability, will learn the rules of the road and how to cycle safely. We have some beginners, who already are cycling after lesson 1. And of course, more experienced riders will improve their skills and knowledge.
By week 6 of the lessons, all our cyclists will take to the road to test out their skills and road rules awareness. What a wonderful opportunity and a great skill to learn in our P.E. lessons this term.
At St Mary’s N.S., we are committed to creating a positive, inclusive, and supportive learning environment where every child can thrive.
As part of our ongoing School Self-Evaluation (SSE) process, we regularly review our teaching and learning practices with input from staff, students, and parents.
Our current focus is on Wellbeing — Relationships and Partnerships, with an emphasis on developing a relational, regulation-first approach through the NCSE Relate framework and continued engagement with Restorative Practice.
This report outlines what we are doing well, what we are working on, and how our whole school community is contributing to strengthening wellbeing and relationships across the school.
