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.
It’s always an exciting and fun morning on the day of our Halloween holidays when streams of chidlren enter the school gates, dressed as ghouls. witches, and the latest crazes, like K-Pop’s Rumi or the 6/7 meme. Thursday 23rd October was no different and these are just a selection of the wonderful costumes on show throughout our school on the day.
Well done to all, and have a nice break and safe Halloween.
On Thursday 25th September, our whole school completed a relay marathon for our Parents’ Association fundraising event.
Together the pupils of St. Mary’s ran 42.2km in a great time of 2 hours and 48 minutes, narrowly missing out on our record time of 2 hours 46 minutes last year.
However, there was no doubt, all children had a great time running and cheering on their classmates as they ran a great time.
During our last week of school, children from across the school were presented with certificates to recognise their terrific attendance records for this academic year.
We regularly host attendance recognition assemblies throughout the year, as part of our HERO attendance initiative. But the end of year recognition is particulalry special.
Well done to all thos who received certificates and are pictured below.
3rd class learned all about Ancient Egypt this month. We researched lots of interesting facts about Ancient Egypt and made some wonderful projects which were presented so well in class.
To finish off the topic we made Egyptian pyramids in groups from spaghetti and marshmallows. We had great fun making them and we are very proud of our finished pyramids.
Seachtain na Gaeilge is a national celebration of Irish language and culture. St Mary’s NS celebrated Seachtain na Gaeilge 2024 from Monday 11th to Friday 15th March. A committee of dedicated and enthusiastic staff organised an exciting lineup of events this year.
Bhí imeachtaí taitneamhacha ar siúl gach lá – ‘Seanfhocal an Lae’, comórtas ealaíne, Tráth na gCeist, cluichí sa chlós, Blitz As Gaeilge ar an Páirc 3G Kingspan Bhréifne, rince gaelach, cluichí biongo, ceolchoirm thriadisiúnta, toraíocht Gaeilge sna cónraí, Lá Glas agus an paráid.
Throughout the week, children were trying their best to use their cúpla focal. Tugadh amach neart duaiseanna i rith na seachtaine ar ndóigh. Bhí atmaisféar croíúil, spraíuíl le brath thart timpeall na scoile. Is cosúil gur bhain gach duine taitneamh as!
Ceiliúradh iontach a bhí ann. Maith sibh gach duine a ghlac páirt.
On Wednesday 21st June, it was time for our 6th Class of 2023 to say goodbye to St. Mary’s as they graduated from 6th Class and primary school. The DEN, 4th and 5th classes gathered in the hall to mark the occasion. Ms Jordan reminisced about events throughout this groups’ years in St. Mary’s from near escapes in Junior Infants to our 6th Class school tour only a week before. She echoed how everyone in St. Mary’s is proud of their achievements and progress during their time here.
The Class of 2023 were then called out individually and presented with certificates and framed graduation mementos. Afterwards, they sang their graduation songs of ‘Believer’ and ‘Whatever it Takes’, before throwing their mortar hats to the ceilings in celebration.
They gathered their belongings and made their way through a whole school guard of honour, exiting the gates as St. Mary’s pupils for the last time.
We wish every single member of the 6th Class of 2023 the very best in their futures and invite them back at any time to let us know how they are doing.
Well done to our 5 students who had a perfect attendance for the 2022/2023 school year. It’s a great achievement and these five students were awarded special certificates for their achievement.
Well done again and what great role models you are for all our students.
