The pupils in Junior and Senior Infants started the Numicon programme today. Numicon is a multi-sensory maths programme which is especially effective in the younger classes although can be used to challenge pupils of all ages. There are 3 keys aspects to the programme – it encourages children to communicate in mathematical terms, it explores relationships between numbers and focuses on problem solving. Although devised in New Zealand, it complements the work of the Irish curriculum in a fun, enjoyable way. Children learn in a very hands-on manner.

We borrowed the equipment from another school for now but will be investing for ourselves very soon. You can learn more at https://www.numicon.co.nz/page/489269

The pupils from 1st – 6th have been learning about the history of Irish music with Tonya, going all the way back to Celtic times. Today they composed their own song with very impressive results!

After the dreadful weather on Friday last, it was great to see the sun shining during our lunch break today. We finished as always with our active circle, capably led by Jason, Seán and Annie

The pupils in the Senior Room are working on a project where they are working in groups to create a game of ‘Guess Who’ based on living creatures (some choices are rather obscure!) Have a look at this work in progress!

The pupils of the Senior Room were recently given the project title ‘Someone who inspires me’. After hours of research and careful gathering of information, the projects were presented on Wednesday and are displayed in school. They did a magnificent job and we all learned a lot from each other!

The pupils of 1st and 2nd worked on their maths skills using school iPads this afternoon! One of my favourite sites to use with pupils of all ages is www.topmarks.co.uk – it has a huge variety of games to suit children of all abilities, many of which are tablet-friendly. The children are so busy enjoying themselves they hardly realise they are working at all!

I always find that young children always get such enjoyment from cutting activities which are vital for motor skill development. Today, the boys and girl of Junior and Senior Infants named, coloured and cut out robots before sticking them to paper with pritt stick. They did a super job!

It was a glorious day for playground games during PE this morning! Here we are playing ‘What time is it Mr. Wolf?’

We had a visit today from Patrick Naughton who did drumming workshops with Junior and Senior Infants, 1st and 2nd classes and 3rd – 6th. It was hugely enjoyable!

The older pupils read stories to the Junior and Senior Infants this morning. This is a hugely mutually beneficial activity in that young children love being read to and the older ones thrive on such responsibility. It really is win / win! We look forward to more of these activities in the not too distant future!

The pupils in the Senior Room engaged in 2 experiments today. They carried out a variety of activities using magnets and inflated balloons to have a car race. It was great fun!

Playtime is an essential activity which allows children to learn all about working co-operatively together – an essential skill for life. The fact it’s so much fun is an added bonus!

The pupils of the Senior Room created some more wonderful pieces of graffiti art which are brightening up our walls beautifully!

The pupils in the Junior Room have been working very hard this morning!

Mary took her fearless pupils on a bug hunt yesterday!

The pupils of the Senior Room spent time exploring www.coolmathgames.com today!

There were all sorts of games going on during break today – a big game of dodgeball, hopscotch, soccer and of course essential farming works too! We finished as we always do with Active Circles – exercise time led by pupils of the Senior Room.

We had a robust PE lesson to finish our first week back at school! Thank goodness it’s the weekend now!

The pupils of the Senior Room experiemented with graffiti style art today with very impressive results as always!

It was a bittersweet occasion saying goodbye to our 6th class pupils. While we are all sad to see them go, we know that they are ready for fresh challenges in secondary school and we wish them the very best of luck in September.

Before they left, the four pupils planted two trees in the yard which will always remind us of their unique contribution to our school over the past number of years. We were delighted to have the parents of the 4 pupils in attendance, as well as Jerry O’Sullivan (Chairperson, Board of Management) and guest of honour, retired Principal Jean Dignan.

The pupils of the Senior Room cooked pizzas yesterday as part of the Agri Aware Incredible Edibles programme. We used Irish produce and the results were very tasty!

Look at these wonderful pictures!

The pupils of the Senior Room were busy working on the theme of ‘Summer’ today!

We had superb weather for our Sports Day yesterday!

We kicked it off with Circuits for Everyone where the pupils of the Senior Room led the younger children in various exercises for 20 minutes (a big ask in such heat!).

Then everyone played novelty games in the yard and on the pitch including welly throw, musical statues, beanbag throw, guess the name of the teddy, guess the amount of popcorn in the jar, peg on the line, guess which cup the ball is under, penalty shootout and score through the tyre.

Next we had class races where pupils had to find the cone marked with their name and the Senior Pupils had to run in their socks, find their shoes and tie them – not as easy as it sounds!

To finish our day, we enjoyed the home baking that pupils and parents had prepared – it was well earned after such efforts all afternoon!

Huge well done to the pupils of the Senior Room who devised the schedule for the day, set up and supervised the games. A massive thank you to the Parents who were able to attend, contributed goodies and helped with the tidy-up. It was a huge team effort!

The pupils of the Senior Room had lots of fun during Science today. They had very creative ideas!

These boys just love playing soccer in the yard!

We had a fantastic time on our school tour yesterday!

Our day started in Ballincollig Regional Park where we played soccer, basketball and ran around the playground in glorious sunshine. We also had a picnic!

Then we went to Blackrock Castle Observatory where we had a tour of the castle, spent time in the Planetarium learning about stars and planets and played the Comet Chaser game before our lunch. Afterwards we made 3 different types of rockets. The best part was launching them at the castle walls!

We were blessed with excellent weather and the children’s behaviour was as excellent as always. Roll on next year’s tour!

The pupils of the Junior room had a great time on their tour last Thursday!

We were treated to a wonderful performance today by Tonya’s pupils. A lot of hard work was in evidence – huge well done to everyone involved!

After looking after them carefully for a number of weeks, it’s time for our sunflowers to go to their new homes!

We are really enjoying the spell of good weather here in Scoil Náisiúnta Rae na Scríne! Have a look at our pictures from break-time earlier!

The pupils of the Junior Tour have gone on their school tour to Dromhilly Woods. They even have their faviourite teddy bears for a Teddy Bear’s Picnic!