6th Class in their Final Term

It may have felt like June the last few days but it's only April! However we are preparing for the departure of our 6th class as they had their school photo taken today. It has been a very quick year and no doubt this term will fly. This picture was taken just before Eunan worked his magic this morning. Keep checking our blog for news and events from this term.

Primary Schools Debating Competition

Well done to our Debating Team- Seán, Euan and Danny- for all their hard work over the last few weeks. They were successful in Round 1 but lost their Round 2 Debate against Ballyfeeley National School yesterday evening in Carrick Education Centre. It was very close with the adjudicators having a tough decision to make. It was so enjoyable. I think we are one to watch for the future of the competition!

St. Patrick's B.N.S. on Twitter

4th and 5th class now have a Twitter account. We would like to share pictures, links, work etc with everyone at home. As we are very new to it, we are finding out as we go. Scroll down on the right to see our Twitter feed and to follow us!

Sky Dome Academy

We had a fabulous visit from the Sky Dome Academy on Tuesday. Ollie came along with the mobile planetarium and set it up in the hall. A large black tent and projector system was set up in our hall. It comfortably held over 30 pupils and some adults also. Click here to be linked to the Skydome website. Thanks to the Parents' Association for organising this brilliant opportunity.

 

We found out about planets, constellations, the sun, our solar system and more...

PAWS Primary Aquatics Water Safety Awards

Congratulations to all the pupils who received a PAWS award this week. Every pupil did his best and we are very pleased. Thanks to Breege Scott, the swimming coach and the Parents' Association for all their help with supervision and finances.

I.C.T. Project

Last year we took part in an I.C.T. research project. This project aimed to showcase I.C.T. integration in our school. While we have a long way to go, the meaningful integration of Information Communication Technology in our school, is very important to us. Please watch the video below to see last year's 4th class discussing their experiences.

St. Patrick's B.N.S Ballinamore ICT Project from Joanne Gilmartin on Vimeo.

Lent

Lent is the period of six weeks 40 days (not including Sundays) leading up to Easter, the most important festival in the Christian calendar.
Lent starts on Ash Wednesday and the last week of Lent is called Holy Week.
During the 40 days of Lent, Christians remember the time when Jesus went into the desert to fast and pray before beginning his work for God. During this time Jesus was tempted several times by Satan, but was able to resist.

Fasting

Lent is a time of giving things up. For Christians, it is one way of remembering the time Jesus' fasted in the desert and is a test of self-discipline.
There are many foods that some Christians do not eat in Lent, such as meat and fish, fats, eggs, and milky foods. Some Christians just give up something they really enjoy such as cakes or chocolate.

Shrove Tuesday

In western Christian churches, the day before Lent starts is Shrove Tuesday. This is also known as Pancake Day. This day was traditionally the last chance to use up the foods Christians would not be eating during Lent. Today people often give up chocolate or alcohol.
Festivities take place in many cities all over the world, including Mardi Gras in New Orleans (USA), Carnival in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) and Venice (Italy). People dress up, wear masks, parade and dance in the streets.

Ash Wednesday

On Ash Wednesday many western Christian churches hold services during which Christians are marked on the forehead with a cross of ashes. This is a sign of saying sorry to God for any wrong doing (penitence) and of mortality.
The ashes come from burning the palm crosses from Palm Sunday of the previous year.
Lent is a time of preparation for Easter, ending in Holy Week.