Talk About Scotland

We were recently treated to a talk about Scotland's History and traditional Music.

This took place in the library and was hosted by Fred Freeman.

4th class singing " Three craws "

5th class learning the same song!

Thriller Video

Our zombie horde were caught on video!

Halloween - Continued

We did various Halloween artwork in the school.

These lanterns were designed by 6th class.

We dressed up for the last day of school before Halloween.

Everyone enjoyed looking really scary and raised money for Temple Street Children's Hospital in the process - well done everyone!

Halloween

We have been getting up to a lot of scary things in the school over Halloween!

The 6th class designed and performed a dance routine to 'Thriller' as Zombies.
I wouldn't like to meet any of these zombies on a walk!

Mystery Skype

The 6th class have taken part in 'Mystery Skype' calls with other classes recently.

So far, they have been in contact with classes from Tipperary and from Belarus.

We really enjoyed figuring out where the other classes were from and giving them clues to guess where we are from!

Ballinamore Hurling Champions Visit the School

The local hurling team, who won the senior county championship came out to visit us and show us the cup!

Pearse, Mark and Darren visited and Mr. Quinn was also on the team.

They are pictured here, along with our 2nd & 3rd classes.

Here they are with our 4th & 5th classes.

Floral Pride

We took part in the 'Floral Pride' competition last year.

Pictured are two of our students who represented the school, along with Cathaoirleach of Leitrim County Council, John McCartin.

Technology

We use lots of technology in the school

No sum is too hard for our BIG calculator!

Mini 7s Competitions

In the last two weeks, teams from the school have competed in Mini 7s competitions in both hurling and football.

Mr McKeon's footballers bet Fenagh, but lost out to our neighbours Aughnasheelin.

Mr. Quinn's hurlers bet Gaelscoil Liatroma, but lost out again to Aughnasheelin!

Ready for action!

The lifts provided by parents to and from the events was greatly appreciated. Without this, the trips would not have been possible.

County Final Artwork

The pupils decorated the school in support of the Ballinamore Men's team, who play in the county final on Sunday. Best of luck!

Thanks also to Bernadette and Seamus, who helped with cutting, sticking, gluing and painting!

Ms. McManus' room

Mr. Quinn's room

Mr. McKeon's room

Sports Partnership - Coaching

Paul from Leitrim Sports Partnership visited us last week for an athletics session with each of the three classes in the school.

Paul will be visiting the school for the next few weeks to teach us about all about keeping active.

 We are really looking forward to the next few sessions!

Thanks Paul!

School Trip - Glenview Folk Museum

On Friday last, (11th Sept.) we visited Glenview Folk Museum, Aghoo.

First, we got to see the sheds outside, which had a collection of old vehicles and machinery which was used on farms in the past.

Next, we were given a tour of the street scene inside the museum, which has a reconstructed set of old shops, complete with products which would have been sold in them in the past.

Finally, we got to see the motorcycle collection and the refurbished travelling shop.

The Parents Association organised and funded the trip. A big thank you from all the students and staff in St. Patrick's B.N.S. for the trip!
Thanks also to the Kennedys for a very interesting and informative tour!

Here is the link for the museum's website.
http://www.glenview-house.com/glenview-museum.html

Inside the travelling shop

Some of the classic vehicles on display

A look inside an old shop

Blast from the Past

We had a visitor on Friday last and were delighted and surprised to meet her. It was Miss Hanly and she brought us a Mr Freeze each! It was a lovely treat and so nice to catch up. Thanks Miss Hanly!

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.