School Trip To Dublin

All the classes from the school went on a trip to Dublin on Monday last.

First, we went to a performance of the pantomime 'Beauty & The Beast' in the Tivoli Theatre.

It was a great show and we even got to take part, learning a new dance.

The teachers even had to perform the dance on stage!

Our next stop was at Cathal Brugha Barracks.

We got to see some of the weapons and vehicles the Irish army use.

We even got to try them out!
(Thank goodness there were no bullets - I think the teachers were in the sights!)

We were also treated to a tour of the Barracks' museum.

The artefacts on show included vintage weaponry and many items relating to Michael Collins.
These included Collins' deathmask, his desk and the flag that was draped over his coffin.

Finally, we got to see and use the gadgets used by the Bomb Disposal Unit.

We disposed of our own 'bomb' and also got to see the high-powered cameras they use.

We even got to try on the Bomb Disposal suits - They were VERY heavy!

We stopped for dinner on the way home and had some time to play in the jungle gym.

A great day was had by all and the boys represented the school excellently.

Here are some photos from the day!

Salute!

007!

Bomb Disposal Expert!

Don't drop the bomb!

A presidential escort!

Inside the museum

The Parents' Association generously subsidised the cost of the trip, which is greatly appreciated.

Christmas Plays

Our 6th Class performed two plays for the parents of the school.

They were 'Post Early For Christmas' and 'Poor Barney.'

The casts in full costume!

ICT Competition Winner!

Our 6th class entered the 'Someone Like Me' essay writing competition. They had to write an essay based on people with special needs.

One of our pupils won the county prize for the best essay. He won €2000 of ICT equipment for the school, not to mention €200 for himself!

He will represent his school at Farmleigh House in the Pheonix Park next week, where his essay will be part of the All-Ireland competition.

The winning entry!

Debating Team

The school is currently competing in a debating competition

They were in action for the first time on Tuesday last, beating Strokestown National School.

The victorious team, pictured in Carrick-on-Shannon Education Centre with Mr. McKeon

Christmas Shoe Box Appeal

The school got involved in the Christmas Shoe Box Appeal to send Christmas presents to children in Africa and Eastern Europe.

Pictured are some of the 4th and 5th class who made shoe boxes.

A big thank you to the parents with their help in preparing the shoe boxes, without whom the collection would not be possible.

Mystery Skype

The 6th class have continued their series of mystery skype calls

They recently got in contact with a school from Spain!

Hola!

Defence Forces Visit School

On Wednesday, four members of the Defence Forces visited the school. This is part of a wider initiative where every school in the country will be visited and presented with a national flag and a copy of the Proclamation.

The group included three members of the Army Reserve and one full-time soldier.

Firstly, they told us about the national flag and the protocols which must be followed while handling the flag.

Next, they presented a copy of the Proclamation to us.

Finally, they told us about the work that they do and answered some of our questions.

After the ceremony, we sang the National Anthem together.

Here are some pictures from the day

Our Polish students with the soldiers

Waiting to read the Proclamation...

Reading the Proclamation!

Medals for service in different countries

Presentation of the national flag and a copy of the Proclamation

Another medal for service in the army!