St. Patrick's NS, Slane

News for 2010 - 2011

June 2011:

Goodbye Class Of '11

After 8 years of schooling, it was time to say goodbye to the 6th class of 2011. The children performed their play for the rest of the school after the 11am break and the boys and girls of the other classes thoroughly enjoyed it all. A great deal of effort went into the preparation and it certainly paid off. After lunch it was time to put on the performance for the parents who were just as impressed.
Shortly after this, the final event of primary school for these children was the graduation mass. There were mixed emotions for children and parents alike as the service drew to a close.
On behalf of the staff of the school, we wish all the best for these bright young people for the future. They have worked hard and true and deserve it all.

Go n-éirí an t-ádh libh go léir, rang a sé!

Music Concert

Thursday 23rd June saw the talent of our school on display. Children from the senior end of the school showed their music proficiency and talent to the rest of the school and to parents. There were plenty of keyboard players, flautists, guitar players and singers present. This year's concert was so jam-packed that it has gone from being an hour long to nearly 2! Some were afraid that we wouldn't be finished before 3 o'clock!
The newly formed school orchestra started proceedings and rock group, D-Fibz (I think I have it spelt correct but I'm sure I will be told!) finished off the day and sent everyone off in a great mood and full of energy. We hope that all the children will continue to practice over the summer and wow us all in the future. Children interested in learning an instrument need only contact the school to be put in touch with the music teachers.

Sports Day 1st June

Today (Wednesday) we held our Sports Day in school. It was a day of action and fun here for all the classes and a welcome break from the norm. Gaeilge, Maths, English & Music were traded for basketball, Gaelic football, parachute games and races. The rain always threatened but didn't 'dampen' our spirits much (sorry 'bout that one) and if anything made it slightly easier to keep everyone going.
Each of the class groups were timetabled for different activities including swimming lessons for the 6th class & GAA sessions for the 2nd-4th classes.
Parents were invited to come to the school to watch the races and there were plenty of flashes, smiles, laughter and cheering from those present.

May 2011:

School Tours 26th May

Our school was empty of children for most of the day as all the classes embarked on their tours. From nearby Newgrange Farm to as far away as Armagh Planetarium, busloads of children took off in different directions. The tours were filled with exciting adventures and experiences (and there was some educational value in there also!). One or two of the classes were having so much fun they nearly forgot to come home! If the buses were noisy and loud with chatter on the way going, most wer a lot quieter on the way back. You'll be able to see some photos from the tours on the site once they are all gathered together. Check back soon.

Handwriting & Maths Language

Under the Parents' section there is a new page dealing with our handwriting policy and Maths language. We would ask that parents have a read of the page. You can follow a link to the page here.

National Walk To School Week 16th-20th May

For This week, we have been asking children and parents to try to walk to school as part of a national initiative. Our BOWOW days are already a great and continual success but we wanted to have one for every day for the week. Each teacher counted the number of children in their class who walked each day.
As a special event, we held a 'Fancy Dress Friday' for the final walking day of the week. We had hoped that the children would make some effort for the occasion but we were taken aback at the level of thought, imagination and planning that went into creating the costumes. There were many famous faces, superheroes, cartoon and movie characters, clowns present in place of the children. Spiderman, Mario and Spongebob Squarepants were among those who called in and even Her Majesty the Queen took time out and paid a special visit! You will be able to see some of the many pictures in the gallery in the coming days.


First Communion 15th May

Sunday the 15th May was First Holy Communion Day in Slane. While the day started off somewhat damp, the weather held off long enough for the celebration.
Readings, bringing of gifts and singing were all carried out without a hitch and any sign of nervousness on the part of the 2nd class children was not evident to anyone present in the church.
The choir and musicians under the direction of Mrs. Sheridan & Ms. Dunne added much to the ceremony.
Fr. Deegan & the parents thanked all the staff, particularly both 2nd class teachers, Mrs. Ruane & Mr. Flanagan, for their work in the preparation.

The Parents Association provided tea (and plenty of goodies!) in the school hall after the mass. There was a great attendance before all dispersed to enjoy their own celebrations, dinners & gatherings.

Digital Schools Award

Official confirmation came through on the 11th May that our school has received 'Digital Schools' status. It is another great achievement for our school. Well done to all the children and the staff, in particular to Mr. Flanagan, for all the hard work done. This was very welcome news as we had applied for this award for some time.
An inspector came to the school way back in November to see how our school uses our available technology. Here is a copy of the inspector's report.

For more information on the Digital Schools Award, check out their website - www.digitalschools.ie
(---Slanens.ie is not responsible for the content of external websites---)

3rd Term Return

School re-opened on Tuesday 3rd May. Welcome back to all as we begin our final term of the school year. We welcome back Mrs Johnson who resumes teaching the Senior Infant class.

Preparations are also well underway for the First Holy Communion on the 15th May. Artwork is being finished, readings are being practised and the choir is in full rehearsal. The date is now fast approaching.

April 2011:

Easter 'See-You-Laters' & Goodbyes

The Easter holidays are upon us and we are about to break for the two weeks. While we will be seeing you all when we return in May, we say a fond farewell and thank you to Ms. Siobhan Fanning who is now leaving us. We wish her the best for the future.

We also send our best regards to Ms Aoibheann Mulqueen on her upcoming wedding to former Slane NS teacher, Mr Gerard Ruane.

We wish all the children and parents a happy and safe Easter.
School re-opens on Tuesday 3rd May at 9.20.

First Confession

Tuesday 12th April saw the young boys and girls of the two 2nd classes receive their First Confession. There was a fine turnout of parents and relations along with the children. It won't be long before the next big event for the 2nd class is upon us!


March 2011:

Confirmation

Confirmation for Ms. O'Brien's 5th class & Ms. Dunne's 6th class took place on Wednesday 23rd in Slane church. Bishop Smith celebrated and we were truly blessed with the weather. The two classes went straight to the church in the morning.
The senior classes looked every bit the generation of the future in their finery. Each of the children had their own role in the ceremony be it a reading, singing or bringing forward the gifts and all went off without a hitch.
The children from 2nd - 4th formed the choir for the celebration under the direction of Ms. Mulqueen with Mr. Flanagan assisting with the music.


St. Patrick's Day parade

This year, the school entered a float into the Slane parade. Each class put together placards showing samples of school life and work. From music, to art, to sacramental preparation, three children from each class walked in the parade with the displays. You can see a few pictures from the parade in the gallery.

Seachtain na Gaeilge

Bhí sé in am Seachtain na Gaeilge a bheith ar siúl arís an mi seo. Bhí roinnt achmhainní ar siúl ar scoil - níos mó ceachtanna corpoideachais trí Gaeilge, cluichí teanga, am ríomhairí agus rialta eile ab ea an céilí do gach rang. Cé go raibh an aimsir fuar, suas agus amach le gach rang i lár na clóise agus thaispeáin na páistí a chosa ag damhsa! Bhí fonn ar na páistí éadaí glasa a chaitheamh don lá. Is féidir leat/libh roinnt pictiúirí a fheiceáil sa dhálann.

(It was Seachtain na Gaeilge time once again this month. There were a number of special activities in the school - extra PE lessons through Irish, language games, computer time & another regular was our céilí for all classes. Though it was a cold day, all the classes got up and out into the middle of the yard and showed off their dancing feet! The children were allowed to wear green for the day. You can check out some of the pictures in the gallery.)



February 2011:

Reading, Literacy & Library Visits

Since returning from the Christmas break, all the classes have been delving into the books (not just the schoolbooks!), continuing our bid to promote reading.
The classes have been making trips down to Slane library and learning about how to find books there. We really appreciate the work of the librarians and thank them for their help, assistance and time.

Back in school, the children have been learning guidelines how to be a good reader. We are trying to encourage the children to be more aware of their own reading and to better themselves. In many of the classes, the children are also keeping a record of the number of books they have read.

A Readathon is also running in the school from the 10th February to 10th March.

Parents can really get involved as you are another audience for the children. Talk to your children about books & reading. Perhaps you could take a few minutes to read together if you are not already doing so.

The benefits of the extra reading are already starting to show and we hope it will continue through everyone's efforts.

--12th Feb--

B.O.W.O.W.

We had our first BOWOW assembly of 2011 today. Given the poor weather over the past couple of months, we decided give a little lee-way to our results. This however did not stop the many brave souls who faced the Irish winter and everything it threw!

We are getting back to normal again and so we ask everyone in the school community to renew efforts again, especially on BOWOW days.

--9th Feb--

January 2011:

Return

Monday 10th January brought a return to normality for our school community. A new year and a new term for all. There will be plenty of events and happenings over the next few months so keep an eye on the site for news, changes and updates.
We also welcome back Mrs. Connor to our learning support team after her absence.

--11th January--

December:

Christmas Plays & 'Talent Factor'

December was once again a hectic month not only for the closures due to the weather, but for all the rehearsing and practising ongoing in the school. The Junior Infant & Senior Infant classes performed plays for the rest of the school & for parents while First class sang some lovely carols and Christmas songs. 3rd - 6th classes however put their best feet, voices and even puppets(!) forward for our 2nd 'Talent Factor'.
The competition between the various acts was fierce, but good-spirited! Everyone in each of these classes auditioned in hope of getting through to the 'Live Final'!

The competition is fantastic in that we all get to see just how incredibly talented the children are in so many different areas outside of the academics of typical school days. From Irish dancing, to ventriloquism to solo singing and to a live performance of a rock band, the variety was wonderful. Photos and footage of the final & Christmas plays will be going up on the site shortly so check back soon.

--further updated 11th January--

2nd Class Christmas Concert

The 'Christmas at Solstice' show in which the 2nd classes took part on Tuesday night 21st December was a great success. Thankfully the snow didn't put off too many people travelling.
Though it had been a long day for the children and teachers Ms. Mulqueen & Mr. Flanagan with school and then off to the Solstice, all thoroughly enjoyed it, both on- and off-stage! The children sang 3 songs, another one with soloist Ms. Tina Price and then performed a medley of Christmas songs with the 2 other schools also performing. Stagefright was definitely not a problem for these boys and girls as they all sang their hearts out. Well done to the children and their teachers.

- Updated 11th January

8th December

School will re-open Thursday 9th December. Parents are urged to decide for themselves whether it is safe to travel in the morning. Please use EXTREME CAUTION in the school car park.

School Closure

Parents were informed this morning, Wednesday 1st December, that our school will not open today as a result of atrocious weather conditions. We are keeping an eye on the weather forecasts, AA Roadwatch and out the window. Parents will be contacted by text if there are any new developments. This information will also be published here on our site.


Christmas at Solstice:

Update:- Thursday 2nd December The Solstice Arts Centre is postponing all its shows for the weekend as a result of the weather. This includes the Christmas At Solstice in which the children were to participate. The concert is to be rescheduled to another before Christmas which has yet to be decided. Should the concert be rescheduled, the Solstice will honour tickets already purchased for the new date or a refund can be requested from them. Please note the school does not handle the ticket sales. Further information will be available here on our website once it is announced.


Today, December 1st, the children of 2nd class were due to receive a letter for parents regarding the arrangements for the Solstice concert in which we are participating. Here is the letter for parents.


November:

Changing Staff:

For the next little while we say goodbye to Mrs. Darina Sheridan. We wish her well and no doubt we will be seeing her again over the coming year. Ms. McCabe will be taking over as 1st class teacher and we also welcome back Ms. Sarah Heary as learning support teacher in the interim.

Cycle training resumes

Mr. O'Connor's class have just started their cycle training in school. They are learning about maintaining their bikes, how to ride a bike and especially how to ride a bike safely.

Shoebox appeal

Wednesday 10th November is the deadline for sending shoebox presents in to the school. They will be collected on that day and sent to children less fortunate than some of our boys and girls.

Preparation for Christmas Concert

The two 2nd classes are busy preparing for another upcoming event. The boys and girls will be taking part in a Christmas concert in the Solstice Arts Centre, Navan on the 5th December at 7.30pm. Other schools will be performing aswell so the expected demand for tickets will be high. If you wish to purchase tickets for the event you must contact the Solstice directly as the school does not have tickets for sale. Further information for the parents of these children involved will be made available on the site in the coming weeks.

- slanens.ie is not responsible for the content on external websites -

BOWOW days

Please keep up the good work on our Bus Or Walk On Wednesday days. They have been a great success and we need to maintain our great records and not let them slip. A huge thank you to the parents on the walking buses for their continued efforts.


October:

Halloween party


2nd Class visit Newgrange for concert


On the day of the Halloween holidays, both 2nd classes went to Newgrange visitor's centre to see a clarinet/woodwind concert. There were several other schools present but we got the best seats as we got there first! The clari
net orchestra played a number of classical pieces, including a very well known film/cartoon theme, and demonstrated the difference in the size and pitch of the instruments. Ms. Mulqueen's class were closer to the conductor and invited the boys and girls up individually to conduct for themselves at one point.

While Mr. Flanagan's class didn't get a chance to conduct, the boys and girls did get a chance to try to play the instruments! The children were amazed at the size of some o the instruments - some were even as tall as the children! Check out the pictures in the gallery to see them all in action.

Green Flag Raising

Also on the day of the Halloween holidays, our 4th Green Flag was raised by Mr. Larry Clarke. This was for our work on reducing our dependence on cars. "More Footprints, Less Tyreprints" was our slogan for the project.


Cheerios Breakfast Morning

See the Parents Association page for more info



September:

19th Sept - Changing Staff