News
April 2024
Our Junior Entrepreneur Project Begins!!!
Fifth and Sixth class are busy making their Bag Tags with the hope of selling to our school community later in the term.
Our Open Mic Lunchtime Concert
Well Done to our young performers who entertained us during lunchtime this week. We look forward to our next lunchtime concert!!
Gymnastics for all !!!!
We are waiting patiently for our chicks to hatch!!!
Twelve eggs were placed very carefully into our incubator this week. We hope to have our new arrivals in 21 days!!!
March 2024
The Egg-citement from our Easter Egg Raffle was Egg-ceptional!
Congratulations to all the winners, and a big thank you for your support and generosity.
Wishing you all a very happy Easter!
Enjoy the holidays!
Junior Entrepreneur Programme
Dragons' Dens
Fifth and Sixth class have been very busy delving into the world of business and marketing as their prepare for Dragons' Den. Four groups presented their products to the judges in the hope of taking their product to market. Our dragons were Eamon O' Connor, Susie Mahony and Kerrie Foenander. Their pitches were impressive and the judges had a very arduous task. The products presented were Bag Tags, Breath Taking Bath Bombs, Cool Cards and T 4 2.
FAI Soccer Blitz
Well done to the boys in 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th class who participated in the FAI Soccer Blitz in Kiltullagh.
Despite not progressing from the group stages, both teams thoroughly enjoyed the competitive action.
We had a fantastic day out and we are very proud of you all.
Keep it up!
Seachtain na Gaeilge
Take a look at our celebrations for St Patrick's Day.
Our Concert
3rd and 4th Class enjoying their St. Patrick's Day Milkshakes!
Pasta and home made pesto!
The children enjoyed sampling their home made pesto with pasta today, all empty bowls afterwards which is always a good sign!
If you want to try it out.....
Just put basil leaves, pine nuts, garlic, olive oil and salt n pepper into a blender and whizz! You can add in grated parmesan cheese or pecorino cheese if you wish.
Enjoy it with some freshly made pasta or spread on crackers with cheese or toppings of choice!
Engineers Week
Bee Bots
How to Catch a Leprechaun Engineer Projects
3rd and 4th Class read the story How to Catch a Leprechaun and used this as inspiration for an engineering challenge! The children were challenged to create a trap that could catch a leprechaun. Children were encouraged to use their engineering skills to design a trap that uses at least one simple machine (lever, incline plane or pulley). As the children built their prototypes and engineered their design, they enhanced many skills including: problem solving, planning, perseverance, patience, and presentation.
The children used a variety of different materials including many recycled materials. They worked creatively and thought carefully about the size of the opening needed in the trap as leprechauns aren’t too tall! They also thought about how best to lure a leprechaun into their trap, scattering some gold coins, a convenient ladder and some signs that were sure to increase a leprechaun’s curiosity as to what was inside the box! Take a look at our amazing leprechaun traps below.
How to Catch a Leprechaun Engineer Projects
3rd and 4th Class read the story How to Catch a Leprechaun and used this as inspiration for an engineering challenge! The children were challenged to create a trap that could catch a leprechaun. Children were encouraged to use their engineering skills to design a trap that uses at least one simple machine (lever, incline plane or pulley). As the children built their prototypes and engineered their design, they enhanced many skills including: problem solving, planning, perseverance, patience, and presentation.
The children used a variety of different materials including many recycled materials. They worked creatively and thought carefully about the size of the opening needed in the trap as leprechauns aren’t too tall! They also thought about how best to lure a leprechaun into their trap, scattering some gold coins, a convenient ladder and some signs that were sure to increase a leprechaun’s curiosity as to what was inside the box! Take a look at our amazing leprechaun traps below.
How to Catch a Leprechaun Engineer Projects
3rd and 4th Class read the story How to Catch a Leprechaun and used this as inspiration for an engineering challenge! The children were challenged to create a trap that could catch a leprechaun. Children were encouraged to use their engineering skills to design a trap that uses at least one simple machine (lever, incline plane or pulley). As the children built their prototypes and engineered their design, they enhanced many skills including: problem solving, planning, perseverance, patience, and presentation.
The children used a variety of different materials including many recycled materials. They worked creatively and thought carefully about the size of the opening needed in the trap as leprechauns aren’t too tall! They also thought about how best to lure a leprechaun into their trap, scattering some gold coins, a convenient ladder and some signs that were sure to increase a leprechaun’s curiosity as to what was inside the box! Take a look at our amazing leprechaun traps below.
Our thanks to Eamon O' Connor for his presentation on engineering. The children really enjoyed hearing about the work carried out by Eamon and his fellow engineers. The seed of engineering as a possible career was for sure planted.
Our thanks to Mike Hedderman from Thermo King who gave a presentation to 5th and 6th class. The children also engaged in a line production activity which proved to be rather challenging!!!
Engineering a range of structures was the theme of the week in 1st and 2nd class.
The first task was to see who could engineer/construct the tallest tower using only spaghetti and marshmallows. However, it very quickly turned into 'Who could eat the most marshmallows without the teacher noticing!!'
The second assignment was to construct a bridge .
The final challenge was to construct a boat made from tinfoil (15cm x15cm) that would float and hold unifix cubes. Our winning boat held a massive 59 unifix cubes! Try beat that!
Solar Energy
Thank you to JFW who visited our school recently and spoke to the children about Solar Energy. The children really enjoyed the talk and the freebies went down a treat!
Engineer's Week in 3rd and 4th Class
As part of Engineer's Week our class watched a series of YouTube videos daily explaining different types of engineering careers available and what each one means. We learned that engineering is a very broad and diverse career and that you can specialise in many areas.
We built paper airplanes to see which ones could travel the furthest and we also did the Egg Drop Challenge. For the Egg Drop Challenge, we all brought in an egg, and some materials to make a craft. The craft goes around the egg and prevents it from breaking when dropped from a height. Some children used parachutes and others used bubble wrap and sponges. We had a lot of fun doing this experiment!
Book Week
This week our Reading for Enjoyment Initiative brought an atmosphere of fun, curiosity and surprise as ........
We took our books camping,
We took our books to space,
We took our books to Paris where we relaxed in the ambiance of a Parisian Cafe.
We also enjoyed Buddy Reading, writing stories and book reviews.
On World Book Day we dressed as our favourite characters. After a busy week of travel we all agreed with Dr Seuss.........when he said..............
Going Camping
Cafe Paris
Buddy Reading
World Book Day
Build an Erupting Volcano
After spending some time learning about volcanoes, first and second class decided it was time to try building our very own one. Great team work and patience was required by all in navigating this journey, but in the end, it was worth it!
February 2024
World War 1 Projects
Fifth and Sixth class displayed and presented their World War 1 projects . Their enthusiasm, knowledge and creativity shone as the other classes put them through their paces with lots and lots of questions!!!
Historical Trip to Aughrim
Fifth and Sixth class, as part of their local history study this yea,r went on a historical trip to the Battle of Aughrim. The tour involved walking the battle field and visiting the many historical landmarks of the 1681 battle. Our tour guide Michael Riddell had many interesting artefacts for the children to see and hold. He also relayed local stories and folklore told locally of that important day in 1691. Returning home the class enjoyed their day walking in the steps of the Jacobite and Williamite armies. Click here and here to view footage of the day.
Huge Congratulations
The children in 3rd Class have been practicing their handwriting so diligently over recent months.
They are continually displaying lovely neat handwriting and as a result have been awarded our very special Pen Licence certificate, which allows them to upgrade their pencils to pens to use in their written work in school!
Huge congratulations to all the children who are very excited to finally have been granted the privilege of being able to present their work using fancy pens from now on!
Ash Wednesday
FAI Soccer Blitz
Well done to the girls in 4th, 5th and 6th class who participated in the FAI Soccer Blitz in Portumna.
Despite not progressing from the group stages, both teams thoroughly enjoyed the competitive action.
We had a fantastic day out and we are very proud of you all.
Keep it up!
Our Teams
Pancake Tuesday 🎉🥞
Fry the pancake,
Toss the pancake,
Catch it if you can!!!
St. Brigid's Day
February 1st
To honour St Brigid's Day we made the traditional St. Brigid's Cross. Thank You to all the Senior children who kindly offered too give us a helping hand.
Legend says that as an old chieftain lay on his deathbed, the servants summoned St. Brigid for help. St. Brigid is believed to have sat down on the bed next to the chieftain and picked up some straw from the ground. From there, she wove the straw into a cross. While Brigid was doing this, she explained the meaning of the cross, thereby calming the dying chieftain.
VOLCANOES
First and Second Class were learning all about Volcanoes this week.
Did you know that continents would be smaller if it wasn't for volcanoes?? The majority of the Earth's surface is volcanic rock. Wow!
It's a little-known fact that the Mauna Loa Volcano in Hawaii is actually taller than Mount Everest! This is because most of the Mauna Loa is below the ocean surface.
January 2024
Peace Proms Concert 2024
Peace Proms is a musical experience promoting and celebrating culture, diversity and peace.The Cross Border Orchestra under the baton of Mr. Greg Beardsell creatively weaved the children's voices into a performance of energy and enchantment. An audience of 2,000 gathered in the University of Limerick to feast on a musical extravaganza featuring the Cross Border Orchestra, soloist, pipers and dancers. Our 3rd, 4th , 5th and 6th class represented our school in a dynamic spirit of celebration and joy. It was a wonderful experience and such a privilege to be a part of this truly special event.
VIDEO-2024-01-29-09-45-47.mp4Catholic School's Week 2024
Grandparents' Day
As part of Catholic Schools Week, we were delighted to welcome our grandparents to join us for a very special morning of celebration, with mass celebrated by Fr. Iomar, followed by a cup of tea and a chat afterwards. The children were very excited to welcome their grandparents. Sincere thanks to all the grandparents who came to share in our celebration.
Minibeasts with 1st and 2nd
First and Second Class have been learning all about minibeasts, which are creatures without backbones. That includes insects, spiders, beetles, snails, worms, centipedes...the list goes on. And while learning about them was fun, searching for minibeasts around our school was even more enjoyable!
5th and 6th Class Art Project
Fifth and Sixth Class for the next five weeks will work with artist Therese Murphy as part of the Artist in Residency programme. Already they are enjoying the process and we look forward to seeing their finish piece. It's top secret!!!!!
December 2023
Happy Christmas from all the staff in Leitrim N.S
Christmas CD Details
''Christmas Cds are available at Skelley's and O' Donnell's. The CD is also available to download at https://leitrimnationalschool.bandcamp.com/album/leitrim-national-school
The Christmas Canon
Our School Choir performs the Christmas Canon.Click here to view
Carol Singing
Well Done to 5th and class 6th who entertained the shoppers outside McInerney's yesterday with their music, song and dance.
Remembering World War 1
This term Fifth and Sixth Class studied the events of World War 1 in their history. Today we reenacted the Christmas Ceasefire when fighting ceased for one day and both sides met on No-Man's Land to chat, mingle and play a game of soccer. The Last Post was played and the children performed Silent Night to mark this special event in World History. Click here to view.
The Branar Arts Flag
Classes 3rd to 6th class were awarded the Digital Branar Arts Flag. The classes submitted their work in art, music, dance and drama to the Arts Committee to achieve this award. Well Done to all involved. Click in the link to view https://vimeo.com/896190256/82b1a5e98d
Santa Visits our School HO!HO! HO!🎄
Fifth and Sixth Class entertain the residents in St Brendan's Nursing Home with song, dance and music.
Advent 2023
What a First Term in Infants!
Just a few pictures from 2023 to remind us of some of fun activities we have enjoyed so far. The boys and girls have also made some wonderful paintings of the stable in Bethlehem helping to remind us that Jesus is the reason for the season! We are all looking forward to Santa Claus coming and of course, we are all on the good list. Phew!
Our Christmas CD Launch
What a wonderful night of music, song and community gathering as the children launched their Christmas CD!!! There was an excitement in the air as the room filled with the children performing their two original songs, Eunice the Unicorn and Leitrim's in my Heart. Fr. Iomar entertained the audience with a beautiful rendition of O Holy Night which is track 3 on our CD. The night marked a very momentous occasion in the life history of our school and will be fondly remembered by all present. To quote Junior Crehan, you could hear the music in the breeze the following day!!!!
Galway Bay promotes our CD launch on the Keith Finnegan Show
Click on the link to hear the interview
drive.google.com/file/d/1ZNz76dueCOGxvhZO_MCoiGln6gzDK3P5/view?usp=drive_web
🎵 🎻Tune into Galway Bay FM on Christmas Eve to hear our rendition of Silent Night 🎵🎹
Christmas Bake Sale
Fifth and Sixth class hosted a very successful Christmas Bake Sale as a fundraiser for our CD Launch. Also a donation of the proceeds will be donated to Ronald McDonald House. Cakes, muffins, sausage rolls to name but a few were on sale for the whole school community. Our Senior Students have a bright future as budding entrepreneurs!!!! Our thanks to all for supporting our fundraiser.
BREAKING NEWS!
Fionn McGrath has his first book published.
Proud as punch!
I am SO excited. My very first book was published! I started it last May and finished it in November. It is called THE DEJECTED PEN. The main character in my story is Blossom. Something happened to Blossom that made her life more adventurous than she could ever have imagined…..her story is worth reading. It is available to read in our school library!
Book Signing
I had great fun writing it and I loved coming up with lots of funny ideas. I loved looking for illustrations for my story too. I even have some signed copies of my book.
I hope you enjoy it!
Fun creating pots and faces from clay!
Mad Pottery Heads!!
Young potters show off their ware
We fired our pottery and painted them!
Our Sensory Room
Our thanks to Anita and Michelle for redesigning our Sensory Room. The children are enjoying meditating and relaxing in the ambient space.
November 2023
Michael Flanagan Memorial Shield
Congratulations to 5th and 6th Class who won the Micheal Flanagan Shield at the weekend. Well Done to all involved.
Cineálta Flag
Celebrating our Uniqueness
012aed6a-808b-4768-9689-4762c7790541.MP4fee5fede-136d-483f-8f25-8d29be534e8c.MP4Science Week 2023
Our Budding Scientists!!!
Infant Classroom
November was indeed a busy month particularly because we were all part-time scientists for Science Week. We completed a fun experiment with gummy bears. Our rice krispie buns creations taught us that heat causes chocolate to turn from a solid to a liquid. Making our own homemade playdough from scratch also proved very enjoyable. Adding the food colouring was tricky business and we even had to wear protective gloves.
DESIGNING OUR VERY OWN RAFT
1st and 2nd class were given the task to engineer and design their very own boat or raft. And after much collaboration and hard work the boats were finally launched and were with great joy seaworthy!
Science Speaker
Mick Lyons, a local horticulturist from Lyons’ Nurseries & Garden Centre in Bullaun, came to our school during Science Week 👨🔬
He brought us on a Tree and Plant Exploration🌳 to identify various trees and plants growing around the school garden and in the locality 🌲 🌲
Then, we all took part in a Tree and Plant Exploration Quiz to put our knowledge to the test 🌳🌲
Afterwards, all the children planted various bulbs to create a Bulb Lasagne. This involves planting layers of bulbs in a large pot, just like making lasagne!
We look forward to seeing them bloom in early spring next year👏👍🌸 🌻 🌷
During Science Week 2023, the children in 3rd and 4th Class had great fun taking part in an experiment to make a bone-like structure from warm milk and vinegar as part of the "Avonmore Supermilk challenge." 👨🔬👩🔬🧪🌋🔍 The experiment uses two everyday ingredients to illustrate how milk can be transformed from a liquid to a solid bone like structure 🦴 It supports children to learn and investigate how changes in states of matter occur. This experiment also teaches children about the importance of bone health and how the nutrients in milk – in particular Vitamin D and calcium – help build healthy bones for life 🥛👩🔬👨🔬 🥛
👩🔬 3rd and 4th Class 👨🔬
STEM SHOW CASE 🧪
The children in 3rd and 4th class researched their own science investigations at home. On Friday, they brought these in to show their class and explained the procedure and theory of their experiment. They presented their experiments to the children in 5th and 6th class. It was a great success and we were so impressed by the effort and enthusiasm from all the children!
Fifth and Sixth Class were indeed working as scientists as they displayed their science experiments to the whole school today. The scientific skills of questioning, observing predicting, experimenting and measuring were indeed on show and a bit of fun was had by all too!!!
Extracting DNA from a Banana
Fifth and Sixth Class went on a live zoom call this morning with scientists from NUIG. The aim of their experiment was to extract DNA from a banana. The class excelled at carefully following the procedure to successfully extract the DNA. NUIG were most impressed.
Science is Magic!!!!
The Peace Proms Workshop
Rehearsing with conductor Greg Beardsell of the Cross Border Orchestra.
Greg is considered one of the most outstanding conductors of his generation and leading light in music education and performance. It was a fantastic opportunity to experience his dynamic spirit as he put the children through their paces in preparation for the Peace Proms Concert.
OUR LOCAL LIBRARY COMES TO VISIT
You could hear a pin drop in our junior rooms this morning as the children from Junior infants to 2nd class were completely gripped with curiosity as they listened to several enchanting tales from our local librarian who took the time to visit us today.
Our Recording Begins......!!!
There was excitement in the air this morning as Niall Teague and Paddy Jordon came to record our two original songs for the Christmas CD Launch. It didn't take long for the children to fill the corridors with their dulcet tones. A huge well done to all involved.
Eunice the Unicorn
Leitrim My Old Town
October 2023
Hallowe'en
Our school became a scarier place this week as the Junior and Senior Infants celebrated Hallowe'en with their fabulous costumes. The children painted spooky Hallowe'en paintings and recitedsome lovely Irish poems.
Taking a 'Walk on the Scary Side'.
First and Second class class are just too Ghoul For School!!!
Spooktacular Fun in 3rd and 4th class for our Halloween Fancy Dress
Lots of fun at school today as the children all dressed up for Halloween! Scary costumes galore and party games kept everyone amused! Well done to all the children (and parents) for the fantastic costumes!
Fifth and Sixth Class were a scary bunch in their Hallowe'en costumes!!! Full marks for creativity and imagination!!!
The Victorious Shamrocks Intermediate Camogie Team
Many thanks to Captain Katie Donoghue and her team for visiting our school today with the Intermediate Comogie Cup. Wishing you the very best in the Connacht finals.
Maths Week
Junior and Senior Infants
Junior and Senior Infants covered patterns as one of our topics. We designed our own bracelets using colourful beads.
First and Second Class
Who knew Maths could be so fun? First and Second Class had a great time as they participated in some different problem solving activities during Math's Week.
Third and Fourth Class
The children in 3rd and 4th class had a marvellous Maths Week this year. We engaged in fun, interactive and collaborative group Maths activities during the week including Morning Maths Riddles, Maths Trails outside in the school garden, problem solving activities and online maths games.
On Thursday, we participated in an online Maths Week Quiz along with 400 other classes nationwide. For homework, the children were assigned the task of designing and creating our own Maths Board Games. On Friday, we invited the children in 5th and 6th class to play our Maths Board Games. A great week was had by everyone!
Fifth and Sixth Class
Fifth and Sixth Class embraced their Maths Eyes and went on a Maths Trail around the school. They also competed with other schools in Ireland in a Target Board competition. Their future looks bright!!!!
Mini-Handball
Junior and Senior Infants are currently practising their throwing and catching skills. We took great delight in putting these to the test when we donned our bibs during our mini handball game.
Creative Writing Workshop
Published children's writer, Geraldine Mills visited our school this week to facilitate a creative writing workshop with classes first, second, fifth and sixth. Geraldine chatted about the writing process and her experience as a writer. All classes displayed an abundance in creativity and imagination. Well Done to all our budding writers!!
Fifth and Sixth Class History Projects
Fifth and Sixth Class presented their diorama history topics on the 1916 Easter Rising. Their work creatively captured the social, political and economic events of that time. They also presented their projects to the whole school in a " Walk down the path of history"
The Mini Seven's Championship
Mini Seven's Girls Football Team
Mini Seven's Hurling Team
Mini Seven's Camogie Team
Mini Seven's Boys Football Team
September 2023
Our Student Council
Our School Garden
Harvest Time for our School Garden.
Leitrim School Céilí Band
Following in the footsteps of the past we set up our own Leitrim School Céilí Band in May 2023. Our first public performance was at the Walk in the Woods Fundraiser in May. We are now busy planning and extending our repertoire and performances for this year.
Historical Trip to Dublin
Our young historians in Fifth and Sixth Class enjoyed their trip to the historical sites of Dublin. There, they visited the headquarters of the 1916 Rising, The G.P.O. Kilmainham Gaol and Glasnevin Cemetery. It was an action pact day filled with stories, artefacts, questions, song singing and much more...
We are off to the Peace Proms 2024!!!!
Peace Proms is an exciting and engaging musical initiative which gives children an opportunity to perform with a full symphony youth orchestra and professional conductors. Over the next three months we will be rehearsing the choir's set list in preparation for the live concert which will take place in January at the University of Limerick. We will keep you posted when the tickets for this concert go on sale.
Foraging with Fifth and Sixth Class
"Seasons of Mists and Mellow Fruitfulness"
Fifth and Sixth class took advantage of the sunshine and enjoyed an hour of foraging the local hedgerows for blackberries. Afterwards we enjoyed our school made jam with fresh bread sitting in our beautiful school garden. Al fresco indeed!!!!
Jam Making
Enjoying the simple fruits of our labour with bread and jam.
3rd and 4th Class visited Portumna Castle.
In September, 3rd and 4th Class visited Portumna Castle. We had a fantastic time exploring the castle and listening to some very interesting stories on our guided tour of the castle. We learned all about the functions of the different rooms, the history of the castle, its connection to the Beaufort scale as well as the story of Fury the dog.
The children ate their lunch in the castle while watching a movie about Portumna Castle. Afterwards, we visited an Art Gallery. We finished off the day by playing some games.
Exploring the depths of creativity at Portumna Castle Art Gallery.
The children in 3rd and 4th class showcased their knowledge of Portumna Castle by carrying out research projects and presenting them to the other children in school.