November 2012 Newsletter

Mercy Primary School, Birr

Newsletter – November 2012                

Welcome to our second monthly newsletter from Mercy Primary School. Things have been very busy over the last month and lots of new activities are happening.

 

We started our month with a WSE – Whole School Evaluation. We had 3 inspectors – Moira Proctor, Brian MacGiollaphadraig and Leo Kilroy. The inspection was very thorough and we were very pleased to get a very good report back. The children displayed excellent behaviour and manners and this was commented on by the inspectors. Well done to all. It was a great start to our month!

 

Maths for Fun started in one of our 4^th classes and in 5^th class. Huge thanks to the parents who are taking the time to come along and work with the children.

Our Junior Infants are taking part in a Reading Initiative with their parents and Birr Library. It is a very enjoyable experience for all.

Sportshall athletics are taking place for 3^rd-6^th classes. The children are really enjoying this and are getting fit at the same time!  Thanks go to Offaly Sports Partnership for supplying us with a coach for this.

Origami has started for 3^rd and 5^th classes with George Dempsey. The theme this time is “Christmas” and we can’t wait to see what the girls will produce.

On Thursday 15^th we had a talk on “Cyberbullying” from Marion Flanagan, M.Ed. It was a very interesting and informative talk and was well attended. This is a very serious issue and it is important that we highlight it with our children. Thanks to Richelle Treacy, HSCL teacher for organising this talk.

Jerros’ Boutique in Birr is selling Christmas Cards made by the girls. All monies raised will be given back to the school so all support would be appreciated.  I’m sure we’d all love to send a card hand- made by the girls to someone we love that’s abroad.

On Friday 16^th we all watched the movie “The Lorax” which tied in with Science week, as its theme is recycling and taking care of the Earth.

On Monday 19^th we had a prayer service in the hall to remember the Holy Souls and all who have died this year. It was a beautiful service.

We were delighted to welcome Bishop Kieran O Reilly to the school on Friday 23^rd. We held a lovely prayer service, led by 6^th class and Bishop Kieran then spent some time talking to 6^th class. It was great to have Bishop Kieran in the school and the girls really enjoyed his visit.

Scholastic Book Fair arrived in the school on the 22^nd, with lots of gorgeous books.  They make great Christmas presents and encourage the girls to read. 60% of what we sell comes back to the school in books and tops up our class libraries. As much support for the Book Fair as possible is appreciated.

There have been lots of great things going on in all the classrooms during the month of November. Here are just some of the things the children are doing.

Junior Infants are really enjoying their “Big Read” in the library on Fridays. They also had a great time making hedgehogs out of clay.

Senior Infants learned about owls and made books about owls. They have also begun practicing for their Christmas Play “Whoops-a-Daisy-Angel” which they will perform with Junior Infants. Something to look forward to!

1^st class learned all about shops in Birr in the present day and in the past. The girls did a colourful collage of the various shop fronts. As a follow-up activity, 1^st class went on a local trail of Birr Town. They followed a map and observed a variety of places people work. The trail also included some interesting historical monuments and the girls had fun filling in their trail worksheets. It was a very enjoyable and educational experience for all.

2^nd class watched “The Lorax” for Science Day and carried out lots of activities based on the movie. They are also learning about old games and school in olden times in History.

3^rd class are really enjoying their origami classes with George. They are also learning all about the Safe Cross Code.

4^th class have been making regular trips to the library on Wednesdays. They learned about the Planets and studied Space. Pictures of this will be up on the school website soon.

5^thclass carried out an excavation dig based on the Celts. They also carried out a big project on Italy. At the moment they are practicing very hard for their panto – Cinderella and Rockerfella!  It should be very enjoyable.

6^th class had a lovely visit with Bishop Kieran and were delighted to welcome him to their classroom. They have been studying about Ancient Egypt and have done beautiful art work based on that theme. Garda Connaughton visited them as part of the School Completion Copping On Programme and spoke to them about the judicial system.

 

So, as you can see, it has been a very busy month all round. December will be busier I’m sure!

 

Dates to remember:

•  Book Fair in school until Thursday 29^th November                                           
• Wednesday 19^th December at 12.30p.m. – Christmas Carol Service in the church – all welcome.
• Friday 21^st December – Christmas Holidays at 12.15p.m.

 

 

Don’t forget to have a look at our school website www.mercyprimaryschool.ie to keep up to date with all the activities in our school.