Christmas 2022
Christmas 2021
Science
Fourth Class & Fifth Class
Our class were investigating the Law of the Lever. First at our tables, using short and long rulers we tried to work out whether a short or long lever was more effective in lifting a weight like our maths sets. We also had to work out how to define a long lever (the distance between the fulcrum and our hand pushing down on the lever). Everyone worked out that the longer the lever the easier it was to lift an object. After a while we moved to heavier weights like a box of books and observed the difference in lifting it with short and long levers. We also lifted one of the bunkers in the room and even managed to lift part of the white board with our baby fingers. The class also spoke about places where levers were used in history to build large structures like the Pyramids in Egypt, Stonehenge and Newgrange and locally in West Cork, the Drombeg Stone Circle.
Maths Week in Fourth Class
Drama
We have been doing drama lessons for the past number of weeks with Karen Coppinger. We learnt different techniques and games during this time. We really enjoyed our time. Thank you Karen.
Knitting
The ladies from Skibbereen Luncheon Club have been coming to teach 3rd class how to knit. We have made great progress under their guidance. See some pictures of our knitting circles in action below.
Chess
Third class are learning how to play chess. We have learnt the names, positions and movements of the different pieces and played many chess based games to get ready for full chess.
Scríobh Leabhar
Third class took part in the “Scríobh Leabhar” initiative with the West Cork Education Centre and Foras na Gaeilge. The pupils wrote and illustrated books, these were sent to be part of the exhibition or “taispeantas”. During Seachtain na Gaeilge we went to see the taispeantas in Dunmanway. We got to read other books written by pupils in West Cork. Some books were read aloud on the day, their was a quiz and games. We really enjoyed the day. The pupils were presented with certificates and a present for their efforts.
Ms Quinn began a special project with 4th Class building a Robot. A past pupil of the school is working with EMC/DELL. She approached Mrs. O’ Reilly wondering if the school would be interested and she thought it would be a nice idea for the 4th class to do together. VEX Robotics is a fun, exciting program where students design, build, program and compete with their robot in a spectacular competition. The children are thoroughly enjoying it as it reminds them of assembling Lego. The girls were split into groups. The girls choose their preference and I split them accordingly. The groups consist of:
- Team captain – the project manager, keeps track of the progress, helps team stay on track
- Materials Management – manages the robot material, tracks usage, knows how many parts and what they can do. Documents this for the whole team for the design stage in Week 2.
- Scout / Research – co-ordinates the research into the competition, the rules, scoring strategies, the competition. Scouts other teams on competition days, alliances, good scoring strategies.
- Design Team – works closely with the build team (could also double up as the build team)
- Build Team – produce prototype and refines design – likely to be pit crew on competition day.
- Programmers – program manual & autonomous section
- Engineering Log Book team – this is a competitive & critical task
- PR Role – Judges, logo, team name, sponsors, advertising, branding, funding – Online – develop a website, facebook page or blog to tell the story of the robots development and the team
The girls have been working really hard as we have only one weekly session. Once we have the Robot built we will be moving on to the difficult part of programming the robot and then, in January attending a competition in Cork. More information to follow regarding the competition in January.






Bord Gais Energy Theatre Awards
Third and fourth class were recently short-listed for Best Costume in the Bord Gais Energy Student Theatre Awards. A lot of hard work went into making their costumes for their production of “Alice in Winterland”, this was recognised by the judges. Both classes are looking forward to attending the awards ceremony at the Bord Gais Energy Theatre on Wednesday the 17th of May. Good of luck girls!
Third and Fourth Class
&
The Knitting Circle
Over the last three weeks, our classes have been privileged to participate in knitting classes each Wednesday. A group of lovely ladies instruct us on how to knit. We don’t just knit of course, we talk and chat too. These kind ladies share their skills and knowledge with us. They are very kind to us and we love having them visit.
Back Row: Tara Savage, Regina Savage, Joan Twomey, Áine Minihane.
Front Row: Sheila Dwyer, Mary Collins, Ita Jenner and Francis Ryan.
Pancakes for Shrove Tuesday
Third Class
Fourth Class
Some of our Poetry
by
Fourth Class
Our Christmas Play 2016
Alice in Winterland
Alice in Winterland
from Out of the Ark.