MARCH MARATHON FUNDRAISER
March Marathon
Ballingarry National School is on the move! Christ the Saviour National School is participating in a 4 week virtual challenge to Run around Ireland and beyond this March. The Active Schools Initiative will bring learning outdoors this Spring encouraging the children to get out and get running while also improving fitness levels and promoting wellbeing.
Beginning on Monday 7th March and continuing for 4 weeks the children will work together with their class running laps of the school yard. Every lap matters and they will be counted each day to show the progress the children are making. Weekly updates will be shared across school and fundraising platforms documenting the wonderful places around Ireland they have reached. Our final day will be a running extravaganza on the GAA field and will showcase just how far the children have come. Our School is growing in numbers and additional funds are needed to enhance the schools sports and recreational areas making it a fun and enjoyable space for all our children.
The parent’s council have set up an IDonate fundraising page here: https://www.idonate.ie/event/3459_march-marathon.html
Please share this link with families and friends near and far.
Ballingarry National School is on the move! Christ the Saviour National School is participating in a 4 week virtual challenge to Run around Ireland and beyond this March. The Active Schools Initiative will bring learning outdoors this Spring encouraging the children to get out and get running while also improving fitness levels and promoting wellbeing.
Beginning on Monday 7th March and continuing for 4 weeks the children will work together with their class running laps of the school yard. Every lap matters and they will be counted each day to show the progress the children are making. Weekly updates will be shared across school and fundraising platforms documenting the wonderful places around Ireland they have reached. Our final day will be a running extravaganza on the GAA field and will showcase just how far the children have come. Our School is growing in numbers and additional funds are needed to enhance the schools sports and recreational areas making it a fun and enjoyable space for all our children.
The parent’s council have set up an IDonate fundraising page here: https://www.idonate.ie/event/3459_march-marathon.html
Please share this link with families and friends near and far.
Fundamental Movement Skill- Jumping
3rd class are currently working on the FMS of Jumping. We are enjoying all the games in the Move Well Move Often programme.
Fundamental Movement Skill- Throwing and Catching
December Feel Good Friday
25 days of Christmas; fitness bootcamp
3rd and 6th class pupils enjoying our Christmas fitness fun!
Basketball fun in 3rd class
Sporting Achievements
Congratulations to Annabel in 6th class who got to the final of the Gaynor cup with her team, Limerick Desmond U13 girls.
Active Breaks every day challenge - November 2021
Junior Infants are really enjoying the dance breaks. We really like Just Dance and Go Noodle
3rd class are loving the dance and freeze dances on youtube and getting outside in the fresh air.
5th class taking part in fitness challenges; squat, plank, push up and wall sit are just some of the challenges they took part in.
Active maths in 4th class: In Maths we learnt about the different types of line and angles. Look at the ones we found around the school yard
Outdoor learning: Gardening
Gardening!!! Every class was given the opportunity to go gardening. The pupils cleared out the sensory beds before planting new plants and bulbs. We enjoyed our active learning outside getting our hands dirty. We can't wait to see our plants grow in the Spring months
MATHS WEEK 2021: Maths Trail
2nd class enjoying the golden sunshine on their active maths trail around the school grounds.
In 6th class we became movie makers and actors for a few days. Together we planned and shot a video as part of the Tidy Towns competition. We enjoyed going around to different locations around the town!
Autumn trips to the Park
A lot of classes were lucky enough with the weather to get the opportunity to visit our local park and playground for our Autumn nature trail. Smiles all around on a great day out!
Athletics in 2nd class
Meet our newly elected ACTIVE SCHOOL COMMITTEE for 2021-2022
WEST COUNTY INDOOR HURLING CHAMPIONS!!!!!
12 days of Fitmas
In the build up to the Christmas holidays, the whole school took part in 12 days of fitness. Activities included Crazy Santa dances, yoga, jumping jacks and lots more fun activities. We enjoyed these activities every day.
Girl's football news October 2019
The 5th and 6th class girls have just taken part in a Division 1 football blitz in Mick Neville Park on Monday 21st of October. We played Broadford, Mahoonagh and Monegea National School, coming third overall. The girls displayed some excellent skills and teamwork and represented the school excellently! Well done.
A big thank you to Ms. Tangney, Mr. Scannell, Ms. O’Sullivan and Ms. Shelton for helping out with all the coaching and matches.
A big thank you to Ms. Tangney, Mr. Scannell, Ms. O’Sullivan and Ms. Shelton for helping out with all the coaching and matches.
ACTIVE SCHOOL FLAG SUCCESS!!!
Our school is delighted to announce that we received our first Active School Flag this June. A massive thank you to our Active School Committee of 2018-2019 and our co-ordinators Ms.Shelton and Ms.Foley.
Christ the Saviour NS GAA day in association with Granagh /Ballingarry GAA club.
Ballingarry National School GAA day with Granagh/Ballingarry GAA club
On Tuesday 11th of June, Ballingarry National School hosted a GAA blitz inviting pupils from 3rd class downwards from Granagh National School, Ahalin National School and Ballyagran National School. Each school had a boys and a girls’ team. We had a cup final and a runners up cup final. Winners on the day: Girls cup final John O’Connor cup Ballingarry NS. Runners up final Sean Cagney cup Ahalin NS. Boys cup final Liam O’Brien cup Ballignarrry NS. Runners up final Rose McCarthy cup Granagh NS. A big thank you to our past teachers Liam and Rose and our dedicated club members John and Sean who allowed us to honour all their hard work with the GAA and our school through this tournament. A massive thank you to Granagh/Ballingarry GAA club for assisting us in organising and running this event. The club kindly ensured every participating child received a medal on the day as well as donating the cups for our tournament. A final thank you to Aaron Gillane who came to present the children with medals on the day. It is evidently aware how strong the school and club link is in Ballingarry! Event organised by Granagh/Ballingarry GAA club and teachers from Ballingarry National School Rebecca Cleary, principal, Deirdre Shelton and Amy Foley.
On Tuesday 11th of June, Ballingarry National School hosted a GAA blitz inviting pupils from 3rd class downwards from Granagh National School, Ahalin National School and Ballyagran National School. Each school had a boys and a girls’ team. We had a cup final and a runners up cup final. Winners on the day: Girls cup final John O’Connor cup Ballingarry NS. Runners up final Sean Cagney cup Ahalin NS. Boys cup final Liam O’Brien cup Ballignarrry NS. Runners up final Rose McCarthy cup Granagh NS. A big thank you to our past teachers Liam and Rose and our dedicated club members John and Sean who allowed us to honour all their hard work with the GAA and our school through this tournament. A massive thank you to Granagh/Ballingarry GAA club for assisting us in organising and running this event. The club kindly ensured every participating child received a medal on the day as well as donating the cups for our tournament. A final thank you to Aaron Gillane who came to present the children with medals on the day. It is evidently aware how strong the school and club link is in Ballingarry! Event organised by Granagh/Ballingarry GAA club and teachers from Ballingarry National School Rebecca Cleary, principal, Deirdre Shelton and Amy Foley.
GAA Fun day
Our annual GAA fun day took place on Friday 7th of June. The whole school took part in some hurling/camogie and football games developing their skills. We also had our school league finals with Mai (captain ) of the girls winning team and Jack (captain) of the boys winning team. A big thank you to Graham and Granagh/Ballingarry GAA for organising and holding the event for us. A special presentation was made to Mai McKenna and Eimear O'Kelly from the Camogie club to honour the girls making the Eithne Neville Team. Mai also received recognition for making the Primary Games team and the Larkin Shield football club where the Ladies Football club made a presentation to Mai.
Active School Walkway
Our Active School Committee are currently in the process of mapping out a walkway around the school grounds that the children can use at lunch time We are hoping to have it up and running in the coming weeks.
Active Schools Slogan
At the start of the school year, we carried out a slogan competition . The winning slogan was designed by Lydia in 4th class; 'Run , run have some fun. Being active is for everyone'. This is a motto that we will keep fostering throughout the school year.
Liam's Journal
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Since Christmas, the 1st class have been actively taking part in 'Liam's Journal'. Each child in the class has had a turn bringing Liam and his journal home for 2/3 nights. The children recorded how they spent their time with Liam. Every evening, they had to complete 1 physical activity /exercise with Liam and record it in their journal. When their turn is over, each child shares with the class how they got on. Liam has seen a wide variety of sports and activities varying from soccer training, gymnastics, yoga, visits to parks, zoo, etc. He even travelled during the Easter holidays with his teacher Ms.Shelton to Dubai!!
The class are now on their second turn to spend time with Liam and being even more active in the evenings.
Take a look at some of the pages from our journal.
The class are now on their second turn to spend time with Liam and being even more active in the evenings.
Take a look at some of the pages from our journal.
Playground leaders
Our 4th to 6th class pupils really enjoy when they get the opportunity to take on the roll of playground leaders with the younger classes. Our fantastic Active School Committee members are excellent at ensuring all our leaders know what games to play with the younger classes and how to set them up. Each classroom has a rota system where we have different leaders each day playing games with the younger classes. It is wonderful to see all the children active and playing games together at lunchtime.
Our GAA coach Siobhán
Since February, the whole school has been enjoying taking part in hurling/camogie coaching from our fantastic coach, Siobhán Enright. The pupils have been making great progress each week. We are very grateful to our Granagh/Ballingarry GAA club for organising this coaching time for our school.
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Persuasive writing stories; Why we should exercise everyday?
In linkage with other subjects, first class pupils took part in a persuasive writing competition when we were exploring this writing genre. Our title was 'Why we should exercise everyday?'. We discussed the importance of exercise and physical activity every day, the benefits it has, etc. Each child wrote a persuasive piece explaining why we should exercise everyday. Ms.Foley, one of our active schools coordinators picked 2 winners from the class. Their stories are on display on our Active School notice board. Well done to first class for your fantastic stories.
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Easter Egg hunt
What club are you in? whole school survey
Before the Easter break, we conducted a whole school survey entitled 'What club are you in?' We wanted to find out how many children in the school are involved in a sport club or physical activity within our locality of Ballingarry and then outside our locality. We were delighted with the results. Here are our findings;
- Over 73% of the whole school are members of a club in Ballingarry.
- Sports ranged from soccer, hurling/camogie, football, Ladies Gaelic football and Yoga.
- From this we found that the Junior side of the school (Junior Infants to 2nd class) had a higher percentage of children being part of a local sports club.
- Over 57% of the school are members of a sports club/physical activity outside of Ballingarry.
- These activities ranged from Hip hop dancing, Irish dancing, ballet, swimming, horse riding, gymnastics, rugby, athletics, kids gym, soccer and GAA.
- Again the Junior end of the school had a higher percentage.
Irish dancing glory!!
Congratulations to Rudi in 5th class who won first place in the Féis Rock of Cashel competition over the weekend. Rudi competed against 17 other Irish dancers. We are very proud of your achievements in the dancing field Rudi, keep up the fantastic work!!
Trip to the park and playground
At the end of March , the first class visited our local park and playground as a treat for their hard work during March Marathon. We are very lucky to have such a fantastic area so close to our school.
March Marathon Running Initiative
As part of our campaign to achieve the Active School's flag this year, the whole school took part in a 4 week long running initiative. We called it the 'March Marathon'. Every day classes would go outside and run laps around the school basketball court. Each classroom had a chart where we recorded how many laps we ran. Teachers also participated in this challenge. At the end of the four weeks, the whole school went over to our local GAA field where we all ran laps around the field- giving ourselves a greater challenge. Each class were presented with a certificate for participating in the month long programme. First class achieved a prize of extra PE for their outstanding effort during the month. Mrs. O'Neill also received a prize for the best effort by a teacher during the 4 weeks. The results were fantastic. Every child improved their fitness during this 4 week period. We also found that a short 5-10 minute movement break during our school work helped us to concentrate more and work hard. We hope to continue this activity during the year. A big thank you to our Active school co-ordinators and committee members who have worked very hard this past month organising and monitoring each classes progress.
Physical Activity
Our school has different yard zones based on the class the children are in. Each yard area has special markings on the ground with various games e.g. hopscotch, target board, follow the snake, etc. These markings allow the children to engage in a variety of activities during break times. We also facilitate the use of sports equipment during break times. Children from 4th to 6th take turns acting as playground leaders to the younger classes. They play games and activities with them during lunchtime with the assistance of our PE equipment.
Seachtain na Gaeilge whole school Ceilí
We decided as a staff that we previously did not explore the Irish dancing/folk dance area of the dance strand as well as we wished we had. We decided to focus on developing her confidence/skills in teaching this area. This year we got the wonderful assistance of Mrs.Murphy our second class teacher, who has a world of expertise in the area of Irish music and dance. Mrs.Murphy worked with several teachers and classes in teaching them the steps to various Irish dances including Shoe the donkey, Walls of Limerick, Siege of Ennis, two hand jig, sweets of May, Damhsa Mór and waltzing. Teachers also consulted the PSSI programme available online to support and guide teachers in their teaching. We showed some of the sample videos PSSI had available to our classes to assist their learning of the steps. Every class worked hard over the month of February developing their skills with these dances. First class assisted the Junior infants in learning Shoe the Donkey while second and sixth class completed a combined dance.
During Seachtain na Gaeilge, we had a whole school Ceilí day where each class was given an opportunity to showcase to the school the Irish dance they had learnt. It was wonderful to see all the different Irish dances displayed. This is definitely an activity we hope to continue again in Scoil Chríost an Slánaitheoir.
During Seachtain na Gaeilge, we had a whole school Ceilí day where each class was given an opportunity to showcase to the school the Irish dance they had learnt. It was wonderful to see all the different Irish dances displayed. This is definitely an activity we hope to continue again in Scoil Chríost an Slánaitheoir.
Freaky Friday
As part of our development of the PE strand of dance, we organised a weekly activity called 'Freaky Friday'. Every Friday music is played in the school yard where the children are encouraged to dance during their lunch break. Each week the music is played in different yard zones ensuring that each month every class group get a turn to take part in Freaky Friday.
Dance breaks
Throughout the year, we have been actively taking part in dance breaks . We have 2 scheduled dance breaks weekly just before small break. All classes drop everything and dance. We use a variety of sources for our dance breaks mainly Just Dance Kids and GoNoodle. When the weather permits, we often go outside and dance in the yard with the music speakers.
We also have a rainy day policy where if we do not get to play outdoors, we will carry out an exercise/dance/active break in our classroom that day to ensure the children are still up and active during their school day.
We also have a rainy day policy where if we do not get to play outdoors, we will carry out an exercise/dance/active break in our classroom that day to ensure the children are still up and active during their school day.
Ladies football cup comes to Ballingarry!
Limerick Ladies football were crowned All Ireland Junior champions 2018. We were delighted when the cup visited our school. Many thanks to Anne Morrissey and Mark O'Sullivan members of our local GAA club who kindly brought the cup to all the classes.
Operation Transformation: 10 @ 10
For the past 6 weeks, we have been actively taking part in 10 @ 10 every Wednesday to coincide with RTE's Operation Transformation. When the weather permitted we enjoyed a whole school approach to 10 @ 10. On the wet days, we all completed episodes inside in our classrooms. We really enjoyed these breaks and found that we were able to focus better on our work after an active break.
Community Games success
We have have great Community games success recently with a lot of our pupils winning gold, silver and bronze medals. Areas they competed in were swimming, dance, music and drama. Well done to everyone who participated. It is great to see such a variety of talents. We are very proud of you all!
Move Well Move Often Programme
The Move Well Move Often is a new programme designed by the PDST to support the delivery of the Physical Education Primary Curriculum. It focuses on the Fundamental Movement Skills (FMS) and how they must be taught. The FMS comprise of: walking, running, hopping, skipping, jumping for height, jumping for distance, dodging, side stepping, balancing, landing, catching, throwing, kicking, striking with hand and striking with an implement. Each FMS has various teaching points that the children become aware of through various games and activities. We tried out some of the games focusing on the FMS of running.
Fit4Classes: 4th class down also took part in a programme called 'Fit4class' which is a 10 week programme based on the Athletics strand. It had some lovely team building and warm up games that we can use for future lessons.
Fit4Classes: 4th class down also took part in a programme called 'Fit4class' which is a 10 week programme based on the Athletics strand. It had some lovely team building and warm up games that we can use for future lessons.
Maths trail around the school grounds
First class went on a maths trail all around the school grounds. They were learning all about length and how we can measure different areas using different tools. They had lots of fun being active and exploring maths around our environment.
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Christmas Dance Off
Dance is the strand focus for our Active School's flag campaign. We decided as a staff that we would focus on the development of this strand for the academic year 2018-2019.
As part of our Christmas assembly, the boys and girls danced to various Christmas songs. We realise how easy it is to just get up and dance. We have now incorporated specific 'dance' breaks into our weekly school routine. Members of the Active School Committee make an announcement on the school's intercom when we are to drop everything and just dance. We are really enjoying these dance breaks. We also found that we are able to concentrate better on our school work after an active break.
As part of our Christmas assembly, the boys and girls danced to various Christmas songs. We realise how easy it is to just get up and dance. We have now incorporated specific 'dance' breaks into our weekly school routine. Members of the Active School Committee make an announcement on the school's intercom when we are to drop everything and just dance. We are really enjoying these dance breaks. We also found that we are able to concentrate better on our school work after an active break.
Liam McCarthy comes to Ballingarry National School
On the 9th of November, the Liam McCarthy cup visited our school. We relived some of the moments of the year by watching some video clips. We had some performances of of the famous Limerick songs and chants by some children. We got class photos and each child got to hold the cup. The children were all decked out in their green and white clothes. Thanks to Noel Hartigan and Siobhan Scanlon for bringing the cup to us. We hope we will see it back in our school again very soon!!!
Halloween Olympics
On the day of our Halloween break, all the boys and girls dressed up as Halloween characters. We decided to celebrate this day through organising a Halloween Olympics event. Every class were given games and challenges to complete. Challenges included zombie tag, monster mash dance, apple bobbing, monster rounders and pass the apple. Each teacher selected a pupil who saw actively participated and engaged in all the challenges who received a special certificate at our assembly. We had a very enjoyable day!!
GAA Football News
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Girls’ Football Blitz
The girls’ football team took part recently in a blitz in Mick Neville Park on Monday the 15th of October. They played four matches in total, winning two of them. We would like to thank Ms. Shelton for training the girls this year. A very special congratulations also to Mai McKenna who has made the Larkin Shield Football team. Boys' Gaelic Football The boys' team faced tough opposition this year, playing Shoutrade, Kilcolman, Rathkeale and Ardagh. While we didn't win, we came very close in a few matches. Mrs McHale was very impressed with the attitude of the players, who were positive and encouraging to each other, and polite to referees and opposition at all times. The children had good fun, and improved in every game. The boys would like to say a big thank you to the girls who came and helped out when we were short on numbers. Also a big thank you to Mrs. McHale who trained the boys this term. |
Physical Education
Our schools strives in ensuring that all classes are timetabled for 60 minutes of physical activity education each week. Our whole school policy ensures a broad and balanced PE curriculum is delivered to all class levels by the classroom teacher. Teachers ensure that their planning for their PE lessons are accessible to all pupils. We cover all strands each year; Games, Gymnastics, Dance, Athletics and Outdoor and Adventure . 4th to 6th class pupils explore the Aquatics strand every year in Term 2.
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New Active School Committee 2018-2019
Meet your newly elected Active Schools Committee members for this school year. Our members are going to be working hard this year to help our school achieve the Active Flag.
Physical Activity; Trip to the local park and climbing Knockfierna
Mrs. O'Neill and Ms.Shelton travelled up Knockfierna with the 5th and 6th class. On what was a very hot day, we were all excited when we reached the top. We would also like to thank Mrs. Mc Hale for joining us on the day.
The 4th, 5th and 6th class visited the local park and playground. Ms.Shelton's 5th and 6th class designed and created boats from recyclable material. We sailed the boats in the stream to determine who had the fastest boat. We all spent some time in the playground afterwards on what was a very enjoyable morning.
The 4th, 5th and 6th class visited the local park and playground. Ms.Shelton's 5th and 6th class designed and created boats from recyclable material. We sailed the boats in the stream to determine who had the fastest boat. We all spent some time in the playground afterwards on what was a very enjoyable morning.
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Active Schools Week 2018 Sports day
During Active Schools Week, we held our annual school sports day. The boys and girls took part in 100 metre relay, egg and spoon race, 3 legged race, running with a tennis ball under your chin, sack race. The older groups also took part in a team relay and penalty shoot out. A big thank you to Ms. Fitzgerald,our Active School coordinator for organising a great day!!
Partnerships: GAA Fun Day
On Friday 15th of June, the boys and girls took part in our annual GAA fun day. They look part in both hurling/camogie and football activities. The finals of our schools hurling and camogie league also took place. Sarah Carey joined us for the day giving out medals and trophies to the winning teams. We would like to thank the Granagh/Ballingarry GAA and Ms.Fitzgerald for organising this event.
Active School Tours
On the 8th of June, the 1st to 6th class pupils went on their school tours. This year we focused on ensuring our school tour were active based as we are currently working towards the Active Schools Flag. The 1st to 3rd class travelled to Active Kingdom in Tralee. 4th to 6th class travelled to Adventure World Camp in the University of Limerick. All groups had a wonderful day out. Check out some of the pictures from our day!
Hurling Blitz in Coláiste na Trocaire
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On Wednesday 30th May, the boys and girls took part in a hurling blitz in Coláiste na Trocaire, Rathkeale. We played a total of 4 matches in a round robin against Ardagh, Rathkeale, Croagh and Adare winning 3 out of our 4 matches. We progressed to the cup final against Adare where unfortunately we were beaten. We were runners up on the day. We would like to thank the school for facilitating this event and to Ms.Shelton our coach. We had a very enjoyable day!!!
Partnerships; Local Sports Club
A big thank you to the Granagh/ Ballingarry Bord na nOg for their very generous annual presentation of sliotars and Gaelic Footballs to the school which will be used by the girls and boys GAA teams over the coming months.
Indoor Hurling/Camogie
On Wednesday 14th and Thursday 15th of March, both the boys and girls indoor hurling/camogie teams took part in the West County tournament in the Newcastle West Community Centre. Ms.Tangney accompanied the boys on Wednesday where they lost 4-2 against Croagh . Goals scored were from Edward and Jack. On Thursday, Ms.Shelton accompanied the girls where they won their first match against Ashford 11-1. The girls then played Shountrade in the quarter final where it was a level game at full time. After 10 further minutes of extra time, the sides could not be separated so it went on to sudden death where the next goal won. There was an intense battle up and down the field with the girls all putting in a tremendous effort. Unfortunately for us, Shountrade got the winning goal.
Well done to all who took part on both days and also to all those who attended the training sessions with Ms.Tangney and Ms.Shelton. You all represented the school with great pride and we are very proud of you all.
Well done to all who took part on both days and also to all those who attended the training sessions with Ms.Tangney and Ms.Shelton. You all represented the school with great pride and we are very proud of you all.
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Local Sports Partnership with SPAR and FAI
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On 9th of May, the girls travelled to Mounthawk, Tralee for the Munster finals in the girls 5 a side SPAR tournament. As Limerick champions, the girls took on tough opposition from Kikmurry of Clare and Piltown of Waterfordin a round robin contest. The girls showed great determination winning both matches. The final match was against Clogheen Kerry Pike NS from Cork. Unfortunately today was not our day and we did not proceed to the final. The girls were presented with runner up medals in the Munster division, a great achievement. The team consisted of Abbie, Kate, Nessa, Chloe, Ciara, Emma, Lorna and Abbie. A massive thank you to Ms. McCarthy who travelled with the girls to all of their matches. A thank you also to the girls coaches Shane and Michael who worked very hard with the girls throughout the whole tournament. We are extremely proud of your achievement girls!!!!!
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A massive congratulations to all the boys and girls who took part in the 5 a side soccer blitz in Corbally on the 26th of February. The boys and girls team each played 3 matches. Both teams were successful on the day and are through to the next round of the competition. Well done to all involved!!
Partnerships: Local History Trail
Ms.McCarthy's 2nd and 3rd went on a Local History Trail on Friday 23rd February. They visited De Lacy castle, the Mustard Seed , the Church of the Immaculate Conception. They also stopped off at the local park to look for signs of Spring. The boys and girls had lots of fun learning about their local area and being historians for the day.
Physical Activity- Friendship Week 2018
During Friendship week, the 5th and 6th class pupils organised and played games for big break for all the rest of the school As we are currently working towards our Active Flag, this is an activity that we hope to continue in the future.
Partnership with the Community Games
Community Games 2018
We had individual swimmers and group relay teams. It is wonderful to see such talent in our school.
A big congratulations to all the boys and girls who took part in the Granagh/Ballingarry Community Games last weekend. Well done to all our winners. We were treated to some wonderful performances. Keep up the great work. We are so proud of you all!!!
We had individual swimmers and group relay teams. It is wonderful to see such talent in our school.
A big congratulations to all the boys and girls who took part in the Granagh/Ballingarry Community Games last weekend. Well done to all our winners. We were treated to some wonderful performances. Keep up the great work. We are so proud of you all!!!
Partnership;Yoga with Aisling
All the boys and girls in the school have been taking part in a 6 week block programme of 'Kids Yoga with Aisling'. Aisling Frawley has been working very hard with the pupils in teaching them various yoga poses which develops their flexibility, strength and co-ordination . The pupils loved this calming, relaxing time as it was different to our normal P.E. lessons. Thank you Aisling for all your hard work!
Partnership with the local community; Local History Trail
On 19thOctober 4th, 5th and 6th Class set off on a local history trail around Ballingarry. We were accompanied by our teachers Mrs. O’ Neill and Mrs. McHale. It was a bright crisp Autumn morning and we were very excited. First stop was the De Lacy Castle. Here we looked at the amazing stonework and did sketches. We also took lots of photographs. Next stop was the old Protestant Church and graveyard. Here we took rubbings of some of the headstones, and looked at the stain glass windows of the church. Onward bound our next destination was The Mustard Seed. Here Breda (Eimear’s mum) very kindly gave us a talk on the history of “The Mustard Seed”. We learned that it used to be called “Echo Lodge”. In years gone by it was a convent and there was a primary school attached to it. It was called St. Josephs Girls National School and both our teachers went there when they were young. Lots of our parents went there too. At this stage we were starving and more than a little tired so we headed off to the playground and had our lunch on the lovely new benches and had a little play time. Refreshed we set off again. Our next destination was the Catholic Church. Again we looked at the stain glass windows and compared them to those in the Protestant Church. How lucky are we to have such a beautiful church in our village.Our journey was nearly at an end at this stage. We were so lucky with the weather. We were still all cosy with our wellies and rain gear. Our last stop was “The Grove House”. This used to be a famine workhouse. We are learning all about the Famine at school at the moment and we are reading a novel called “Under the Hawthorn Tree”, which is about a family who struggled during the famine. Here we were met by Harry Sheehy(Emily’s dad). Harry told us all about the history of “The Grove House”. It was really interesting because we learned stuff that you wouldn’t find on the internet. We learned the value of oral history and the importance of recording it so that the history doesn’t get lost as the years go by. Harry also showed us all his chickens and explained how he takes care of them and the eggs. Harry really finished off a perfect day by giving us all a bag of treats. We set off back to school exhausted but happy.
Physical Activity; Football news Autumn 2017
Boys Football Team
The boys of 4th, 5th and 6th class took part in Division 2 of the schools' football league this term. While we were outplayed by some very strong opposition, it was fantastic to see the positive attitude of every player at trainings and matches. Thanks also to the 6th class girls who agreed to play with us. It was great to see the pupils singing happily on the bus journey home from Castlemahon after our last match. Every player gave their best effort and did the school proud. Well done all involved and to Mrs. McHale who trained the boys this year.
Girls Football Blitz
On Monday the 9th of October the girls from 5th and 6th class went to Mick Neville Park in Rathkeale for the Division One football blitz. The girls had been training after school for many weeks in preparation for their 4 matches and all their hard work paid off. The girls beat Ahalin and the Gaelscoil and lost our last match narrowly to ScoilIosaf and Killoughteen. The girls showed great team work, skill and tenacity throughout the day. They represented the school with pride and we are all very proud of them. Special thanks to Ms. Tangney who trained the girls this year.
The boys of 4th, 5th and 6th class took part in Division 2 of the schools' football league this term. While we were outplayed by some very strong opposition, it was fantastic to see the positive attitude of every player at trainings and matches. Thanks also to the 6th class girls who agreed to play with us. It was great to see the pupils singing happily on the bus journey home from Castlemahon after our last match. Every player gave their best effort and did the school proud. Well done all involved and to Mrs. McHale who trained the boys this year.
Girls Football Blitz
On Monday the 9th of October the girls from 5th and 6th class went to Mick Neville Park in Rathkeale for the Division One football blitz. The girls had been training after school for many weeks in preparation for their 4 matches and all their hard work paid off. The girls beat Ahalin and the Gaelscoil and lost our last match narrowly to ScoilIosaf and Killoughteen. The girls showed great team work, skill and tenacity throughout the day. They represented the school with pride and we are all very proud of them. Special thanks to Ms. Tangney who trained the girls this year.
Physical Activity; Games, Teachers v Pupils!!!!!
On the 14th of November our Active School activities took a different approach. The eagerly anticipated 'Teachers v's Students' competition returned. The staff of Ballingarry National School competed in 2 matches against all of the 6th class pupils and all of the 5th class pupils in a game of No Man's Land. It was a great success for the teachers winning both games. A rematch might be on the cards in the new year!!!
Walk a Mile with a Smile!!
In order to show both our staff and pupils how easy it is to be active in the simplest of ways, the Active Schools Committee and Mr. Shelton organised an event called 'Walk a Mile with a Smile'. On Tuesday the 26th of September 2017 every class and teacher got the opportunity to walk a mile within the schools grounds wearing a smile on their face. Everyone was full of smiles on the day!
Active Schools Committee 2017-2018
Every year, we select new members from Junior Infants to join our Active Schools Committee. Each committee member must attend frequent meetings with the Active Schools co-ordinators (Mrs. Fitzgerald & Mr.Shelton whilst he is on extended school placement from Mary Immaculate College). During these meetings, they will give suggestions/opinions on how we can promote our school and how we can become more active. They also have an important role of delivering all the important information from these meetings to their class teacher and fellow pupils.
Here are our Active Schools Committee members for 2017-2018!
Here are our Active Schools Committee members for 2017-2018!
Active Schools
This year Ballingarry National School is taking part in the Active Schools programme. The Active Schools Flag (ASF) is awarded to schools that strive to achieve a physically educated and physically active school community. We have a number of motivational and fun activities lined up for both staff and pupils in the coming months so be sure to look on this page for updates of our progress!
