St. Brendan's Boys Primary School

The pupils from junior infants enjoyed some C.A.P.E.R. Reading this term. C.A.P.E.R means Children And Parents Enjoying Reading together. Ms. Mellsop demonstrated to parents/guardians how the scheme worked and a large turn out of parents/guardians came into the classroom and read with the pupils. Well done to Ms. Mellsop, Margaret Murphy and all the parents/guardians who participated in the project.

Maths for Fun this term began in first and third classes. Thanks to all parents/guardians who helped out with the project. Maths Lift Off brgan in second class and senior infants. The boys enjoy developing their mathematical skills in small group situations. Thanks to all teachers invilved in all projects.

The Book Fair was a great success again this year giving the pupils a great opportunity to look at and read a vast array of books on a variety of topics. It always creats a great literary atmosphere in the school. Thanks to all parents/guardians who supported the Book Fair raising €1430 of which €858 goes to the school school.

This year again our pupils participated in a Dance Project. For a period of six weeks under the tuition of Vanessa the boys performed their dance drills involving rehersed moves, free dance, co-ordination exercises, balancing drills, moving to music, rhythmic exercises and moving as individuals, in small groups and performing in a large group. The boys will perform all their dance skills in a show later in the month. The boys thoroughly enjoy the project.

As part of a Cool Dudes Cooking Programme the boys from 6th class participated in a 6 week long cooking programme. They were instructed on how to make such dishes as chicken curry, fruit salad and spagetti bolognaise. The boys really enjoyed the programme.

The boys in 3rd and 4th classes were given a talk on recycling batteries. Dave from W.E.E. Ireland spoke about the importance of recycling, how to go about it and the benefits it brings to the wider community. The classes got special recycling boxes for the batteries.

Two teams from our school participated in the Credit Union Quiz. Both teams performed very well on the day. Well done to both teams.

Fr. Joe McDonnell spoke to the boys of 3rd to 6th classes about his work on the missions in the Philipines. In his talk Fr. Joe covered topics including the location of the Philipines, the history of the area, the climate, flora and fauna, the population and also the great need for missionary work in the area.

On February 15th we held our Music Day. All classes produced art work with a musical theme and the gym was beautifully decorated on the day. A large variety of instruments were displayed in the display areas. After many weeks of practice all classes performed very well on the day singing their songs, playing tin whistles, using percussion instruments such as triangles, shakers, samba drums, boom whackers and chime bars. Many pupils played their own instruments including violin . guitar amd mandolin. It was great to see past pupils return and play, sing and perform on the stage. Staff members also got into the musical spirit and played some instruments and sang on the day. It was a wonderful occasion enjoyed by a large turnout of parents.guardians, grandparents, family, friends and of course the boys themselves. We hope that initiatives like this will inspire our pupils to enjoy music in all its shapes and forms and possibly encourage them to start playing an instrument.

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Friendship Week stared on Monday 6th of Feb. The school organised many initiatives to promote friendship throughout the week.  The formal launch involved all classes assembling in the school yard to form a Friendship Chain with everyone holding hands and making a Mexican wave.  Classes  made friendship posters for display around the school. There was also a friendship stop in the Jnr. Infant yard. Friendship bracelets were on sale in the school and a variety of anti-bullying lessons were taught in the classrooms. Other initiatives include Gotcha Cards where the pupils are rewarded for doing acts of friendship Joke/thought/poem of the day were broadcast from Mr. Crofton’s office.