St. Brendan's Boys Primary School

You can view the student’s animations HEREhttp://vimeo.com/108093493

Thanks to the hard work of Damien Dillon (PA) we have been invited to take a group of boys (3rd-6th) to Dublin on Tuesday 7th October to be the audience to UNA’S DREAM TICKET. This is free and will be a once in a lifetime chance. In order to choose the lucky boys we ask all boys (3rd-6th) who are interested to write a letter (or draw a picture) of why the school should choose them—Why they want to go? Judging for places will take place on TUESDAY 30TH SEPT as we must have the list of names for the producer.. Good luck to all interested !

The pupils from 5th class participated in a Science for Fun project in the school. Parents came in to the classroom and helped the teacher and pupils perform science experiments. The project ran for a number of weeks exploring rocket launching, standing on eggs and implementing fair testing and recording of all the findings. The project was enjoyed by all. Well done to Ms. Ward, her pupils and to Margaret and her team of parents.

Skippy John visited the school and instructed all classes on the art of skiping. The pupils were very interested in the demonstration and thoroughly enjoyed the presentation. They were told how to hold the rope, how to turn the rope, how to skip in various rhythms, speed skipping, one footed skipping, pairs skipping, backwards skipping and skipping with a long rope with many friends. He also showed them how to look after and mind their rope and explained the health benefits gained from doing the skipping exercises. Skipping ropes were on sale afterwards and there was huge interest in the skipping project. Afterwards, various areas of the school yard were set aside as designated skipping areas and the pupils were able to practice their skipping skills in safety with their friends.

Ms. Ward  is preparing pupils at the moment to participate in a Musical Recital entitled The Peace Proms. Pupils from all over the country will get together in Kilkenny and perform a choral recital. This event promises to be a spectacular performance with so many pupils participating. Well done to Ms. Ward, Majella and the boys and we look forward to their recital later in the year.

Our senior pupils were involved in Chess Tuition this term under the guidance of John Alfred. The boys are shown the rules of the game and the strategies involved. Chess has been proven to improve problem solving and concentration. We hope that they enjoy all their sessions.

Our school celebrated St. Brendan’s Day by participating in a lovely ceremony in St. Brendan’s Church. The boys sang , played and read prayers. Ms.Ward’s class performed a wonderful St. Brendan’s play dressed in full costume. It was bright, colourful and inspiring. It was great to see former teachers from our school attend the ceremony. The boys were accompanied by Majella and Fr. Cahir presided over the ceremony. All the pupil involvement really added to the ceremony.

Mr. Kennedy’s class participated in a wonderful Shoe Box Project. The boys were asked to bring in certain non perishable  items that would fit into a shoe box. They wrapped the box in decorative paper and labelled it. The finished gifts were then sent away and they would make a wonderful gift for poor children in the lead up to Christmas. Well done to Mr. Kennedy, parents/guardians and the boys, a truly wonderful and worthwhile project to be involved in.

Mr. Carroll’s class participated in a Rugby Blitz at Birr rugby grounds. The boys have had rugby tuition in the school under the guidance of Peter Swanipol. They were delighted to demonstrate their skills in a compeditive match setting. The emphasis in the blitzes has always been on the fun aspects of the game with no scores being recorded. Pupils were praised for effort, fairness, determination, abiding by the rules, encouragement and respect for their opponents. The boys had a great day and represented the school with distinction and honour. Well done to all involved.

Finn is back again this year to share his skills with our boys. The pupils get hands on experience in doing pottery under the expert tuition of Finn. They are instructed on the basic techniques of preparing the clay, moulding the clay and then making something out of the clay. They are instructed on the drying process before painting and varnishing the finished product. Some of the finished pieces from last year are on display around the school and we look forward to displaying this years finished items later on in the year.