Saint Thomas National School Peterswell

FAIR-TRADE:

2012-02-14T12:11:00.001Z

Fair-trade Fortnight from 27 February - 11 March 2012.Watch this space for more information.

ANNAUAL FUND RAISING WALK:

2012-02-14T12:10:00.001Z

The annual fundraising walk will take place on May 17th 2012

Stringendo Violin Project

2012-02-14T12:09:00.005Z

The pupils in 2nd Class are taking part in a pilot project. As part of this, children from 3rd Class in Crumlin N.S. near Athenry spent a morning in our school .They performed jointly for our school

The National Strategy to Improve Literacy and Numeracy among Children and Young People, 2011 - 2020

2012-02-14T12:09:00.002Z

The Minister for Education and Skills has asked that Literacy and Numeracy for Learning and Life: be brought to the attention of boards of management. Literacy and numeracy are among the most important skills taught in our schools. They are fundamental to a person’s ability to succeed in education, to gain fulfilling employment and to lead a satisfying and rewarding life. The national strategy emphasises the important roles that schools, teachers and parents play in fully developing these skills. Pending the adjustments to the existing recommended timeframe by the NCCA and with effect from January 2012 all primary schools will be required to:
• increase the time spent on the development of literacy skills, particularly in the first language of the school, by one hour overall for language (Irish and English) per week (i.e. to 6.5 hours for infants with a shorter day, and to 8.5 hours per week for students with a full day)
• increase the time spent on mathematics by 70 minutes per week to 3 hours and 25 minutes per week for infants with a shorter day, and to 4 hours and 10 minutes per week for students with a full day.

Quiz Team 2012

2012-02-14T12:08:00.003Z

Congratulations to Elaine Walsh, Jamie Finn, Colin Fitzgerald, Paul Massey (Senior Team) and Caolainn Feeney, Abigail Stone, Oisin Flannery and Chantelle Prendergast (Junior Team) who represented us in the Credit Union Quiz and will represent us in the Lions Club Quiz end of February.

County Heritage Awards

2012-02-14T12:08:00.001Z

Peterswell School were Runners Up in the category for Best Schools in the Galway County Heritage Awards recently. This award (a beautiful piece of bog oak and a certificate) was presented to students in the Meadow Court Hotel. The award was for our DVD on Brueghel’s Children’s’ Games, where our Middle Class students dressed in traditional costumes and played games depicted in the painting. The Heritage Awards are presented to community groups, schools and individuals who play their part in preserving our culture and heritage.

Grandparents Day 2012

2012-02-14T12:07:00.002Z

On St. Bridget’s Day, February 1st, Grandparents came to visit our school for Grandparents' Day. The visitors gathered in the large classroom. Their Grandchildren welcomed the visitors. We organised a display of photographs of grandparents who have passed away or who could not make it on the day. We sang songs and hymns, read poems and had a prayer service for them. Many thanks to the pupils, staff and parents for organising this special event. A big THANK YOU to our grandparents for coming to our school. All our visitors enjoyed refreshments in the lobby afterwards.

Catholic Schools Week Jan 30th to Feb 4th 2012

2012-01-20T19:32:00.006Z

The theme for Catholic Schools Week 2012 is ‘Catholic Schools: Christ’s living body active in our world.’ The theme is taken from the anthem of the 50th International Eucharistic Congress, Though We Are Many – (Bernard Sexton), and reflects the overall theme of the Eucharistic Congress – ‘The Eucharist: Communion with Christ and with one another.’

Though we are many – Verse 3:

And through this shared Eucharist
we are the living Church.
We witness to Christ’s love
His living body active in our world.

ALL GRANDPARENTS ARE INVITED TO A SERVICE IN THE SCHOOL ON FEB 1ST AT 1PM

Student of the Month December 2011

2012-01-20T19:28:00.002Z

CRITERIA FOR CHOOSING STUDENT OF THE MONTH
* Improvement in or good grades
* Good attendance or improvement in attendance
* Character
* Behaviour
* Attitude toward others/learning
* Classroom participation
* Demonstrates responsibility
* Respectful to peers and teachers

Junior Room:
Sophie Garry

Middle Room:
David Doran

Senior Room:
Caoilainn Fennessy

Gold Medals for Donna

2012-01-16T10:40:00.004Z

On Sunday the 15th of January I travelled into Galway for a gymnastics competition.I represented RGC Renmore Gymnastics.First we warmed up and then the competition began. I was over 11 and I was 5th up.I scored 10.45 out of twelve.They announced the team results first and my team got first.There were 4 in my group.Next it was the individuals.There were medals for 1st to 4th. I got first, so now I will represent my club in Monaghan on February 5th 2012.I hope to do well and practise hard.

Donna Cunningham 6th

"Aladdin" Pantomime 2011

2012-01-16T10:02:00.006Z

On Friday the 13th of January 2012 Peterswell school Classes 1st to 6th
travelled to the Pantomime in Galway to see Aladdin.We travelled on the bus.There was a little twist to the story.

It started at about 8 o'clock.The Princess Jasmine was visiting town and a poor man called Aladdin wisted to see her but her Dad wouldn't let anyone look at her or he would chop their heads off.Whosie was a man who owned a restaraunt and he loved Aladdin's Mom Widow Twanky,but she wanted a rich man.Aladdin falls in love with Princess Jasmine but he was not a prince.There was a bad guy and he had a ring which had a girl genie in it.He pretended to be good and got Aladdin to go into a cave and get him the magic lamp.Aladdin had the ring now and there was a genie in the lamp he found out.The genie in the lamp knew the girl genie in the ring.Aladdin promised he would set both of them free if the genie made him a Prince.So the genie did.After they got out of the cave everyone got lost in a jungle.At half time we had a raffle and a boy from 2nd class Padraig Dooley pulled out the tickets.When they came out of the jungle,Whosie got married to Widow Twanky and Princess Jasmines Dad got married to his servant.Then princess Jasmine married to Aladinn.Little kids danced at the end.

After the show we took pictures and got autographs with the cast.We travelled back on the bus too,and we arrived back at the school at 11:45pm.We really enjoyed the Panto.

Caolainn Feeney 5th Class

A New Year's Prayer

2012-01-07T22:57:00.002Z

Dear Lord, please give me
A few friends who understand me and remain my friends;
A work to do which has real value,
without which the world would be the poorer;
A mind unafraid to travel, even though the trail be not blazed;
An understanding heart;
A sense of humor;
Time for quiet, silent meditation;
A feeling of the presence of God;
The patience to wait for the coming of these things,
With the wisdom to recognise them when they come.

Amen.

New Year's Resolutions for Junior Infants September 2012...

2012-01-07T22:53:00.000Z

I will brush my teeth twice a day
I will wash my hands after going to the bathroom and before eating.
I will clean up my toys.

New Year's Parenting Resolutions

2012-01-07T22:50:00.002Z

Here are some New Year's Parenting resolutions for Moms and Dads who want to be a more effective parent in the coming year.

I will be a Good Role Model for my Child...
Parents have profound influence on the way their children grow up. This New Year give up your bad habits like procrastinating, smoking etc and be a role model for your children.

I will make efforts to Understand my Child...
Instead of cribbing over your child's tantrums and unhealthy habits try and understand why he is behaving in that peculiar manner. This will help you understand and resolve the issue in a much better manner. This not so easy goal can be achieved by spending quality time and being patient with child.

I will Teach my Child to Eat Healthy...
Encourage your child to develop healthier eating habits which includes consuming fruits, milk and vegetables and giving up junk food. Of course, you need to practice this before you preach.

I will encourage my Child to take Regular Physical Activity...
Obesity in children is rising because of their sedentary lifestyles. It is extremely important to make your children realise the benefits of regular physical activity. Enrolling them in the sports class of their choice will be a good idea.

I will Reward My Child for His Good Behaviour...
For the proper personality development of your child, it is important to praise and reward his achievements and good behaviour. Besides, it is also important to show a calm and patient behavior when your child misbehaves or is in trouble. This helps him/her become a cool and level-headed person.

New Year's Resolutions for Our Pupils!!!!!

2012-01-07T22:49:00.000Z

I will do my homework in time.
I will sleep in time.
I will drink milk and water, and limit aerated drinks.
I'll never give out personal information such as my name, home address, school name or telephone number on the Internet or to strangers.
I'll be nice to other kids. I'll be friendly to kids who need friends - like someone who is shy, or is new to my school
I will wear my seat belt every time I get in a car. I'll sit in the back seat and use a booster seat until I am tall enough to use a lap/shoulder seat belt.
I will apply sunscreen before I go outdoors
I will try to stay in the shade whenever possible and wear a hat and sunglasses, especially when I'm playing sports.
I will try to find a sport (like basketball or soccer) or an activity (skipping rope, dancing or horse riding) that I like and do it at least three times a week!

Re-opening 2012...

2012-01-07T22:45:00.000Z

Peterswell N.S. will reopen on January 9th @ 9.10am...

Christmas Concert 2011

2011-12-20T17:04:00.006Z

St. Thomas's U-21 Return to school!!

2011-12-20T16:55:00.004Z

Frank O Connor's "First Confession"

2011-12-16T15:54:00.002Z

Here we are in all our Glory during a rehearsal of the
play which we are performing at our Christmas Concert.

Board of Management St. Thomas' National School 2011-2014

2011-12-13T15:54:00.001Z

Board of Management St. Thomas' National School 2011-2014

Chairperson (Patron's Representative): Mary T. Creaven
Patron's Representative: Fr. Patrick Callinan
Secretary (Principal): Brid O'Donnell
Treasurer (Community Representative): Mary Cooney
Teachers' Representative: Geraldine Nolan
Parents' Representatives:Brigid Garry and Allan Massey
Community Representative: Francis Walsh

K'nex Roadshow -Science Week Nov. 2011

2011-12-10T17:55:00.002Z

K'nex Roadshow visited us during Science Week.
Based on the dynamic, open ended, spatial building system, K’nex education provided manipulatives, ideas and lesson plans that promoted student engagement in the maths, science and technology. The K’nex team brought their colourful, fun roadshow to our school and all of us enjoyed the experience.

Papier Mache...Dec 2011

2011-12-09T18:04:00.003Z

Christmas Cards for Cyprus 2011

2011-12-09T17:47:00.002Z

Christmas Pressie...School Book

2011-12-06T20:34:00.000Z

The book, published to celebrate the 60th Anniversary of Peterswell National School,in 2004 is a must for every family. It is also an ideal present for past pupils or anybody associated in any way with Peterswell NS.
Special Christmas Price 12 Euro. Available on request from the Principal.

Christmas Dinner Around the World...

2011-12-06T20:22:00.002Z

In Latvia, the Christmas meal is cooked brown peas with a pork sauce, a selection of small pies, cabbage and sausage.

In Transylvania, stuffed cabbage is served on Christmas Eve, and then eaten again the next day for lunch.

One traditional Christmas meal in the Czech Republic is fried carp and potato salad.

In the Philippines, dinner is eaten at midnight on 24 December ("Noche Buena"). Ham, queso de bola (a ball of cheese), and tsokolate (hot cocoa) are popular.

Christmas dinner in Slovakia includes oplatky, a plate of thin waffles with honey and garlic, cabbage soup with prunes and sausage, carp and potato salad.

A traditional option in Norway is lutefisk, made from dried white fish, though pork ribs are also popular.

Senior Classes

Nativity Play 2011

2011-12-06T20:11:00.007Z

All are invited to the Infant Nativity on Dec. 19th @1pm.

Invitation to Our Christmas Concert....

2011-12-06T20:11:00.005Z

We are delighted to invite you to our Christmas Concert on Dec. 20th @12 noon.All welcome.

Gordon D'Arcy walks with Senior Classes to the Turlough

2011-12-06T20:10:00.012Z

Renowned Author Mary Arrigan visits Peterswell

2011-12-06T20:09:00.003Z

Mary visited our school on the 30th of November.Mary's illustration of her work was very popular.We were in awe that Mary drew the pictures herself and enjoyed how her initial sketches resembling pencil drawings like ours developed into finished publications.She read extracts from her books and we enjoyed her extract from "Esty's Gold" in particular.We also created a story in each class room and Mary had a Q&A session to finish with.

Student of the Month November 2011

2011-11-20T18:00:00.004Z

CRITERIA FOR CHOOSING STUDENT OF THE MONTH
* Improvement in or good grades
* Good attendance or improvement in attendance
* Character
* Behaviour
* Attitude toward others/learning
* Classroom participation
* Demonstrates responsibility
* Respectful to peers and teachers

Junior Room:
Mia Mulroe

Middle Room:
Padraic Dooley

Senior Room:
Donna Cunningham

Garda warns of Dangers at Peterswell

2011-11-17T15:34:00.001Z

Football with Brian...Nov 2011

2011-11-17T15:30:00.003Z

Connacht Champion 2011

2011-11-14T20:42:00.006Z

Operation Christmas Child 2011

2011-11-14T20:25:00.009Z

Last Christmas, nearly 1.12 million children from 14 countries across the world received a special shoebox . This is more than just an impressive statistic - it is the reality that each of those children will have been filled with joy at receiving a gift of love sent by children and adults that you encouraged to get involved.

Because of you, children living in difficult circumstances well experience the joy of receiving a gift at Christmas. More than a million of these children across the world want to say “Thank you!”

This year we sent 54 boxes from Peterswell.Well done to all the parents and pupils from St. Thomas NS.

The Joker

2011-11-06T21:35:00.002Z

The "Joker" will visit on Dec.7th.He is an entertainer,musician and magician.

Gordon D'Arcy

2011-10-28T21:31:00.004Z

Gordon D'Arcy , Lecturer in Irish Studies
Gordon is a leading expert in Irish heritage with an MSc in Environmental Science from Trinity College Dublin. He has a particular interest in the Burren, which he has researched extensively for many years and he is an authority who is regularly consulted and who leads field trips for students and visiting scholars.

He has published many books and papers on wildlife including "The Natural History of the Burren", while his book "Guide to the Birds of Ireland" (1981) was the first book on its subject . His most recent book is "Ireland's Lost Birds" (2003).

He will visit us in Peterswell the end of November and weather permitting he will bring us on a walk to the local Turlough...

Mary Arrigian-Writer will visit end of Nov.

2011-10-28T21:23:00.003Z

We invited Mary Arrigan to come and she has agreed.

One of her latest books is

Esty's Gold

Imagine digging a hole in the ground and finding enough wealth to live in comfort forever!

Esty's childhood world is shattered when her father is killed defending starving Irish peasants. Suddenly forced to leave home and work as a maid, it is only the dream of gold and a better life in Australia that keeps her going.

With stubborn determination, she gets her family to the goldfields of Ballarat. There, harsh conditions, deceit and rebellion threaten to thwart them... but nothing is going to destroy Esty's dream.

History ...Our New "Time Line" with Heritage Specialist Rory

2011-10-28T21:22:00.002Z

Fancy Dress Halloween 2011

2011-10-28T20:25:00.005Z

Halloween costumes are traditionally modeled after supernatural figures such as monsters, ghosts, skeletons, witches, and devils. Over time, the costume selection extended to include popular characters from fiction, celebrities, and generic archetypes such as ninjas and princesses.
Here we are in Peterswell on the last day of school before midterm.We encouraged all the classes to recycle old clothes and we had 4 finalists.
Ben won the final: mummified with bandages.Well done to all the pupils who made such a huge effort and also to their parents who helped them.

Fancy Dress Halloween 2011

2011-10-25T11:35:00.004Z

The pupils are invited to come to school in Fancy Dress on Friday 28th October.(Optional)

Centre for Talented Youth

2011-10-24T15:43:00.000Z

The Centre for Talented Youth, at Dublin City University provides specialised courses for young people with exceptional academic ability in verbal, numerical and or abstract reasoning. If you feel your child may be of 'high ability', please contact the Irish Centre for Talented Youth (CTY Ireland). This Centre provides programmes for hundreds of academically talented students aged 6 -13 years. In 2011-2012, classes will be offered in Dublin City University, Limerick, Cork and other Centres nationwide. Please contact the school for Application Forms. The CTYI have scholarships and financial aid available to ensure that all children, regardless of their family's economic circumstances, are afforded an opportunity to participate.

Oíche Shamhna Shona Duit!!!

2011-10-24T15:40:00.000Z

Polling Station Oct. 27th 2011

2011-10-24T15:39:00.001Z

The school will be closed on Oct 27th due to the school being used as a polling station.

Presentation of Football Medals October 2011

2011-10-24T15:38:00.002Z

Student of the Month October 2011

2011-10-24T15:37:00.003Z

CRITERIA FOR CHOOSING STUDENT OF THE MONTH
* Improvement in or good grades
* Good attendance or improvement in attendance
* Character
* Behaviour
* Attitude toward others/learning
* Classroom participation
* Demonstrates responsibility
* Respectful to peers and teachers

Junior Room:Brian Egan

Middle Room:James Garvey

Senior Room:Chloe Collins

Camogie Mini 7's Oct. 2011

2011-10-19T09:35:00.005Z

The camogie girls departed the school on a cold Autumn morning on Oct. 19th 2011 and headed for St.Thomais's GAA club in Castledaly for the Mini 7's.
The team was Elaine Walsh in Goals,Aoibhean Kilkenny and Donna Cunningham in backs,Rebecca Mahon and Caolainn Fenney in midfield,Ciara Connors and Caoilainn Fenessy in Forwards.
We played 3 matches: playing Loughrea N.S.,Ballinakill and our neighbours Kilchreest. We bet Loughrea by 1 goal,we bet Ballinakill by 5 goals,dreading to write this but we lost to our neighbours Kilchreest by 3 goals and two points.Even though they were losing after the first half we did not give up,we came back but we still lost.We had fun and we returned knowning we did our best.

All the schools played a great match but one school has to win,that school is Kilchreest.We will have to wait another year to try and beat Kilchreest,Kilchreest better watch out for Peterswell are getting closer to beating you.The girls in our school are strong,fast,intelligent and we will not give up until we beat Kilchreest!!! Our subs. were Amy,Chloe and Michelle who also got to play.

A special thanks to our trainer Miss O'Donnell and Mr. Mulkerins who accompanied us today.
Well done all.

Colin Fitzgerald(5th) and Ciara Doran(6th)

Garda's Football Tournament October 2011

2011-10-18T19:23:00.004Z

We played three matches on a wet windy Friday.We won the first game against Labane four goals and two points to no score.Our second game was against Killeeneen and we got beaten.Then we played our third game against Craughwell and we got beaten too. A special thanks to Mr. Mulkerins who travelled with us and trained us for the tournament.
The medals we received were presented to the team at Assembly.The 3rd Class got the gold medals as it was their firsttime representing the school.

Credit Union Art Competition 2011

2011-10-10T14:26:00.002Z

We are preparing for this years competition which is titled "Ireland Through my eyes" Well done to present pupils Jamie Finn and Rebecca Mahon who were winners last year.Closing date for competition is October 28th 2011

Student of the Month September 2011

2011-10-04T19:14:00.006Z

CRITERIA FOR CHOOSING STUDENT OF THE MONTH
* Improvement in or good grades
* Good attendance or improvement in attendance
* Character
* Behaviour
* Attitude toward others/learning
* Classroom participation
* Demonstrates responsibility
* Respectful to peers and teachers

Junior Room:Zoe Stone

Middle Room:Jasmine Kennedy

Senior Room:Colin Fitzgerald

Excellent attendance 2010-2011

2011-10-04T19:07:00.006Z

At our Assembly this week we presented EXCELLENT ATTENDANCE CERTIFICATES to 11 pupils who had Excellent Attendance last school year.These pupils missed 5 days or less.Well done to Pupils and Their dedicated parents who got them to school.

It’s a fact that students who attend school regularly
learn more and are more successful in school
than students who do not. Parents
who make regular school attendance
a priority also are helping their children
learn to accept responsibility.
And that’s an important lesson for a
successful life.
Attendance patterns are formed
early in life. Children who develop
good attendance habits in the early
grades will be more likely to continue
them throughout their school career.
That’s important, because students
who miss school miss out on carefully
planned sequences of instruction.
They miss out on active learning experiences and
class participation. They miss out on the opportunity
to ask questions. They are more likely to fall behind.
And they are more likely to drop out.
What Parents Can Do
1. Let your child know that you
expect her to attend school every
day. Explain that, just as you have a
job, it’s her job to go to school and
learn.
2. Set a time for doing homework
each evening and a time for going
to bed. Unfinished homework and
too little sleep are common reasons
why parents hear the words, “I
don’t feel good,” on school mornings.
3. Get involved with your child’s
school. When she sees you in the classrooms he'll/
she’ll understand that school is important.

Comenius UPDATE!!!! October 2011

2011-10-04T19:01:00.003Z

St. Thomas' NS is taking part in the second year of its Comenius project. Comenius is an educational programme funded by the E.U which promotes links between schools in Europe. Our project is called “CAN I PLAY?”.

There are five schools involved in this project. They come from France,, Cyprus, Hungary and two from Ireland. The aim of this project is to look at some traditional playground games from our partner countries and hopefully learn one or two of them. In return we will teach them some of our games. This project runs over a two year period and is funded by the E.U..

A group of 3, will travel over to San Quentin in France,before the Halloween midterm 2011. Another group met with the pupils and teachers from the school in Budapest before Halloween last year and teachers and pupils from the other schools involved in the Comenius project came to our small school last Easter.A huge thanks to all who hosted these children.

We keep in touch with our Comenius partners through email, Skype and snail mail.

Peterswell Students Stroll to the Graveyard October 2011

2011-10-04T18:55:00.010Z

Our scheduled visit from Rory our heritage specialist had finally arrived.
He visited the other 2 rooms first and then it was our turn.At 10:00am we did "Show
and Tell" with our artifacts.

What did we bring in ?
For example we brought in oil lamps,a coffee grinder,butter bowls and paddles,the
2,000 millenium coin and a hundred year old picture and passport and lots more too many to mention.

Where did we go ?
We walked from the school to the village well.We talked about local
history.Then we stolled to the Kilthomas cemetery.Some headstones we could not read so we used Johnson's talcum powder to clear the text on the headstones.Some dated back to the 1800's.Then the class took a picture by the ruins of the of the old Kiltomaschurch.We returned to the school by bus and collected our artifacts.
We had a great history experience and learned a great deal of things which we
didn't know about our parish

By Chantelle,Abigail and Saoirse
5th Class

Our Visit to Coole on October 6th 2011

2011-10-04T18:54:00.002Z

Today is National Tree Day, the day we travelled to Coole Park,which was the home of Lady Gregory. All of 4th,5th and 6th class set off on the school bus, everyone had a great time,having a chat and playing games. When we reached our destination we met a woman named Hilda,who led all the classes,our parent Ian and our teacher around Coole Park.
On this October afternoon,I could not help but admire the beauty of the woods and the colours of the leaves,I understood in that moment how W.B.Yeats felt when he wrote his poem "The Wild Swans of Coole,"I alas did not have "The woodland paths are dry,"I had rain,wind,and falling leaves.
Hilda showed us the Copper Beach tree known as the "Autograph tree," this tree has been signed by famous people W.B.Yeats to name one.
The weather may have been wet and windy, but this not dampen our fun.I had hoped to go down to the lake and if by chance I could see 59 swans on a mirrored still lake,I guess that will have to wait until next Autumn.
I really enjoyed myself.Seeing Coole Park in it's Autumn beauty, I can't get Yeats poem out of my head,but that's the beauty of poetry.

Ciara Doran
6th Class.

Samaritan's Purse 2011

2011-10-04T18:45:00.004Z

Operation Christmas Child - an initiative of Samaritan's Purse - is one of Ireland's largest children's charity projects. In it's simplest form, this annual shoebox appeal is all about a gift, given by you to a child in need.

It works like this. You wrap and pack a shoebox filled with little gifts.We donated 72 Boxes from our small school last year and hope that you will donate again this year.Please submit before Nov. 11th

Coole Park Outing on Oct 6th 2011

2011-10-04T18:40:00.003Z

Pupils in the Senior Room will spend "National Tree Day" in Coole Park.They depart at 9.45 am and return at 1.30pm.
Please ensure that your child has a lunch/drink,suitable footwear and rainwear.

Polling Station Oct. 27th 2011

2011-10-04T18:36:00.001Z

The school will be closed on the October 27th 2011 as the school is being used as a polling station for the Election.

Green Schools Committee 2011-2012

2011-09-09T13:39:00.005Z

The committee directs the operations of a school’s Green-Schools programme. The Green-Schools committee should be as representative of the whole-school and as student led as possible.
Here are our committee elected by our pupils this week!!!

B.R.Saoire Loose,Paul Massey.Ciara Connors
F.R.Jamie Caswell,Lena Fahy,Ben Mulcaire,Maura Joyce

School Calendar Term 1

2011-09-04T11:35:00.003Z

Mid-Term Halloween 2011

School closing Friday 28 Oct 2011

School re-opening Monday 07 Nov 2011

Winter Break

School closing at 12.30 Thursday 22 Dec 2011

Green Schools Committee 2011

2011-09-04T11:23:00.004Z

The Theme for our Next Flag in 2013 is Bio Diversity.

What is Biodiversity?

Biodiversity is the variation of living organisms from all sources, terrestrial, marine and other aquatic ecosystems and all the habitats of which they are part; this includes diversity within species, between species and of ecosystems. Imagine life without all this diversity! Life on earth would cease to exist!

Species - a group of organisms capable of interbreeding and producing fertile offspring. For example, the ash is a species of tree and the squirrel is a species of mammal.

Habitat - the natural environment in which an organism lives, or the physical environment that surrounds, influences and is used by a species population. For example, a woodland or a bog is a habitat.

Ecosystem - the physical and biological components of an environment which is considered a unit, for example; a freshwater ecosystem includes animal, plant and microbial (minute organisms) life in lakes, rivers and ponds. For example, a valley with some woodlands and a river, and all the life they contain, make up an ecosystem

The world’s biological diversity is an essential natural resource which humans have used and benefited from for thousands of years. Biodiversity keeps us alive! Therefore, it is vital we conserve it!

This week Our Pupils will select ONE PUPIL per Class from 1st to 6th to represent them on the Green Schools Committee

Photographer 2011

2011-09-04T11:19:00.003Z

The Photographer will come to take the Pupils photos on Friday 9th September 2011.He comes every second year and the Pupils have a choice whether to take photo's or not.Their choice....Please make sure that they are well turned out for the photo's on Friday.

New Entrants 2011

2011-08-30T11:39:00.010Z

Bridget-May Orford,Saoire Flannery,Sophie Garry and Sarah Fahy.

B.R. Riain Piggott,Diarmuid Gillard,Brian Egan
F.R. James Glynn,Conor Flynn,Owen Loose.

an

Reopening 2011

2011-06-16T16:10:00.003Z

The school will re-open on Tuesday,
August 30th at 9.10 a.m.

Enjoy the break...

2011-06-16T16:10:00.001Z

Guím sonas, suaimhneas agus
scíth oraibh i rith an t-samhraidh,

Have a lovely summer and enjoy the sunshine!

Board of Management of St. Thomas’ National School

2011-06-16T16:09:00.001Z

The present parents representatives on the Board of Management will be coming to the end of their four year term in November 2011. Elections will take place in October 2011. Today there are 3,104 primary schools in Ireland under the patronage and management of the Catholic Bishops. Every board consists of the following 8 personnel.
The Chairperson: Mrs. Mary Creaven
The Chairperson is appointed by the Patron (Bishop Martin Drennan)
The Patron shall also nominate a second member to the Board of Management, and in our case it is Fr. Patrick Callanan.
The Principal of the school: Mrs. Bríd O’Donnell
Parents: two parents of children enrolled in the school, one being a mother and the other being a father are elected by fellow parents.
A staff representative: this position is held by Mrs. Geraldine Nolan. within the “Rules of the National Schools” and within “Department of Education and Skills” Guidelines.
The final two additional members are nominees. Boards responsibilities are wide and varied, in essence their primary roll is to ensure the school operations One can appreciate the arduous and responsible task these people accept by joining the Board of Management
The present parent reps are Teresa Mannion who is treasurer and Allan Massey who has responsibility for Health and Safety. Teresa co-signs, deals with the bank, lodgements, keeps detailed accurate accounts which are audited every year and also inspected by the Patron or his representative. Allan does regular health and safety checks within the school and its environs. As part of this he checks first aid kits and replaces used items. He attends matches in his role as paramedic. He comes into school regularly to give talks on health and safety issues e.g. tarmacadam burns prevention, how to deal with minor accidents etc… He acts as steward to ensure safe arrival and dismissal of pupils (correct parking etc…). T
The nominated members of the Board of Management are Francis Walsh (Maintenance Officer) and Mary Cooney (Community Rep.) you will be all aware of the many varied jobs Francis Walsh has, all done on a voluntary basis. All board members serve in a voluntary capacity and no expenses are paid.

All matters dealt with are confidential

Farewell to 6th Class

2011-06-16T16:06:00.004Z

Farewell to 6th Class
Best wishes to our Sixth Class pupils who are leaving our school this year Laura Collins, Ciara Houlihan, Laura Hegarty, Keeley Mannion, Marie Farrell, Emer Walsh, Kelly Shearer, Siabhra Feeney, David Massey, Thomas Joyce, Michael Cahill-Rabbitte and Mark Caulfield.
We wish them well in the Community School and hope they do us all proud in Gort.

Provisional Calendar 2011 – 2012.

2011-06-16T16:06:00.001Z

Aug. 3oth Re-opening.

Oct. 28th Closing for Halloween Break

Nov. 7th Re-opening

Dec. 22nd Closing for Christmas Holidays

2012

Jan. 9th Re-opening

Feb. 16th & 17th Closing for Mid-term Break

Mar 19th Closed

March 30th Closing for Easter Holidays

-------------
April 16th Re-opening

May 7th Closed

June 4th Closed

June 22nd Closing for Summer Holidays.

(Updated June 2011)

THANK YOU

2011-06-16T16:05:00.001Z

The staff would like to take this opportunity to thank
parents, Board of Management, Parents Committees and all others involved in the life of the school for the help, support and co-operation we have received in the past year.

Winner of Peterswell Got Talent

2011-06-16T15:57:00.001Z

Miss Erin McGee 7 year old pupil from 1st Class won Peterswell got Talent Wednesday last.She performed in front of the whole school including our friends from Wales.Erin sang an ABBA song and won the competition with 3 judging groups voting her win.
Well done Erin.
We look forward to seeing you on the X factor in years to come!!

Playground Game

2011-06-16T15:49:00.004Z

The painting is referred to as the "encyclopaedia of Flemish children's games". It represents about 84 games some of them are practiced until present days. Bruegel has depicted more than 250 children here. Such a catalogue of games, such an enumeration of children's methods for exercising the body and preparing for the adult world through imitation, is without parallel in the history of art.

The subject of childhood had hitherto been virtually ignored in western painting and thought. Childhood was not viewed as a phase of life with any requirements of its own, but merely as the preliminary stage to adulthood. Children were treated as little adults, as the clothing portrayed in Bruegel's picture indicates: the girls' aprons and bonnets resembled those of their mothers, while the boys' trousers, jerkins and jackets echoed those worn by their fathers. Moreover, there were hardly any toys: only tops, hobby-horses, dolls, and windmills on long sticks. Most of Bruegel's children are managing without toys or making do with pigs' bladders, knucklebones, caps, barrels, hoops - such things, in other words, as could be found simply lying about.

Here we are in Peterswell NS ,going back to medieval times where Ms. Nolan's class dressed up and played games from Bruegel times.Di made some great costumes for us.Damien brought in a barrel that we painted and we used this for one of our games.
We really enjoyed the whole experience.

Here we are!!

9 Mens Morris Mile Game

2011-06-16T15:45:00.002Z

Bernie is leaving...

2011-06-16T15:40:00.003Z

After 8 years, Bernie our SNA will be finishing with us soon.The BOM made a presentation to Bernie to thank her for her good service over the last 8 years.Mark her son and Emer presented Bernie with flowers.Thank you Bernie.We will miss you.

Jana Presentation JUNE 2011..

2011-06-16T15:39:00.003Z

Jana Elberg our Comenius assistant is leaving at the end of the term.She added so much to school life and she is a very hard act to follow.We hope that Jana will return to see us in Peterswell soon.Here Ms. Nolan is presenting Jana with a scarf, a token from the BOM.

Vegetable Harvesting June 2011

2011-06-16T15:36:00.004Z

Here we are enjoying the fruits of our hard work.We enjoyed potatoes,swedes,lettuce,carrots,strawberries and hope that the chillies will soon ripen!!!!

Football Medal Presentation 2011

2011-06-16T15:33:00.004Z

The puils presented Mr. Mulkerins with a card to thank him for all his hard work all year.They also gave a card to Mark to thank Peter for all his hard work too.Mr. Mulkerins presented the pupils with the runner up medals for the Football competition.

Congratulations to the boys who reached the Football Final.

Welsh Leave Us!!

2011-06-16T15:31:00.002Z

It was a sad time as we said our farewell to our Welsh friends.We will travel over to Wales to meet them on Sunday next.

Welsh and Irish Senior Tour June 2011

2011-06-16T15:26:00.003Z

A bus load of Irish and Welsh pupils left Peterswell to travel to Limerick last Tuesday on the Annual School Tour.We first visited King John's Castle,then experienced a walking tour of Limerick City,from here we were fed in Supermacs.The highlight for many of us was the visit to Thomond Park where we got to sit in our favourite player seat!!!We then made our wsy to Ennis playground where we played for and hour before returning to our school..
Here we are enjoying our day....

Welsh Visit 2011

2011-06-16T15:22:00.003Z

Our Welsh friends arrived in Peterswell Sunday morning and were greeted by and Irish breakfast prepared by May Walsh and Mary Connors.They then made their way to Coole Park where they experienced a visit to the Hertiage Centre and got to learn a lot about Lady Gregory and her friends.
From here they returned to the school where Justin Flannery was chefing up a BBQ feast fit for a king helped by Bernie Caulfield. Mr. Mulkerins,Ms. O'Donnell and Amy played some games with the children on the pitch.Thanks to Billy Shearer the pupils were supplied with lots of treats, which Billy sponsored.
A good time was had by all despite the weather.

Tom McGarry Fun Day June 12th 2011

2011-06-12T16:34:00.007Z

Despite the rain the BBQ was a huge success.It welcomed our visitors from Wales and it bid goodbye to our present 6th Class who are graduating onto the Post Primary very soon.Thanks to all the parents committee who helped and to Justin who cooked all the hot food served.Well done all.

"Peterswell Got Talent Heats" 2011

2011-06-12T16:28:00.002Z

Football Final 2011

2011-06-09T14:49:00.006Z

Here we are at the Footall Final in Loughgeorge.Duniry proved too strong for us on the day but we took part and fought to the end.This game is the last game we play together representing our small parish as we make our way to Post Primary next year.
Thanks to Mr Mulkerins and Peter Caulfield our mentors and to the Board of Management for feeding us in Supermacs after the Final....

May 26th 2011..Raising of our 4th Green Flag

2011-06-09T14:42:00.002Z

Grandad Brendan Mulcair,a past pupil did the honour of raising our 4th Green Flag.A special thanks to all the pupils, parents, teachers and community members who helped to earn our Fourth Green Flag. A special word of thanks to our committee members Ciara Doran, Laura Collins, Mark Caulfield, Abigail Stone, Chloe Collins, Caoilainn Feeney, Rebecca Mahon, Elaine Walsh and our Green Schools Co-ordinator Geraldine Nolan. Thanks to all the pupils who participated in the show after the rising of the flag and all staff members.Refreshments and gooodies were served.Roisin from and Taisce attended,as did Michael Fahy and Bridie Willers Co. Councillers.

Welsh Trip June 2011

2011-06-06T21:14:00.002Z

Our Welsh friends will arrive on June 12th to experience life in Peterswell.They will experience our Annual BBQ later on Sunday.Prior to this they will experience breakfast in the school followed by a visit to Coole Park.On Monday they will experience "Peterswell Got talent" where they judge the best act!!
On Tuesday they will travel to Limerick to see King John's Castle,Walking Tour of Limerick,Thomand Park and Ennis Playground.They will dine in Supermacs.
They will be hosted by local families and 4th and 5th class will visit Wales from June 19th- 22nd.Hope the weather picks up for their visit....

Annual BBQ 2011

2011-06-06T21:11:00.002Z

Our Annual BBQ will take place on June 12th @ 1pm. All welcome.

Skype May 2011

2011-06-06T20:45:00.004Z

Here we are as we wait to skype Hungary and France as part of our Comenius project...We skyped and Irish Song "Samhradh Aoibheann" which had the air of "Que Sera, Sera (Whatever Will Be, Will Be)"as Siabhra accompanied us on her violin.We listened to Hungary singing "Here Comes the Summer" which was our second choice.We really enjoyed the experience.

Eilis's End of Year Concert!!!

2011-06-06T20:40:00.001Z

Here we are performing at the end of year concert.We are a very talented school!!!Thanks Eilis for your help all year...

Presentation of Green Schools Flag 2011

2011-05-25T09:29:00.002Z

Mrs Nolan Green Schools Coordinator along with 6th Class pupils Mark Caulfield and Laura Collins travelled on the 23rd of May to the Galway Bay Hotel to receive our long awaited 4th Green Flag for our school.We were dined first pupils getting gougons and pasta and Mrs Nolan Chicken Kiev!!After that feast we were presented with the flag and it was a huge honour for us to accept it on behalf of the school.Ollie Canning is rising our flag on Thursday 26th @ 7pm which will be followed by a short show.All welcome.

Fair Trade GOODIES!!

2011-05-24T14:13:00.004Z

Here we are with the Fair Trade Chocolate Goodies which we received for our Fair Trade Bunting Competition..Well done to all pupils and staff involved.

Bus Éireann celebrated FÉILE with Sponsored Colouring Pencils

2011-05-24T14:10:00.003Z

Here we are with the Colouring Pencils sponsored by Bus Éireann for the Féile this year!!!!

Junior School Tour 2011-Turoe Pet Farm

2011-05-23T18:47:00.004Z

Here we are on Our Junior School Tour.Classes Junior Infants to 2nd Class left school on the 23rd of May at 9.30am and made our way to Turoe Pet Farm in Ballaun ,Loughrea.
It was blustery but we did not mind.No school for one whole day....
We first went to the Indoor area.We were thirsty and had a short break after which we went on the tour of the farm.When we returned we were very hungry and ate our big lunch.We were then allowed to go on the Inflatable city.
We were in Heaven.A great day was had by all.

Comenius Photo's 2011

2011-05-23T18:40:00.007Z

Graduates 2011

2011-05-21T11:38:00.002Z

Graduate Servers 2011

2011-05-21T11:31:00.002Z

We wish to thank our dedicated Servers who served our parish for the last 4 years and will move on to Post Primary in the Autumn:

BR Kelly Shearer,Marie Farrell,Mark Caulfield and Laura Collins
FR David Massey ,Siabhra Feeney.

4th Green Flag!

2011-05-21T11:18:00.002Z

Green School Coordinator Geraldine Nolan will attend a presentation this Tues in Galway with some of our Green Schools committee to accept our 4th Green Flag. All parents,pupils and staff are invited to the rising of our 4th Green Flag on Thursday next 26th May @7pm.We hope that the time will encourage all parents,Grandparents and friends to attend.The flag will be risen by a famous Sport Star.A pupil studded show will follow.Refreshments will be served.

Welcome Féile Visitors 2011.......

2011-05-18T14:21:00.009Z

First Holy Communion

2011-05-14T20:30:00.004Z

6 Pupils from St. Thomas' NS Peterswell received their First Holy Communion today,the 14th May 2011.They were Maura Joyce,Jasmine Kennedy,Adam Finn,Adam Mulroe,Oisin Garvey and Damien Cunningham.Thanks to all involved and a special thanks to their teacher Miss Nolan.Thanks to all the 1st Class parents who provided refreshments in the school hall afterwards for all.

Green School Success!

2011-05-10T09:57:00.005Z

Hurrah! Peterswell School has received news that we have been successful in gaining our 4th Green Flag, for Sustainable Travel. The letter from an Taisce stated that the evaluation committee was 'extremely impressed' with our Green Travel Programme.
Two members of our Green Schools Committee will attend the Award Ceremony in the Galway Bay Hotel on 24th May 2011, along with our Green Schools Co-ordinator Ms Nolan.

Thanks to all our pupils but especially to our Green Schools Committee for all their hard work - Abigail Stone, Chloe Collins, Rebecca Mahon, Caolainn Feeney, Elaine Walshe, Ciara Doran, Laura Collins, Mark Caulfield and to our parents' representative Veronica Stone.

4th Green Flag Assessment May 2011

2011-04-30T20:12:00.002Z

After Easter,on May 6th we will have our assessment for our 4th Green Flag.Someone from An Taisce will come out to the school and talk with the committee. We hope they will do a great job explaining the Action Plan which we followed to earn our 4th Green Flag.We have our fingers crossed that we will be receiving our fourth green flag very soon!!!!!!

Jack & Jill Foundation

2011-04-16T15:32:00.001Z

The Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation provides direct funding, to families of children with brain damage who suffer severe intellectual and physical developmental delay, enabling them to purchase home respite care. These are children who as a result of their condition require intensive home nursing care. The Foundation gives these families the Gift of time, time to do the things that we so often take for granted like shopping, taking their other children to the park, a night’s sleep etc.

Jack & Jill is facing a serious shortfall in its funding due to a drop in public donations and failure to secure the full €1.35 HSE grant it requires for 2011, regardless of the rock solid economic argument for more State funding for Jack & Jill which saves the HSE millions every year by keeping children warm and cosy and well cared for in their own home rather than in hospital (see Trinity Report) . Jack & Jill wrote to its families recently informing them of a 20% cut in their hours funded by Jack & Jill from 1st January 2011.

We are still determined to raise the extra funds we need with our SOS (Save Our Service) campaign and and that is why WE NEED YOUR HELP. Please send in your old mobile phones and printer cartridges to the school for recyling.Thank you.

Saint Thomas National School Peterswell

FAIR-TRADE:

ANNAUAL FUND RAISING WALK:

Stringendo Violin Project

The National Strategy to Improve Literacy and Numeracy among Children and Young People, 2011 - 2020

Quiz Team 2012

County Heritage Awards

Grandparents Day 2012

Catholic Schools Week Jan 30th to Feb 4th 2012

Student of the Month December 2011

Gold Medals for Donna

"Aladdin" Pantomime 2011

A New Year's Prayer

New Year's Resolutions for Junior Infants September 2012...

New Year's Parenting Resolutions

New Year's Resolutions for Our Pupils!!!!!

Re-opening 2012...

Christmas Concert 2011

St. Thomas's U-21 Return to school!!

Frank O Connor's "First Confession"

Board of Management St. Thomas' National School 2011-2014

K'nex Roadshow -Science Week Nov. 2011

Papier Mache...Dec 2011

Christmas Cards for Cyprus 2011

Christmas Pressie...School Book

Christmas Dinner Around the World...

Nativity Play 2011

Invitation to Our Christmas Concert....

Gordon D'Arcy walks with Senior Classes to the Turlough

Renowned Author Mary Arrigan visits Peterswell

Student of the Month November 2011

Garda warns of Dangers at Peterswell

Football with Brian...Nov 2011

Connacht Champion 2011

Operation Christmas Child 2011

The Joker

Gordon D'Arcy

Mary Arrigian-Writer will visit end of Nov.

History ...Our New "Time Line" with Heritage Specialist Rory

Fancy Dress Halloween 2011

Fancy Dress Halloween 2011

Centre for Talented Youth

Oíche Shamhna Shona Duit!!!

Polling Station Oct. 27th 2011

Presentation of Football Medals October 2011

Student of the Month October 2011

Camogie Mini 7's Oct. 2011

Garda's Football Tournament October 2011

Credit Union Art Competition 2011

Student of the Month September 2011

Excellent attendance 2010-2011

Comenius UPDATE!!!! October 2011

Peterswell Students Stroll to the Graveyard October 2011

Our Visit to Coole on October 6th 2011

Samaritan's Purse 2011

Coole Park Outing on Oct 6th 2011

Polling Station Oct. 27th 2011

Green Schools Committee 2011-2012

School Calendar Term 1

Green Schools Committee 2011

Photographer 2011

New Entrants 2011

Reopening 2011

Enjoy the break...

Board of Management of St. Thomas’ National School

Farewell to 6th Class

Provisional Calendar 2011 – 2012.

THANK YOU

Winner of Peterswell Got Talent

Playground Game

9 Mens Morris Mile Game

Bernie is leaving...

Jana Presentation JUNE 2011..

Sponsored Walk Prizes 2011

Vegetable Harvesting June 2011

Football Medal Presentation 2011

Welsh Leave Us!!

Welsh and Irish Senior Tour June 2011

Welsh Visit 2011

Tom McGarry Fun Day June 12th 2011