Scoil Iosa, Ballina, Co.Mayo

Newsletter Scoil Íosa April to June 2008
Welcome to our final Newsletter this school year

The children and teachers in Scoil Íosa have been very busy in the last term of this school year. They have gone on tour, taken part in lots of sports, music, drama, competitions and varied activities. We have tried to include as many of the activities as possible in this end of year newsletter. We hope you enjoy reading it.

Out and About on School Tours: A Very Active School!

Junior and Senior Infants and Speech and Language Classes
Mrs Duffy’s Senior Infants, Mrs Cawley’s Junior Infants and Mrs Thornton’s Class went to Maghu’s Castle in Kiltimagh on Thursday 12 of June. Everyone had a great time. The following day Ms Hegarty’s Junior Infants and Ms Keane’s Junior and Senior Infants went to Maghu’s castle also. The outdoor playground was a great hit and everyone enjoyed the day. Even some of the teachers took part in the activities!!!
1st and 2nd Class Tour
Ms Mitchell’s and Ms Corry’s 1st Class and Ms Foody’s 2 Class went to Castlebar on 12 of June This is a report from Ms Mitchell’s class:
Our tour was on the 12 of June. We went to Castlebar on the bus. We went ten-pin bowling and played in No key’s before lunch. After lunch, we saw a film called ‘Nim’s Island’. The tour was great fun. A lot of us thought that the bowling was the best bit!
3rd and 4th Class Tour
Ms Sheeran, Ms Canning and Ms Horkan classes went to Water-world in Bundoran on Wednesday 25 of June, with a stop in Sligo for shopping on the way back.
5th and 6th Class Tour
Ms Leonard’s, Mrs Loftus’ and Ms Nolan’s classes went to Achill Adventure Centre on 18 of June. It was a very enjoyable day with water sports, orienteering and a historical walk to the Deserted Village.
Sports/Fun for All Day
Thursday 15 of May was a beautiful sunny day and the children of Scoil Íosa gathered inside and outside the school for their sports/ Fun for all day. A variety of workstations were erected in the Junior and Senior yards and the Junior School. Each class grouping took turns to participate in the various activities: the water bucket race being the firm favourite!! Many parents took the opportunity to visit the school during the day to see the fun the pupils were having. No sports day would be complete without the arrival of the ice-cream man (who was a very welcome visitor, with temperatures very high on the day!) and of course the bouncy castle, which went down a treat!! A special word of thanks to all those who organised the day…. Well done!! A very enjoyable day was had by all.
Football
“On Fridays Barry Murphy comes to our school for Gaelic Football Training at 11.15am. He taught us how to solo and hand -pass a ball. He teaches 5 and 6 class. It is great fun. Barry is funny and is a great man to teach football. It is good to play football because you get to play matches which are great fun. Some of the girls play Gaelic football outside the school. We also play football with Mrs Loftus on Mondays and with Miss Howley on Fridays at big lunch break. The girls have lots of fun and love playing football.” By Debbie, Aisling and Mairead. 5 Class
Here are the views of Ms Corry’s First Class:
“We had a great time playing football with Ms Howley. She brought us outside every Friday after big lunch and we learned the “hand pass”, how to “solo”, how to kick, throw and pick up the ball. We were lucky with the weather too as it was sunny nearly every Friday.
Our Football League
In addition to the above activities a very enjoyable football league was organised. Four matches were played by the four participating teams. The first match was played on the 11 June 2008. The final was played on Monday 23 of June. The side line was packed with supporters from all the classes. The girls were cheered on by children and teachers. It was a very exciting match. Team B captained by Aoife played team C who was captained by Shauna. Team B won with a final score of 3.8 to 2.8.
The winning team members were: Chloe Calvey, Aoife Bonner, Orla Carroll, Chelsea Delaney, Rachel Scott, Pamela Scott, Louise Maloney, Jessica Gorman, Maggie Maughan and Aoife Gillespie. Many thanks to Mrs Loftus and Ms Howley for their dedication and hard work throughout the year.
Camogie
The 4 class girls have enjoyed the Camogie training and matches with Derek Mc Donnell. The girl learned how to solo, hand pass and play a game properly. The girls had great fun!
Music
Hip Hop Dance
The 4th, 5th and 6 class girls attending dance class with Ms Egan have been very busy perfecting their High School Musical Routine Traditional Music
Tom Doherty continues to teach traditional music to children on Tuesdays. Those attending are making great progress. Lessons will continue in September, adding an uplifting air to Tuesday mornings!!
Irish Dancing
Lessons with Ms Nolan will recommence in September. All the girls attending on Tuesday evenings have shown great interest and have enjoyed the lessons.
Drama
The Legend of the Golden Dragon
All classes from Junior Infants to Sixth Class went to the convent hall to see the play The Legend of the Golden Dragon” on 22 of May. It was an enjoyable experience.
The Bus
3 to 6th went to the Hawkswell Theatre in Sligo on 4 April to see “The Bus”. It was a very entertaining and educational show. An enjoyable day was had by all.

Busy Bees in the Classrooms!
Enrolment Open Day
Approximately 30 new Junior Infants were warmly welcomed to Ms Keane’s and Ms Cawley’s classrooms on the 6 of June. They arrived at 10.30 and stayed until12.00. They had great fun and were presented with a welcome pack of drawing books, colouring pencils etc
Shared Reading
A shared reading project took place between Ms Keane’s and Mrs Duffy’s Senior Infant Classes and Mrs Loftus’ and Ms Leonard’s Fifth Classes. It began during the last week of May and ran throughout the month of June from 9.20 to 9.40 am every morning. It was a great success with all the children really enjoying the reading experience in a fun environment. A big thank you to the 5 class children who were enthusiastic and diligent.
New School Uniform and School Crest
Our two lovely models below are sporting the new school uniform for Scoil Íosa. The uniform will consist of a royal blue jumper/ cardigan, blue blouse/ shirt, navy pinafore/ skirt/ navy trousers and a saffron and blue tie. It is available in local shops.
See our new school crest here
Pastoral Care
First Communion
The children in Ms Foody’s 2 class made their First Confession on Wednesday 9 of April and their First Communion on Saturday 17 of May in St. Patrick’s church. Eighteen girls received the sacraments from Fr. Gerry O Hora. A special word of thanks to Ms Granahan, Ms Sheeran and the choir whose beautiful music and singing certainly added to what was a lovely ceremony. The girls later enjoyed the. The First Holy Communion party on 23 of May in school
Retreat
Sixth Class went on a very enjoyable retreat in Skreen, Co. Sligo on Wednesday 4 of June.
Bishop’s Visit.
Bishop Flemming met everyone in the P.E hall on 23 May and later spoke with Ms. Nolan’s confirmation class
Confirmation
Confirmation took place on Saturday 14 of June in St Patrick’s Church at 11 am. Bishop Flemming anointed the children with the oil of Chrism and it was most enjoyable and special day for all. A special word of thanks to Ms Granahan and the choir for providing the beautiful singing
Giving a Helping Hand!
Mongolian Scarf Project...Many thanks to all who took part in this worthwhile and unique project. Here is a report from 5th class.
Children in 4th, 5 and 6 classes took part in this appeal. €592 was collected for this fund to drill wells in Mongolia. read more
Children Helping Children Society of Missionary Children
Every week children from all the classes through-out the school, kindly donate money to children who are less well off than themselves. The total for the school year was €185.25. A cheque has been sent to the Society of Missionary Children. Thank You all for Your Kindness.
Hanging Baskets and Window Boxes
Catherine Gillespie came to the school on 4 of June. She showed the children from 1 to 6class how to plant flowers in window boxes and hanging baskets. They now decorate the front of the school and are bright and colourful
“Meet the Spud” Potato Challenge
This year is the international year of the potato. Children in 3 and 4 class took part in a competition for primary schools called “Meet the Spud”. Schools were sent seed potatoes by Agri-aware. Ms Sheeran, Ms Canning’s and Ms Horkan’s classes planted a small crop of potatoes which they had to care for. The crops were harvested, with some maturing better than others! The plants were watered every day. Ms Canning’s plant grew so tall that it had to be cut back. White flowers were noticed on the plant about a month ago. Ms Canning’s girls dug up their plant on Tuesday 24 of June. They found a few small potatoes! Look here
Sunflowers
Ms Horkan’s class have eagerly watched as their sunflowers grow taller and taller by the day. The class are growing sunflowers to plant in the flower beds at the front of the school.
After School Club
5 and 6 Class members of the After School Club have been very busy from Easter to the end of the final term. They studied read, played board games, had quizzes, played basketball and restored the flower beds at the front of the school. Well done everyone and Best Wishes from Ms Foody, Ms Horkan, Tina and Eileen to all the Girls heading off to the Secondary School in September.
Cookery Lesson
“To celebrate the summer birthdays we went to the kitchen and baked a birthday cake which we decorated with button icing, smarties and flake. We made queen cakes. These were decorated with chocolate, sprinkles, icing and smarties. We made chocolate crispies also. This was followed by a party. We took some cakes home for our families. They all tasted delicious. We look forward to baking again soon!” By Lisa Doyle, Elizabeth Cunningham, Debbie Maughan 5 Class and Jessie Christie and Clodagh Hopkins 4 Class
Gymnastic Lessons
The children in 3 and 4 class learned some very interesting moves with Lorraine Cronin during the past term
Competition Results
Mini Connacht Dancing Feis:
This event took place on Sunday 27 of April in Leisure land, Galway. Aoife Niamh, Chloe, Sesfra and Clara from Ms Nolan’s room won numerous prizes
Mayo Safety Skills Cycle Competition
Scoil Íosa was the host to this competition on Thursday 29 May. Teams from 5 and 6 class took part.
Mayo Volunteer Art Competition
The following girls represented the school: Colleen Finnerty, Aoife Bonner, Niamh Bonner and Clara Hickey. 1 prize went to Colleen Finnerty, 3 prize to Aoife Bonner from Ms Nolan’s room and Runner up to:. Shannon Murphy from Ms Sheeran’s.room. The prizes were presented in Ballina Library on Wednesday 28 of May. Well Done Girls!
Traffic Warden Competition:
Traffic wardens from 5 and 6 class volunteer each year and are trained by Sergt. Tony Lavelle.
Tuesday’s team got 2place in the Traffic Warden Competition, held in Enniscrone on 28 of May. The captain was Tara Butler and the team members were Aoife and Niamh Bonner, Donna Conroy, Peggy Ann Knight and Karen Gilroy. The girls were presented with medals and a crest. Congratulations to everyone involved
A report by Lisa D and Caoimhe S
On the 28th of May we went to a traffic wardens competition in Enniscrone. There were five teams from our school with six people on each team. We were very nervous but it was fun too. All our teams worked well together and all deserved to win. It is very good to know that as a traffic warden you are helping people crossing the road safely. Being part of the Traffic Wardens is very interesting. Our Tuesday team came second place.
Conradh Na Gaeilge Results:
Comhghairdeas le gach duine as ucht paìirt a ghlacadh i Seachtaìin na Gaeilge 2008 Comórtas Ealaíne.
Goodbyes:
Good Bye to Cora and Catherine
The girls in Mrs Sheeran’s class were sad to see Cora and Catherine depart their class. Catherine spent four weeks on teaching practice in Mrs Sheeran’s room. The girls enjoyed having their help. They wish them both well.
Good bye Ms Burns:
Report from 1st Class
Ms Burns finished teaching us at the end of May. We did lots of fun things while she was here. Every time we look at ‘Busy Boots’, we think of her! Good luck Ms Burns!!
Good Bye to Sixth Class
Finally we wish our sixth class girls the best of luck as they prepare for the journey of second level education and beyond. Best wishes to you all.
Sixth Tear End of Year Mass
The end of year mass took place on Tuesday 24 of June. Fr. O Hora celebrated the mass. It was a wonderful evening, enjoyed by all the students and their parents and teachers
High Five from the then Minister for Education!
Mary Hanifin visited our school on 2 May and was greeted by the children and the teachers.
Messages from sixth class:
“The past eight years have been very enjoyable thanks to all our teachers and principals we have had through-out our years in Scoil Chroí Íosa and more recently in Scoil Íosa.

We would also like to thank everyone who has come into our school to experience different types of sports and activities.

The last school tour was very enjoyable, something we will never forget.

A special thanks to Philo, Paddy, Sr. Phyllis, Sr. Nancy, Mrs o’ Grady, Ms Leonard, Tina O’ Neill and all the teachers in the homework group for everything they have done for us through-out the years. Finally very special thanks to Ms Nolan who has taught us for the past three years and for putting up with us!! We will miss her dearly.

So from everyone in sixth class….. Slán” By Maria, Alana and Aoife

A Final Reflection from Colleen

Moving On
I remember when I walked in through the school door,
I was only about 5 or was it 4?
When I started at first I was very shy
But I became more confident as the weeks went by.

I learned a lot over the past eight years,
And now am sad as my time to go nears,
Theres a lot of friends in school I have made,
And will treasure all those memories so that they won’t fade.

I’ll move to secondary school next year,
But my heart and soul will still remain here,
I will miss this school, I really will,
But I must go on for I have a life to fulfill

Enjoy the Summer Holidays Everyone.

Let’s Hope the Sun Comes Out Soon!!!

See you all on 1st September.



A special Thank You To
The teachers
We would like to thank all the teachers who have taught us and helped us over the past eight years. They have taught us many things and we appreciate it immensely.

Other Staff
We would like to thank Paddy, Philo and all the other staff for all they have done for us. We’d also like to thank Sr. Phyllis for preparing us for feiseanna and helping us with our art.

Principal
We would like to thank our past Principals, Sr. Nancy, Ms Leonard and our current Principal Mrs O’ Grady. We appreciate all their guidance.

Finally all of the sixth class would like to say that we have greatly enjoyed primary school here in Scoil Íosa. We have had many, many good times here and we will never forget our primary school years.

We hope future pupils will leave Scoil Íosa with as many happy memories as we did. We will miss you all! By Seafra , Clara and Peggy-Ann

Calendar of Events:
April – June: Mongolian Children’s Appeal
4 April: The Bus
9 of April: First Confession
2 May: Minister for Education visits the school
27 April: Mini Connaght Dancing Feis
14-16 May: Royal Irish Academy of Music Exams
14 May: Open Day:
15May: Sports Day
17May: First Communion
19 May: Transition Programme for Sixth Class
22 May The Legend of the Golden Dragon
23 May First Holy Communion Party
23May Bishop Flemmimg visits the school
28 May Traffic Wardens Competition
28 May Mayo Volunteer Art Competition Prize Giving
29 May Mayo Cycle Safety Skills Competition
4 June: Planting Flowers
4 June: Sixth Class Retreat
6 June: Enrolment Open Day for Junior Infants
12, 13th, 18 21 June: School Tours
14 June: Confirmation
23 June: Football League Final
24 June Sixth Class End of Year Mass