This year each class designed their own flag. The flag is representative of them as a group this year. There was much discussion about the symbolism and the possible wording that would best represent their group. The following are examples. All of the flags can be seen in the main corridor and the corridor leading out to the yard. Congratulations to all of the classes as each design was unique and well designed.
Art is a very important subject in our school. We change our whole school theme in art every two months and class teachers also have their own programme of art for each of their classes. Art is a form of expression. It is also very thereputic. It is also great fun. We celebrate lots through art as is evident from some of the great art displays I noticed around the school this Halloween.
For the months of September and October we explored Frida Kahlo. Ms O’Riordan organised a wonderful display of her work and stories about her life throughout the main downstairs corridor of the school. The students loved Frida’s work and enjoyed greating similar works and portraits of Frida.
Now for the months of November and December we are exploring the life and work of Antonio Gaudi. The corridors now have pictures of amazing buildings designed by the artist and architect. There are drawings of plans for houses and textured samples on the walls. We will be encouraging the girls to look at buildings with a more acute eye, noticing shapes, materials, designs etc.. So if you are in town any day soon, encourage your daughter to look more carefully at the buildings in our city, the materials used to build them and the shape/size/purpose. The South Mall is a great street that has the old and the new or the many very modern buildings along the quays now. Who knows but these little observations and conversations may lead to an architect or artist in the family! Enjoy.
We enjoyed a great week of learning together, both the staff and the students, on the week of 22nd October 2019, Awareness Week.
We explored the strengths and challenges of those in our school community and in the greater community through student, staff and guest speakers.
We had a visit from the ‘Dogs for the Disabled’ at an assembly in the halla. Everybody was in awe of the tasks the dogs can do for their care. Our visiting dog was going to be an assistant to a little girl who has difficulty walking and the trainer explained to us the huge difference the dog will make to that little girl’s life. The trainer also shared other amazing stories.
We also tried to simulate for our student community how difficult it can be to be a learner in our country and not speak the English language. This experience was expertly led by our students.
Some members of staff who are experienced at sign language, shared their expertise with all of us and taught us to sign in this language. They also helped us to build an awareness of the importance of sign language for so many people in the greater community.
Other students shared their strengths and challenges with our community, in particular those who experience autism and dyslexia. These students helped all of us to better understand that which is different in their world at times. These students also helped some of their fellow students to comprehend that they are not alone and that it just brings a different angle to some aspects of the day in school. We also explored some medical conditions with the older children including epilepsy and asthma.
We had a final assembly on the Friday of this week. An amazing 5th class student, shared her story of her wonderful sister and living with the many needs her sister has. This story and the sharing of it, epitomised all that this week was about. It was an opportunity for sharing and opening each others eyes to the daily lives of others, encouraging us to support each other. I believe both the staff and students had a powerful week of learning during Awareness Week, a learning that will impact all of our lives forever. Sincere thanks to the team who put such hard work into organising the week.
As you are aware, our students have a great opportunity to pursue extra curricular interests after school at Scoil an Athar Maitiú, Togher GNS.
The activities range from keyboard, computers, chess, musical theatre, chess, lego, jigsaw, acticlub, dance etc. to mention but a few.
Children enjoy these activities after school and have an opportunity to make friends from other classes, enjoy a chosen activity in their own school and learn new skills.
We also have homework clubs for 3rd to 6th which gives our students an opportunity to complete their homework with the support of staff and in a quiet setting.
Gach coicís, bíonn gaeilgeoir coicíse i ngach rang. Bíonn na daltaí i Scoil an Athar Maitiú an-bhrodúil as an ngaeilge agus baineann siad taitneamh as labhairt na teanga timpeall na scoile.
We nominate a student in each class every fortnight who makes a great ‘iarracht’ to speak Irish around the school. The students are very proud of this award. We present them with their trophy at assembly on Friday.
A picture speaks a thousand words as you can see from the joy on their
faces in this picture.
Great to see all of our school community back in action today and ready for fun and learning. We welcome in particular the many new students who join us this year both in Junior Infants and other class levels. Most importantly we wish every member of our community, both staff and students, a very happy and fulfilling 2019/20.
Congratulations to the Cork u 16 Camogie Team who won their All Ireland title. The team included 4 Barr ladies. We look forward to the visit of the cup to our school soon.
Our after school programme will begin on the week of 9th September. Keep a close eye out for the after school menu that will be distributed next week. We have additional activities this year which will include musical keyboard, an opportunity to achieve different grades in playing keyboard,, a coding after school programme for those who are interested in computers and many old favourites, including chess, acticlub, fine artists to name but few.
A reminder to all parents and guardians, that there is the availability of an after school childcare provision here this year which will be provided by Kids Inc. This care is available from 1.30 for Junior and Senior infants and from 2.30 for 1st to 6th until 6.30 p.m each day of the week. The cost of this child care system is available from our school office if you are interested in availing of this. The hours you avail of will depend on your own needs for childcare and cost accordingly. Pop into our school office for further information.