Annie Junior a Top Success.
There was top class entertainment at Scoil Mhuire this month as the much awaited production of Annie Junior took to the stage. The cast and production team of Annie Junior have been actively preparing this since auditions took place in January. Songs were practised and perfected, dance routines were choreographed, lines were learned, children tirelessly stayed back after school. Set was designed and created, props were gathered. costumes were made. Sound and lighting were perfected. Ms. McCloskey, Ms Lake and Mr De Paor decided months ago that this would be top class show. Each participant brought their A game to the stage. Five performances in total. Two matinees were attended by the local schools. There was a full house for the three nights and audiences rose to their feet to show their appreciation for this worthy spectacle. Most of the school staff had an involvement in this. This was a most memorable experience for the children, many of whom were sad to see it finish. The children are to be congratulated for participating in such a large project and doing so in such a professional way.
West Waterford Athletics Western Final.
We were delighted when the Western Final Primary School Sports took place in St. Augustine’s on a beautiful summer’s evening. 45 athletes from Scoil Mhuire competed. 11 relays and 13 individual events in total. All competed to their best on the night and Scoil Mhuire brought home many medals. Jarlath achieved gold in both the u12 sprint and long distance, Eve struck gold in the over 12 girls sprint. Our relays had a marvellous success with a silver medal for the boys under 8 (well done Finn, Jamie, Oliver and Ahmed). Silver for u9 girls (Maith sibh Ciara, Phoebe, Caoimhe and Owesta). Gold for the u11 girls relay (Well done Orla, Laura O’ N, Laura E and Grace) Gold for u12 boys relay (Super running from Jarlath, Malachy, Ronan and Sam.) Silver for over 12 boys relay, (well done Eoghan, Hayden, Gary and Tom) and bronze for over 12 girls’ relay team of Eve, Ellie, Laura D and Katie Mae. Well done to all athletes who participated on both nights.
School Tours.
May and June have been exciting months for school tours. Junior Infants loved the World of Bounce and open farm, Seniors had a blast at Ardmore Open Farm, Réalta had a brilliant time at the Fire Station, First and Second were amazing at Activate,, 3rd class were very keen on Kingfisher Club , 4th class learned it all at Fota Wildlife Park, 5th class were put through their paces at Fota Island Adventures and 6th class tried everything at the Kingfisher Club. All teachers reported tired children on the bus home. Many lucky classes enjoyed some local studies around the school such as beach trips, the Moresby Buoy and Grave, and Dungarvan Museum. All classes have had a day of seashore studies with Tina from Heritage in schools.
Picking Potatoes.
Ms E. Looby did a wonderful job with the green fingered children of 5th class. Seed potatoes were planted back in March. These were carefully monitored and last week some of the 5th class dug the potatoes. Thanks to Tony and Ms. Looby these were cooked at school and simply nobody refused freshly steamed and buttered new potatoes. Yum.
Amber Flag.
On a lovely June morning we raised our Amber Flag, which was awarded to us by Pieta House for promoting positive mental health within our school.
A number of initiatives were implemented over the past 6 months, including our Weaving Wellbeing Programme, Wellness Library, our hugely successful Pieta House Fundraiser, Yoga sessions, the implementation of the Bí Cineálta Anti bullying Programme and Safer Internet Day.
We’re very grateful to our student wellness committee under the guidance of Mr. Pattwell and Ms Miller for all their hard work.
Science Foundation of Ireland Curious Minds Award.
Here at Scoil Mhuire, we all love investigating and promoting the STEM subjects, (Science, technology, engineering and maths.) This year we again applied for the Gold Award for excellence in Science. Mrs. Barry submitted a specific account of our work and a log of evidence to prove our commitment to this ever important area. To our joy the SFI informed us that we were successful and we received an individual report remarking positively on our work. The minister for Further and Higher Education, Research and Innovation and Science, James Lawless TD has mentioned us in the media recently.
Farewell to our 6th Class 2025.
As the month of June draws to a close our 6th class pupils prepare to spend their final days with us. They enjoyed many sociable events in their final weeks. Tour, sports day, pitch and putt to name a few. On Friday June 20th a Graduation Mass was celebrated in the school hall. Fr Hassett spoke some inspiring words to the boys and girls as they take the next step in their educational journey. The Parents Association kindly purchased a personal t shirt for the 6th class to enjoy. We have fond memories of these boys and girls who have achieved a great deal in their 8 years with us. We would like to thank them for their contribution to Scoil Mhuire and wish them the very best in their chosen secondary school.
Retirement of Mrs. McGrath.
Our esteemed colleague Mrs. Sheelagh McGrath decided to retire this June following a 40 year career in teaching. She is a gifted professional who bestowed a wealth of learning on all pupils that she worked with. Thirty of her years were spent at Scoil Mhuire. Mrs. Mcgrath was a mainstream class teacher for much of her career and then ventured into teaching of EAL (English as an Additional language.) Mrs. Mcgrath shared her talents for language, visual arts, music, drama, nature, quizzes, international studies and much more. She endeared herself to pupils, teachers and parents of Scoil Mhuire. She will be dearly missed by all of us and we wish her heartiest congratulations and every success in her retirement. Pictured is Mrs. Mcgrath with Mr. De Paor and representatives of the Parents Association who marked her retirement with a special presentation.
