The Senior Classroom
Approaching Christmas 2022
A Famine Village,
Snowmen from Socks,
Practising for the School Play... "Don't Be Afraid!"
Christmas Table Centres
Halloween Fun
Halloween Dress Up is always fun!
We show off our Projects on United States of America.
We had a visit from Norah's Granny who lives in Ohio...
Book Sculpture
I have dreamed of trying this craft for a long time in my class and finally it has happened........ thanks to a very short lesson from Mairéad Saunders, Crafter and Tutor, at the National Ploughing Match!
Autumn reminds me of the beautiful creature.... a hedgehog!
Books folded into our own classroom hedgehogs.
Mairéad, I hope we did you proud!
New Year....2022/2023
We welcomed in a new school and studied "Line" in Art. We searched for different lines in our environment - in our school playground and in the village of Collooney. Collages of their drawings displayed our findings.
" I am the only one..." posters portray our individuality!
In Drama, we had fun creating "THE GREEN PEOPLE"! We read our poems to the class.
Op Art lessons were fun as we studied artist, Brigid Riley.
Summer Term 2022
This term we had a visit from Co. Sligo Fire Brigade. They displayed their uniform and we were enthralled to see the different aspects of it. We became aware of how dangerous it is as a profession and we were urged to keep our homes fire safe.
We planted nasturtium seeds. They are a very easy seed to grow and we had great success.
We studied World War 1 as an event that coincided with the Easter Rising of 1916. We enjoyed reading the novel "Guns of Easter" by Gerard Whelan. In groups we created Wall Hangings with the brief...Include the G.P.O..
We enjoyed a trip to Lough Arrow where we studied the mini beasts and creatures of the lake. We learned how to recognise healthy, clean water.
Our school tour took us to the Let's Go camp in the Knocknarea Arena, Sligo. A very busy, active day with various activities.... bungee jumping, archery,team building games, go karting but the favourite had to be the numerous bouncy castles.
Local Studies included a visit and presentation from a local vet, Peter Bowen Walshe.He is passionate about the history of our local railways. We used to have three railways in Collooney. Mary Cooper from Markree Wool Craft also visited us. She brought the journey of wool - from sheep to jumper - alive to us by explaining and demonstrating the different processes involved... shearing the sheep, washing the wool, carding, spinning, felting and knitting. Well worth a visit to her display in the Craft Shop in Lyons', Sligo. Of course, Mary is Norah's Grandmother.
Ms. Williams, our substitute teacher treated us to an ice cream party. What a surprise!
EASTER 2022
Designing a commemorative badge to celebrate Volunteering during the Pandemic. March 2022
Decoupage
FLower pots planted up with Parsley seeds for Mother's Day!
St Patrick's Day
Fairtrade..
We studied how farming in another part of the world differs from ours. We joined a Fairtrade Zoom on Chocolate and learned how to really enjoy a bar of chocolate. It is essential that we support Fair trade if the cocoa farmers are to get a fair price. We looked at Child Labour within the industry and we were challenged.
17 Global Goals of Sustainable Development
As part of our work for our green Flag we looked at the 17 Goals for Sustainable Development. We brainstormed as to what the problems in the world are today. We thought of Superpowers that we could use to try to fix the problems. It was enlightening to study this topic.
The Magic Bucket Experiment
This experiment urged us to think as scientists and investigate. Why did green water turn colourless? Why did red water turn colourless? We drew pictures of what we thought was happening with in the bucket!
Chinese New Year
For our non European country we studied China and we can make so many comparisons with our own country. Tuesday, February 1st 2022 heralded the Year of the Tiger. We celebrated by making Tiger Corner Bookmarks.
Habitats
Our study of different habitats around the world led to us moulding our favourite animal in clay.
Christmas Table Centres
The weather did not deter our efforts to create our Annual Table Centres. We responded enthusiastically to Teacher's request for greenery! We were very pleased with our results!
Christmas Art
Zoom Meeting with Anne Hogan from DSPCA
Pupils enjoyed a talk from Anne outlining the steps that the DSPCA take to protect animals and their welfare. Dog Playdates provoked much enthusiasm among us!
Cross Stitch Lessons
Science Week 2021
Much excitement in the classroom as we took delivery of our Science boxes from Science Foundation Ireland. We studied Acids and Bases for the week. We made our own PH indicator scale, a colour changing volcano, used litmus paper and launched one successful rocket.
A great week of fun!
Describe your image
Describe your image
Describe your image
Entries to ESB Competition
Halloween Silhouettes
Describe your image
Describe your image
Describe your image
Describe your image
History Of Education /St Paul's National School
In History we studied the development of Education in Ireland. We focused on our own school and its history. We revisited a project completed by a previous class.
Then we interviewed our grandparents/parents about their memories of school
Stories from Poland, America, England, Czech Republic, Wales, Ireland..... a great read!
Describe your image
Describe your image
Describe your image
Describe your image
Art Trail
The 300th year Anniversary of St. Paul's Church was the catalyst for an "Art Trail" in our neighbouring church. Sligo Grammar School students studied the church and created some eye catching batik wall hangings of their impression of the building.
We were delighted to view them and try to find their initial source of interest in the church.
Everyone chose their favourite one and we tried to recreate it. Many of us were inspired to take Art as a subject in Secondary School.
Blackberry Picking
" Blackberry Picking" by Seamus Heaney was the inspiration behind our Still Life of blackberries. We enjoyed reading of his childhood memories foraging for berries and appreciated his beautiful pictures of the natural world. Pupils confirm that it is still a very valued activity in family life today.
September 2021
We welcomed new pupils into the Senior Room and they completed some beautiful art work displaying their names. Each picture tells us about the owner's personality and interests. Very Informative!
Farewell to our 6th Class 2021
June 22nd dawned dry and bright as we set about organising this year's venue for our Farewell Service - the basketball court! Farewell Service - Covid Style!
This didn't dampen the enthusiasm of our three pupils as they were very excited about the plans for the day. Canon Andrew conducted a lovely service and spoke of this extremely unusual year which they will be recounting in years to come, to their children! A History lesson in the making. Mrs Bourke asked them to compare themselves to pencils and encouraged them to become the best person they could be. Aisling, Peter and Ruby shared their dreams for their future. Three of the 5th Class pupils paid tributes to each of them and wished them well in the future. The long anticipated hoodies were distributed!
There followed delicious cake, baked by our expert Mrs. McNulty. In the afternoon, another surprise of pizza for 5th and 6th Classes followed by Biscuit cake and Mars Bars Krispies, again supplied by Mrs. McNulty.
We wish all three happiness and good health as they transition to three different secondary schools. At St. Paul's we will always be glad to hear of their many adventures and achievements.
Markree Castle
Our local History project this year brought us to our neighbouring Markree Castle. Situated on a 550- acre estate, it was the ancestral home of the Cooper family and today is a small family run hotel.
Our Teaching Practice student, Ms Clarke guided us through many aspects of the life and history of the castle. They included a map of the hinterland, a floor plan of the building, its history, the Coopers as landlords, E. J. himself, the Observatory, the Weather Station and of course, Pippa!
We enthusiastically set about creating projects in groups and culminated in three very fine models of the Castle.
We learned about Crook village, where many of the workers on the estate lived and we were encouraged to investigate its remains if anyone was keen for a bit of exploring!
Letter writing and diary entries completed our activity.
Thank you, Ms Clarke. We thoroughly enjoyed the project and we are very proud of our castles!
Where do we start?
Learning through Kahoot!
Coming on!
Pulling the project together
Diary entries!
Some Hallowe'en Treats
Our Fruit Solar System
During October we had a look at our wonderful Solar System, through the study of fruit. We had fun as we predicted which fruit represented which planet and the order in which they orbit the sun. We compared the size of the sun to three large opened umbrellas. We learned which planets are gaseous and which are terrestrial. We each chose a favourite planet to research.
Will we ever look at a watermelon, a peppercorn, an apple, a cherry tomato, an orange, a grapefruit or a blueberry without thinking of a planet????!!
The Digestive System
What a wonderful body we have!
We enjoyed learning about the journey of our food ... from ingestion to excretion!!
"The Munch Ride" is such an amazing description of this process.
Describe your image
Animal Camouflage
The Senior Room got involved in a STEM project entitled "Animal Camouflage". The project required them to:
1. Research animals that use camouflage
2. Make a 3D model of one such animal
3. Create/Paint a habitat for this animal
They enjoyed researching the animal of their choice, using clay to model it and constructing/creating the habitat.
I hope you agree they did a great job!
Digging the Potatoes!
Here we are on the 18th September digging the potatoes in our raised beds that a parent had planted in early Lockdown. Garlic was also harvested and produced a great smell in the classroom!!
Valentine Love Bugs
In February, Jonah our Spelling Bee Champion represented us at the County Final in Rathcormac N.S..
Line dancing to "Cotton Eyed Joe"
January Display Board... Local Chip shop....
What materials keep our take aways warm?
Reading Tree Update....January
Work Experience and Christmas Art
Hannah, a past pupil joined us in December for work experience. it was great to have her help with Christmas Art. Snowmen from socks and our now annual Christmas Table Centres. Thank you Hannah for choosing to do your work experience with us.
Local History Project
During November we looked at a local project on our neighbouring church, St. Paul's. Local conservation architect, Wendy Lyons gave us a conducted tour of the building. She outlined its history and the children listened enthralled.
We completed a project on it which may be displayed in the church when it celebrates its 300th anniversary in 2020.
Our Perky Penguins
Penguins from Papier Mache. Layers and layers of newspaper and glue. Sticky fingers and fun! Soon, the finished product.
Halloween Fun
Our Reading Tree
Our Reading Tree occupies an integral part of our classroom. A Reader's Notebook (Scholastic) encourages us to set individual reading goals per month, choose books to read, keep a record of books read, become familiar with reading genres and above all spend time enjoying books.
Each leaf is a book read!
Some of us have our own branches!
Keep an eye out as the year progresses and leaves grow!
Rock Pooling at Strandhill
On Friday, 11th October we had the privilege of going to Strandhill again to rock pool under the tutorage of David from Marine Institute Ireland. On Thursday it had poured at school but Friday morning dawned bright and dry even if a little chilly! David directed our investigations as we got our hands wet but thankfully not our feet! Crabs, jellyfish, shells , eels caught our attention! We replaced anything we disturbed and finished off with a tower building competition. Thank you David, we had a great morning...one to remember!
Swimming Classses
Swimming classes in the Regional Sports Centre are such fun at the beginning of the year . All too soon the seven weeks are over!
New classroom, old friendships renewed
Ice Breakers as we introduce ourselves to our new classmates in the first days
of our new school year, 2019-2020
Christmas Craft
The Christmas Toy Story
December the 16th was the day when our Christmas Nativity Play was performed. 'The Christmas Toy Story' captivated a packed church and gave a new take on the real meaning of Christmas from the point of view of the toys themselves this time". The 50 minute show was thoroughly enjoyed by the large cast of 50+ pupils and the feedback was appreciative.
World War 1
In November, in conjunction with the Centenary of the signing of the signing of the Armistice, we completed a wonderful project on World War 1. Stories, letters, pictures, memories, all were included. Well done, children.
Presidential Election
We held our own Presidential Election and guess who won? Correct! Michael D. Higgins.
Halloween
Halloween fun included dressing up and art...
"Bridges"
In October we completed work on the theme of Bridges! We visited our local bridge in Collooney, studied the structure of it, and captured it in a drawing. We investigated different bridge structures (e.g. arch, bean, truss and suspension) in science and looked at pictures of local bridges and more famous international ones. Thank you to Gary Salter from Sligo County Council who supplied us with a fascinating calendar depicting many bridges in our county.
Seashore Safari at Standhill
David Horken from Marine Institute Ireland talked to us about all the adventures one could have while rock pooling, at the beach. On 26th September, we set off to investigate what we could find. We found the following - crabs, limpets, anemones, shells, eels, seaweed & jellyfish. The adventures concluded with a game of building "Rock Towers". Rachel won!! Thank you David. One pupil said of the day "It was the best 3 Euro I ever spent!". The bus fare was 3 Euro!
Making a wormery
We had fun creating two wormeries, one for fifth and one for sixth. Somehow the sixth class one had many more worms! I wonder why?
The Ancient Egyptians
Studying this Ancient Civilisation resulted in a challenge for the students Make a Model to Demonstrate the Anciennt Egyptian Burial Process.
Design a test to see which materials keep their heat the longest?
Make it a FAIR test!
How? By changing only one thing each time.
Experiment included predicting and writing it up as procedural writing.
Two groups.....senior room boys and senior room girls.
January Rainfall in Collooney
Ever wondered does it rain more in Collooney than anywhere else? In January we took weather as a topic in Geography and we looked at all the different instruments involved in recording our weather. We created our own individual rain guages. All set to compare rainfall in Collooney, Ballymote, Sooey, Curry etc.......
Milling in Collooney
A local History Project on Milling in Collooney in the 1800's unearthed the story of it being to the forefront of industry at this time. What we thought was the history of one Mill turned out to be four Mills! Studies followed on the Abbey Mill, the Linen Mill, the Corn Mill and the Woollen Mill and they culminated in an informative 3D model and information display. Our thanks go to Wendy Lyons who shared our vast knowledge of this story. The model found a home for public display in the present day local shop of J.R. McKim. This was very appropriate as this building housed the original Market House where trading of linen had taken place. Thank you, John.
Art exhibition
The Senior and Middle Rooms had the opportunity to take part in an exhibition tour and workshop in Hyde Bridge. Abstract art! Thank you to Karen and Marcella who guided us through the event. The gallery in The Yeat's Building is well worth a visit.
Rev. Ison & New Zealand
A trip to new Zealand!
Seasoned traveller, Rev. Andrew Ison shared a powerpoint with us on his adventure in this exciting country during the summer of 2017. There followed a study on this magnificent country.
Halloween Fun
This term's baking event took on a Halloween theme. Thankfully none of the children were scared by anything they made.
Hip Hop Lesson
The second half of the term saw the children being taught to Hip hop dance! Not quite 'Dancing with the Stars' but our efforts at Hip Hop would have scored 9 9 9!
The Famine
The Humble Potato!
"Teacher, what have potatoes got to do with the famine?" asked one pupil. By the end of our study, he had found his answer!
Potatoes, The Famine, the novel "Under the Hawthorn Tree" and home made vegetable soup in school.... Have we a cookery book in the making?
Christmas Decorations
Hopefully the Christmas Day tables of Collooney, Ballisadare, Ballymote, Sooey, Drumfin, Ballygawley and Curry were adorned with these wonderful table centres!
The Digestive System
Our first science lesson of the new school year was nicknamed ''The Munch Ride''. The pupils discovered what happens to the food they eat and some felt a bit nauseated at the story! Some life size models resulted from this work.
Storyboards
We looked at the poem ''Pleasant Sounds'' and created Storyboards based on it.
''Sunflowers'' by Vincent Van Gogh
How did the sunflower get on over the summer? One returned, fully grown in all its glory!! Well done, Maedbh....
Following this, we studied the life of artist Vincent Van Gogh, with special reference to his painting ''Sunflowers''. We sketched some pictures from memory and created an art gallery of sunflower paintings in our classroom.
"How long before I ban fidget spinners?"
asks Mrs. Bourke
The latest craze to hit Irish classrooms - the Fidget Spinner! We looked at the origins of this latest craze, how they work, some of their uses, and then we set about designing our own fidget spinner.
We used a template from 'twinkl.co.uk' produced on a light card using cocktail sticks, 3 x 2c coins and colours.
How can we improve our designs? Evaluation of our finished products led us to the following conclusions:
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Use stronger card
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Use 1c coins instead of 2c coins
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Use very strong glue and allow time to dry properly
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Do not use the coins at all
A wooden fidget spinner was created - that's a new one!
Re-potting of Sunflowers
Our sunflower seeds grew very quickly so we had to do some re-potting. We are looking forward to the result of our efforts.
Who will have the tallest sunflower?!!
Poetry Day Ireland - 27th April
We celebrated Poetry Day Ireland by studying the poem "Louder than a Clap of Thunder" by Jack Prelutsky. We then created our own poems. We also looked "The Sound Collector" by Rodger McGough.
Show & Tell
As part of our Discover Science & Maths Award application we presented a series of science experiments to the whole school. There were many exciting experiments such as 'How plants drink water,' and 'How a volcano erupts,' to name a few. It was great to see the pupils display such confidence and skill in giving presentations. The rest of the children benefited greatly from this event.
Marine Biologist
Dorothy Ellen Kitchin, a scientist with the Marine Institute of Ireland conducted two ocean workshops with us. We looked at why the ocean is important to us and then studied problems of marine litter. So we then created a simple but effective mural on saving the seas.
Ms. Kitchin presented us with certificates. Thank you to Dorothy for this informative and enjoyable workshop.
The Whisper of the Bees
We enjoyed an art workshop with artists Jo Lewis and Kiera O'Toole, as part of the Primary Colours arts education programme, funded and run by Sligo County Council Arts Service.
The workshop was based on a local exhibition in Hyde Bridge Gallery, entitled "The Whisper of the Bees" by Heidi Wickham. Heidi herself is a bee keeper and we gain some insight into her bee keeping. We worked in groups creating textured honeycombs and then individually used charcoal to draw our own bees. We thoroughly enjoyed working with Keira and Jo and were delighted to be part of this project.
World War 2
We have been finding out about World War 2 over the past few weeks. We studied the reasons for the War,created a timeline, followed the progression of the War, wrote a letter as an evacuee from the Blitz, designed a propaganda poster, learned about The Holocaust and created a diary entry as Anne Frank on the day she left her home to go into hiding at her Father's warehouse. As a visual interpretation of happenings in the War, clay was used. The topic concluded with a scrapbook project and pupils chose individual aspects on which to focus.
