Term 3

First Class have been busy learning about sunflowers. We discussed the life cycle of the sunflower. We planted seeds and observed them growing. We learned all about the different parts of the plant and their functions. We explored paintings based on the sunflower and created our own works of art. 

We also were learning about materials. We explored how they felt, what they looked like and what they are used for. We used a variety of materials to create some magical creatures. 

We have been learning about the history of Athlone. Working as historians, we have been comparing photos from now and long ago.

Term 3

Second class were very busy preparing for our First Holy Communion. We finally had our big day out on May 14th. We learned lots of prayers and many of our classmates read the prayers of the faithful, the readings and the communion reflection. Afterwards, we got a photo taken in the church and came back to the school to meet our friends in the hall.

As part of our SESE, we have been learning about the hedgerow and completed a Scavenger Hunt around the school yard. We have also been discussing the importance of ‘Road Safety’ around our school and had a poster competition in class.

Term 3

In 3rd class, we have been busy learning about the amazing Irish explorer, Tom Crean. We used pastel and pencils to shade in his features to create texture in the drawing. In Gaeilge, we were learning about the weather. We created thunder and lightning silhouettes using paint and sponges. 

We talked about the importance of staying safe on the roads and discussed the importance of the ‘Safe Cross Code’ 

During the month of May, we celebrate Our Lady. We set up a May altar in our classroom. We talked through a Powerpoint and coloured in a stained glass picture of Our Lady.

Term 3

In 4th class we have really enjoyed participating in STEAM. We brainstormed the possible solutions/ alternatives to fuel-powered vehicles. Next we sketched ideas and then made sustainable boats. We tested the buoyancy of the boats in the water before making any changes. 

We have been learning about Ireland in the 18th Century in History. We wrote about the Penal Laws and the life and achievements of Daniel O’Connell.

We painted beautiful summer meadows in Art. We used a range of different items to paint such as pipe cleaners, lollipop sticks and our fingers for the flowers. 

We participated in a scavenger hunt in PE as part of our outdoor and adventure strand. It was great fun!

Sixth Class-Term 1 2023

6th class have had a fantastic first term. We recently took part in Maths Week and invited Senior Infants and First Class to our classroom where we played maths games, which we had created, with them. We also created some fabulous Halloween art pieces during our Arts and Craft Day. We are interviewing our grandparents for a history project, which we will complete before Christmas. We learned about the Titanic and took part in history trails with Martin Curley, who took us to visit the laneway at the back of the school in September for Hedgerow Week and to Meehambee Dolmen in October on a history tour. We had an Anti-Bullying Internet Safety Zoom and a local Community Garda called Linda came to speak to us about Halloween Safety. We have also been enjoying our novels The Terrible Thing That Happened to Barnaby Brocket, Goodnight Mr. Tom and A Dangerous Crossing. The local secondary schools paid us a visit and we have been to the open days. Mrs. O’Rourke has taken us for weekly singing lessons and has also visited the classes for Gaeilge o bheal. We have begun preparation for our Confirmation, which will take place on April 18th.  Overall, term one has been a busy but productive one!

Catholic Schools Week

We celebrated Catholic Schools Week from Jan 24th-28th. We began with a prayer service with Mrs O Rourke and Ms Kelly introduced the programme each morning with a thought for the day. All classes partook in various activities which focused on the Catholic ethos which permeates our school. Children were afforded an opportunity to reflect on the theme for this week which was “Living Life to the Full”. We also remembered all those close to us who have died by creating a “Tree of Remembrance”. 

2nd and 6th classes are preparing to receive the sacraments of Reconciliation, First Communion and Confirmation so we remember them in a special way in our thoughts and prayers this year.

Sports Activities

Active Flag 

Cloonakilla Champions League is currently taking place. Classes from downstairs were paired with a class from upstairs during a recent Zoom draw. They are working together to be as active as they can to win the first ever such competition here at Cloonakilla. Winners will be announced on February 23rd!

Gaelic coaching has commenced with Alan Fitzpatrick from Clann na nGael for 4th, 5th & 6th classes for a block of 4 weeks. All other classes will receive coaching in the coming months.

We would like to acknowledge all sporting success in our school. If your child participates in competitions outside of school in any discipline please send or email in their photo for our ASF board.

Term 2 Senior Infants

This term Senior Infants enjoyed the Aistear themes of “School”, “Shopping” and “Jack and the Beanstalk.” The children engaged in role-play as teachers and pupils. They designed school bags and, in Small World, they created Jack’s house, the beanstalk and the Giant’s castle.

The children loved learning about our country, Ireland, and Italy. They learned many interesting facts about Italy. They created their own Italian bunting. 

We are focusing on the seasons, in particular, the season of Spring. The children painted beautiful bluebells.  They created seasonal trees by finger painting on leaves.

The children are engaging very well in Literacy Lift Off and are enjoying reading different books each day.

Term 1- Sixth Class 23/24

6th class have had a fantastic first term. We recently took part in Maths Week and invited Senior Infants and First Class to our classroom where we played maths games, which we had created, with them. We also created some fabulous Halloween art pieces during our Arts and Craft Day. We are interviewing our grandparents for a history project, which we will complete before Christmas. We learned about the Titanic and took part in history trails with Martin Curley, who took us to visit the laneway at the back of the school in September for Hedgerow Week and to Meehambee Dolmen in October on a history tour. We had an Anti-Bullying Internet Safety Zoom and a local Community Garda called Linda came to speak to us about Halloween Safety. We have also been enjoying our novels The Terrible Thing That Happened to Barnaby Brocket, Goodnight Mr. Tom and A Dangerous Crossing. The local secondary schools paid us a visit and we have been to the open days. Mrs. O’Rourke has taken us for weekly singing lessons and has also visited the classes for Gaeilge o bheal. We have begun preparation for our Confirmation, which will take place on April 18th.  Overall, term one has been a busy but productive one!