TECHNO Workshop
Parent Edras volunteered to come to 5th class in room 11 to conduct a 4 week workshop in March as part of the Techno programme. It was most beneficial and provided pupils with information on the past in the area of computer science. It also equipped them with skills on how best to protect themselves in the online world regarding clever passwords. A huge thank you to Edras!
Here at Cloonakilla NS we have our very own “Tech Team” comprised of selected pupils from 4 th -6 th classes. They are very helpful and assist in the day-to-day management and distribution of our devices. They also ensure that devices are stored and charged correctly within classrooms and report back when procedures are not being followed! Recently, we purchased another 16 new iPads. They are timetabled and used in all classes to enhance teaching and learning in all subject areas. Pupils have reported that they thoroughly enjoy using iPads and find them very beneficial
for project research or consolidating maths skills and concepts through the use of games. We have also recently received a very generous donation of $1000 from Tom Keane through the Irish American Partnership. We purchased two more additional Samsung tablets and wireless headphones for our school library. Pupils have reported loving these resources during their weekly library slot.
All classes from 2nd upwards use the online Spellings for Me Programme for testing on a monthly basis. The Lexia Programme is another online programme that pupils use on a daily basis in our school. Touch typing is also conducted
with small groups of pupils who require assistive technology.
Classes also regularly participate in online zoom calls run in conjunction with Education Centres in Ireland & committees within our school. Workshops can vary in topic from meeting a mindfulness expert to perhaps online maths quizzes. They provide an opportunity to communicate with other schools in a safe forum and within the safety of our classrooms. A huge well done to the current Wellbeing Committee, Coiste Gaelbhratach and Tech Team who have all hosted events such as Kahoot and Blooket through the platform of Zoom to the
whole school. They were most impressive hosts and navigated their way throughthe use of multiple technologies with ease. Well done!
Please feel free to visit our school website to catch up on recent events. https://www.cloonakillans.com/
We would encourage you as parents to monitor and restrict your child’s usage of the online world. While it’s educational to spend time on screens, remember that human interaction is even more important for our well-being.
Do you have any ICT knowledge that you feel would be of benefit to our school community and would like to share with us? If so, please contact Ms.Cunniffe at her class email: cloonakillans5th@gmail.com
World Book Day Blooket & Kahoot
On Thursday March 5th , Tech Team members Lauryn, Lara & Sarah very ably presented a Blooket & Kahoot for 3rd to 6th classes. They had a few books to discuss that belonged to a few of the staff where pupils guessed which of the teachers might read that type of book. It was fun and the girls also shared a few facts on WBD. Well done to all of them for being so capable and enthusiastic whilst on screen!!
Making Use of ICT in Cloonakilla
The Coiste Gaelbhratach hold a Kahoot or Blooket monthly to not only increase our vocabulary in Irish but to become more tech savvy. Laptops and ipads are distributed throughout the school to classes to get involved. It’s really fun and we are definitely getting quicker at getting logged in with our PIN numbers!!
Blooket Time
On Friday 12th December, the Tech Team held their very first Blooket style quiz. It went down a treat and all classes got to participate at some point of the day. The theme was Christmas inspired to tie in with our Annual Advent Calendar which also featured spot prizes for members of staff on that day. Fourth class girls Ellie, Zoe, Aanvi & Cara ably presented the quiz to the junior classes through the medium of Kahoot. They even sang everyone out with a lively version of Jingle Bells!! Andrea & Sophie then took on the task of presenting to 3rd-6th classes. They too, were excellent! Well done to all.
Earlier this month, pupils from 4th, 5th & 6th classes were asked to write a letter of application to state reasons why they felt they should be given a position on this year’s “Tech Team”. There were superb entries but in the end, here are the worthy winners.
Mr.O’ Hogains 6th class
Emma Kelly
Emily Dolan
Aoibhinn Mc Gowan
Sophie O Brien
Mr. Connolly’s 6th Class
Conor Keegan
Lara Mc Donagh
Sarah Noone
Lauryn Dully
Ms.Cunniffe’s 5th Class
Tom Lynam
Andrea Alves Passos
Ms.Dowling’s 5th Class
Safiye Connolly
Kayleigh Lynch
Mr. Kilbride’s 4th Class
Carah Robinson
Ellie Doran
Ms.Gallagher’s 4th Class
Zoe Mc Veigh
Aanvi
They are busy updating laptops, allocating distribution sheets, ensuring devices are always charged and taking care of equipment. They also aid teachers when distributing ipads etc.They are looking forward to hosting a Kahoot quiz to mark STEM Week in mid November and are creating their very own questions around the topics of science and maths within our school for both junior and senior classes.
Meet out new “Tech Team”
There was great news for Cloonakilla Ns this term when we were announced as recipients of a €1000 grant from RISE in partnership with National Broadband Ireland. This will give us a valuable boost to investing in new technology. The RISE Community Fund , established by NBI Chairman David McCourt , has already supported over 140 rural organisations nationwide, empowering communities with the tools they need to thrive in the digital age. We had a very exciting morning on March 25th before heading off to sing at our school’s Confirmation. 5th class and members of our Tech Team got to meet with David McCourt and his team for photos and videos for the press release. The pupils were naturals and took it all in their strides! We look forward to purchasing two tablets to provide audio books and a C Pen to enable those with reading difficulties to access text easily.
Meet our fantastic Tech Team ! They assist and are responsible for the smooth running of our laptops and iPads. They are all so helpful and enthusiastic. We are so grateful to them for carrying out their duties.
In September, pupils interested in joining the IT or now better known as the Tech Team wrote letters of application stating why they should be on the team. They were encouraged to demonstrate key characteristics needed to work as part of a team. Their role is to help out in the daily monitoring of laptops and iPads throughout the school. They are very helpful and responsible when carrying out duties.
