In June last year we welcomed a group of teachers from across Northern Ireland and Nepal to St Mary’s. Whilst visiting with us they took part in training in the United Nation’s, SDG’s- the Sustainable Development Goals and the Google suite of Apps for education. During the visit British Council interviewed the teachers and created a short video which is now used for promoting Connecting Classrooms’ Projects with other schools. We have added the link below for you to view… you may recognise a few faces…
P5 are looking forward to a busy couple of days, as they begin their “Goat Project”. They will be welcoming as part of the project, staff and pupils from Dromintee PS and Mulranny National School, Co. Mayo.
Taking inspiration from our shared heritage, the herd of ancient wild goats, which can be found on the slopes of Slieve Gullion and other mountains here in the Ring of Gullion, as well as in Mulranny, pupils will be engaging in a range of activities. At one time South Armagh was known as the “Goat Droving Capital of Ireland” and the “Goat Men of South Armagh” were central to the Irish travelling herd trade, taking goats from the West and exporting to England and beyond.
Over the next couple of days, pupils will have the opportunity to work together alongside, professionals in the fields of ICT and Art: creating films, building virtual replicas of their villages and creating art works through the mediums of glass and felting.
So, if you see the Mayo flag, flying over school tomorrow, you will know it is to welcome our guests from the West who will be staying in Ti Chulainn over the next few nights. We hope they enjoy their first visit to St. Mary’s and South Armagh.
Following from my recent trip to Prague at the start of June, I am delighted to announce that our Nursery is eTwinned with a Kindergarten in Norway. The Scandinavian approach to play is extremely interesting and I’m really looking forward to introducing new ideas that I have learnt from our Norwegian friends and to continue developing our project. It is an honour to be part of the exciting eTwinning network.
Thank you for all the well wishes that I received on the school’s Facebook page, it meant a lot and showing it to other participants they all commented on what a supportive school community we have.
Nineteen teams from thirteen different schools took part in the South Armagh heat of the 2019 Cumann na mBunscol Armagh Quiz in Silverbridge GAA clubrooms this morning. After ten rounds, St Malachy’s PS Camlough ran out winners on 53pts. Runners-up were the children from St Patrick’s PS Cullyhanna (51pts) and in third place was St Patrick’s PS Crossmaglen on 50pts. When the results are collated with the north and south region, the top two teams from the county will progress to the provincial final. Well done to our own team from St Mary’s who came in fourth place.
Thanks to Michael and Arthur from Silverbridge GAA for the use of their facilities and for setting out the room. Also, a big thanks to Mr Benny Tierney for taking care of proceedings as quizmaster and to all of the teachers in attendance for helping with collecting answers, marking and giving out refreshments.
On Friday last, three teams of quizzers from St Mary’s took part in the annual Slieve Gullion Credit Union Quiz in Forkill Community Centre. All three teams performed very well, with one team out running out overall winners of the Under-13 category. They will now move on to the Newry ‘Chapter’ heat in the coming weeks. Details of that event are TBC.
Well done to both P7 teams from St Mary’s who took part in the K’Nex Construction Challenge organised by Sentinus. The task involved pupils planning and constructing a sports arena. The brief stated that it had to be structurally sound and aesthetically pleasing. Our pupils were commended for their efforts and had a great day out.
Another two teams will enter the Primary STEM Challenge next week.
Congratulations to those who completed phase one of the “Getting ready to learn” Early years program. The feedback was very positive. We appreciate you taking the time to attend the presentation. Phase two will be on Friday – 9.30 – 10.30, this is the “Stay and Play”session, looking forward to seeing you there.
There was great excitement at assembly this morning when Master McDonnell received a special letter from the post man. The letter introduced us to the school’s Christmas elf who was hiding on top of the cupboard. Follow his journey as he causes mischief in the run up to Christmas. Who will find him on Monday ?
Well done to the P7 pupils who completed the Cycling Proficiency Scheme. The boys and girls put in a great effort during theory and practical lessons in the third term. We hope you will remember all that you have learned when on your bikes this summer and into the future.
