Inspiring Biodiversity

🌿 Inspiring Biodiversity: A Visit from Tom Gallagher

We were truly honoured to welcome biodiversity expert Tom Gallagher to our school, where he spent time with our senior classes sharing just a small glimpse of his incredible knowledge and passion for the natural world.

From the moment he began speaking, it was clear that Tom’s enthusiasm for biodiversity is both infectious and inspiring. He helped us understand not only what biodiversity is, but why it is so essential to the health of our environment, and ultimately, to our own wellbeing.

🌼 Learning About Nature All Around Us

Tom introduced us to the fascinating world of garden birds, insects, and native plants. We learned how even the smallest actions can make a big difference, and how our school grounds can become a thriving haven for wildlife.

Some of the facts he shared truly amazed us:

• A single willow tree can support over 450 species

• Just a handful of soil contains 10 trillion microbes

• Ireland has seen a 70% reduction in its bumblebee population

• The word “tit” (as in tit birds) comes from an old Icelandic word meaning small bird

• The shrew, Ireland’s smallest mammal, can survive only three hours without food

These insights opened our eyes to the richness—and fragility—of the ecosystems around us.

🐦 Creating Spaces for Wildlife

Tom didn’t just teach us facts, he gave us practical advice on how we can take action. He showed us how to create spaces that encourage birds and insects to thrive, from planting the right species to allowing areas of our garden to grow naturally.

His message was clear: biodiversity starts with us, and even small changes can have a lasting impact.

🌳 Discovering Our Extraordinary Hedgerow

One of the highlights of Tom’s visit was exploring our school hedgerow. What we discovered was nothing short of extraordinary.

Our hedgerow is home to an incredible variety of native Irish plants, including ivy, whitethorn, ash, blackthorn, hazel, dog rose, holly, bramble, elder, oak, and birch. It represents every native hedgerow plant found in Ireland, a truly rare and valuable natural resource.

Using a simple formula, Tom helped us estimate the age of our hedgerow. The result? An astonishing 1,240 years old, and quite possibly even older!

This means that right on our doorstep, we have a living, breathing ecosystem that has supported wildlife for centuries.

To bring this to life, Tom demonstrated just how biodiverse it is by gently shaking branches over a tray. Within moments, we saw a remarkable variety of tiny creatures emerge, proof that our hedgerow is teeming with life.

🌱 A Lasting Impact

Tom Gallagher’s visit has left a lasting impression on our school community. He has inspired us to look more closely at the world around us and to take meaningful steps to protect and enhance biodiversity in our own environment.

We now see our school grounds not just as a place for learning, but as a vital habitat full of potential.

We are incredibly grateful to Tom for sharing his time, expertise, and passion with us, and we very much hope to welcome him back again in the future!

Exploring Wicklow's Emergency Services

🚒🚤 Junior Infants Explore the Emergency Services in Wicklow! 🌊🔥

Junior Infants had an unforgettable day out as part of their learning about the emergency services, with an exciting trip to Wicklow Fire Station and the RNLI Wicklow Lifeboat Station.

🔥 A Visit to Wicklow Fire Station

Our adventure began at Wicklow Fire Station, where the children received an engaging talk all about fire safety. They learned what to do in an emergency and how firefighters help keep people safe.

The excitement really began when the children got to:

• Try on real firefighter equipment

• Explore the fire engine (fire tender)

• Sit in the driver’s seat

• Even spray real firefighter hoses!

There were lots of smiles (and a few splashes!) as the children experienced what it might be like to be a firefighter.

🌉 A Scenic Walk & Sweet Treats

After our fire station visit, we set off on a lovely walk across the The Iron Bridge. Along the way, the children enjoyed the fresh air and beautiful surroundings.

We made a special stop at Sandy Park for some well-earned treats — the perfect way to recharge after a busy morning!

🌿 Nature Walk & Picnic by the Sea

Our adventure continued with another walk, where the children had great fun spotting wildlife along the way.

We then arrived at Black Castle, where we enjoyed a relaxing picnic lunch in the sunshine. It was a lovely moment to sit together, eat and take in the beautiful seaside views.

🚤 Visiting the RNLI Lifeboat Station

In the afternoon, we visited the RNLI Wicklow Lifeboat Station, where the children learned all about water safety and the vital, life-saving work of the RNLI.

The highlights included:

• Climbing aboard the inshore lifeboat

• Trying on the crew’s special waterproof gear

• Learning how the lifeboat crew rescue people at sea

The children were fascinated by the bravery and dedication of the RNLI volunteers.

🌟 A Day Full of Learning and Fun

This trip was a fantastic way to bring our classroom learning to life. From fire safety to water safety, the children experienced first-hand how emergency services work to keep us safe every day.

It was a day filled with adventure, learning, laughter and sunshine — one we won’t forget anytime soon!

A big thank you to everyone at Wicklow Fire Station and the RNLI Wicklow Lifeboat Station for making our visit so special. 🚒🚤✨

Bug Hotels by 2nd class

🐞 Welcome to Our Bug Hotel! 🐝🌿

2nd Class have been busy garden explorers and builders over the past few weeks as they learned all about the importance of insects in our environment — and put their knowledge into action in a very exciting way!

🐜 Why Insects Matter

The children discovered just how important insects are for keeping our world healthy. From pollinating flowers to helping plants grow and breaking down natural waste, these tiny creatures play a huge role in supporting biodiversity.

They learned that without insects like bees, butterflies and beetles, our ecosystems simply wouldn’t thrive — and that inspired them to take action to help!

🏨 Building Bug Hotels

To support our local insect population, 2nd Class set out to create their very own bug hotels for the school garden.

Some children went the extra mile over the Easter break and designed and built their own individual bug hotels at home — showcasing fantastic creativity and care.

Back in school, the whole class got involved in a very special project. With the help of a very talented and handy dad, each child constructed their own bug hotel cube. These cubes were then brought together and, thanks to our wonderful caretaker, assembled into one large, impressive class bug hotel!

🔍 Finding the Perfect Spot

Before placing their bug hotels, the children carefully carried out a survey of the school grounds. They thought about:

• Shelter from wind and rain

• Access to sunlight

• Nearby plants and flowers

This helped them choose the ideal location where insects would feel safe and have everything they need to thrive.

🌿 A New Home for Garden Creatures

Now proudly in place, our bug hotel is ready and waiting to welcome lots of tiny visitors! The children are excited to observe which insects move in and hope their creation will become a cosy home for many garden critters.

🌍 Learning in Action

This project has been a wonderful way for 2nd Class to see how small actions can make a big difference. By supporting insect life in our school garden, they are helping to protect and promote biodiversity in a hands-on, meaningful way.

We can’t wait to see who checks in to our bug hotel first! 🐞🐝🌼

Vegetables growing here!

🥕 Planting for the Future – Our Raised Vegetable Beds 🌱

Our senior classes have been hard at work in the garden, taking on the exciting task of preparing and planting our raised vegetable beds!

🌿 Getting the Beds Ready

Before any planting could begin, the students rolled up their sleeves and got to work preparing the soil. They:

• Cleared out the beds

• Loosened and enriched the soil

• Made sure everything was ready for healthy plant growth

Their teamwork and effort ensured the perfect conditions for our vegetables to thrive.

🥕 Planting Root Vegetables

The children carefully selected and planted a variety of root vegetables, including:

• Carrots

• Parsnips

• Turnips

They learned how these vegetables grow underground and what they need to develop strong, healthy roots.

🌱 Looking After Our Garden

Now that everything is planted, the work doesn’t stop there! The students will continue to:

• Water and care for the plants

• Keep the beds free from weeds

• Monitor their progress over the coming months

This hands-on experience is helping them understand the importance of patience, responsibility and caring for living things.

🍂 Looking Ahead to Harvest Time

With all the hard work complete, now comes the exciting part — watching everything grow!

We are looking forward to seeing our vegetables develop over time and can’t wait for harvest season in the autumn. There’s nothing quite like enjoying food you’ve grown yourself!

🌍 Learning Beyond the Classroom

This project has been a fantastic way for our senior classes to connect with nature and learn valuable life skills. From planting to harvesting, they are experiencing the full journey of how food is grown.

We’ll be keeping a close eye on our garden — stay tuned for updates! 🌱🥕✨

Paramedic Visit

🚑 A Visit from a Real-Life Paramedic! 🚨

Junior Infants have been having great fun learning all about the emergency services, and recently they had a very exciting and memorable experience — a visit from a real-life paramedic in a real ambulance!

👩‍⚕️ Meeting a Paramedic

We were delighted to welcome a paramedic who told us all about their important job — helping people when they are sick or hurt. The children listened so carefully and asked lots of brilliant questions about how paramedics care for people in emergencies.

🩺 Exploring the Equipment

The class got a close-up look at some of the special equipment used in an ambulance, including:

• Oxygen masks to help people breathe

• Bandages to treat injuries

• Medical machines that help paramedics check how our bodies are working

The children were fascinated to see how each piece of equipment is used to help keep people safe and well.

🚑 Inside the Ambulance

One of the most exciting parts of the visit was getting to step inside the ambulance!

The children:

• Took turns lying on the stretcher

• Saw their heartbeat appear on the medical monitors

• Learned how patients are cared for on the way to hospital

It was a wonderful hands-on experience that brought their learning to life.

🔊 Lights, Sirens… and Smiles!

To top it all off, the children even got to:

• Sit in the driver’s seat

• Hear the loud and exciting sirens

There were lots of smiles and excitement as the ambulance prepared to leave — it was definitely a moment to remember!

🌟 A Day to Remember

This visit was a fantastic way for Junior Infants to learn about the important role of emergency services in our community. It helped them understand how paramedics work hard every day to help others and keep people safe.

A big thank you to our wonderful visitor for taking the time to share such an exciting and educational experience with us.

Who knows… we might have some future paramedics in the making! 🚑✨

Wild Flower Meadow

🌼 Growing for the Future – Our Wildflower Meadow Project 🌿

As part of our whole-school focus on biodiversity, our senior classes have been busy getting their hands dirty with an exciting and meaningful project — creating our very own wildflower meadows!

🌱 Learning About Wildflower Meadows

The children began by exploring what makes wildflower meadows so important for our environment. They learned how these natural habitats support biodiversity by providing food and shelter for pollinators like bees, butterflies and other insects.

They also studied a range of beautiful native Irish wildflowers, including:

• Daisies

• Buttercups

• Clover

• Oxeye daisy

• Cornflowers

Through their work, the students developed a deeper understanding of how planting native species helps protect local ecosystems and encourages wildlife to thrive.

🔍 Planning the Perfect Spot

Before planting, the classes carried out a survey of the school garden to find the best location for their meadow. They carefully considered:

• Sunlight and shade

• Soil conditions

• Space for growth

This gave them the opportunity to think like real scientists — observing, discussing and making informed decisions together.

🌿 Getting to Work

Once the perfect spots were chosen, it was time to get to work! The children:

• Cleared and prepared the soil

• Marked out planting areas

• Carefully sowed their seeds

They didn’t stop at just one meadow — the students created:

• A traditional wildflower meadow filled with native flowers

• A shade-loving meadow, specially planted in an area with less sunlight

This thoughtful approach means we can support biodiversity in different parts of our school grounds.

🌼 Now We Wait…

With all the hard work done, now comes the exciting part — waiting and watching!

The children are looking forward to seeing the first signs of growth and will continue to observe how their meadows develop over time. We hope to see them bloom into colourful, buzzing habitats full of life.

🌍 Making a Difference

This project has been a fantastic way for our senior classes to take real action in supporting biodiversity. By creating these wildflower meadows, they are helping to make our school a more welcoming place for nature.

We can’t wait to see the results — watch this space! 🌸🐝

Crazy Sock Day 2026

🧦 Why Crazy Socks?

Wearing bright, mismatched or “crazy” socks is a fun and meaningful way to start conversations about Down Syndrome. The socks are a symbol of difference — reminding us that being unique is something to celebrate.

It’s a simple but powerful way for our students to learn about inclusion, acceptance and respect for everyone.

🤝 Learning Together Through Play

To mark the day, pupils worked in mixed-age groups across the whole school, taking part in a range of fun, co-operative games.

These activities were more than just fun — they encouraged:

• Teamwork and communication

• Kindness and patience

• Supporting one another regardless of age or ability

By learning and playing together, the children experienced first-hand the importance of including everyone and valuing each person’s strengths — a message at the heart of Crazy Sock Day.

🍦 Sunshine, Smiles & Sweet Treats

As if the day couldn’t get any better, we were treated to ice cream in the sunshine! It was a lovely moment for everyone to relax, chat and enjoy the beautiful weather together — lots of smiles all around.

💙 Making a Difference

We are incredibly proud to share that our school community raised an amazing €655 through our Crazy Sock Day collection!

This fantastic amount has been donated to Down Syndrome Centre Ireland, supporting the vital work they do for children and families across Ireland.

🌟 A Day to Remember

Crazy Sock Day was a joyful and meaningful celebration of what makes each of us unique. It reminded us all that inclusion isn’t just something we talk about — it’s something we live every day in our school.

Thank you to everyone who took part, donated, and helped make the day such a success.

Together, we made a difference — one colourful sock at a time! 🧦💙

Running In Avondale

A very talented bunch of runners took part in ‘The Mile Challenge’ at Avondale Forest Park on a wet

and windy 10 th March. Neither the inclement weather nor the mud slowed down this speedy gang!

They showed determination and grit as they raced to the finish line and finished with big smiles on

their faces. Very well-deserved medals were presented to a large contingent of the group and many

PBs were achieved.

Sorcha from 3 rd class came in the top 10.

Noah came 4th and Caleb claimed the highly contested silver medal in 4 th class.

Katie came in the top 10 in 5 th class. And a very special congratulations to Louisa who bounded

home, hardly out of breath, to claim the gold medal in 5 th class.

Dylan came in the top 10 for 6 th class.

Well done to all those who took part in this very challenging race.

Celebrating World Book Day in Our School 📚

We had a wonderful time celebrating World Book Day in our school with a range of fun activities designed to inspire a love of reading across all classes.

The day began with a cosy Pyjama Day, where children came to school dressed in their pyjamas and brought along their favourite book from home. Classes took part in a “Book Tasting,” giving pupils the chance to explore a variety of books brought in by their classmates and share why they chose their particular story. This was a lovely way for children to discover new books and talk about their favourite characters and authors.

As part of our shared reading experience, classes also explored the picture book “Milo Imagines the World.” This beautiful story sparked lots of discussion, imagination and literacy activities as pupils reflected on the themes and ideas within the book.

One of the highlights of the day was our Buddy Reading session, where older and younger classes paired up to share books together. It was wonderful to see pupils reading aloud, discussing stories and enjoying quiet reading time with their buddies. This activity helped build confidence and foster a sense of community across the school.

Later in the morning, excitement built for our Whole School Reading Relay. Teachers travelled from classroom to classroom reading aloud to different classes, continuing each story where the previous reader had finished. Hearing different voices and storytelling styles brought great energy and fun to the activity and created a real buzz around reading throughout the school.

Classes also explored descriptive poetry, listening carefully to vivid language and imagining the scenes created by the words. Pupils then illustrated their favourite moments from the poems, showing how everyone can picture something different when they hear the same piece of writing.

It was a fantastic day filled with stories, imagination and a shared love of books. World Book Day reminded us all just how powerful reading can be in bringing people together and sparking creativity.

Happy World Book Day everyone! 📖

Exploring Electricity in 2nd Class ⚡

Our 2nd Class pupils have been busy scientists over the past few weeks as they explored the fascinating world of electricity as part of our SESE learning. Through hands-on activities, investigations and creative projects, the children learned how electricity works and how we use it in our everyday lives.

We began by discussing where electricity comes from and how it helps power many of the things we use every day in our homes and at school. The children shared great ideas about electrical appliances and quickly discovered that electricity travels in a circuit. Using batteries, wires, bulbs and switches, the class worked together to build their very first simple electrical circuits. There was great excitement when the bulbs lit up and the circuits worked!

The pupils learned that for electricity to flow, the circuit must be complete. They experimented with connecting and disconnecting wires, adding switches and observing what happened when the circuit was broken. Through this investigation, they developed their understanding of how electrical energy moves and how engineers design circuits to make everyday devices work.

To extend their learning, the children put their new knowledge into practice by creating their own mini houses with working electricity inside. Using a variety of materials such as cardboard, coloured paper and craft supplies, the pupils designed and built houses and carefully added electrical circuits to light them up. It was wonderful to see their creativity and problem-solving skills in action as they worked out where to place bulbs, wires and batteries to make their houses shine.

This project helped the children develop important skills such as teamwork, investigation, design and problem-solving, while also encouraging curiosity about science and how things work in the real world.

Finally, each pupil documented their learning by adding their work, drawings, observations and reflections to their SESE scrapbooks. These scrapbooks show the steps of their investigations, the circuits they built and the fantastic houses they created. They are a great record of all the learning that took place during this exciting science topic.

Well done to all the budding engineers in 2nd Class for their fantastic work! ⚡

5th & 6th class girls GAA Blitz in Bray

5th and 6th Class Girls Shine at GAA Blitz in Bray 🏐

Today, the 5th and 6th class girls represented our school with great skill and determination at the GAA blitz in Bray. It was a day full of energy, teamwork, and fantastic sporting spirit!

The girls played five matches in total and came away with three victories, showing excellent teamwork, focus, and sportsmanship throughout. Every match was competitive, with pupils giving their all, encouraging each other, and demonstrating the skills they have been developing in training.

It wasn’t just about winning – the girls also had fun, supported one another, and enjoyed the opportunity to play against other schools. Their commitment and enthusiasm were clear to everyone watching, and they made their school very proud.

A huge well done to all the players for their effort, determination, and fantastic teamwork today. Your hard work paid off, and you are a true credit to your school! We would also like to say a huge thank you to Leia Doyle who came along to support having done some training with the girls in school⚡

Exploring 3-D shape in 6th class Maths

6th Class Explore 3D Shapes in STEM

This week, 6th Class had a hands-on STEM session focused on 3D shapes – building, observing, and photographing!

The pupils began by creating their own three-dimensional shapes using a variety of materials. From cubes and pyramids to more complex constructions, everyone enjoyed the challenge of bringing these shapes to life. The activity encouraged careful observation, precision, and an understanding of how edges, faces, and vertices come together in 3D objects.

Once their shapes were complete, the class explored them from different perspectives. Each pupil took photos of their shape from three different angles or sides, learning how perspective changes what we see and how 3D objects are represented in 2D images. This part of the activity helped link practical construction with visual reasoning – an important STEM skill!

The following day we used the pictures taken previously by the different groups and we had a challenge where pupils raced to make as many shapes correctly as possible using the photos from 3 different perspectives. We had great fun!

The session sparked lots of discussion about symmetry, proportion, and how light and shadow can make shapes look different. Pupils compared their photographs, noticing how a cube could appear very different depending on the viewpoint, and reflected on which angles best showed the shape’s structure.

It was a creative and interactive way for 6th Class to deepen their understanding of geometry, develop problem-solving skills, and have fun with STEM at the same time. Great work to all our young mathematicians and engineers! 🎉

STEM activities in 6th class

There was great excitement and plenty of creative thinking in 6th Class last month as the pupils took part in a fun and challenging STEM activity – the Balloon Height Challenge!

The task was simple in theory but tricky in practice: working in small teams, the children had to design and build a structure that would carry a balloon as high as possible using a limited set of materials. With only certain supplies available, the focus was firmly on teamwork, problem-solving, and smart engineering.

Before building began, each group spent time discussing ideas, sketching designs, and planning their approach. They had to think carefully about stability, balance, and height. Would a wide base work best? How could they stop their structure from toppling? How could they secure the balloon without weighing it down?

Once construction started, the classroom buzzed with energy. There were moments of trial and error, quick redesigns, and lots of collaboration as teams adjusted their plans. Pupils quickly learned that in STEM, mistakes are part of the learning process!

When it came time to test the designs, there was great anticipation. Each team measured the height of their balloon structure, cheering one another on and celebrating every success. Some towers stood tall and steady, while others needed a little last-minute reinforcement!

The Balloon Height Challenge was a fantastic opportunity for 6th Class to put their STEM skills into action. They demonstrated creativity, resilience, and excellent teamwork throughout the activity.

Well done to all our budding engineers – the future is looking bright! 🚀

6th Class Mental Health Workshop

This week, 6th Class had a very special visit from Ian from Jigsaw in Bray, who came to speak to the class about mental health and wellbeing as they prepare for their transition to secondary school. The workshop was kindly organised by our wonderful PTA, and we are very grateful for their continued support of school initiatives.

Moving on to secondary school is an exciting milestone, but it can also bring new challenges, questions, and worries. Ian led an engaging and interactive session that gave the pupils a safe and supportive space to talk about these changes and explore how they might be feeling.

Throughout the workshop, the children discussed the importance of looking after their mental health just as they would their physical health. They learned practical strategies to help manage nerves and stress, including simple breathing exercises, positive self-talk, and identifying trusted adults they can turn to for support. There was a strong focus on building resilience, confidence, and understanding that it’s okay to ask for help.

Ian also encouraged open conversation around friendships, new routines, and coping with change. The pupils participated thoughtfully and maturely, sharing ideas and supporting one another with respect and empathy.

The session was both reassuring and empowering for 6th Class. As they begin to look ahead to the next chapter of their school journey, they now have useful tools and strategies to help them navigate the transition with confidence.

A sincere thank you to our PTA for organising this valuable workshop, and to Ian and Jigsaw for supporting our pupils at such an important time.

Rang a Sé ag déanamh pancóga

Bhí boladh álainn milis le mothú ar fud na scoile an tseachtain seo nuair a bhí Rang a Sé gnóthach sa chistin ag déanamh pancóga!

Mar chuid dár gceiliúradh ar Lá na bPancóg, thug na daltaí faoin dúshlán na comhábhair a thomhas, an meascán a ullmhú, agus na pancóga a chócaráil iad féin. Bhí comhoibriú agus foighne le feiceáil agus gach grúpa ag obair le chéile chun an t-oideas a leanúint i gceart.

Ar ndóigh, bhí beagán spraoi ann freisin agus roinnt pancóg á gcaitheamh san aer! Cé nach raibh gach iarracht foirfe, bhí go leor gáire agus moladh ann do gach iarracht.

Nuair a bhí na pancóga réidh, bhí rogha blasta barráin ar fáil – siúcra agus líomóid, síoróip mhapail, torthaí úra, agus beagán seacláide do na daoine ba mhisniúla! Shuigh na daltaí síos le chéile chun taitneamh a bhaint as toradh a gcuid oibre.

Bhí sé ina lá taitneamhach, praiticiúil agus blasta do Rang a Sé. Ní hamháin gur fhoghlaim siad scileanna nua cócaireachta, ach neartaigh siad a gcuid scileanna oibre foirne freisin.

Maith sibh, Rang a Sé – sár-obair ar fad! 👏

Signs of Spring in Nun's Cross

As winter loosens its grip, there are gentle but unmistakable signs that spring is on its way to Nun’s Cross. Even on cooler days, the garden and pond are beginning to stir with new life.

Frogs and Frogspawn in the Pond

One of the most exciting early signs of the season is the return of frogs to the pond. Almost overnight, clusters of frogspawn appeared, floating like glistening beads just beneath the water’s surface. These were noticed by the children on 12th February., and the excitement was palpable. These jelly-like masses contain hundreds of tiny eggs, each with the promise of new life.

The arrival of frogs and their eggs is a sure sign that temperatures are rising. Over the coming weeks, these eggs will hatch into tadpoles, bringing movement and energy back to the pond after the stillness of winter. It’s always a joy to spot them on a quiet morning walk.

Crocus Bringing Early Colour

Across the lawns and borders, crocus are beginning to bloom. Their delicate petals – in shades of purple, white, and yellow – push bravely through the cold ground, often appearing while frost still lingers in shaded corners.

Crocus are among the very first flowers to open each year, providing a welcome splash of colour and an important early source of nectar for bees emerging from hibernation. Seeing them dotted across the grounds is a cheerful reminder that brighter days are ahead.

Bulbs Pushing Through

Elsewhere in the beds and borders, bulbs are steadily emerging. The pointed green shoots of daffodils, tulips, and other spring favourites are now clearly visible, standing a little taller each day. Though their flowers are still to come, their appearance alone lifts the spirit.

There’s something quietly reassuring about these first shoots. Planted months ago in the darker days of autumn, they now signal renewal, growth, and the turning of the seasons.

Spring at Nun’s Cross doesn’t arrive all at once. It reveals itself gradually – in the ripple of a pond stirred by frogs, in the brightness of a crocus, and in the steady rise of green shoots from the soil. Each small sign reminds us that warmer, lighter days are on their way.

🌎 1st Class Take a Trip to Brazil! 🎉

What an incredible adventure 1st Class have been on over the past few weeks! Our classroom was transformed into a vibrant hub of colour, culture and curiosity as the children dived deep into learning all about Brazil.

The children journeyed (virtually!) to the magnificent Amazon Rainforest — the largest tropical rainforest in the world. They were fascinated to discover the layers of the rainforest and the incredible animals that call it home.

From colourful toucans and sleepy sloths to playful monkeys and powerful jaguars, 1st Class explored how these amazing creatures survive in their habitats. The children created beautiful artwork and fact files, showing just how much they learned about rainforest life.

Our learning didn’t stop at the rainforest! The children also explored Brazil’s rich and vibrant culture — from music and dance to food and traditions.

We were especially lucky to welcome Liliana, a Brazilian native, into our classroom. She shared her personal experiences of growing up in Brazil and taught us about family life, celebrations, and what makes her home country so special. The children asked fantastic questions and listened so carefully.

The highlight? Liliana helped the class make traditional Brazilian treats called Brigadeiros — a delicious chocolate sweet that everyone thoroughly enjoyed! The classroom was filled with smiles (and chocolatey fingers!).

Inspired by the world-famous Rio Carnival, 1st Class worked incredibly hard to create their very own carnival celebration.

The creativity on display was simply amazing! The children designed and built colourful floats, crafted vibrant costumes, and learned lively carnival music. Their teamwork, imagination and effort truly shone through.

When carnival day arrived, the whole school gathered to enjoy the parade. There was music, dancing, colour and excitement everywhere — and 1st Class performed with such confidence and joy. It was a celebration to remember!

🌟 We Are So Proud!

1st Class have shown fantastic enthusiasm, creativity and curiosity throughout this topic. They embraced every aspect of their learning — from geography and science to art, music and cooking — and should be incredibly proud of all they achieved.

What a wonderful way to explore the world from our classroom!

Well done, 1st Class — Brazil will never forget you… and we certainly won’t forget your amazing carnival! 🇧🇷✨

2nd Class STEM projects

As part of our exciting STEM learning this term, 2nd Class became young engineers, designers and mathematicians as they explored the fascinating world of 3D shapes through a hands-on robot-building challenge!

The classroom was buzzing with creativity as the children planned, designed and constructed their very own robots using everyday recycled materials. Cereal boxes were transformed into sturdy cubes and cuboids for robot bodies, paper rolls became cylinders for arms and legs, and a wide range of other recyclable items were cleverly reimagined to complete each unique creation.

Before construction began, the children carefully examined and discussed the properties of different 3D shapes. They identified faces, edges and vertices, and considered questions such as:

• Which shape would make the strongest base?

• How can we balance a cylinder on a cuboid?

• What shapes work best for arms and legs?

• How can we make our robot stand independently?

As they worked, mathematical language filled the room. The children confidently described their designs using terms like cube, cuboid, cylinder and sphere, applying their understanding in a meaningful and practical way.

The project also encouraged valuable life skills. Working collaboratively, the children shared ideas, solved problems, adapted their designs when challenges arose and supported one another throughout the building process. There was fantastic teamwork, resilience and creativity on display.

The finished robots were truly impressive! From tall, multi-layered machines to compact, colourful characters with imaginative features, each robot reflected the individuality and creativity of its designer. No two were the same, and every creation demonstrated careful planning and thoughtful use of 3D shapes.

This engaging STEM activity not only strengthened the children’s understanding of geometry but also fostered innovation, communication and critical thinking skills. Well done to 2nd Class for their enthusiasm, hard work and fantastic robotic masterpieces!

Growing Patterns

Junior Infants Exploring Growing Patterns

This week, our Junior Infants have been busy exploring growing patterns in a fun and hands-on way. Using a variety of classroom manipulatives, the children created and extended patterns that grow bigger or change step by step.

Through sorting, building, and discussing their ideas with friends, the children developed their early maths skills while also strengthening their problem-solving and fine motor skills. There was lots of excitement as patterns grew longer and more complex!

Well done to our Junior Infants for their fantastic learning and teamwork this week 👏

Place Value Bridges in 2nd class

Place Value Bridges – STEM Project

2nd Class took part in a hands-on STEM activity where they explored place value by designing and building bridges using junk art materials. The children really enjoyed working collaboratively and using recycled materials such as cereal boxes, paper rolls and paper pieces to represent hundreds, tens and ones.

Each group was given a number and had to use only the materials that matched that number. For example, if their number had 1 hundred, they could use only one cereal box; if it had 3 tens, they used three paper rolls, and so on. This helped the children clearly see the value of each digit.

The bridges were then tested to see which was the strongest, encouraging the children to plan, build, test and improve their designs while deepening their understanding of place value through hands-on learning.