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.

Exploring 3D Shapes

Big Learning in Junior Infants: Exploring 3D Shapes! 🧊⚪

Junior Infants have been busy, busy, busy learning all about 3D shapes, and what an exciting journey it has been!

We focused especially on cubes and spheres, carefully exploring their properties. The children became fantastic shape detectives as they learned how to count edges and corners, identify flat and curved faces, and talk confidently about what makes each shape special.

Our learning didn’t stop in the classroom — we went on a 3D shape hunt around our school environment! The children were thrilled to discover cubes and spheres hiding in plain sight and loved pointing out real-life examples of the shapes we had been learning about.

The highlight of the week was our class challenge: Could we build the biggest cube possible using construction straws? The answer was a very enthusiastic YES! Working together as a team, we planned, built, adjusted, and problem-solved… and built some more. Our cube grew so big that we even had to borrow extra straws from another class to finish it!

This hands-on learning helped the children develop their maths skills, teamwork, and confidence, all while having lots of fun. Well done to our brilliant Junior Infants — future engineers and mathematicians in the making! ⭐

STEM Learning in Nun's Cross

We are delighted to share that our school has recently invested in a wide range of new STEM resources, giving our pupils even more opportunities to learn through hands-on, engaging activities.

What is STEM?

STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. Rather than learning these subjects in isolation, STEM education encourages children to use their knowledge together to solve problems, design solutions, and explore how things work in the real world.

Why is STEM important?

STEM learning helps children develop essential life skills such as:

• Problem-solving and critical thinking

• Creativity and innovation

• Teamwork and communication

• Resilience and perseverance (learning from mistakes!)

Through STEM activities, children learn that it’s okay if something doesn’t work the first time—they can test it, improve it, and try again.

STEM in our classrooms

Our 3rd class pupils have been busy putting their STEM skills into action by creating, designing, and testing structures using our new resources. These activities encourage children to think like engineers—planning carefully, working collaboratively, and experimenting with different ideas to see what works best.

The photos shared below capture our pupils fully engaged in learning: building, problem-solving, and most importantly, having fun while learning!

We look forward to continuing to develop STEM learning across the school and inspiring curiosity, confidence, and creativity in all our pupils. 🚀

🎅 Santa Dash Spreads Festive Cheer for a Great Cause! 🎄

On a fresh and crisp December morning, our school was filled with festive excitement as we laced up our runners, donned our Santa hats, and took part in our much-anticipated Santa Dash in aid of Crumlin Children’s Hospital.

With the wonderful support of the Gardaí from the village, pupils, staff, families and friends ran and walked together from the village all the way up to the school, spreading Christmas cheer every step of the way. The atmosphere was buzzing, and the festive fun was truly in full swing!

There was no shortage of creativity on display, with plenty of festive costumes, Santa hats, twinkling lights, and even some of our furry friends getting into the Christmas spirit too 🐾🎄. Smiles, laughter and goodwill filled the air, making it a morning to remember.

Thanks to the incredible generosity of our school community, the event raised €775.42, which will be sent directly to Crumlin Children’s Hospital to support the amazing work they do for children and families.

A huge thank you to everyone who took part, donated, supported, and cheered us on. Your kindness and festive spirit truly made this event a great success. What a wonderful way to celebrate the season of giving!

Our Alien Creations – From Playdough to Clay! 👽🎨

The Junior Infant classroom has been buzzing with imagination, creativity, and plenty of messy fun as we launched into an exciting new Art, STEM and Fine Motor Skills Unit: Alien Creations!

We began our unit by making our own playdough from scratch. The children measured, mixed, kneaded, and coloured the dough, working together and having great fun (and getting a little messy too!). This hands-on experience supported problem-solving, teamwork, and fine motor development — all while sparking lots of excitement.

Once our playdough was ready, it was time to design and build our very own aliens!
There were aliens with googly eyes, twisty tentacles, sparkly antennas, extra arms, and even miniature playdough alien pets. Each child’s alien was completely unique, showing amazing originality and imagination. Through sculpting, rolling, pinching, and shaping, the children strengthened their fine motor skills and expressive abilities.

But our Alien Unit doesn’t end there…

🗓 Next step: Creating aliens with clay!
Using everything we learned from working with playdough, we will now move on to a new challenge: designing and sculpting aliens using clay.
This will help us:
🖐 Develop stronger fine motor control
🎨 Learn about form, shape, and texture
🔎 Explore simple 3D design techniques
💡 Plan and adapt our ideas from one material to another

We will sketch our designs, experiment with different clay techniques like coiling, smoothing, and joining, and then bring our final aliens to life — this time as lasting clay sculptures.

This unit has been a wonderful mix of creativity, sensory exploration, skill-building, and imaginative play — and we’re excited to see where our aliens travel next! 🚀🌍👽

Tag Rugby Blitz – A Day of Fun, Fitness, and Team Spirit! 🏉

What an action-packed day we had at our Tag Rugby Blitz! Every class in the school got involved, taking to the field with great enthusiasm, teamwork, and energy. From quick passes to speedy tries, there was no shortage of excitement as our students showed off their growing rugby skills and fantastic sportsmanship.

Throughout the day, we played a number of lively tag rugby games — from friendly class matches to mixed-team challenges that brought everyone together. It was wonderful to see pupils encouraging one another, cheering from the sidelines, and celebrating every great pass and try. The atmosphere was full of laughter, energy, and plenty of muddy knees!

A huge thank you goes to our incredible Active Committee, who worked so hard behind the scenes to organise and coordinate today’s event. Their planning and teamwork ensured everything ran smoothly and that everyone had a brilliant time.

Well done to all our players for their effort, teamwork, and positive attitude — you truly embodied the spirit of sport and fair play. We can’t wait for our next Active Schools event!

6th Class Hard at Work: Preparing Our School Garden for Bulb Planting

There was great activity in our school garden today as our 6th Class pupils took on the important job of preparing the beds for our upcoming bulb-planting project. Autumn is the perfect time for planting spring bulbs, and thanks to the hard work of our senior students, the garden is now well on its way to being ready for a burst of colour next term.

Armed with gloves, trowels, and plenty of enthusiasm, the children set about removing weeds, clearing away old plant material, and loosening the soil. They worked carefully and cooperatively, taking real pride in their efforts and showing excellent teamwork throughout the morning. It was lovely to see them sharing tools, helping one another, and chatting about the types of flowers they hope to see blooming in the spring.

Gardening days like this provide far more than a tidy garden—they offer opportunities for hands-on learning, responsibility, and connection with nature. The pupils enjoyed spotting insects, discussing how plants grow, and discovering just how much preparation goes into keeping a garden healthy.

With the beds now cleared and refreshed, we’re almost ready for the exciting part: planting our bulbs. Over the coming weeks, classes will take turns planting a variety of spring flowers. We can’t wait to watch them take root and eventually brighten the school grounds with colourful blooms.

A huge well done to 6th Class for their fantastic work today. Their effort makes a real difference, and we’re very proud of the leadership they continue to show in our school community.

Science Week Sparks Curiosity in 2nd Class!

Science Week was a whirlwind of excitement, discovery, and hands-on fun for our brilliant 2nd Class scientists! The classroom was transformed into a mini laboratory, buzzing with eager minds ready to explore the wonders of science.

We kicked off the week with a colourful experiment using Skittles and water to explore diffusion. The children watched in amazement as the colours spread across the plate like a rainbow, learning how particles move and mix, even when we can't see them.

Next, we dived into the strange and squishy world of oobleck! Is it a liquid? Is it a solid? The children discovered that it can be both—making it a non-Newtonian fluid. There were plenty of surprised faces as they squeezed it like dough but then watched it drip through their fingers like slime!

Things got explosive (in a safe way!) when we mixed vinegar and bicarbonate of soda to create our very own volcanic eruptions. The bubbling, fizzing reactions were a big hit, and there were lots of “wows” and “cool!” as our mini volcanoes came to life.

To finish off the week, we rolled up our sleeves and made our very own slime. The classroom was full of giggles, gooey mixtures, and lots of sensory fun.

It was a fantastic week of experimenting, exploring, and—most importantly—learning through fun! Our young scientists showed wonderful curiosity and teamwork, and we can’t wait to see what they discover next.

Well done, 2nd Class—Science Week was a huge success!