Huge congratulations to all of our race winners from Active Week this year. 

Our Sixth Class students had a wonderful day out in when they visited Leinster House and the National Museum of Ireland. Here, students Niamh, Mia and Jaden write about the
experience:

We came in the normal door on Thursday the 21st of May and saw all three sixth classes and teachers standing in the hall. Everyone was excited to go to Leinster House and the National Museum.  We talked amongst ourselves whilst waiting for everyone to come in. When everyone arrived we got on the bus in our pairs. The bus drive was around an hour long due to traffic. We pointed out many different things we saw, including old architecture, and buildings like the Spire and the G.P.O.  When we arrived on Kildare Street, we went straight to the museum. It was full and there were other schools also on a trip there. There were many different areas to explore with a unique assortment of artefacts on display, including bog bodies. Bog bodies are human bodies from mediaeval times that have been preserved in bogs. Whatever is in the bog keeps most of the skin and bones intact. They were intriguing. Very much so.

Whilst walking to the Dáil we witnessed a group of people protesting against overfishing. When we arrived at the Dáil, we met our tour guide and he told us the rules. After that we continued on inside. We first walked up a staircase into the gallery. We watched Helen McEntee as she debated with other TDs in the chamber below. We were guided into a long hallway with portraits of past Taoisigh hanging on the walls. The tour guide told us a little about each Taoiseach before moving on into a hallway of offices. It turned out that one of the fireplaces in that hallway came from the mid eighteenth century. Next, we went into the upper house, which is also known as The Seanad. It had a very beautiful ceiling. It was blue and white with many intricate details. In a hall downstairs, we viewed the original Proclamation of Independence. It was extremely interesting to see how the Irish people protested for our freedom. If that hadn’t happened we would not be living in the same Ireland that it is today.

All in all it was a wonderful learning experience and a lovely day out.
Written by:
Niamh Farrelly
Mia Kelly
Jaden McGurk

The Junior and Senior Infant classes recently teamed up with the 5th Classes for a wonderful Geography Tree Trail around our school grounds. Each infant class was paired with one of the 5th Classes, giving the older pupils an opportunity to support and guide the younger children throughout the activity.

The children set off to find the trees marked on their trail. Along the way, they learned about four different tree species: the Birch, Oak, Alder and Hazel trees. The infant pupils had to identify and match each tree and created leaf rubbings too. After completing the trail, the 5th Class pupils helped the infants explore a map of Ratoath and identify familiar places within the local community, including schools, shops, restaurants and other important landmarks. Both the infants and the 5th Class pupils thoroughly enjoyed the experience and learned a great deal about trees, maps and their local environment. 

Take a look at some of the photos from the day! 

The pupils in 5th and 6th Class recently took part in an exciting geography trail around Ratoath. The aim of the trail was to explore the local area, examine how the town has developed over time, and observe the many features that make Ratoath a thriving community today.

One of the highlights of the trail was a visit to the motte located on the grounds of the church. The pupils learned about the importance of this Norman earthwork and how it provides evidence of early settlement and defence in the area. The classes then walked through the village, carefully observing and recording the wide range of amenities and businesses available in Ratoath. Throughout the trail, pupils examined how Ratoath has changed over the years and discussed the significant housing developments that have taken place in recent decades, all of which reflect Ratoath’s transformation from a small rural village into a growing commuter town.

Take a look at some of the photos from the day! 

The Green School Committee recently carried out a fantastic litter-picking clean-up around the school grounds. Using litter pickers, gloves, and rubbish bags, the students worked hard to collect a huge amount of litter and help keep our school environment clean and tidy.

The committee showed great teamwork, responsibility, and care for the environment throughout the activity. Their hard work has made a big difference to the school grounds, and we are very proud of the excellent job they did. Well done to everyone involved!

From Ms Bates and Mr Joyce