Fifth and Sixth Class News
Novemeber and December has been a very eventful couple of months.With the girls already qualified for the quarter finals the boys have one game left. Unfortunatley due to the bad weather this game has been deferred untill Januaury. Heres hoping both sides will begin the new year looking forward to the knockout stages of the competition.
The football isnt the only thing to fall victim to the weather.We were all very dissapointed when the school play was cancelled but we are hopeful of putting on a performance sometime around Easter.
As usual we have been exceptionally busy with all areas of the curriculum, flying our way through decimals and fractions in Maths,all things to do with Christmas , verbs in Gaeilge and finding out "the trouble with my sister" in English.
Elsewhere our Animal Art is finished and displayed at last and our angels are ready to be hung on the trees fore christmas day.
On behalf of everyone in 5th/6th class we would like to wish everyone a safe and Merry Christmas and a Happy new year.
5th and 6th class have had a busy second half to the term so far.
In English, we brushed up our essay writing skills by entering the Dear Grace competition. No news so far. Keep your fingers crossed!
In Maths and Irish, we have dealt with number and grammar respectively and we hope this will lay the foundation for an easier year in both subjects.
We are just completing our drawing section and are in the process of decorating the room with our Awesome Animal Art.
Congratulations to the girls who qualified for the quarter finals of the Cuman na mBunscoil competition with victories over Baylin, Mount Temple and Tang. Our boys have two more games left and with a bit of luck will be in the same boat as the girls by Christmas. Come on the boys!
WELL DONE RUAIRI AND ELIZABETH FOR DOING US PROUD
Cogratuations to Ruairi Aspell who represented the school in a schools swimming competition in Galway on Sunday 14th November. Ruairi came 2nd in the butterfly and 4th in the back crawl. Both competitions were U12. He now has another medal to add to his collection. He has qualified for the schools swimming finals which will be held in Belfast on December 11th. We hope the Ardnagrath swimming hat brings you luck Ruiari. Well done.
Congratulations to Elizabeth Reynolds who recently travelled to Glasgow to take part in an Irish dancing Feis. Elizabeth won the overseas championship and was 3rd in the open championship. She brought two gorgeous cups home to Walderstown. Well done Elizabeth
Mr. Keane has a bigger class this year with 20 pupils between 5th and 6th.
We welcome our 6 new pupils from Mrs. Flynn’s class and look forward to an enjoyable and successful year both in the classroom and on the pitch. For the month of September we’ll be busy with such things as number in Maths, Reading Zone and Bun Go Barr.
We’ll also be getting up to date on all things Aboriginal and Australian in Geography and History.
Football training starts Monday the 13th. We hope to have a few matches in place soon enough. Don’t forget to log on over the next few weeks to monitor the progress of both teams.
Fifth and sixth class have been very busy both in class and on the sports field. In English, we have completed Roll of Thunder and Goodnight Mr Tom. Everyone agrees that both books were fantastic but in a vote, Goodnight Mr Tom came out on top.
In art, the final 5 weeks have been spent constructing, painting and decorating our castles. They all look fantastic. Thanks so much to Ms Wozniak for all the help with art during the year.
Gaelic football has taken centre stage in Ardnagrath for the last term. The boys have narrowly defeated Tang, Ballymore and Rosemount and lost to Mount Temple. The girls have defeated Baylin and Ballymore and lost to Rosemount. As a result, both teams have qualified for the cup final of the Marita Stone Tournament, with the boys playing Tang and the girls playing Rosemount on Wednesday, 23rd of June, in Rosemount at 6.30 p.m. and 7.45 p.m. respectively.
As always, at this time of year, we have to say goodbye to our 6th class. They might have been one of the smallest classes in the school but have provided us with many years of enjoyment both on the football pitch and in the classroom. We wish Lizzy, Darragh, Eoghan, Seán, Raul and Przemek all the best in the future and remember:
“Let no-one steal your dreams.”
BOOKLISTS 2010-2011
ENGLISH: 5th Class Treasury E
6th Class Treasury F
5th Class Core skills in English Activity Book (Folens)
6th Class Core skills in English Activity Book (Folens)
Reading Zone 6 (5th & 6th)
Revised Spellings and Tables (5th & 6th)
English Dictionary (not children’s dictionary) (5th & 6th Class)
IRISH: 5th Class – 6th Class
Bun go Barr 5
English/Irish Dictionary
Cleachtaí Gramadaí Bunscoile (Folens)
Ceartlitriú 5 – Treoir do Litriú na Gaeilge (NEW)
MATHS: 5th Class Mathemagic 5
Mathemagic 5 shadow book
6th Class Mathemagic 6
Mathemagic 6 shadow book
Helix Maths Set (5th & 6th)
HISTORY: History Quest 6 (5th & 6th Class)
GEOGRAPHY: Geography Quest 5 (5th & 6th Class)
Philips Modern Atlas for Irish Primary School (5th & 6th Class)
SCIENCE: Window on the World 6 (5th and 6th class)
RELIGION: 5th & 6th Class – ‘Alive O8’ Textbook (Rent from school)
Alive O8 Workbook
COPIES: 5th & 6th Class – 88 paged lined copies x 10
88 paged squared copies x 2
Roller Tipex
Fifth and sixth class have been very busy since Christmas both in and out of the classroom.
In sport, both the boys and the girls just fell short of qualifying for their group with both teams losing their final game after a hard fought campaign.
We also took part in the Tag Rugby blitz in Bucaneers on Tuesday 24th of March. This proved to be a fantastic occasion which everyone enjoyed thoroughly. The following Thursday, took us to A.I.T. for the 5 aside soccer competition. The boys started with a great win over Baylin but despite a great effort, didn’t manage to make the knock out stages.
The girls on the other had came agonisingly close to emulating last year’s team with a narrow 1-0 defeat in the final. This was the final game of 7 and proved to be one step too far for our brave but exhausted girls. Well done to all and hopefully next year we can go one step further.
Outside of sport, we have been equally busy in the classroom and we are just reaching the climax of our novel ‘Roll of Thunder, Hear my Cry’ by Mildred D Taylor. We’re all hoping Cassie and her family can make it through unhurt, fingers crossed!
In history, we travelled to the Citywest in Dublin recently to the Titanic exhibition. This proved to be a fantastic experience which everyone thoroughly enjoyed. We even got to touch the iceberg and ….. the hull of the Titanic itself!
Congratulations to sixth class who recently made their Confirmation. We hope that the Holy Spirit continues to guide you in all that you do.
Well done to Kevin Dolan on winning the Mother’s Day competition for his Mam in the Athlone Advertiser. We all agree that no-one deserves the prize more. Well done Kevin.
A big congratulations to the entire school on winning the outdoor classroom worth over €4,000. This took a huge effort from all and after fighting off very stiff competition, we were delighted to get the call to inform us that we won.
Finally, we wish everyone a Happy Easter. Hopefully we won’t eat too much chocolate as we have the Marita Stone Tournament to look forward to when we arrive back.
Everyone in 5th and 6th have been very busy since our return after the long summer break.
We have a new class prayer for the coming year. We think it’s definitely the best one yet!
Father we thank you for your loving care
For teaching us to always share
In the day and in the night
We will always stand under your light
We feel as if you’re always around
Without making a single sound
Protect us from hurt and pain
Keep us dry, let it never rain
I love you God I really do
And I also know you love me too
I promise to care for friends that are down
Or badly hurt on the ground
Bless our class this coming year
Please make it one of happiness full of cheer
We had a table’s fortnight during September (which ended up running into 3 weeks). It was tough going but we hope it will help us in the future as this year’s maths is much tougher for both classes.
In English we are enjoying our new reader – Reading Zone, Call of The Sea. Our favourite stories included ‘The Maulvi and the Donkey’, ‘The War of 2012’ and ‘Catty Bimbar, Pirate Cat.
In Irish meanwhile we have been busy learning An Briathar and An Forainmneacha Réamhfhoclacha. Lots of grammar during this term but, like the tables, hopefully it will help us all after the Christmas holidays.
Ms. Wozniak has been doing Art lessons with us every Monday. Everyone agrees that the collage lesson was the best so far. We’re all looking forward to more exciting and fun art in the next term. Thanks very much to Ms. Wozniak for all the help.
Most of the past few weeks have been taken up with preparations for our school play. The name of this year’s play was ‘What does Christmas feel like?’ It took place last Tuesday the 15th of December in Tuar Ard in Moate. It proved to be a great success with everyone from 5th and 6th heavily involved throughout the show. Despite being exhausted the following day nearly all our ‘Stars’ turned up for school ( even if some of us were half asleep). Well done to everyone involved.
Finally, we would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. We hope Santy brings us everything we wish for and we’ll talk to you all again in 2010.
We would like to wish all our children and their families an enjoyable summer.
We bid a sad farewell to our sixth class, Catriona, Ciara, Steffi, Niamh, Adam, Bart, Keith, and Patrick and wish you all continued success next year in Secondary School.
Slán libh agus go n-eirigh an bóthar libh!
5th and 6th have been very busy since returning from the break. Both the boys and girls won the South Westmeath 5-a-side soccer competition before Easter and were unlucky to lose out in the county finals which took place in Athlone I.T. Well done to everyone involved though, as it was an achievement overall by both teams.
The Marita Stone Tournament has also commenced lately with the girls recording two wins from two games and the boys also victorious in their first two games. The finals are scheduled to take place on Friday, June 5th, in Rosemount G.A.A.. We are counting down the days!!
In English, we have just completed our 3rd Novel of the year ‘The Twelft Day of July’ and 90% of the class agrees that it was difinitely the best of the lot! Some of us have already started the next book in the series in the hope that Kevin and Sadie will find a way to remain friends.
We are also nearing the end of our cyclesafe programme which is due to finish next Tuesday. Thanks a million to Robbie and Dorothy for all their help. We’ve all really enjoyed the course and hope it will help us during the coming summer months.
Last but not least, we are very excited about this Friday, the 29th as we are going on our school tour. For 6th class this will be our last tour so hopefully, a good day will be had by all.
In Irish, we have just completed our Irish novel, ‘Fionn mac Cumhaill, Taoiseach na Féinne’. This was enjoyed by all in the room and it goes to prove that Irish can be fun after-all!
5th class are nearing the climax of their English novel ‘The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas’. We’re all hoping that both Shmuel and Bruno are safe and well by the end (fingers crossed).
In Art, Ms Wozniak helped us with the construction of our islands. They have all turned out brilliant and everyone agrees that it was definitely the most enjoyable lesson so far this year. Who knew that you could use toilet paper for something else other than the obvious!
Congrats to our Quiz team who finished 3rd in the Credit Union Quiz in Athlone recently. We only missed out on joint 1st place by 1 point. Ouch!!! But well done anyway for a great effort.
Fifth and Sixth class are busy getting ready for Christmas. In art we are making paper mache snowmen (fingers crossed they turn out ok). Hopefully they will be strong enough to hold some treats for the Christmas Party.
We decided to do Kris Kindle again this year. Everyone has promised not to tell who they have (some chance of that!).
Finally, we have been practicing our badminton skills over the past few weeks and after lots of wild swings and a certain amount of huffing and puffing, we are happy to say we have perfected this tricky sport. London 2012 here we come!
Happy Christmas everyone!
PS. Santa, if you happen to read this, 75% of the class want Match Attax trading cards for Christmas!
It was with flags flying, cheering, clapping and even a few joyous tears that the pupils and staff of Ardnagrath N.S. gave Mr. Keane a rousing farewell as he set off to collect his second All Start Award in City West, Dublin and then continued on the long journey to Australia where he proudly represents Ireland in the Aussie Rules Football Tournament.
We were all glued to the television on Friday evening, 17th October, as we celebrated with Mr Keane as he was presented with his prestigious award. We look forward to watching him play in Australia next week. With temperatures as high as 35 degrees, we are sure that there will be sparks flying!!
Good luck Mr Keane and have a great time.
We have all been hard at work since our return after the summer break. First on the agenda was to create a class prayer. After some time we settled on the following:
Father above we come to say
Thank you for each and every day.
Thank you for all your loving care,
For the people we meet at home and everywhere.
God our Father, help us to see,
The better side of you and me.
Guide us in this lovely class
And come to us when we go to mass.
Thank you for our school and home.
Praise you for the places we roam.
Bless all our loved ones who have passed away.
Remember them all in a special way.
Once again, the beginning of the year has been dominated with the ‘Dear Grace’ essay writing competition. Everyone has put in a great effort as we bid for a fourth success in 7 years. Best of luck to all!
On Wednesday, we will be competing in the Cross Country Championships in Mullingar. After a great showing last year, we are hoping again for an enjoyable and rewarding day.
We bid a sad farewell to our sixth class pupils who are off to secondary school this year. Goodbye to Kaman, Conor S., Conor B., Brian, Colm, Anna, Ali, Nicky and Kristina. We wish you all the best for the future and are confident that you will do us all proud as you follow your dreams!
BOOKLISTS FOR SEPTEMBER
ENGLISH: 5th Class - ‘Treasury E.’ 6th Class - ‘Treasury F.’
Core skills in English Core skills in English
Activity Book (Folens) Activity Book (Folens)
‘Hello Universe’ Stories & Poems (CJFallon) (5th & 6th)
‘Hello Universe’ Matter of Fact (CJFallon) (5th & 6th)
5th & 6th Class – English Dictionary (not children’s dictionary)
IRISH: 5th Class – 6th Class
Bun go Barr 5
Reader: Fionn mac Cumhaill – Taoiseach na Feinne
(An Gum publications, available at Cormacans only)
English/Irish Dictionary
Cleachtaí Gramadaí Bunscoile (Folens)
Ceartlitriú 5 – Treoir do Litriú na Gaeilge (NEW)
MATHS: 5th Class ‘6th Class
Mathemagic 5’ ‘Mathemagic 6’
(CJFallon) (CJFallon)
‘Mathemagic 5 shadow book ‘Mathemagic 6 shadow book
Helix Maths Set (5th & 6th)
HISTORY: 5th & 6th Class - History Quest 6
GEOGRAPHY: Geography Quest 5
Philips Modern Atlas for Irish Primary School
RELIGION: 5th & 6th Class – ‘Alive O8’ Textbook (Rent from school)
‘Alive O8’ Workbook
COPIES: 5th & 6th Class – 88 paged lined copies x 10
88 paged squared copies x 2
Roller Tipex
Don’t forget! 2 rubbers, 2 pencils, 2 red pens, 2 blue/black pens, Colouring pencils/
Crayons!
Note: Large copies for Religion, History/Geography/Science can be purchased from school. Some of the above books can be purchased second hand from past pupils.
Ardnagrath N.S. Homework Journal (5th & 6th Class) to be purchased from school in September.
PRIMARY SCIENCE AWARD CEREMONY
A great morning was had by three pupils who were lucky enough to have their names drawn to attend the Primary Science Award Ceremony. Anna, Colm and Conor B had the opportunity to mingle with fellow pupils from other schools, browse through the fun scientific stands and enjoy a buffet lunch of refreshments and snacks in the Radisson SAS hotel on Monday, 9th June. The ceremony opened with internationally renowned science entertainer Sue McGrath from science2life with her exciting and dynamic show. Anna, Colm and Conor were presented with a beautiful plaque in recognition of our achievement in Science Excellence by none other than Eanna Ni Lamhna from RTE Radio One’s ‘Mooney goes Wild’.
WRITE A POEM
Congratulations to all who won medals in the Write a Poem 2008 competition! We had three winners in our classroom - Niamh McNamara, Conor Brady and Anna Parkes. Well done to you all! And even more exciting is the fact that Anna's poem - Save the Earth, is to be published in a limited edition book of poetry which is being worked on at present by the Athlone Education Centre! Anna's ambition is to become an author when she gets older - you are getting off to a good start Anna, we are all very proud!
PRIMARY SCIENCE:
The big news is that we have finished and submitted our Primary Science log, you can read more about this in the Science Week News section. Fingers crossed we will again receive our Award of Excellence for Science.
GREEN FLAG:
The bigger news is that we have been successful in our quest for obtaining our third Green Flag – well done to everyone! (See School Green for more details).
NOVEL OF THE YEAR:
I think we are all agreed that what we enjoyed doing most over the last few weeks was our novel which we have just finished– Roll of Thunder, Hear my Cry.
Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry is a 1976 children's novel written by Mildred D. Taylor. It tells the story of a land-owning African American family living in a rural area of Mississippi during the 1930s, and how they subsequently cope with mounting white oppression and racism in order to keep their land.
The book is told in the first person narrative, as viewed through the eyes and ears of Cassie Logan, a fourth-grade girl. Cassie, at this young age, discovers the dangers of racism.
The novel won the 1977 Newbery Medal and is considered by some to be among the greatest children's novels of all time. Its sequel, Let the Circle be Unbroken, was released in 1981.
Both classes throughly enjoyed this novel and we have prepared a notice board highlighting the main points in each chapter and character profiles on the various characters.
WRITE A POEM:
We have also entered the Write a Poem competition in conjunction with the Athlone Education Centre, good luck to all!