Ardranganna

The senior room attended ESB Science Blast in UL on May 19th. The students had great fun investigating our question ‘Who has faster reaction times? Boys or Girls?’. The judge commended the students on their use of the scientific method, their creativity, collaboration, critical thinking and communication skills. It was a very enjoyable day for all involved! From our findings- while both the girls and boys had some victories, overall it turns out boys are indeed faster to react!!

Our sports people have had a fantastic term representing the school. The girls are through to the West Final where they will take on Feenagh Kilmeedy. We also had a representative on the Eithne Neville West team, who went on to play in the Primary Game!
The Boys' competition took the form of a blitz. Once again, the boys reached the West Final and came away with the silver medals.
Kilfinny Abú

- Climate Change Projects
The senior room was busy learning about the effects of climate change and what is being done/can be done to combat these effects. The students researched natural disasters caused by climate change effects. They were very interested (and maybe getting some ideas) in Greta Thunberg’s school strike for climate change!!

- 6th class hoodies
6th class received their hoodies this term, and have been wearing them to school since. They chose the navy and blue colours, and each signed their name on the back. A big thank you to the PA for organising these.

- Amber April
The senior room enjoyed many wonderful activities for Amber April- a breakfast of croissants and orange juice al fresco being one of their highlights! They enjoyed an afternoon of board games, obstacle courses, some mindful colouring and created some beautiful pictures for the residents of the Croagh nursing home.

- Farewell!
We said goodbye to one of our buddies in the Senior Room this term. While we will miss him a lot, we know his new classmates are lucky to have him. Go neirí an t-ádh leat.

February was full of activity and hands‑on learning for our senior students.
Swimming Success:
Pupils from 3rd to 6th Class completed a six‑week swimming programme with Woodlands Swim Academy. Everyone was thrilled to finish the block by proudly earning their Swimming Excellence Certificates!
Creative Arts:
To celebrate Valentine’s Day, the children created beautiful “Love Birds” artwork using drawing and painting techniques. Their colourful pieces brightened up our classroom!
Science Explorations:
In SESE, we dove into the digestive system and carried out an investigation on how bile breaks down fat. The class also completed a fascinating Tooth Decay Experiment using eggshells to represent tooth enamel. By observing the effects of different drinks, students learned valuable lessons about how to care for their teeth.
Maths with Technology:
The chrome books continue to be a hit, especially when used for “Blooket,” a fun and interactive way to revise and reinforce maths concepts.
It was an exciting month of learning, creativity, and discovery—well done to all our senior students!

Comhgairdeas mór do Rang a Cúig is Rang a Sé! They made their confirmation on Tuesday 10th of February, alongside their counterparts from Croagh NS. As usual they represented the school well, with superb readers, musician and singers. Many thanks to Ms Chawke and Ms Moloney (Croagh NS) for preparing the confirmation classes. We are also very grateful to James Anglim and Mrs O'Mahony for their work with the choirs from both schools. And last but not least a big go raibh maith agaibh to Bishop Fleming, Fr John and Fr Paul for celebrating the sacrament of Confirmation with our community. We all enjoyed the message of the homily where Bishop Fleming impressed upon us the need to "practise" kindness. Like any skill, it gets better the more we use it!

The Senior Classes studied length recently as part of the Measures strand of the Maths Curriculum. Hands-on and real world activities such as measuring support deeper understanding of concepts. They also give pupils an opportunity to collaborate and problem solve in meaningful ways.

5th and 6th class visited the Salesian Secondary College in Pallaskenry on January 12th for a retreat, in preparation for their Confirmation. Thank you to Fr. McCarthy for organising a very enjoyable day.

3rd to 6th class really enjoyed their gymnastics sessions. They learned about movement and teamwork in a really fun way. Click on the photos to view.

3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th class engaged in lots of active learning during Maths Week. They made good use of some of our new Maths equipment.