Grandparents day
Grandparents Day was celebrated on Wednesday the 2nd of February. Many thanks to the staff and pupils for making the day so special for our visitors.
The day was thoroughly enjoyed by all.
Sincere thanks to the Parents Association and staff members who helped with the serving of tea and coffee. It was very much appreciated by all those who stayed on for a cup of tea afterwards.
Below are a number of accounts written by the children about Grandparents Day.
Grandparent’s Day – by Shauna
On Grandparents Day we got to see all of our grandparents. We got to see our friend’s grandparents too. We all drew a picture and wrote a prayer for our grandparents. We’re all so proud of our grandparents. It was great to have a special day, to show them all how much we love and care about them. We had so much fun. I wish we could do it again.
Grandparents Day – by Katie
It was a good idea to do grandparents day. I felt happy when all the grannies and grandpas were there. They all got to see all the art we have done, all our work and they even got to meet our class mates and our teacher. I think my grandparents enjoyed grandparent’s day. Everyone was really nice. We got to meet everyone’s grandparents too. Then we all sang songs and we even drew pictures. I think it was a lovely day and hope they do it again next year.
Grandparents Day – by Shane
On grandparents day we invited all our grandparents to come to school for a very special day. On grandparents day we all showed our grandparents around the classroom to see all the work we did in school. We also brought in pictures of our grandparents and us with our grandparents and we brought in old objects our grandparents own. We hung stuff up for our grandparents like acrostic poem, an interview sheet we did with our grandparents and a memory tree of grandparents who passed away. When most of the grandparents came we turned on the interactive white board and put on a slide show we made. It had all of us on it with a picture we drew of us with our grandparents and a message we wrote to them. Some people’s grandparents were not able to make it so they could bring in someone special like their mother, father, uncle, brother, sister etc. Grandparent’s day was a fun day and everyone enjoyed it.
Grandparents Day – by Lauren
Grandparent’s day was on Wednesday 2nd February. They came in at a quarter to two. Some people came in early and some people didn’t come till half one. There was the draughts and X’s and O’s table. The Scenes from the Past table, the Poem table, the PowerPoint was on the white board, the Survey table, the Memories table, the Personality Poster table and the Picture Quiz table. There were roughly four people at each table. When the grandparents walked in they met the teacher and they started at whatever table they wished. They had a great time seeing our classroom and going around from table to table. Here are some things that you could have done at each table. At the draughts table and X’s and O’s table, a grandparent took on a pupil at either draughts or X’s and O’s. The grandparents enjoyed that table especially. Next was the scene’s from the Past table. That was art. The pupils at that table explained that these were scenes from the past and explained some pictures. The poems table was easy. They just had to say “This is the Poem table” and every persons in the class wrote a poem”. Next was the Power Point presentation. The pupils in charge of that just read out what was on the board. The survey table was next. There was questions made out for them and they just had to circle their favourite one. I was at the memories table and it was a really good table to be at. We explained that everyone in the class wrote down their favourite memory with their grandparents. The personality Poster was cool because everyone in the class wrote down four clues about their grandparents and put them on a poster. So when the grandparents came in they had to guess which one was them and lastly was the Picture Quiz table. You looked at six pictures and wrote down what they were. Before we knew it, it was time to go home.
Grandparents Day – by Danielle
On the second of February 2011 it was World Grandparents Day. So in our school we had Grandparents Day. The grandparents could come to the school and look around. We had different tables with things to do like:
- A survey where the grandparents would circle their favourite fruit, favourite TV programme, favourite animal, favourite type of music, favourite movie, favourite drink, favourite newspaper, favourite subject in school.
- Memories Table is where we all wrote down our very favourite memory with our grandparents.
- Personality Poster is where we wrote down clues about our grandparents and on the back of the sheets we wrote which one of the grandparents it was.
- The Picture Quiz is where we had sheets with picture of old things like old meat grinders, high Nelly etc and the grandparents would have to guess what they are.
- The Draughts and X’s and O’s is where the Grandparents could play us, but the grandparents always won.
- The Artwork is where the Grandparents could look at some art we had painted.
- Poems Corner is where the Grandparents could look at the poems we wrote about them.
- Power Point Presentation is where on our interactive white board we did a Power Point Presentation about grandparents.
So that’s everything we did on Grandparents Day!
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Green Flag Ceremony- Monday 28th June 2010
Our Second Green Flag was officially raised by Minister John Gormley TD, and in the company of Minister Mary White, TD for Carlow. The weather was disappointing, but in every other respect, it was a great day! Thanks to Ms O’Brien and her fantastic Green Schools Committee, to all our teachers and staff who embraced the whole project thoroughly. Special thanks to Ms Marie McDermott Walsh and Junior Infants, to Emily Kirwan and her lovely dancers, and to Billy Kirwan for providing all the excellent entertainment.
Sincere thanks to Parents Association and staff members who helped with catering yesterday- it was done quietly and efficiently, and was very much appreciated by all those who stayed on for a cup of tea afterwards. Thanks also to those parents who have supported the project and who came along to support us for the occasion.
Pat Bermingham Tournament 2010
Fighting Cocks GFC -The annual Pat Bermingham tournament was held on Sunday 20th June as part of the official opening of the Fighting Cocks GAA field. In warm sunny conditions Newtown National School made the journey to take on Rathoe National School in what turned out to be a great game of football.
Sports Day 2010
Our annual sports day took place in June. The emphasis was on participation not competition and it is great to report that all the children embraced that spirit. the children participated in a wide range of fun activites.
Mr. O Reilly ran off the soccer World Cup finals on the same day. He presented each of the winning teams with Samba soccer kits and the runners up with footballs.
We thank him sincerely for his time, generosity and dedication.
School tours 2010
School tours took place on Fri 18th June. The senior tour began with a tour of Kilkenny castle, followed by a visit to Dunmore Caves and finally an afternoon of fun filled entertainment at Reptile Village in Gowran, Co. Kilkenny.
Junior infants to 1st class had a great time at Kiddies Kingdom in Bagnalstown followed by a visit to the cinema to see the movie ‘The Tooth Fairy’
A great day was had by all!
Community Games All Ireland Winners!
Congratulation to Kyron, 1st Class and Jessica, 4th Class who respresented their county in Athlone last Saturday.
Kyron won gold in the Under 8′s Art and Jessica brought home silver in the Under 10′s Art.
Well done also to 3 of our 6th Class students who came in tth place in the under 14′s Table Quiz in Athlone.
Maith sibh go léir!
First Holy communion 2010
Our 2nd class received their First Communion on Saturday, May 22nd, amid glorious sunshine and blue skies. It was a great occasion for the children and their families, and as always the children were a credit to their parents and their teacher. Many thanks to Ms Moore who prepared the children so well, and to Mr Folan and his choir for their commitment and loyalty to their school. Sincere thanks also to the Do This in Memory Group who made the commitment to prepare the children and organise the liturgies for the chosen Sundays throughout the year. Thanks to the Parents Association members who provided the lovely refreshments in the hall after the ceremony. Mile buíochas also to Fr Howard for his assistance and support throughout the year.
Pottery
1st to 4th class had great fun recently making and decorating their own pottery. Their finished products were fantastic!
Science Fair 2010
Our annual science fair was a great sucess with children from 2nd to 6th class preparing and displaying a wide variety of topics. Every exhibit was interesting and a lot of work went into preparing and displaying the projects. The winners will be announced at the next assembly.
Science Workshop
Pupils from 3rd to 6th Class attended an SEI Science Workshop in Carlow town on Wednesday, 21st April. The children participated in a wide variety of activities on the theme of energy saving and renewable energy and undertook some practical science experiments. This integrates very well with our Green schools Energy theme and our Science Fair taking place next Friday.
Glendale Visit
Our pupils were invited back to Glendale Nursing Home on April 15th. Ms. Moore’s 2nd & 3rd Class performed a selection of well known songs and played some tunes on their tin whistles. Some of our Irish dancers then performed a selection of jigs and reels to entertain the residents. Both the children and the residents thoroughly enjoyed the experience and we hope to return again in the future. A very special word of thanks to Emily Kirwan for preparing the dancers for the day.
Titanic Exhibition On Wednesday, 25th March 5th & 6th class visited the Titanic Exhibition in Dublin to celebrate their confirmation as a class. Everyone enjoyed the day and represented their school very well. Maith sibh!
Seachtain Na Gaeilge was a great success here at our school, and we were delighted with the enthusiasm with which the children embraced the whole event. The cúpla focaíl were to be heard at every corner of the school yard and in the classroom all week. Thanks to all the children and teachers for promoting our native language in such a positive way. The highlight of the week was undoubtedly the Ceilí Mór on Tuesday. Thanks to Mr Folan for putting it all together. The dancing, singing and style was a sight to behold and everyone got involved. Thanks especially to all the parents who took the time to visit the school and who impressed us with their dancing! Míle buíochas to Billy Kirwan for his musical accompaniment. The Christy Ring Cup also made an appearance on Tuesday with four members of the Carlow team on hand to encourage our pupils to develop their hurling and camogie skills.
Heineken Cup
On Thursday, local hero and Leinster and Ireland Rugby player Sean O’Brien paid us a visit to show the Heineken Cup to the children. He was very generous with his time and visited every classroom where he spoke about his career to date and his aspirations for the future. We wish him a speedy recovery and all the best with his future plans. 5th & 6th attended the Rugby Blitz at Tullow Rugby Club on Wednesday 24th March.
Confirmation 2010 in Rathoe Confirmation Day in Rathoe on Feb 26th was one to remember for all 33 of our 5th & 6th class pupils and their parents. Míle buíochas to all who contributed in so many ways to its success.
Sincere thanks to all the confirmation preparation volunteers who ran the programme for the 5 Tuesday nights prior to the big day. Special thanks to Mr Browne who worked so hard on behalf of all the children to make sure everyone was involved, and who made it such a memorable and unique experience for them.
Thanks also to Mrs Maher and Mrs Haskins for their assistance in the preparations in so many ways and to Mrs Bray for her work in preparing the lovely Confirmation Booklet.
Thanks also to Mr Folan and the children of 3rd & 4th class for the beautiful music on the day
Haitian Earthquake fundraiser: The response to our fundraiser on Friday February 12th was very uplifting. All the children and staff took part and made it a great day. We raised a total of €820.33 which has been passed on to Trocaire via Fr Padraig Shelley the diocesan representative. Fr Shelley visited the school on Wednesday, to thank all the children for their great efforts.
Green Schools Energy Action Day February was designated Energy Action month here at Rathoe NS. We had an Energy Action Day on Thursday February 25th to highlight our efforts to conserve energy in our school and homes. The children’s class work was on display and we were joined by many parents and extended families. Well done to the green schools committee and Ms. O Brien for their dedication and enthusiasm to the project.
Drama & Pottery Day Tues 9th Feb:
Cups and Crowns entertained our 1st – 4th Classes with workshops in drama, mime and games. This was followed by a lively and very entertaining show in the afternoon called ‘Maimee’s cart’. While the Junior and senior infants had great fun making their own pottery. A great lively creative day was had by all!
Christmas Concert ’09
Our pupils put on a great performance last Thursday night, 17th December when they entertained the community in St. Patricks Church in Rathoe. The children from Junior infants to 2nd class put on a lovely play called ‘Santa goes to Ballytoy’, while the 3rd to 6th Class performed ‘Noah’s Great Lifeboat’. Both groups joined together for the finale to sing a selection of Christmas carols.
Thanks to all the parents who attended. Thanks to all our teaching and SNA staff who put hours of preparation into last night, much of it out side working hours. Special mention must go to Meave Maher in this respect: Meave was responsible for many of the fabulous props on show last night. Thanks also to parents who really went all out to make sure the children looked the part. Well done to everyone!
Students perform for President McAleese
On 17th November President McAleese visited VISUAL, the Centre for Contemporary Art and the George Bernard Shaw Theatre in Carlow.
The President was invited to tour the building to view the exhibitions which show the works of international, national and local artists.
During the tour, the President met some of our 5th & 6th Class pupils who performed in the Schools Choral project. They were joined by a chorus of children from other Carlow schools who sang the song they performed at the official opening of the building in September.
Christmas Shoe Box Appeal 2009
Every year the generous children of Rathoe make up shoe boxes to send to less fortunate children in foreign countries to open for Christmas. They fill these boxes with toys, soaps, hats, scarves and other treats. The children get a great sense of satisfaction knowing that these boxes will make other children happy at Christmas. The school made up a total of 75 shoeboxes this year. Well done to everyone involved!
Book Fair
Our annual Book Fair took place from November 11th -18th Nov.
This was a great success again this year and gave the children the opportunity to immerse themselves in a variety of books. 
The commission earned on books sold will enable us to update our class libraries and invest in new class novels.
MS Readathon
Our pupils from 1st to 6th are taking part in the MS Readathon for the month of November. This activity has a dual purpose, most importantly to encourage the children to read and also to support the Multiple Sclerosis Society. The amounts raised are not our priority, but we do hope that the children will be encouraged to read more at home and perhaps take a break from TV and Playstations, X- Boxes etc during the month of November.
Cake Sale
We had a great response to our cake sale on Thursday 23rd October. Parents, children and teachers baked a large and varied selection of delicious buns, cakes, cookies, scones, pavlova and jam to make it a great success raising funds of €661. It was great to see such a strong sense of community spirit as everyone pitched in to make it a whopping success. Sincere thanks to everyone.
Great praise is due to Mrs. Gina Haskins for all her hard work and dedication to the project.
Halloween Costume/Jersey Day
Rathoe was full of witches, vampires, skeletons, devils and many more scary things on Friday 23rd October. The children wore their costumes to school while the older boys and girls wore their favourite sports jerseys. They had class parties and got to play some traditional Halloween games. Photos on 2nd and 3rd class webpage above.
Cumann na mBunscoil
Over the past two months the boys and girls from 3rd to 6th class took part in the Cumann na mBunscoil football leagues. While no silverware was collected, a huge improvement could be seen in both the boys’ and girls’ teams. The girls enjoyed victories over Ballinabranna and Old Leighlin while the boys defeated Hacketstown and were extremely unlucky to lose to Ballinabranna by a point. A great effort was put in by all the children at the training sessions and their hard work is paying off. Training will recommence in February and March for the Mini Sevens Competition which takes place in April.
Sincere thanks to those who provided transport to the games in the Fighting Cocks GAA pitch. It was much appreciated. Also special thanks to Caroline Kelly who ensured that the jerseys were always washed and clean.
Sincere thanks to Mr Browne for all the time, dedication and effort he gives to training our football players.
Green schools
We hope our 2nd Green Flag which is based on energy will be awarded to us early in 2010. We are working very hard to achieve this.
See our green schools page for more information.
Green schools committee 09/10
Carlow Arts Festival official opening September 26th
The 5th and 6th class performed in the celebration of the opening of our new Co. Carlow Arts Centre on Saturday last. They were joined by a chorus of children from other Carlow schools. Our pupils generated the content material for a new song to celebrate the opening. It was a lovely day of entertainment for everyone in the locality and the children did their school very proud. Maith sibh.
Thanks to Mr Browne for his dedication to this project since last May
2008/09
School Tour 09
School tours took place on monday 22nd June. The whole school spent the day at Kilcullen Lets Go Camp. The children had an action packed day and thoroughly enjoyed the activities on offer.
School Tour Kilcullen
Éigse Festival
This years Éigse activity was a very enjoyable trip to the cinema to see the preview of a new animated movie ‘The Secret of Kells’.
First Holy Communion 2009
Took place on Sunday May 10th in Rathoe Church. It was a very special morning for 2nd class and their parents. They impressed us
all with how well prepared they were. Many thanks to Mr. Folan for all the work that went into their preparation. Thanks also to Ms. Finnegan and Ms. Moore for their assistance with art displays and choir and to all the children who made up the choir. They did us proud as usual. Special word of thanks to Frances Slattery who provided musical accompaniment . Thanks to the Do This In Memory Parents Group for assisting with preparation of the children, and to the Parents Association who provided the refreshments in the hall after Mass.
Communion
Puppet Show
Junior infants to 2nd Class had a big treat on Wednesday, April 1st when Kids Party Educational paerformed a lively, fun puppet show addressing the issue of bullying through the use of a wonderful band of lively characters.
The show was very interactive and they all enjoyed the experience.
Christmas 08
Our pupils put on a great performance on Thurs, 18th December when they entertained the community with a carol service in St. Patrick’s church in Rathoe. The children from Junior infants to 2nd class put ona a lovely play accomanied by Billy Kirwan on accordian, while the 3rd to 6th class did a rendition of their favourite songs from the Hallelujah concert. Both groups joined together for the finale to sing a selection of Christmas carols. Well done to everyone!
3rd -6th Class Hallelujah singers
Junior Infants - 2nd Class Christmas play
Hallelujah concert 08
Congratulations and well done to all 33 children from 3rd to 6th class in Rathoe N.S. who were part of a 3000 strong choir who sang in the RDS Dublin last Saturday night. The excitement was terrific on the night and the children thoroughly enjoyed it, as did the parents who attended. Many hours of hard work went into preparing the children and great credit is due to Mr. Folan and Mrs. Moore for their dedication and commitment to this project since September.
