We held our own local elections today so that the children could get an understanding of the voting process. We had six party candidates all vying for the vote of the rest of the school. Poster were made and campaigning began! Our polling station was opened and everyone completed their ballot paper for their preferential candidates. Then the waiting began while the votes were counted and transfers worked out! It was a great learning process for our senior room and they enjoyed learning about the whole election process.
The pupils of 1st Class joined their Classmates to celebrate the 2nd Class receiving their First Holy Communion last weekend. We played games, listed to music and had some treats – our 1st Holy Communion Cake was delicious!!
We welcomed Minister for Education Joe McHugh and members of the late Fr. Seamus Gallagher’s family to the school today in remembrance of Fr. Seamus, a much missed character in the community.
As Chairman of the Board of Management, Fr. Seamus assisted the school in many ways, and was a very popular presence on his regular visits to St. Naul’s N.S., with pupils and staff alike. The large turnout was a testament to the esteem in which his parishioners held him.
Minister McHugh and Hugh Gallagher, brother of Fr. Seamus, unveiled a memorial bench and willow dome after the pupils of the school had performed a number of musical tributes to Fr. Seamus, followed by a tribute by Fr. Seamus’ uncle, Danny Meehan.
Fr. James Sweeney, Parish Priest of Inver, spoke on behalf of the Parish. The school community was also joined by Seamus’ sisters Ann and Mary Catherine, as well as other members of his extended family.
Rory O’Donnell thanked the Board of Management, staff and pupils for all their hard work in the lead up to the day, and also thanked the Parents Association for their continuing support of the school.
Our thanks, as always, to Barbara McGroary for her fantastic photographs of the day.
Our ‘star chart’ is going well. The children are working hard towards positive behaviour in the yard and when they are lining up. The ‘active’ prize of 10 minutes extra playtime is awarded when 5 stars are gained by the winning class. This is a great incentive to continue positive active vibes.
