School News 2024-2025
Seachtain Na Gaeilge
Seachtain na Gaeilge has been another raging success in St. Lachteens. Hugh credit needs to go to the children involved, without their efforts and commitment and enthusiasm, it would be a struggle to say the least. This year saw the Cigire come to each classroom and quiz the classes on their Gaeilge. Junior Infants and 6th Class were the two overall winners this year. But they can't rest, as who knows when the feared CIGIRE will return!!!
5th class put on Drámaíocht den scoth le feisteas iontacha ina measc. Again, their effort and enthusiasm was an absolute credit to themselves and their teacher.
4th Class worked hard spreading the Gaeilge this past fortnight, working with lots of classes, but especially the younger infant classes. This resulted in board games being played as Gaeilge after a week of 4th teaching them the vocabulary needed.
A big thank you to the 6th class students who ran the Tráth na gceist this year - they were fine quiz masters and helpers and made a most enjoyable event for the 3rd - 5th classes who took part.
Songs were sang, music was played and we all got on board with the theme of what we were trying to develop in the school; that being, "Is fearr Gaeilge briste, ná Béarla clíste."
Around the school posters and sayings are also displayed showing the students awareness of the language and its value to our collective culture.
5th class put on Drámaíocht den scoth le feisteas iontacha ina measc. Again, their effort and enthusiasm was an absolute credit to themselves and their teacher.
4th Class worked hard spreading the Gaeilge this past fortnight, working with lots of classes, but especially the younger infant classes. This resulted in board games being played as Gaeilge after a week of 4th teaching them the vocabulary needed.
A big thank you to the 6th class students who ran the Tráth na gceist this year - they were fine quiz masters and helpers and made a most enjoyable event for the 3rd - 5th classes who took part.
Songs were sang, music was played and we all got on board with the theme of what we were trying to develop in the school; that being, "Is fearr Gaeilge briste, ná Béarla clíste."
Around the school posters and sayings are also displayed showing the students awareness of the language and its value to our collective culture.
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February Fun in 2nd Class |
February was a month full of creativity and fun in Second Class! The children explored famous artists Jim Dine and Romero Britto, creating vibrant Valentine’s artwork inspired by their styles. We also learned about Mardi Gras and Carnival, making our own colorful maracas and using them to bring music to life. We had great fun during our math's stations, exploring 3-D shapes and learning all about money through hands-on activities. It was a fantastic month of art, music, and learning.
Friendly Fortnight
We had a fabulous fortnight celebrating friendship in St. Lachteen’s. There were lots of
random acts of kindness, camaraderie, chatting and play, with artwork, creative writing, and
teamwork on display. Some of the sixth-class girls wrote a rap which they taught to the other
classes. This was performed by all the children in the school.
One of the highlights of the fortnight was when the children ‘buddied up’ with pupils from
another class to do artwork, play board games, read stories, chat and go on walks. Pupils
felt this was a most enjoyable way to get to know children in other classes.
Friendly fortnight homework also proved a big hit with the children as it gave another
opportunity to build friendships.
The fortnight concluded with a “Buddy Banquet” where pupils shared home baking and
treats with one another. See below for a snapshot of friendly fortnight!
random acts of kindness, camaraderie, chatting and play, with artwork, creative writing, and
teamwork on display. Some of the sixth-class girls wrote a rap which they taught to the other
classes. This was performed by all the children in the school.
One of the highlights of the fortnight was when the children ‘buddied up’ with pupils from
another class to do artwork, play board games, read stories, chat and go on walks. Pupils
felt this was a most enjoyable way to get to know children in other classes.
Friendly fortnight homework also proved a big hit with the children as it gave another
opportunity to build friendships.
The fortnight concluded with a “Buddy Banquet” where pupils shared home baking and
treats with one another. See below for a snapshot of friendly fortnight!
Friendly Frolics in Junior Infants
Friendly fortnight ended with a special Buddy Banquet in our classroom , we had great discussions on how to arrange the furniture to make it like a party! As part of our work on rhyming Mrs McCarthy and Juniors also wrote a poem
- We can be kind every day,
- Helping others as we play.
- Smiling, sharing, taking turns,
- Using kind words as we learn.
- Kindness makes the world so bright,
- Shining like the stars at night! ⭐
Chinese New Year in 2nd Class
2nd Class had a fantastic time celebrating Chinese New Year! In pairs, they researched different topics about China and worked together to design their projects, which they proudly presented to the class. In art, they crafted beautiful lanterns and intricate paper cuttings. To celebrate their hard work, they tested their chopstick skills by picking up their treats. Well done, 2nd Class!
Friendly Fortnight 2025
3rd Class Teacher Artist Partnership Programme (TAP+) with Luna Fox
A huge well done to students in 3td class who have just recently completed a fantastic art project with a local artist, Luna Fox, as part of the Teacher Artist Partnership Programme. This project ran for the month of October and again in January, with Luna visiting our class once a week during these months. Our project involved each student creating their own book and so, based on the theme of 'Nature', we incorporated drawing, painting, creative writing, storytelling and much more. To finish up our project we hosted a Book Fair to showcase our completed books to students in other classes. We were really lucky to have this opportunity and the students absolutely loved the entire process. Here is a video of all the work we have been doing and some snapshots of our Book Fair and completed books!
4th and 5th trip to UCC
We had a fantastic trip to UCC where the children not only got some much needed singing practice in while on the bus, but also got a great experience in both the college itself and in the nearby museum. Both classes really enjoyed the whole day. They will have their art on display for the world to see in the Glucksman Art Gallery this (March) coming month.
Both classes were a credit to everyone concerned and represented themselves and the school wonderfully well.
Both classes were a credit to everyone concerned and represented themselves and the school wonderfully well.
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Lá Fhéile Bríde |
Fifth and sixth class did a great job in making St. Brigid crosses. We first revised the story of St. Brigid before getting hands on with the craft.
Each child made one for their own home and some also made one for their grandparents.
We also made a extra for the parishioners of the parish. We heard great stories of how happy people were to get their cross at mass on the first of February.
A special thanks to all the children who brought in rushes to make it possible to make them!
Each child made one for their own home and some also made one for their grandparents.
We also made a extra for the parishioners of the parish. We heard great stories of how happy people were to get their cross at mass on the first of February.
A special thanks to all the children who brought in rushes to make it possible to make them!
January Jigsaws in Juniors
Junior infants are really enjoying jigsaws. Sometimes we work in pairs, sometimes in groups and sometimes by ourselves.
January
4th Class Hurling
4th Class boys and girls participated in a hurling competition this month against a host of other schools. They performed remarkably well and represented themselves and the school in a great fashion. The idea behind this event was to have fun, enjoy hurling and build a sense of togetherness and team work. Happy to report that the mission was a success!!
3rd Class Trip to the Playground
Students in 3rd Class have been working hard all year to earn marbles for their Marble Jar. When they reach certain numbers of marbles they get a reward, and so, for their latest reward they choose a trip to the playground. While they earned this just before Christmas, we had to wait for the snow and rain to stop and for the sun to shine! They had so much fun today under the blue skies!
3rd Class - Touch Typing
Students in 3rd class have been busy getting started on a touch typing programme. They love becoming familiar with using the laptops and have been making great progress! They are even using tea towels to cover their hands so that they learn to type without looking down at their fingers!
4th Class December Highlights
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A lot of creativity going on in 4th class to see out the year and welcome our annual visit from Santa. Some "Grinch" themed food was created to give the little green man his fair credit; but the chocolate surprises behind the Advent Calendars were a big hit with everybody.
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December Highlights in 2nd Class
December in 2nd class was filled with festive fun! They created beautiful Christmas artwork, crafted a class Advent calendar and enjoyed a cosy hot chocolate party to celebrate the season.
2nd Class Christmas Cribs
2nd class showcased their amazing creativity and talent in the creation of their Christmas cribs.
3rd Class Snowman Soup!
Students in 3rd Class enjoyed making hot chocolate parcels (or Snowman Soup) to take home and enjoy over the Christmas holidays.
Merry Christmas!!!
We ended a very busy 2024 with some wonderful Christmas performances and great fun for the last few weeks of the year in every class. Here is a video montage of our Lámh Christmas Song "Rockin around the Christmas Tree" and a few snippets and photos from other Christmas events in School. Best Wishes for 2025.......
JUNIOR Infants Fun Times at Christmas 🎄
Happy Grinch-mas
4th and their homemade green Hot Choc!
4th had a fun-filled day making hot chocolate turn Green in support of the misunderstood Christmas hero that is "The Grinch". They even managed to create some excellent and some might say tasty treats in his honour.
A flying visit from Santa
We were very lucky to get a visit from a very special man at this very busy time of the year! Santa was in St. Lachteens today to congratulate all the boys and girls for being so good this year and assured them he would be visiting them on Christmas night! Every class sang Santa a special Christmas song. Mrs. Claus and the elves are in the North Pole working hard to make sure every child is very happy on Christmas morning.
3rd Class ArtStudents in 3rd Class combined their Maths and Art lessons today while focusing on symmetry and creating symmetrical patterns in their paintings of Christmas wreaths and Christmas baubles!
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Christmas Flower Arranging Rang 5
The boys and girls in rang a cúig were very busy this week designing and creating centre pieces for their Christmas tables. The children were given a flower tray and oasis to start and were instructed to create their own unique piece. The children gathered foliage, greenery, berries and some flowers. Everyone made a huge effort as you will be able to see form the pictures.
Some children have decided to keep them for their Christmas tables, while others have decided to gift them to grandparents or other relatives. Just another example of how the children of St. Lachteens are thinking of sustainability in their gifting this Christmas.
Some children have decided to keep them for their Christmas tables, while others have decided to gift them to grandparents or other relatives. Just another example of how the children of St. Lachteens are thinking of sustainability in their gifting this Christmas.
Christmas Logs 2024
On Tuesday, 6th class had a great day taking part in our Annual Christmas Log Decorating Challenge. Well done to all the pupils . As usual, the standard was extremely high. The end results were magnificent!
Christmas Wreaths Rang 5 & 6
.Fifth and sixth class were very busy this week creating christmas wreaths. We were very grateful to be joined by heritage expert, Jessica Mason, for her knowledge and expertise.
The base of our wreaths were made from willow which had been harvested and treated.
In the interest of sustainability, children picked foliage such as evergreen trees, berries, holly etc. to create their wreath. The children found it to be an extremely rewarding experience. We are delighted to be keeping these old traditions alive in St. Lachteens.
Have a look at the pictures to see some of our wonderful creations.
The base of our wreaths were made from willow which had been harvested and treated.
In the interest of sustainability, children picked foliage such as evergreen trees, berries, holly etc. to create their wreath. The children found it to be an extremely rewarding experience. We are delighted to be keeping these old traditions alive in St. Lachteens.
Have a look at the pictures to see some of our wonderful creations.
Toy Show Treat Bags.
Back by popular demand, this year the student council again ran a very successful fundraiser for our school.
The student council aimed to raise money and also give everyone a sweet treat on one of the most highly anticipated nights on Irish television. Rang a cúig were recruited to help on the production line!!! A great start to Christmas. We hope all the boys and girls enjoyed them!!!
The student council aimed to raise money and also give everyone a sweet treat on one of the most highly anticipated nights on Irish television. Rang a cúig were recruited to help on the production line!!! A great start to Christmas. We hope all the boys and girls enjoyed them!!!
Senior Infants trip to the Post Office
Senior Infants has an amazing trip to the Post Office. A huge thanks to Josephine and Eileen for teaching us all about the postal service. And thanks to Jamise for giving the children some well deserved treats!
Rang 5
Famous Buildings and Structures around the world
Advent Calendar Construction 4th Class
Advent is a time for waiting and for hope. This year we made our own advent calendars waiting to eat the chocolate surprises behind each number.
Snow Day!!!!
Science Fair 3rd Class
November Assembly
Well done to all Kind Kid Raffle winners for the month of November. We had a great assembly with super performances from second class and fith.
In November we Remember
Rang a cúig went on a trip to the church and graveyard in respect of the month of the holy souls. Children were amazed to see gravestones dating back into the early 1900's. Many children found graves of relatives and said prayers.
Senior Infants & First Class November Fun!
It was another busy month in Seniors & First, with lots of learing through fun and games. Some great musical instruments created aswell as beautiful art.
Donoughmore Minor Champions
We were delighted to welcome some local celebrities to school day. We had a black and white day to celebrate the minor hurler and footballers success this year. Some members of the winning teams visited with the cups. The two captains gave us some inspirational speeches and best of all homework off. Congratulations to Donoughmore minor hurler and footballers and thank you for visiting us.
Happy Halloween 🎃
3rd Class Art - Fun Bone Family
Spooky Times in Junior Infants
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October Assembly
Congratulations to all our Kind Kid Raffle winners for the month of October. We had a fun filled assembly with lots of entertainment. Senior Infants sang a Halloween song followed by a Halloween dán as gaeilge by rang a haon. Fourth class dressed up for the occasion as Romans and performed a song which taught us all about life in Roman times. We heard a selection of Halloween acrostic poems from fourth class. Fifth class had us all joining in for a rendition of the Rattlin' Bog. We hope everyone enjoys their mid-term break! 🎃
Maths Week
First Class and Senior Infant pupils has gread fun during maths week, exploring maths in many different ways
4th Class Book Club
4th Class had a great time recounting the books they read all month. They did a super job and deserve great credit for their commitment and effort. But the cakes stole the show!!! Book club bakers (and helpers) TAKE A BOW!
Arts n' treats!
Halloween can be a time of great creativity and this was certainly on show this year in 4th class. The art on the walls of the hall have "deathinately" made an improvement!!
Also the procedural skills of the children was on show as they made their own "spooky" treats!
Also the procedural skills of the children was on show as they made their own "spooky" treats!
PlayTime
Junk Art and Construction Juniors
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October so far in 2nd class
It has been a busy start to the month of October in 2nd class. They have been learning lots of information about castles and worked together in pairs to create their own castles. They studied pointillism and created their own autumn trees based on this.
The Circus is coming to town!!
September Assembly
Our school assemblies got off to a great start with our September assembly. We were entertained with performances of a song by Junior Infants and Third Class sang a Coldplay song as gaeilge. Congratulations to all our Kind Kid Raffle winners for September. Well done to our Student Council representatives from each class, we are looking forward to hearing your manifesto for this school year in the coming weeks. Congratulations also to all the winners of our Art and Wellbeing Competition a great effort was put in by all participants, Maith sibh!
September Maths Trail - Seniors & First Class
Senior Infants & First Class had a busy day observing maths in our everyday world!
Go n-éirí an t-ádh libh!
The very best of luck to Donoughmore U14s in the County Final V Castletownroche this Sunday. Domhnach Mór Abú!
Welcome back Rang a dó
It has been a busy few weeks settling back into 2nd class after the summer holidays.
3rd Class Book Club
We kicked off our monthly Book Club in 3rd Class. Students love chatting about their favourite books that they have read during the month. Each month two bakers are selected to bring in some yummy treats for all to enjoy while discussing their books.
September
A selection of photos from settling in and enjoying junior infants this September.
3rd Class Virtual River Field Trip
Jessica Mason visited 3rd Class this week to bring them on a virtual river field trip. Jessica brought in river water and magnifying glasses so we were able to examine all of the insects, bugs and leaves in the water sample. Using a key, we identified different bugs such as the Mayfly Nymphs and the Caseless Caddis Fly.
Special Needs Assistants Appreciation Day
On SNA Appreciation day we wish to say Go raibh míle maith agaibh to our wonderful SNAs for the incredible work you do each and every school day.
The Donoughmore Community Monty Dons
4th class kindly volunteered their time and expertise in the planting of the lovely, new planters provided by the Donoughmore Community Group. Lovely spring bulbs were added to the wonderful display already achieved by the community group. Hopefully the whole community can benefit from the team work shown by both school and community groups. Maith sibh go léir.
National Special Needs Assistants Appreciation Day
Ahead of National Special Needs Assistants Appreciation Day which will be held on Thursday 26th November we wish to thank all our wonderful Special Needs Assistants for the incredible work they do in our school everyday. Go raibh míle maith agaibh.
Donoughmore Fundraising for Marymount Hospice
A no uniform day will be held in aid of Marymount of Thursday 26th September. Donoughmore Fundraising Group for Marymount Hospice will hold their annual coffee morning on Saturday 28th September from 11am to 1pm in the Community Centre.
Sciath Na Scol
The Sciath na Scol football fixtures have kicked off this September as the pupils played their first matches at home against Vicarstown N.S. Well done to all pupils involved and best of luck in your upcoming fixtures. Go n-éirí an t-ádh libh
Rang a Cúig Pitch and Putt
School Therapy Dog: Tiana
We are delighted to welcome our school therapy dog Tiana back to school. The pupils love receiving a warm welcome from Tiana on the school yard in the morning.
4th Class STEM-ing ahead!!!
Junior Infants First Days
Welcome Back
We are looking forward to welcoming all our pupils back to school on Wednesday 28th August. Céad Míle Fáilte to our new junior infants we cannot wait to see you all.
