St. Gerard's Junior School Winter Newsletter 2020

Junior School

Christmas Thoughts ...

As I reflect on the year gone by – what strikes me most is that this time last year as we happily invited all of our parents to the Montessori nativity, the Christmas Bazaar, the Christmas Plays, the Carol Service and as we prepared for the Christmas holidays– we could never even have imagined the year that lay ahead.

Who could have envisaged a happening in our time so extraordinary that no corner of our world would be left untouched? Who could have believed we would live through a time when a virus would change everything - the way we work, the way we interact with each other, the very way we live.

We have come through an incredible year which has brought for some the sadness of losing a loved one to Covid-19, for some the worry about the survival of their business, for others the disappointment of special events missed, and for all of us the worry of COVID-19, the heartache of not being able to see and hug our loved ones, and the constant gnawing apprehension of what might happen next…

And then – in the midst of this surreal time, into this time of fear and anxiety – something familiar and warm and happy Christmas enters!

And oh how, as the song says, “we need a little Christmas” – more than ever this year! Christmas with its great gifts…..

Christmas’ gift of peace – a time to pause, a time to relax and leave the cares of the past year aside for a while; Christmas’ gift of joy – joy in our children – in their excited faces on Christmas morning; Christmas’ gift of love – in looking forward to gathering around the Christmas table with those we care for most in the world; And perhaps more than everything else this year – Christmas’ great gift of hope – the hope that the new born Christ child brings.

from Dr. Farrell At the stable in Bethlehem - we find the baby in the manger who has come to make all things new, who knows the difficult path we have walked this year and who reminds us in the midst of these extraordinary days – of what really matters. And what has really mattered this year is everyone who has helped to bring us through these difficult times – our inspiring scientists, our amazing front-line workers, our families and friends, and here in St. Gerard’s our wonderful teachers and staff who make life happy and normal in these strange days, our parents who are so supportive and encouraging; and most of all our pupils who fill even the darkest days with a joie de vivre and a reminder that no matter what - each day is a precious gift.

Yes - everything has changed – we wear masks, we are socially distanced, the children stay in bubbles and pods - and yet what matters has remained constant - perhaps reinforced more than ever this year…..care, love, thoughtfulness and kindness – everything embodied in the baby in the manger.

So let us place our hope in Bethlehem - a place of new beginnings and new hope – a hope that will stay with us into the new year – hope for vaccines, hope for safety for our loved ones, and hope that our world will be changed for the better because we now know what really matters Happy Christmas to one and all and thank you for your wonderful support, encouragement and kindness this past year.

And in the gorgeous words of the poet Maya Angelou -

"Angels and Mortals, believers and non-believers, look heavenward and let us speak the words aloud together Christmas Hope”

2020

Before we celebrate the success of our first term back in school during this Covid-19 Pandemic, we take a look at where it all began. The arrival of Covid-19 to our shores was preceded by one of the biggest ever events in our schools’ calendar….

Our Centenary Concert in the National Concert Hall.

LL National cONCERT hA Last year around September time, we were informed that the whole school would be performing in the National Concert Hall to celebrate the school’s one hundred year anniversary! Everyone was excited and looking forward to it. We started rehearsing right away as there was no time to lose. We would be singing songs from musicals and some gentle soft songs & old Irish music. We were practising for several hours a day. Standards 1–6 sang and danced for several months in preparation!

There was lots of hard work put into the show, with weeks of coordinating rehearsals beforehand both during the school day and even some evenings and weekends too with Junior School Students, Senior School Students, Past Pupils and even a choir of St. Gerard’s teachers! But the show would not have happened if it wasn’t for all the brilliant rehearsals that got us ready to shine on the stage. While the rehearsals were fun they were serious too because we had to be ready for the big performance.

Then the day finally came, and on the 27th of January 2020 we went to the National Concert Hall in Dublin City Centre. We were all so excited. We left school early to have some lunch at home and came back to school in our full school uniform, to get onto the bus. When we got to the Concert Hall, we had to go up to the dressing room that we were assigned backstage. Everybody was bubbling with excitement. We had one final rehearsal on stage where we lined up and performed to an empty hall. It was amazing but nerve-wracking to see all those empty seats in the auditorium which we knew would be full later on with over 1,000 people! After the rehearsal we got into our costumes, had a little something to eat and then it was time for the show to begin.

First to open the show, and introduced by the evening’s hosts Gavin Dowd, a past pupil, and Emilia Connolly, a 5th Year student, were Standards 1, 2 & 3 singing the beautiful

song ‘When I Grow Up’ from Matilda the musical. The boys wore the original green school blazer from 100 years ago and the girls wore their full uniform. Everybody looked so smart. After this there was a mixture of small group and individual performances from both current and past pupils.

The talent on display was outstanding. Then Standards 4, 5 & 6 performed a medley of songs from musicals including Annie, Oliver, - not only singing the songs but dancing along too! We knew our weeks of rehearsals were paying off when we heard the rapturous applause from the audience. There was a short half-time interval and then the people who weren’t in the choir went to sit up in the balcony or the auditorium. IT was then time for the Junior School choir to perform. The choir sang lots of Irish tunes and then we sang ‘Listen to the Rain’. All the songs were lovely. After this, we went backstage to wait for the grand finale. However little did we know that there was one final big surprise. Just before our finale, people started whispering that Hozier had arrived and it was true! He sang two songs and was spectacular. Nobody wanted the night to end but before we knew it was time for the finale.

The Senior School choir began by singing Doe a Deer and were joined shortly afterwards by the Junior School. The audience gave us a standing ovation at the end.

But this show wouldn’t have happened if it wasn’t for our fabulous music teachers, Ms. Olohan, Ms. Owens and Ms. Broxson, as well as the dedication of Dr. Farrell, Mr. Geraghty, all the teachers and the past and present pupils of our wonderful school St. Gerard’s.

And we were rewarded for our performance as we got to come to school at 10 am the next day!

You could tell everyone really enjoyed preparing for and performing in our Concert and I hope we can do something like this in the future as it was one of St. Gerard’s proudest moments.

St.Gerard’s School

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Then came Covid-19 and the closure of all Schools, Workplaces and Businesses all across the country. And our new normal began.

Each week we were brought together online by the inspirational words of Dr. Farrell, supported by our wonderful teachers, uplifted by the encouragement of our parents and truly inspired by the sheer grit, determination and positivity of our wonderful young students. Our school community really was ‘in this together’!

LOCKDOWN My Lockdown Experience March 10th I was on a flight to Russia with my friends and family. We were going to the snowy part of Russia which was in the Arctic. It took three hours to get there. When we got there it was FREEZING! The next few days went by so quickly as we went to the Northern Lights , the Icebreaker Lenin which was the first nuclear powered icebreaker and many more sights.

After loads of fun adventures, the day had come when we had to go home. But before going home each of us had to take a Coronavirus test. So we took the tests and waited for our results but the results only came when we were boarding the flight. Everybody tested negative but one of my friends tested POSITIVE. Sadly when we were on a flight back to Ireland, he was still in Russia in a 14 day quarantine. When I got back to Ireland I realised that there was no school or football training because of Coronavirus . I WAS DOOMED! For the next 4 months I was only allowed to go for runs and walks. During the lockdown period I did some school work, gardening, running, walking and a LOT of video games! Then at th e end of lockdown I got the great news that I would be joining St. Gerard’s for Std. 6 in September!

katesan n e V n i v

by Ka

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Distance Learning During Lockdown

e Duffy t t e i l u J by

On The 12th of March we were told that all schools would close for 2 weeks. We were excited at first but we did not realise we would be away from the school for so long. It would be 6 months before we saw our friends or teachers in person again.

Luckily we had a very organised Principal and teachers. We brought home all of our books and plenty of worksheets on the last day and the school gave a Chromebook to anyone who didn’t have one. We started Online Schooling after St. Patrick’s weekend. We used an app called Google Meet and Google Classroom where you click on a link and you are in a class with your teachers and classmates. From Monday to Thursday we went online with our teachers from 10:00am to 1pm. There were also extra classes including online PE with Julie, Music with Ms Broxson , French with Ms Carrigy and Drama with Ms Carney. On Fridays our teachers gave us a fun activity to do with our families. This was called Fun Friday. Before we knew it, it was the Easter Holidays. There was online school on the Monday and Tuesday for the first week of Easter holidays and then the Thursday and Friday were optional with fun activities like PE with Julie , Typing with Cathy, Art with Sarah and a Novel with Dr Farrell. These were all absolutely amazing. There were some other bonuses to online learning too. At least we could still hear and see our friends even it wasn’t possible to meet in person. Of course there were some minor issues like the screen could freeze or glitch but Mr Caraher would always be on hand to get it sorted. I think online learning was a great learning experience for all of us. It made us realise just how much we like being in school and also made us more grateful for our friends.

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k c a D a y B t s r i F The

Suddenly the Summer Holidays and lock-down were over, and I found myself at the front gates. Everything looked the same. Students with new tracksuits and drawstring bags were rushing through to get into class on time. As I looked over the school grounds I could see all of our flags flapping proudly in the wind.

I could see my two little cousins skipping happily into Montessori and I remembered the feeling of my first day ever at St Gerard’s. Time has flown I pondered. I hurried to join the queue to get my temperature checked and to sanitise my hands.

The good thing was that I didn’t have to go to the crowded changing rooms to find my box - which was usually filled with unwanted items from lost property (Including socks shoes etc..!).

Inside with clean hands, a perfect temperature and a warm welcome from the teachers, I went on my way to my new classroom to meet my new teacher and classmates.

The strange thing was…nothing was “Strange!”. I happily walked through the door and was instantly greeted by loads of new faces and old familiar ones. When the bell rang our teacher introduced herself as Ms Power and we introduced ourselves.

Although, since September, we are in bubbles and pods we still get to see our friends that are in other classes by social distancing on the astro at playtime. We still get to play games - I get to play touch rugby. It feels good to be part of a team again. Best of all, at the end of the week we still get hot lunches!

Things wouldn’t be the same without the chef’s speciality of burgers and chips! Probably the biggest and best difference this year is our uniform!

Sayonara itchy green jumper..!!

Hello cosy fleece and shorts!

es Kelly l r a h C y b

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Céad Míle Fáilte Mr. Burke At the start of the school year St.Gerard’s added an extra class to Standard 6 which means they welcomed an additional teacher to the team, Mr. Burke.

Mr. Burke hails all the way from Corofin, County Clare. He is settling in extremely well and really enjoys teaching sport after school. His favourite activity so far was doing the ‘Rock, Paper, Scissors Battle’ in which he competed against Ms. Power and Ms. Maguire - and may I add he beat both six class teachers!! Mr.Burke has many hobbies which include G.A.A, rugby and farming. His favourite subjects to teach are Irish and Geography. Mr.Burke used to teach in Gaelscoil Mhichil Ciosog in Ennis. He taught 3rd class there. Céad míle fáilte Mr. Burke!

Carey

by Tara

Art Competition

Ethan Bradshaw, Winner of Bray Drug Awareness Art Competition.

OULRETTER S AM W E N TE Zack Alexander, Eva Carey, Pat Carey, Pearl Connolly, Juliette Duffy, Michael Hampson, Charles Kelly, Emma Malacalza, Kavin Venkatesan www.stgerards.ie

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y t i i v r N i t a o s s e t M on This year the Montessori Nativity Play went ahead as normal, except with one slight difference due to Covid-19. All the parents watched the wonderful Nativity play virtually online instead of coming into the Classroom to watch it in person.

The Montessori children made beautiful invitations for their parents inviting them to watch their play virtually on Friday 11th December where each child knew all of their words and they all sang beautiful Christmas carols and songs.

The children enjoyed taking part in the Nativity Play immensely and I am sure their parents were beaming with pride on the other side of the screen!

arey

by Eva C

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Montess ori Since the start of the year, the Montessori group has had an exciting and enjoyable year so far learning many new skills and playing lots of fun games. They have been learning all about the continents of our world. So far they have learnt all about Europe and Antarctica and have just recently started work on North America. While learning about North America they have made Indian headbands. They shall also be studying and learning about the thanksgiving festival including its typical meal with a turkey dish as the main event. The Montessori pupils also enjoyed doing beautiful pieces of artwork about winter hibernation. During Halloween they had an exciting party and played many halloween games and dressed up in dazzling costumes which they very much enjoyed. During Autumn they made cute leaf men. They have also been learning their numbers and sounds. They rehearsed very hard for their Nativity Play which was a wonderful joy. To conclude…Montessori has had a spectacular fun filled year so far.

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Louise and

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by Eva Carey

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S t, G e r a r d ’ s

D ay

Sadly this year because of the Covid-19 restrictions, we weren’t able to do our usual walk up the Sugar Loaf on St. Gerard’s Day. But we were not about to let Covid-19 get in the way of our Feast Day Celebrations! St. Gerard’s Day started off with the brilliant assembly by Standard 5 which was streamed into all of our classes, with some great impressions of all the teachers! Then Standards 1- 6 walked or ran the St. Gerard’s Mile and the Infants did a shorter walk around the grounds.

I think we all appreciated the juice and treats after the long walk and run. At noon, Mass was streamed live from the School Chapel with all the classes from 6th year down to Junior Infants tuning in to watch, along with our parents at home (and even some relations abroad and around the country tuned in!) Fr. John O’Connor was the priest celebrating the mass. This year also because of the Covid-19 restrictions there was no choir. But instead we had some beautiful singers and readers in the Chapel. The day was topped off with some yummy treats and everyone was delighted to be going home early.

by Pat Carey

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’s MILE d r a r e HE G

This year St Gerard’s day was a little different. We didn’t get to climb the Sugar Loaf, or party with other classes unfortunately, but that didn’t stop us all making this day memorable and exciting! It started off like a normal day, everyone doing their school work and activities as usual and then after eating lunch we took to the starting line for the much anticipated St. Gerard’s Mile! All 3 of the Std 6 classes headed down to the field where there were two events: The first one was the competitive St. Gerard’s Mile Race – 1 mile as fast as your legs can carry you. The race was won by JP Lynch and Arabella Whelehan, with Harvey O’Connell and Ciara O’Farrell coming in in 2nd place and Caitlin Park and David Harmon taking 3rd place. A big well done to all of you! The second loop around the mile was the ‘run, walk, skip or hop at your own pace’ around the mile. This was for enjoyment, exercise and fresh air. Afterwards everybody headed back up to their classrooms and got ready for the rest of the St. Gerard’s Day Celebrations.

lly

by Charles Ke

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as m t s za i r n h a C The ag av r t Ex

It was December again and we were all counting down the days to the big Christmas production.

Although the trees were up and excitement was in the air, things were strangely quiet outside the Junior School Hall this year whereas in past years there would be parents fitting wigs and costumes, and teachers up to their ears in mounds of clothes. This would also be the time that parents, grandparents and relatives would arrive looking forward to watching the big production. However, thankfully everyone can join in the fun this year via a streamed link where each class can show off their impressive Christmas Productions online!

Junior Infants performed some lovely songs taught by Ms. Broxson, Senior infants had great fun practicing a play on the Gingerbread Children. Std 1 are delighted with their characters in the Santa Interviews while Std 2 were thrilled with the fairytale characters they get to play in The Curse Of The King. Last but not least – Std 3 performed a nativity play ‘Papa Panov’ by Leo Tolstoy. The online show was outstanding and blew us all away despite the obvious changes this year.

olly

by Pearl Conn

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What our teachers get up to in their spare time

Ms. Carlos

Ms. Carlos: My big pleasure is getting together with the friends I have had since I started school! We always have loads to chat about and there is always something to celebrate!!! I also enjoy getting stuck into a good book. It goes without saying that family is,in fact,number 1!

Sarah

In 'normal' times I like to meet up with my friends. Or travel if it's the summer holidays. Anytime, I like going for walks in peaceful and pretty places. I also enjoy taking photos and reading (but you already know that!)

Ms. Carney

My spare time these days is filled with exercises running, hiking, swimming , HITT Workouts. As well as wedding planning of course!!

Dr. Farrell Spare time is such a treat! Firstly, I like a lie-on in bed with a cup of coffee and a good book…..then walking, listening to music, cooking, gardening, and rounding it all off with an episode of The West Wing and a glass of wine!

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I love going for walks with my husband and children up the Dublin mountains and finishing it off with a nice coffee and hot chocolate for Hugh and Mimi!

Stephanie

Julie

Watching the morning twilight on Bray’s seashore - reading- watching the moon set on Bray’s seashore -reading-walking in the autumnal woods-reading....

Happy Christmas

Ms. Flanagan

In my free time I love to go out for a nice meal, relax at home or go for a nice scenic walk with my family and I also manage to squeeze in a bit of rugby with Arklow Rugby Club too!

Mrs. Murphy Time flies during the week and I am always so busy, so in my spare time, I like to just waste time doing nothing or doing the things I love like being with my family, working completely on my own in my garden, or watching Munster play rugby.

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Ms. Maguire

Ms. Power I love everything 'Art' so in my spare time I try to draw, paint and explore in my Visual Art Journal. I also love spending time with my family. Whenever I can I go home to Limerick and play with my two nieces Ivy and Pearl! We usually end up painting or creating a big mess!

In my free time, I love to explore by walking around or go for a swim in the sea if I’m feeling really brave! Of course I pick up a hot chocolate to warm myself up afterwards. And to relax after all my going, I love to play my piano.

Sally-Anne I really don’t have much spare time as my 3 children keep me on my toes! But, I love walks in the countryside. We live near the woods and I walk along the Fairy Trail and look at all the lovely fairy doors and admire the stunning scenery. I enjoying shopping and spending time with my family and friends too.

Ms. Gregory When I have a spare hour or so there's nothing more that I like to do than go for a run. I started couch to 5k during lock down and I'm really enjoying it.

Ms. Byrne I love nothing more than cuddling up with my daughter for story time, wrapping up for a Winter forest walk, cosying up on the couch to watch a great movie or writing poems and stories.

The simple things are always the best!

www.stgerards.ie

Ms. Gleeson Ms McCabe I spend a lot of my spare time walking with my husband Graeme and our dog Sophie. I also love to play tennis and golf and I love to get my head into a good book.

In my spare time I like doing yoga, reading murder mystery books and listening to biography audiobooks. I especially love to bake and try out new recipes - my favourite so far this year was a delicious walnut coffee cake. I'm looking forward to baking for my friends and family over Christmas!

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JUNIOR INFANTS

W I T H M R . D W Y ER

It seems as if Junior Infants have had a great year so far despite the changes. They have done many fun activities and here are some of the things that they have enjoyed the most!

Junior infants have been working their green screen magic to present their writing on different animals.

They discussed what they would do if they were invisible and had loads of fun with an invisibility cloak in front of the green screen. They wrote about Halloween and played around on their broomsticks.

On St Gerard’s Day, Junior Infants went on a lovely nature walk around the school. They spotted some grey squirrels, then collected acorns and leaves. They also enjoyed crunching and jumping in the autumn leaves.

Art has been a big part of the year so far, from making caterpillars to pumpkins and making hedgehogs to Elmer the Elephant. Another big part of the year has been making new friends since most of the new pupils had never met before. By the sounds of it, Junior Infants will have more great adventures in the future and we can’t wait to see what they get up to next!

olly

by Pearl Conn

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SENIOR INFANTS

W I T H M S . M C C AB E

Ms McCabe’s class were very excited to be back to school in September. They were all ready to start the new school year as Senior Infants and started by welcoming three new classmates - Cillian, Evan and Sebastian which was very exciting! Since September, Senior Infants have been doing lots of interesting things. They regularly take trips down the fields identifying all the many different trees on the way. They know so much about trees now. Not only that, they are doing lots of arts and crafts which are absolutely lovely.

Senior Infants are a very hard working class and have done immense work this term with lots more learning to look forward to. But there was still time to have lots of fun too. When it came to Halloween they had so much fun doing trick or treating in school instead of at home. There were lots of delicious goodies. They all got dressed into their amazing costumes and they all looked beautiful or scary!

They have been having great music classes with Ms Broxson and playing great new games with Julie in PE. During all this fun they were very excited to welcome another new member of the class last month - Coco. Senior Infants really enjoyed their big production of Gingerbread People in our Christmas concert and were fabulous on stage singing and dancing!

ffy

by Juliette Du

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Standard 1

WITH Ms. Carlos

Standard 1 have been up to a lot this year and we are only halfway through the year. No more infants here, Standard 1 are all grown up! A new class member joined us this year named Isla - and everyone gave her a big St. Gerard’s welcome! This year Standard 1 have started mini-rugby and hockey for the first time and all of the class are having great fun playing their new team sports! Is that Jingle Bells I hear?!!..well it could be coming from the Standard 1 classroom! One thing that the whole class was so excited about was…. THE CHRISTMAS PLAY! Everyone worked so hard at work rehearsing and practising their acting skills for the play which was live streamed to the audience at home! This has to be a Standard 1 School record!!!

Did you know that Standard 1 are a group of little bookworms? And have been flying with their reading this year! They have been enjoying the library and MS Readathon alot! All of the class have been speedily going up in their reading levels I am assured by Ms Carlos!

Usually hard work is boring to others but not for this year’s Standard 1 Class! They have been enjoying their hard work a lot, they really do like a challenge! The many massive changes that have happened to the school recently have not upset this sturdy bunch in Standard 1, they love their new class room and teacher. Overall Standard 1 have had a great time so far and hopefully 2021 will be even better for them!

lly

by Charles Ke

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Standard 2

WITH Ms. Gregory

So far, the Standard 2 class has been learning lots of new things and they have been having a great time! They are very happy with their new teacher Ms. Gregory and are settling in very well. They made spooky slime for science at Halloween and it was a great success. They also made chocolate apples and had a fabulous party dressed up in their fantastic costumes.

Since the midterm, they were busy getting ready for their fantastic Christmas play - “A Curse On The King” which they all performed brilliantly. They’ve also started using their chromebooks in class and are learning all about Google classroom and Google docs. They are really enjoying the year so far and are very busy.

calza

by Emma Mala

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Standard 3 Std 3 have been very busy this term. This year they have moved upstairs which is very exciting for them.

They have been busy building 3D animal habitats amongst other projects and Ms. Flanagan is very impressed with the standard of work. Std 3 worked extremely hard on their Christmas Play “Papa Panov’s Magic Christmas” – and it really showed on the day. Well done Standard 3!

WITH Ms. Flanaga

n

nder

by Zack Alexa

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Standard 4

WITH Ms. Glee son

So far this year Std 4 have been up to lots of great things! Every morning, they have a word of the day and they keep a tally when they find them in their AR reading books.

The Std 4 students are also very competitive and love doing Quizlet and Menti Quizzes in class. Many of the pupils have made mini science experiments at home where they had to design and create marble runs, catapult games, air boats, Newton’s cradles and magnet mazes and record a short video clip to show their creations to the class.

Each pupil has done an amazing geography project on different counties in Ireland and then made a three minute presentation on their county to the class. Std 4 love art and have been learning lots about new techniques like perspective drawing and drawing with scissors. They have all done a lot so far and have been having lots of fun!

calza

by Emma Mala

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Standard 5

W I T H M rs . m u r p h y

pson

by Michael Ham Standard 5 had big changes this year – they have moved their classroom to the Co-Lab downstairs in order to have extra space to socially distance. They miss the buzz of being upstairs with the older classes but their new classroom has many new advantages. The top three advantages are that they waste no playtime getting to the playground because it’s so close, they have immediate access to all of the Arts and Science resources and they have a gorgeous big bright classroom!

Standard 5 were honoured to present the online assembly to celebrate St. Gerard’s Day this year. It was great fun filming all the different sections and they learned many new skills in the process.

One of Standard 5’s highlights was definitely creating a group projection on designing a new species of bear that has been adapted to survive in a desert environment or designing a Zoo. There was lots of researching, building, designing and cooperative learning during the process - and a lot of mess too!

Mrs. Murphy wanted to congratulate everyone in the class for adapting so well this term and for helping each other to create a fun classroom environment.

Special congratulations also goes to Ethan Bradshaw who won the U14 section of the Bray Drug Awareness Art Competition with an inspiring poster. Well done Ethan!

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l o o h c S r o u J n i ee n in the w o l l a H This year, on the 23rd of October the whole school dressed up to celebrate Halloween. From Dinosaurs to Donald Trumps and everything in between, all the costumes were fantastic and everyone made a big effort!

Because there was no ‘trick-ortreating’ this year, the teachers made a really big effort to make it a really special day for us.

The Std. 6 students had a “Rock Paper - Scissors” tournament outside and even the teachers joined in too.

The Std.6 classes also presented their “Feast and Festival” projects. The students were divided into groups of five and six from the three classes.

They had to choose a festival or feast day, which they had to research and write about and then present it in the Junior School Hall that day.

At the end of the day, the school had an assembly online with Dr. Farrell.

The whole school got nice treats and then everyone went home for the well deserved midterm break.

calza

by Emma Mala

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Standard 6 W I T H M s . Ma g u i r e Many things have happened in Ms Maguire’s classroom this term, from epic science experiments to many different forms of artwork. This term has been chock full of fun and learning. A massive thank you to Ms Maguire for being one of the greatest teachers ever.

Science experiments ~ Over this term, we have done all sorts of experiments, most of them on natural disasters.

We have learnt about hurricanes, earthquakes, volcanoes, tsunamis, acid rain, how to clean up oil spillages and many, many more. For example when we were doing the oil spill experiment, we put cooking oil into a box half full of water and tried to clean our metaphorical ‘ocean’ using sponges, sieves, suds and more.

Fun and games ~ School can get boring but not in Ms Maguire’s classroom! We do fun games such as Quizlet live and The Chase. We have even done a rock, paper, scissors tournament. We did the tournament on the day before midterm. In fact, on the same day, we all wore Halloween costumes to school! There were vampires to witches to a very realistic soldier, and you could see everyone was enjoying themselves.

Artwork ~ One of our favourite subjects here in Ms Maguire’s class is art. We have done many styles of art.

We have done Painting to music, ink blowing, Hannah Hock collages, Zentangles, rock art, multi-media collages and more. We created the multi-media collages from all the artwork we had done prior to it.

Ms Maguire’s classroom is one of the best classrooms in the world! We learn loads and have fun while doing so.

Again, a massive Thank you to Ms Maguire.

pson

by Michael Ham

Pag e 28

St . Ge rard’s Junior School

Ne w sl e tte r W inte r 2 0

lg i G e a a n e t s i o C

e

Dia Duit! Conas a tá tú? The Coiste Na Gaeilge have been up to lots this year! And they have just recently begun the Dalta na seachtaine! Which is the Irish student of the week! Here in my piece I’m going to explain all of the things the Coiste Na Gaeilge have been doing! So an bhfuil tú réige? Then lets begin!

To enter the Dalta Na Seachtaine you need to speak some Gaeilge! If you luckily win the draw your class will get a trophy with your name on it and….. A homework pass! And not forgetting a bag of goodies!

The Coiste Na Gaeilge have been trying very hard to earn our very own Gaelbhratach (Irish Flag!) for our school this year! So we can all help out and get this flag by speaking as much Irish as you can!

There has not been much going on so far this term since the Coiste Na Gaeilge has only started BUT! Mr Dwyer and the rest of the committee have some more surprises in order such as an online Tráth na gCeist! (A quiz) And the committee are also thinking of fun ways to teach everyone our national anthem the Amhrán na bhFiann!

The whole Coiste Na Gaeilge have been up to very big things this year and it can only get better! So for now…

Slán!

te Cois eilge a Na Gmbers me

ly

by Charles kel

Jamie Lake, Annie Dillon, Olivia Kelly, Joey Costigan, Ethan Bradshaw, Kaia Healy, Ali Condren and Bella Ryan.

www.stgerards.ie

Page 29

Standard 6

W I T H M s . Po w e r

On the 31st of August, Std 6 welcomed 17 new students to Ms. Power’s Std 6 class. On our first day in school we played a lot of exciting games that really helped everyone to get to know each other. We have been working very hard this year and it has been very fun learning the variety of subjects. We have done two projects and three science experiments so far.

The first project was about Feast and Festivals and we were paired up with a few students from the other Std 6 classes.

The second project was where we got to pick a country from Europe and do a project on it. So far Standard 6 has been a blast and there are loads of things to look forward to when we come back from our Christmas Break.

by Kavin Venkatesan

Pag e 30

St . Ge rard’s Junior School

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gree nscho o ls

by Pat Carey This year the Green Schools Committee has been up to many activities.

They have been having their meetings on line this year because of Covid 19. Firstly the members applied for the different positions within the Committee such as Chairperson, the Vice-Chairperson, Secretary or Ambassador. The first job that the Committee has carried out was the bin inspection. The members checked all the rooms of the school to see if they had the correct bins – a normal bin, a re-cycling bin and a compost bin - and posters. Laura and Paresia from Std 5 organised to get any extra compost bins that were needed. Next the Committee started taking weekly checks on the bins and the energy usage of each classroom and whichever class has the most points by the end of the term gets a special prize so make sure you put all your rubbish in the correct bin and turn off your lights before going out for break and lunch time! Lastly the Green Schools Committee is holding a recycling Christmas tree decoration competition. Anyone can enter. The best decoration from each class will be hung on the school’s Christmas trees. The decorations are judged by how pretty they are and by how much of your decoration is constructed from recycled materials.

Overall Ju nior Winne r of the R Christmas ecycled Tree Deco ration Com petition: Cillian Rya n

Recycled Overall Senior Winner of the petition: Com Christmas Tree Decoration Ethan Nolan

Our ols scho e n e e r G itte m m o C

Paresia Phelan, Abigail Galligan, Charlie O’Sullivan, Kate Buckley, Fredy Willis, Jessica Fogarty, Laura Keogh, Noah O’Neill and Lottie O’Reilly

www.stgerards.ie

Page 31

Standard 6

W I T H M r . B u rk e

The new introduction of the third Std 6 class in the Junior School this year meant that we would have a new teacher joining us along with many new pupils too! And Mr. Burke fitted in very well indeed.

Unfortunately, this year due to Covid 19 we haven’t been able to do as many of the normal activities as we would have liked, but Mr. Burke’s class has still got up to some very exciting things.

They created a news report from the Olympic games using a green screen all trí ghaeilge! They created some brilliant art work by blowing into a straw with ink in it and blowing it all over a page, to make some very scary monsters. They participated in project work based on Feasts and Festivals from around the world with pupils from the other Std 6 classes. They have done many exciting science experiments, some of them also with the other Std 6 classes – all socially distanced of course! This year again because of Covid 19 the Std. 6s can’t mix so the teachers have organized many meetings where we have competed in a rock paper scissors competition, games of football, games of no man’s land – all at a safe distance - and now every Friday we meet outdoors for 45mins for some mixed games with our masks on. The pupils of Mr. Burke’s were rewarded for excellent behaviour and won extra astro time and the pupils chose to play a long game of football.

This was no ordinary game of football either because Mr. Burke joined in and he ran the length of the astro skipping around everyone to score an amazing goal at the other end of the pitch! It was also Mr. Burke’s birthday in November. (This date is highly protected information!) We have all enjoyed the first term thus far and really looking forward to the rest of our Std. 6 year.

by Pat Carey

Pag e 32

St . Ge rard’s Junior School

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games Recently I had a meeting with the Junior School Head of Games and PE, Ms. Julie McInerney, regarding the games programme for the Junior School this year.

Unfortunately due to Covid-19 restrictions, there has been a numbers of changes to the programme this year. All matches are postponed for the rest of the year, full contact training is on hold until regulations allow and there is no mixing of class bubbles.

However, there has been great success since we returned also. One of Julie’s biggest fears was that we wouldn’t be able to get out and play any type of sport but with the hard work from the school and games staff they have made it possible.

We have had training in a mixture of different sports since we came back. The main sports we are getting to take part in are touch rugby, hockey, athletics, soccer and tennis.

So although we are missing out on some of the things we enjoyed last year, it is so nice getting out in the fresh air with our friends every day for enjoyable and valuable games time.

by Zack Alexander

www.stgerards.ie

Page 33

The Literacy Corner

Roald Dahl Day On 11th September, we celebrated Roald Dahl Day. Roald Dahl was and still is one of the best children’s authors who ever existed. On the day we dressed in yellow because that was his favourite colour. During the day all the classes were treated to some Roald Dahl story time with Mr. Mansfield reading The Twits which was live streamed into each classroom. He was hysterical. I don’t think one person in the whole school didn’t smile or laugh. We also got some treats which was a great way to finish the day.

by Pat Carey

Peas In A Pod Competition

by Michael Hampson

Over this term, the students of St. Gerards have enjoyed all sorts of literacy but none has been as enjoyable as the Peas in a Pod competition. Every single story brought us to lands far and near, across time and space. A special thanks to Ms. Byrne, Mr. Mansfield and Sarah for all the fun we have had so far.

WHAT WAS THE PEAS IN A POD COMPETITION? The Peas in a Pod competition was a writing essay done by Standards Three to Six during early October. It was done in the style known as descriptive writing, which involves using plenty of adjectives so the reader can envision the location, what is happening and how the characters feel. The winners were announced on the 23rd of October - the day before midterm. The students who had the best stories won a book of their choice and a homework pass.

STORIES: Here are some excerpts from the stories: “His eyes watered as he thought of the loved ones he had lost. He could still see his family’s faces light up, as they had when he returned from a battle. He had not seen them for years, each thought causing more and more grief, enough to cause anyone to go insane”.

‘As I was coming back from an enjoyable Thursday at school, the sun was beaming down on me. I hopped into the black shiny car without delay. The excitement was filling up within me. The following day, I was going to Manchester with my Dad and my whole football team for the weekend. I was also very anxious and frightened as I thought it was going to be cancelled or postponed due to Coronavirus. I was looking and observing the wonderful green fields that were crammed with brown cattle, black bulls and lambs as we drove by’ ‘Everyone standing around me was socially distanced well away from everyone else. Me and my Mum wore our blue face masks which covered our mouths and noses well and went around our ears. Many other people rushed around with a look of fear and panic on their faces. Me and my Mum went and got some nice, tasty food then we went and exited the massive shop, when we left two tall people were let into the warm shop. ‘ ‘Screaming, walking in the door, “I’m home” the boy began checking everywhere but he couldn’t find his parents, they were nowhere to be seen, getting worried he looked out the window gazing at all the masked adults walking by. Feeling even more nervous he started to think that everyone was his Mum and Dad, thinking to himself that they will be ok, they wouldn’t be so stupid to put themselves at risk by going outside, mumbling to himself , they would never take the chance to go outside’. But where are they if they aren’t in the house and where could they be. By now the boy was feeling very lost and alone and he had forgotten even what day it was. ‘

Pag e 34

St . Ge rard’s Junior School

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The Write-a-Book Competition

olly

by Pearl Conn

Thankfully, as is tradition every year, the school will get to take part in the Write A Book Competition in the New Year! For all the new pupils who may not have taken part in this before – the Write-a-Book Competition is a writing competition where we write our own book! Of course it could be anything from fiction, non-fiction, a baking or cook book, or even a joke book. It is great that the school can still do this due to COVID restrictions and guidelines. Since we were in lockdown last year when the winners were announced, I am pleased to include a list of last year’s winners and highly commended students below. All of last years winning entries are proudly displayed in the Junior School Library this year.

Junior Infants: Winner: John McCluskey (English) and Ronan O’Caoimh (Gaeilge) Highly Commended English Books: James Boyle, Avery McGonnell, Harielle Thuillier Highly Commended Irish Books: Seamai Mac Raoillaigh, Sean Mac Bhloscaidh, Teodoir O Maoinigh Senior Infants: Winner: Jack Brock Highly Commended: Jack O’Connor, Alex Moore, Sophia Finn Standard 2: Winner: Bella O Reilly Highly Commended: James Cullen, Brooke Torpey, Jean Mc Cluskey Standard 3: Winner: Luca Wejchert Highly Commended: Mary-Kate

www.stgerards.ie

Cunningham, Sarah-Jane O’Connell, Zack O’Dwyer Standard 4: Winner: Ali Rose Malone Highly Commended: Michael Kinsella, Bella Ryan, Rory Brennan Standard 5: Winner: Pearl Connolly Highly Commended: Charlie O’Sullivan, Juliette Cunningham, Charles Kelly Standard 6 Ms. Power Winner: Ciaran Harrington Highly Commended: Ariana Durkan, Lucy Curran, Ronan Kelly Standard 6: Ms Maguire Winner: Mirabelle Gibbons Highly Commended: Bobby Sherwin, Hann

Page 35

Thankfully so

me things never change...

Happy

Christmas

Student counc

il

by Zack O'Dwyer The Student Council has organized many fun events for everyone in such a small amount of time. The first tuck shop was on the 13th of November. It was a well organised day planned by the Student Council under current restrictions and it was a great success. A huge thanks to everyone involved. During the last week of term, the annual Christmas raffle took place and there were amazing prizes won. The Student Council Raffle and Tuck Shop raised a lot of money which will be donated to a worthwhile Charity in the New Year.