Thursday, December 22, 2011
An Unforgettable Christmas by Robert Keating
An Unforgettable Christmas
It all started on a cold winter morning in December.
It was the day before Christmas Eve and the teachers and pupils of Scoil Nioclais were celebrating the last day of school. All round, there was a great atmosphere, and there were colourful decorations everywhere. All the children were looking forward to Christmas Eve with great excitement.
In Miss Chawke’s sixth class, the children were having a Christmas party. Food and fizzy drinks were on the tables. All of a sudden, there was a shout from Rob who was looking out the window “Snow! Snow! Snow!” everyone rushed over to where he stood.
There was commotion and excitement in the classroom. Before they knew it, the window was covered in snow. “I’m going to build a snowman,” yelled John. “I’m going to have a snowball fight,” shouted Conor. The class returned to there party and the snow continued to fall heavily and silently. After a couple of minutes Bean Ui Laoire came into the room and asked Miss Chawke for a quick word. When Miss Chawke returned to the room, Rob noticed that she had a flicker of panic in her eye.
After about half an hour Bean Ui Laoire came over the intercom. “Could all classes and teachers stay in the building, the snow has covered up all of the doors, we are doing all we can to remove the snow, please remain calm.” The classroom was eerily silent.
The party was stopped and the whole class was concerned about getting out. “I’m digging my way out<” cried Dovydas. “We don’t have any shovels” Said Sarah. Nothing could be seen outside the window except white snow. Miss Chawke went into the classroom next door to talk to Mr Walsh and everyone remained quiet. When she returned Emer asked “will we get home for Christmas Eve?” To everyone’s horror, Miss Chawke replied “I’m not sure.”
At that moment, Mr Moynihan came into the classroom and told the class that he was going to make mince pies in the staff room. “That snow is going nowhere and I’m not missing my Christmas food!” he cried. Nobody was sure if he could cook but before anyone had the chance to say something Dovydas yelled “I’ll help” and sprinted out after Mr Moynihan. At this stage the children were panicking.
Later on, Mr Walsh came into to the classroom with his guitar. He started playing songs to cheer the children up but nothing could lift their spirits. At a quarter to four the intercom sounded again. The children looked up in hope. The message was for all the senior classes to come to the hall. In the blink of an eye the corridor was in chaos.
When at last all the classes were seated in the hall Bean Ui Laoire began to speak. “As you’ve all heard the doors of the school have been covered in snow and can’t be opened. We are doing all we can to stop the situation worsening. We have just rang the fire department to come and dig the snow away. This process may take a couple of hours so please remain patient.”
When the classes returned to their rooms every child was filled with annoyance. “How could something like this happen<” wailed Mark. “I don’t know” replied Ms Chawke. “The good thing about Christmas is that you’re not in school,” exclaimed Niamh.
Some while later Miss Chawke got a phone call from Ms Lee. After the phone call Ms Chawke told the class that they had just began to dig away. “Don’t get your hopes up about getting out soon. There has been a huge build up of snow,” said Miss Chawke. “How long does it take to shovel away some snow,” moaned Daniel.
After a couple of minutes Ms Horgan entered the classroom and spoke to Ms Chawke. When she left the room, Ms Chawke told the children what Ms Horgan had said. The excitement in the classroom rose to incredibly high. Nearly all of the snow had been removed. Ms Chawke brought them down to the main entrance door. All of Ms Chawkes sixth class were staring intently at the door.
Suddenly Eadaoin screamed.”There’s a hole in the snow, look.” And to everyone’s delight there was a hole. Finally there was only a sheet of snow left on the door. But to everyone’s dismay the snow had turned to ice. By this time nearly the whole school was gathered around the main entrance door in the building.
Just then a fire department axe broke through the ice and down it fell. The whole school erupted in cheers. People were jumping for joy. The atmosphere was electric. Bean Ui Laoire was crying uncontrollably. All the pupils were brought out into the yard. After a couple of speeches about how well behaved they were when all this going on, the children went home. Christmas had just begun!!
The End
It all started on a cold winter morning in December.
It was the day before Christmas Eve and the teachers and pupils of Scoil Nioclais were celebrating the last day of school. All round, there was a great atmosphere, and there were colourful decorations everywhere. All the children were looking forward to Christmas Eve with great excitement.
In Miss Chawke’s sixth class, the children were having a Christmas party. Food and fizzy drinks were on the tables. All of a sudden, there was a shout from Rob who was looking out the window “Snow! Snow! Snow!” everyone rushed over to where he stood.
There was commotion and excitement in the classroom. Before they knew it, the window was covered in snow. “I’m going to build a snowman,” yelled John. “I’m going to have a snowball fight,” shouted Conor. The class returned to there party and the snow continued to fall heavily and silently. After a couple of minutes Bean Ui Laoire came into the room and asked Miss Chawke for a quick word. When Miss Chawke returned to the room, Rob noticed that she had a flicker of panic in her eye.
After about half an hour Bean Ui Laoire came over the intercom. “Could all classes and teachers stay in the building, the snow has covered up all of the doors, we are doing all we can to remove the snow, please remain calm.” The classroom was eerily silent.
The party was stopped and the whole class was concerned about getting out. “I’m digging my way out<” cried Dovydas. “We don’t have any shovels” Said Sarah. Nothing could be seen outside the window except white snow. Miss Chawke went into the classroom next door to talk to Mr Walsh and everyone remained quiet. When she returned Emer asked “will we get home for Christmas Eve?” To everyone’s horror, Miss Chawke replied “I’m not sure.”
At that moment, Mr Moynihan came into the classroom and told the class that he was going to make mince pies in the staff room. “That snow is going nowhere and I’m not missing my Christmas food!” he cried. Nobody was sure if he could cook but before anyone had the chance to say something Dovydas yelled “I’ll help” and sprinted out after Mr Moynihan. At this stage the children were panicking.
Later on, Mr Walsh came into to the classroom with his guitar. He started playing songs to cheer the children up but nothing could lift their spirits. At a quarter to four the intercom sounded again. The children looked up in hope. The message was for all the senior classes to come to the hall. In the blink of an eye the corridor was in chaos.
When at last all the classes were seated in the hall Bean Ui Laoire began to speak. “As you’ve all heard the doors of the school have been covered in snow and can’t be opened. We are doing all we can to stop the situation worsening. We have just rang the fire department to come and dig the snow away. This process may take a couple of hours so please remain patient.”
When the classes returned to their rooms every child was filled with annoyance. “How could something like this happen<” wailed Mark. “I don’t know” replied Ms Chawke. “The good thing about Christmas is that you’re not in school,” exclaimed Niamh.
Some while later Miss Chawke got a phone call from Ms Lee. After the phone call Ms Chawke told the class that they had just began to dig away. “Don’t get your hopes up about getting out soon. There has been a huge build up of snow,” said Miss Chawke. “How long does it take to shovel away some snow,” moaned Daniel.
After a couple of minutes Ms Horgan entered the classroom and spoke to Ms Chawke. When she left the room, Ms Chawke told the children what Ms Horgan had said. The excitement in the classroom rose to incredibly high. Nearly all of the snow had been removed. Ms Chawke brought them down to the main entrance door. All of Ms Chawkes sixth class were staring intently at the door.
Suddenly Eadaoin screamed.”There’s a hole in the snow, look.” And to everyone’s delight there was a hole. Finally there was only a sheet of snow left on the door. But to everyone’s dismay the snow had turned to ice. By this time nearly the whole school was gathered around the main entrance door in the building.
Just then a fire department axe broke through the ice and down it fell. The whole school erupted in cheers. People were jumping for joy. The atmosphere was electric. Bean Ui Laoire was crying uncontrollably. All the pupils were brought out into the yard. After a couple of speeches about how well behaved they were when all this going on, the children went home. Christmas had just begun!!
The End
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Our Green Crib!
Tara and Kim proudly show off the nativity scene we made by recycling cardboard boxes.
Friday, November 11, 2011
Cork Film Festival
Film Review of Little brother by Shane Cotter
Title: little brother
Director: Callum Cooper
Genre: Drama
Intended audience: All ages
Story summary: This is the story of two black boys in England who both have disabilities one has a hearing aid and the other is bound to a wheelchair. The two boys struggle to get through life even their own father rejects them. Even though life is tough they still have one thing that keeps them going, one thing that can never be replaced broken or lost,.. their friendship.
Strengths: It follows real life events to show that racism still goes on and that we should respect others.
Weakness: none
Rating: 11/10
Title: little brother
Director: Callum Cooper
Genre: Drama
Intended audience: All ages
Story summary: This is the story of two black boys in England who both have disabilities one has a hearing aid and the other is bound to a wheelchair. The two boys struggle to get through life even their own father rejects them. Even though life is tough they still have one thing that keeps them going, one thing that can never be replaced broken or lost,.. their friendship.
Strengths: It follows real life events to show that racism still goes on and that we should respect others.
Weakness: none
Rating: 11/10
Friday, October 28, 2011
Friday, September 2, 2011
Back Without a Bang
The alarm goes off
a humble tune of beeps
and boops, my bag's a
tonne weight filled with
expensive books that stopped
me from getting that
chocolate bar
Everyone looks different
and tanned with bloodshot
eyes, teachers drinking ten
cups of coffee and
trying to remember everyones
names, i feel so apprehensive.
How will i say my name
confident or shy?
The bell goes and the
classroom looks like
a bomb fell on it with
what seems like millions
of boxes and a detatchable
christmas tree
I walk out of the
classroom door into
congestion, theres a
pile up on the staies
somebody dropped their
bag and their books
fell out, I throw my
bag in the boot,
and shove my earphones
in,
I start listening to
anything half decent
Kings of Leon, Frank Sinatra
even Katy Perry, I think
about the summer, its all
over and I forgot to
get it a farewell card
a humble tune of beeps
and boops, my bag's a
tonne weight filled with
expensive books that stopped
me from getting that
chocolate bar
Everyone looks different
and tanned with bloodshot
eyes, teachers drinking ten
cups of coffee and
trying to remember everyones
names, i feel so apprehensive.
How will i say my name
confident or shy?
The bell goes and the
classroom looks like
a bomb fell on it with
what seems like millions
of boxes and a detatchable
christmas tree
I walk out of the
classroom door into
congestion, theres a
pile up on the staies
somebody dropped their
bag and their books
fell out, I throw my
bag in the boot,
and shove my earphones
in,
I start listening to
anything half decent
Kings of Leon, Frank Sinatra
even Katy Perry, I think
about the summer, its all
over and I forgot to
get it a farewell card
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Back to school blues
Getting out of bed,
Oh! What a dread,
Going back to school.
I'll be really late,
I look a state,
Getting ready for school.
I'm in the car,
Eating my breakfast bar,
On my way to school.
Now I'm in school,
Without my school bag!!
By Emer Kelly
Oh! What a dread,
Going back to school.
I'll be really late,
I look a state,
Getting ready for school.
I'm in the car,
Eating my breakfast bar,
On my way to school.
Now I'm in school,
Without my school bag!!
By Emer Kelly
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Irish History Projects
well done to all who worked together on our Michael Collins and Eamonn De Valera portrait albums. great job!
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Mid Term Break
Mossbawn house
Ballaghy
Northern Ireland
2\3\1952
To all my friends at st. columbs boarding school
I am writing to you to tell you why I have not been back at school.
A devastating tragedy has struck my family. My four year old brother, Christopher, has been killed in a road accident. I was away at school when it happened and I hadn't seen my family in six weeks. Our neighbours John and Alice drove me home from school that day. I was expecting my parents to collect me, and bring me home for the break.
When I arrived home my father was sitting in the porch with his head in his hands, crying. I had never seen him cry before. The baby was as happy as ever, cooing in the pram. He had no idea what was going on. I was quite jealous of him at this point, the devestation in my heart was unbearable.
When I arrived inside the house all these old men who I didn't even know started shaking my hand and telling me they were 'sorry for my troubles'. It was quite embarrassing.
Little Christopher's tiny body was brought to the house at ten o'clock that night in an ambulance. I couldn't quite pluck up the courage to see him until the next morning. He just lay there in a four foot box. He looked so peaceful, as if he was sleeping. He was very pale and the only colour on his face was a poppy bruise on his left temble.
I loved and adored my brother and he will be very dearly missed by my family and I.
Your friend
Seamus.
by Niamh O'Gorman.
Mid Term Break
Mossbawn,
Bellachy,
Northern Ireland.
20/2/1953
Dear John,
I am writing to tell you about the accident involving my little brother, Christopher.
I was with you when it happened, but all i know is that he is gone and I can't get him back. He was hit by a car and it knocked him clear. When I came home I saw my father crying in the porch, which is unusual because he doesn't cry at funerals, but at this one he had to.
When i went into the house there were lots of old men standing up to shake my hand and tell me they were "sorry for my trouble". It was very decent of them to do that, but I don't like being made feel like I'm an old man. My mother was very upset, but she didn't cry, instead she coughed out angry,tearless sighs. I tried to soothe her with a hug.
At 10 o' clock the ambulance arrived with the body, stanched and bandaged by the nurses. they brought little Christopher up to his room and lay him down on his bed. At that moment I thought I caught a glimpse of his face, smiling at me, but today is no day for smiling.
The next morning I went up into the room. Mother must have laid out candles along the bedside. I noticed a poppy bruise on his left temple. No gaudy scars or anything. What saddens me is that I hadn't seen him in 6 weeks and he was only 4 years old.
I won't be in school for a while, but could you please keep Christopher in your thoughts and prayers,
Yours mournfully,
Seamus Heaney.
Friday, March 11, 2011
Best Friend by Rebecca Healy
Best friend-
be good,
be bad,
but be sincere.
Be happy,
be sad,
but please be clear.
Be sure,
be certain,
but to the end ,
be constant,
be always,
my best friend.
Monday, March 7, 2011
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
The Importance of Democracy
42 woodlands,
Douglas,
Cork,
28/2/11
Dear Government Leader,
I would like to raise the issue of democracy in Ireland and around the world. As you know, there wass an election in Ireland and there are protests in Egypt and Libya as they are trying to over throw their government. The president of Egypt was supposed to be part of a democratic party but he has turned into a dictator. He has been president for over 30 years and the people of Egypt want him out. This is a prime example of why democracy should be in every country around the world. I hope when you read this you will acknowledge that dictatorship leads to fear and worry in the country and democracy leads to what the people want,what the people need and what the people hope for. I encourage you to spread this idea to all the people of your country.
Yours Sincerly,
Conor McCarthy.
Douglas,
Cork,
28/2/11
Dear Government Leader,
I would like to raise the issue of democracy in Ireland and around the world. As you know, there wass an election in Ireland and there are protests in Egypt and Libya as they are trying to over throw their government. The president of Egypt was supposed to be part of a democratic party but he has turned into a dictator. He has been president for over 30 years and the people of Egypt want him out. This is a prime example of why democracy should be in every country around the world. I hope when you read this you will acknowledge that dictatorship leads to fear and worry in the country and democracy leads to what the people want,what the people need and what the people hope for. I encourage you to spread this idea to all the people of your country.
Yours Sincerly,
Conor McCarthy.
The Importance of Democracy
11 Bellevue Heights
Frankfield
Douglas
Cork
Ireland
28/2/11
Dear Mr. Gaddafi,
I'm writing to you because of what is happening in your country at the moment.
I had never heard of you until 1 or 2 weeks ago when all the trouble started in your country. I'm only 12 years old and i thought every country was like Ireland. We elect our own government and it works really well. But when i heard whats going on in your own country I was shocked! You've been incharge for over 40 years and from what I hear on the news you dont treat your own people very well. I heard a woman on the radio saying that your citizens have to queue for food and they only get a small amount of food after all the queuing. Here in ireland we walk into the shop, find what we need and pay. Its time for you to resign Mr Gaddafi, let the people decide on who will lead their next government.
Yours Sincerly,
Robert Froggatt
The Importance of Democracy!
113 West Ave,
Parkgate,
Frankfield,
Cork
28/02/2011
Dear Government Leaders,
I'm writing this letter to remind you of the benefits of democracy and what good democracy can do for it's people. In the words of Abraham Lincoln "a government for the people, of the people and by the people"
In democracy all citizens are equal before the law. All citizens have equal right to power and democracy is freedom. People can vote for a person from their community who therefore knows about the problems of the area and can solve the problems.
Our own country Ireland is an honest democratic country. Infact, it had an election this Friday because the old government left us bankrupt.
If a country isn't a democratic country then the dictator may or may not have understood the problems. This has happened in a few countries across the globe. Most recent is the Libyan's affair. The dictator Gadafi has been in power for 42 years. When an election takes place he threatens the people to vote for him or otherwisr they'll die. So,that's why people couldn't vote against him even though they wanted to, as they were suffering under his rule. Egypt's dictator Mubarak has been in control for over 30 years and has ruled the country badly. A revolution took place to throw out the present government there.
I therefore, humbly request that you continue to do the best to maintain an honest democracy in your countries. This is only possible if you work towards better awareness amongst the citizens so that they can make the right choices when electing their representatives.
Yours Sincerely,
Natasha Singhal
Parkgate,
Frankfield,
Cork
28/02/2011
Dear Government Leaders,
I'm writing this letter to remind you of the benefits of democracy and what good democracy can do for it's people. In the words of Abraham Lincoln "a government for the people, of the people and by the people"
In democracy all citizens are equal before the law. All citizens have equal right to power and democracy is freedom. People can vote for a person from their community who therefore knows about the problems of the area and can solve the problems.
Our own country Ireland is an honest democratic country. Infact, it had an election this Friday because the old government left us bankrupt.
If a country isn't a democratic country then the dictator may or may not have understood the problems. This has happened in a few countries across the globe. Most recent is the Libyan's affair. The dictator Gadafi has been in power for 42 years. When an election takes place he threatens the people to vote for him or otherwisr they'll die. So,that's why people couldn't vote against him even though they wanted to, as they were suffering under his rule. Egypt's dictator Mubarak has been in control for over 30 years and has ruled the country badly. A revolution took place to throw out the present government there.
I therefore, humbly request that you continue to do the best to maintain an honest democracy in your countries. This is only possible if you work towards better awareness amongst the citizens so that they can make the right choices when electing their representatives.
Yours Sincerely,
Natasha Singhal
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Guide dog girls!
Our birthday girls got a chance to play with "punch" who visited us from the guide dogs today. Our school will be doing a coin trail soon in aid of Irish Guide Dogs for the blind, a very important charity!!
Friday, February 11, 2011
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Lake Isle of Inisfree
The theme of the poem is how Yeats wants to live peacefully in isolation in a place called Innisfree. Maybe he thinks that this will make him a better poet.
The image in the poem is that the poet is on the busy streets of London when he dreams of a bee hive and a cabin on the Lake Isle of Innisfree. Life is just a whole lot slower there.
In reality it is grey and dull in London and over there he is rushing to home and work.
At least Inisfree will always be in his heart.
By Luke Lewis
The image in the poem is that the poet is on the busy streets of London when he dreams of a bee hive and a cabin on the Lake Isle of Innisfree. Life is just a whole lot slower there.
In reality it is grey and dull in London and over there he is rushing to home and work.
At least Inisfree will always be in his heart.
By Luke Lewis
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Oral History Project
In the last couple of weeks we completed an oral history project about schools in the past. We all interviewed an older person to find out about their memories of school. Some of the accounts were very funny. Lots of things have changed since then, including the abolishment of corporal punishment and the use of technology. We discovered too that some things have remained the same, like the games played in the school yard and the subjects studied. There is a lot to be learned by listening to older people. If you would like to read these accounts the project is on display outside room 15.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Monday, January 24, 2011
Greenest Classroom!
Our class won the January title for greenest classroom in scoil nioclais. We are very proud and lots of the other classes were green with envy!!
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Guzzler's big book on energy!
Hi this is Seán and Niamh from ms Chawkes 6th class. We were chosen to read Guzzler's big book on energy to Ms Horgan's and Mr McDonald's 2nd classes. The book was about a little girl called Aoife who's friend Guzzler, a little green monster has a habit of wasting energy. Aoife along with her friends and family try to teach him to save energy.
The children were very enthusiastic about the story, sharing their ideas on saving energy. For example: filling the washing machine, walking to school, turning off lights, having showers instead of baths to save water, carpooling, recycling and much more. We found that the children had alot more knowledge on saving energy than we expected.
Ms Horgans class are designing posters inspired by the book and saving energy.
We really enjoyed the teaching experience.
The children were very enthusiastic about the story, sharing their ideas on saving energy. For example: filling the washing machine, walking to school, turning off lights, having showers instead of baths to save water, carpooling, recycling and much more. We found that the children had alot more knowledge on saving energy than we expected.
Ms Horgans class are designing posters inspired by the book and saving energy.
We really enjoyed the teaching experience.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
The Story of Energy
Our school is being assessed in two weeks time by an inspector from sustainable energy ireland who will decide if we qualify for the Energy Flag. We have been working very hard to ensure we will be awarded this flag by keeping a close eye on the energy consumption of our school and trying to reduce the amount of energy we use. Our class completed a project on the story of energy and climate change and the possibilities for developing renewable energy in Ireland.
Monday, January 17, 2011
Computer Buddies
we are buddying up with senior infants to help them with their computer skills on mondays. today, we had lots of fun teaching them and we hope they learn a lot.
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