Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Project
By BRENDAN HUGHES {P7}
ON Monday 19th January my class went to St Columba’s College as part of our STEM Project.
When we arrived we went straight to Mrs Coleman’s Laboratory where she began by teaching us a lot of safety rules to help keep us safe. Then she gave us all a tray with the apparatus we would need to carry out our experiments. We used test tubes, a Bunsen burner, Petri dishes, beakers, measuring cylinders and safety glasses. The aim of our experiments were to make gases and to test which gas we had made. We made both hydrogen and oxygen. Hydrogen burns with a pop and oxygen relights a glowing splint. I really enjoyed this because of all the fizzing and bubbling and explosions (even though they were quite small). Next we had a technology lesson with Mr Bartlett in the technology room. He told us all about airships and let us design and make our own. Sadly we ran out of helium which is the gas used to fill an airship. However Mr Dorrian and Mr Bartlett arranged for us to go back the following week to fill our airships and fly them! I really enjoyed my day and learnt a lot about flight. I can’t wait for the next day when we will investigate aeroplanes.
Our Christmas Play
By CIARA LONG {P7}
On 17TH December 2008 my class and the Primary 6 class performed “ Scrooge! A Ghost of a Chance!” to a packed school hall.
Brendan Hughes was Scrooge. You can just imagine him with a big frown on his face… can’t you? Katie Gilmore was the ghost of Jacob Marley, Declan McCarthy was the ghost of Christmas yet to come, Sean Gilmore was the ghost of Christmas present. Rachel Finnegan was sick and Bronagh O Prey had to play the part of The Ghost of Christmas Past with a day’s notice. Riona Magee played Mrs Fezziwigg with only a few hours notice and didi very well opposite Emilie Dorrian who played Fezziwigg. There were ten songs in total and most of them were cheery and lively. During one of the last songs (It’s Snowing) we had artificial snow from a machine Mr Dorrian hired. It looked really funny because everyone was in Victorian type clothes. The girls wore mostly long skirts and shawls over a blouse. We would like to thank Mrs Fowler and Mrs Dorrian for all their help in organising the show. Over all I think everyone involved enjoyed themselves… there will be high expectations next year!
Farewell to our Friend Father McBride.
Wednesday 28th January 2008 was a very sad occasion in our school. Father McBride celebrated his last mass in the parish of Ardkeen.
A large crowd attended and experienced a very beautiful mass. The liturgy was very special as the music was chosen by the pupils themselves and they all sang beautifully to make the experience as nice a possible for Father McBride.
During his homily Father McBride told the children how privileged he had been to be part of their school community over the past 3 ½ years or so. He also stated that he would look forward to keeping in touch through the school’s page on the Parish Website.
Father McBride paid a flying visit to the classes just before he left to make final preparation for his departure on Thursday. There were many tears from pupils and staff alike as we watched him drive away from the school.
We will miss you Father and are all the richer for having you play such an active role in our school.
We wish you every blessing in your new ministry and will remember you in our prayers. Keep in touch.
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