Kate, J.J. & O'Duffy visit the school!

On Wednesday 5^th December, Wexford’s own Superwoman, Kate Kelly, visited the Faythe School along with 3-in-row-Manager, J.J. Doyle and the O’Duffy Cup.

This famous trio were greeted by a sea of purple and gold by pupils and parents who had packed the Sports Hall. Lar Whelan acted as M.C. for the event and welcomed Kate and J.J. explaining that it was a great privilege, for all in the school, to have such positive role models for the pupils take time from their busy schedules to visit the Faythe.

Both Kate and J.J. encouraged all the pupils to play games both in school and with their local clubs and were particularly pleased to be able to present the Girls’ Rackard League Shield Football Medals to the victorious team.

The event doubled as a ‘no-uniform’ day and for ‘one coin’ the children were allowed to wear any purple and gold clothes. The magnificent €260 raised was donated to the St. Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal.

How can a woman who has won four Senior All-Ireland Medals and 6 All-Ireland…and that’s not counting her football accolades….become even more popular? Well, she gives 243 children ‘No Homework’….that’s how!
 

 

 

Jewellery Making 2012

Please check back later for an account of this great activity.

In the meantime enjoy the video!

 

 

School Choir at the Wexford Opera House

On Saturday 17th November the girls of the Faythe School Choir performed live on stage at the Wexford Opera House as part of the Three Tenors Concert.

Click on the notes below for an account of the event and a sample of the Choir's music.

Yard Games with the Ladies from the SEFRC

An account of these activities will follow shortly....in the meantime please enjoy the videos!!


Skipping Game


Over, Under


Queenie-I-O


Picture Gallery

Faythe Girls win Rackard League Shield

Account to follow

This photo was taken just before the District Final against Blackwater, who eventually went on to win the Co. Title. The girls are pictured with Mr. Doyle and Mr. Whelan, Team Coaches.

Mr. John Denton presents the Rackard League Shield Cup to the victorious Faythe Captain.

This picture taken by Robbie Kemp now takes pride of place in the Sr. Marie Breakfast Room.

Turning Back Time at the Heritage Park

Trip to the Heritage Park

On the 7^th November 2012 third and fourth class from Ms. Fitzgerald and Mr. Doyle’s room visited the Heritage Park. When we arrived we were greeted by Jimmy who was our guide for the day. We began by watching a short DVD in the Audio Visual room. The DVD showed us what Ireland was like long ago. It described such famous places as The Hill of Tara and Newgrange. We were now ready to learn more about the history of Ireland by beginning our tour of the park.

We began our tour by discovering how people lived almost 9,000 years ago. We looked at the houses they lived in and the food they ate. After this we saw how the first farmers survived and how dolmens were constructed. It was amazing! Our tour continued to the monastery and stone circle where Jimmy brilliantly described the central role religion played in the lives of people long ago. The final and most exciting part of our trip was next to come. Jimmy gave us the opportunity to pan for gold in the stream running through the park. It took some time to master the skill but we soon got the hang of it. He even let us keep some! 

Before we returned to school we were all given certificates for completing the wonderful tour of the park. It was a brilliant trip where we had great fun and learned lots of cool facts about the history of Ireland.

Halloween Fund Raiser 2012 (with Bernie's film)

On Friday 26th October a fabulous Halloween Fun-Raiser took place in the school. The care-taker, John,and the ladies in the kitchen at 'breakfast club' got a nasty surprise as all manner of ghosts, ghouls, monsters, devils, ninjas, superheroes, princesses, rock-chicks, babies, soldiers and witches rolled through the gates.
Just before lunch-time the Juniors went to the Sports Hall for 'Freaky Fashion Show'  where all the beautiful costumes were displayed as all the children 'gave twirls' before reciting a suitably scary poem or singing a terrifying tune.

At one o'clock a large crowd had gathered outside the school as the parade began. The children followed the usual route and were cheered all along the walk. Though very cold, thankfully, the rain stayed away and when they arrived back the Juniors got their goody bags and went home. The Senior Classes had a 'Devilish Disco' in the Hall where there were loads of 'spot prizes' and awards for ghoulish gyrations and dastardly dancing. A great time was had by all.

On a serious note a huge debt of gratitude is due to all those at home who produced great costumes, make-up and props. Every child in the school was dressed up as were all the teachers and thanks to all for joining in the spirit of the occasion. Thanks are also extended to the TY students (and past pupils) the two Rebecca's, Lauren and Daniel for preparing the 242 'goodie bags' and to Dolores in the Office and Ms. Kelly (Room 5) for all their hard work on the organisational side of things.

Before school ended that Friday, one of our parents, Bernie Roche, arrived in school with a film made from all her photos taken on the day, complete with a very suitable backing track. Many thanks to Bernie for the brilliant film that accompanies this blog!

A final HUGE THANK YOU to every child / family who pestered some one for sponsorship money and to any person who donated anything to this fund-raiser. In total almost €3,500 was raised and all of this money will be used to continue to insure that our pupils have the best educational opportunities that can be provided with our resources. The Faythe School is extremely lucky to enjoy, and would not function without, the continued support of the entire community.

A Bullying Drama ~ by 6th Class

For six weeks four classes from our school worked with Jacqui and Joanne from WACT Theatre Group. One day we videod some of the drama class which you can see below and further on you can read a drama based on work done in class. It was performed by Kelly, Kaitana and Charlotte and we hope you enjoy it. The account and reflection were written by Tiana.


First of all Charlotte phoned Kelly and asked her to go to the cinema. When Kelly said 'no' Charlotte seemed disappointed but said she would go on her own.
Next Kelly unkindly phoned Kaitana and asked her to go to the cinema. Kaitana agreed and the two girls went to the cinema and saw the film. However when they came out they saw Charlotte.  'What are you doing here?' Kelly snapped at her.  'I came to watch the movie' mumbled Charlotte.
'Ugh' sniffed Kelly flouncing off and leaving Kelly feeling rejected and sad.

I felt a sense of injustice for Charlotte and angry at Kelly and Kaitana for leaving Charlotte alone in the cinema.

Our Visit to Johnstown for National Tree Day

An account of this trip will be posted shortly but enjoy the film below while you're waiting.

Maths Trail

On Tuesday, October 16th, all the First Class pupils engaged in a very energetic and exciting Maths lesson with a difference. Much to the thanks of Ms. Duggan and a group of parents the children went outside to the school yard to explore and engage in various activities based on a variety of Maths Strands. 8 different Maths Stations were organised throughout the school yard.



A parent or teacher accompanied the children through the various stations, offering instruction and direction. The children then actively counted different objects and measured perimetres and areas using steps, hands, jumps, trundle wheels. They gained experience in estimating, discovering and comparing the actual answers.It was a great exercise in active learning and teaching using everyday objects to bring "maths to life" in a fun and active way.

Visit to the Boat Shed with SEFRC

On 16th October 2012, 5th Class went on an interesting trip to the Boatyard in Maudlintown. Beforehand we were shown a DVD about the craft of local building in our classroom. It was fascinating to learn about this ancient craft in such detail from Murt and Pat from the South End Family Resource Centre (SEFRC). Visiting the boatyard made the experience much more exciting, especially when we saw the boat ‘An Crúidín’ built in ‘Viking style’ as shown in the earlier DVD.
The outing continued down to the ‘pontoon’ and the bay where the class saw three boats….The Goose, Nobody’s Child and The Gulbar. It was exciting to sit in these boats and imagine being at sea!!!

Parents Pumking Carving

Today, Tuesday (16th October), a group of very enthusiastic parents joined Mrs. Duggan in the Sr. Marie Room armed with knives of varying sharpness. However no-one was in danger as the ladies first drew designs and then carved the pumkins beautifully. Each classroom then had two pumpkins delivered to be used as a resource between now and Hallow'een. The children are thrilled with them and want to thank all concerned. After all their hard work the ladies were joined by the Parent and Toddler Group and the Zumba girls for a very well deserved cup of coffee.

Planting in 2012...for 2013!!

Last Wednesday, the 10^th October, Colm and Nicola from the South End Family Resource Centre visited our classroom. We were shown how to plant cuttings from a variety of plants. What fun we had using compost and rooting powder and finally planting our cuttings in pots.

Later we put them in our School garden. We are hoping they will develop into beautiful mature plants.

Wexford in Bloom - School Garden Winners 2012

On Friday 10th October the school received the great news that it had won the 'gold medal' for the 'School Grounds / Garden' category of the Wexford in Bloom Festival 2012.



The award is just reward for Ms. Mullins, Eleanor Egan and Colm Ó Muirí from the SEFRC for all their hard work done with various classes in the past twelve months. This is the second year in a row that the school has been acknowledged, as it won the silver medal in the same category in 2011.

Gaelic Blitz

On Friday 21st September the 3rd class and the 3rd & 4th Class took part in a Gaelic Football Blitz. It was held in the Clonard pitch in Coolcotts and we took a bus up to the field. The day was rotten because it was a bit rainy at the start and got worse before it got better again. The bus was a bit late and when we we got up there the gate was locked anyway so we were in loads of time.

We were all divided up and mixed in with the children from the other schools to make up the teams. We got back to the school by break which was good. We had a nice time at the Blitz even though it was rotten weather for the start bit.



On Friday 5th October we went back up to the same field to finish the Blitz. This time the weather was better and we had a great day. Our teachers took pictures and made them into a film with music that you can see just below.





Bike Rack.....thanks to 'An Taisce'

Yesterday the school took possession of a beautiful, 10 bay, covered Bike Rack, compliments of the ‘An Taisce ~ Green Schools’ programme. Thanks to the great work in promoting sustainable travel / cycling in the school community Dara Deever from An Taisce nominated the Faythe for the shelter. Last year saw a fourth Green Flag presented to the school and Safe Cycling Training / Bike Maintenance classes were provided for pupils from 3^rd to 6^th. We were told the good news when we went to Croke Park to be presented with the school's 4th Green Flag.

Bike Rack with 'All-Ireland Camógie Bunting' flying!!

Routines Week

The first full week of school was given over to the promotion of ownership and pride on what we do in the Faythe School and in our area. All concerned with the school are encouraged to be tidy, punctual and responsible for all their possessions and to have a heightened awareness of litter.

Ms. Kelly co-ordinated the plan which focussed each day on stressing  importance of walking through the school on the left hand side and lining up promptly at bell time  and in a safe manner.

Each day was a also a ‘special focus day’……

MONDAY – ME

Personal  belongings eg books, copies , pens , pencils, pencil case, lunch box, folders, coat, uniforms and art shirts were discussed. It was emphasised that  your table and your chair are your personal space but it is up to each one of us to organise and keep it tidy. For homework we were given stickers to label all our school books.

TUESDAY –TIDY UP

 Each class looked at keeping the classroom tidy and what is the ‘tidy up at home-time’ routine. Bins were identified and labelled and the time table put up for ‘chairs up’ and ‘chairs down’ days because on two days the floors are ‘machine cleaned.’

WEDNESDAY – WALK

Each class went on an inside and outside walk of the building and we looked at how clean and organised the school looks e.g the classroom, the library, corridors. Everyone was shown where the ‘Lost Property Box’ is and we were reminded of the importance of not bringing wrappers and / or cartons out to the yard.

THURSDAY – TOILETS

On Thursday each class went through the importance of keeping the toilet areas clean and ‘washing and drying your hands, properly after a toilet visit.

FRIDAY – ASSEMBLY in HALL

On Friday all the classes went to the hall and Mrs. Kelly introduced each class who then showed something special they had done during ‘Routine Week.’ There were lovely poems and songs and loads of great posters with clever slogans.

Ms. Kehoe’s class made up and performed a song that you can see  below.

 

 

 

New Year.....New Faces

 

A special welcome goes to all new pupils the pupils, their parents and guardians, and our two new teachers Ms. Triona Roche and Ms. Amanda Kehoe who started in the Faythe school in late August. There are two new classes of Junior Infants and eight other new pupils 'further up the school.' 

Best wishes are extended to our former pupils, as they begin their Secondary School education or further their primary education in the local CBS, and two teachers Ms. Áine Cronin and Mr. Kevin Murphy as they begin new chapters in their lives. Similar sentiments are extended to Ms. Rita Conroy (JI teacher) as she begins Maternity Leave and her replacement Ms. Meagan O’Connor is welcomed back to school where she spent much of last year working in Learning Support.

Unique Hat-trick for 6th Class Girls

Last week, like many other pupils throughout Ireland, 20 girls from the St. John of God Primary School, The Faythe, 6th Class bade ‘good-bye’ to their teachers and fellow pupils after eight years in school there. However the graduation ceremony, which took place in front of parents / guardians and teachers on Wednesday evening last, celebrated two other significant milestones in these young students’ lives.

Since Easter the girls have been studying under Betty Dempsey, Genesis Business College, for a FETAC Level 3 Computer Course specifically designed to help students’ integration in Secondary Schools. The girls followed a structured course focussing on MS Word and Excel together with sourcing and presenting information and data safely sourced from the Internet. At the ‘graduation ceremony’ the girls were thrilled to be told that all 20 of them had successfully met the criteria required and will begin in their Secondary School of choice next September with their FETAC accredited Level 3 Certificate.

On May 21st two of the 6th class, Emma Busher and Molly O’Hanlon travelled to Croke Park, with ‘green school committee member, Ms Aisling O’Connell and school principal, Liam Turner, to collect the school’s fourth ‘Green Flag.’ On each of the three previous occasions the ‘flag raising’ ceremony was performed by a local dignitary or celebrity and the girls expected nothing less this time. However behind the scenes changes were afoot, as the ‘Green School Committee’ under the guidance of Deputy Principal, Ms. Anne Griffin-Jones, wanted to mark this particular class’ contribution to the Faythe School’s ‘green heritage.’

Each green flag takes two years ‘to earn’ and the eight years taken to be awarded the fourth flag, perfectly mirrored the girls’ time at the school. Resultantly the pupils who worked on all the ‘green school initiatives’ since Junior Infants were invited to raise the flag. The ‘Roll Book’ from 2004 was examined and the first two girls to enrol for September 2004 were identified. To round off a lovely evening Jade Foley and Jodie Phillips, representing the Faythe girls of 2004 – 12, raised the flag at the front of the school in front of the assembled crowd.

While this particular group of students will not be returning in September, ‘their flag’ will fly proudly over the purpose built bicycle shelter, that will be installed, over the summer holidays, by An Taisce, as reward for the school’ on-going commitment to the ‘Green Schools’ programme.

'Look out of my eyes'.....song composed by 6th class

Since January, a music student called Kevin Murphy has been coming into sixth class to explore all elements of music with us.

He brought in instruments for us to try out. We loved the guitars, especially the baby guitar.

 

 Our aim was to write a song that said something about us. After brainstorming and putting lyrics together, we drafted and edited before editing some more and then some more. In the end our song finally came to be.

 We recorded the song in the PE room on Friday 22nd June. Kevin brought in a friend, Tommy who had loads of recording equipment. They brought the recording away and will produce it over the summer. Maybe next year's 6th class will produce a sleeve / CD cover for it and sell it a fund-raiser for some charity.

 We have learned loads with Kevin, we have learned about different musicians, different types of music and different instruments. It was great fun and we wish we could do it again. We did our first live performance of our song on Wednesday 27th June at our Graduation Ceremony. Kevin said he was never as nervous performing for an audience as he did that night performing for all the parents / guardians. He also said he remembered being sent up to our classroom on messages when he was a pupil in the Faythe.....'way back when!'

Here is a video of us singing our song in our ''Recording Studio''!!!!!!!!