School Attendance Week 2012 - 13

Co-ordinated by Ms. Griffin-Jones, School Attendance Week was held from Monday 4th - Friday 8th February. Over the five days a whole host of activities and events were held. Each class was invited to compose a poem, a rap, a song or a rhyme or create a piece of Art to highlight the importance of punctual and regular school attendance and celebrate the efforts made by families and children alike in ensuring attendance continues to improve.

Ms. Dempsey had organised a special assembly for Wednesday 6th February, which was our 100th day of school so far this year (only 83 more until the Summer holidays !!!!) and Dolores had created, printed and laminated beautiful certificates for the 43 people who had reached this quirky milestone on that date.

On Friday, with Ms. Griffin-Jones acting as M.C., all the classes returned to the School Hall and performed and / or displayed their work for the rest of the school.




Ms. Kehoe's 2nd Class performed a newly composed song, aptly named 'Come to School.'  It was so good that it will be used by all classes next year to promote 'good attendance.'

Judge for yourselves how 'catchy' it is by playing the video below.

Scien-tastic with Michelle Maher

Please check later for an account of the four fantastic Scien-tastic Workshops held in the school with Michelle Maher (M.Sc)....until this is posted check out the video file of the day!!

Good Deed January

For many connected with schools January is an unbelievably drab month. There is a palpable down beat mood, following the highs of Christmas and the New Year that is not helped by the weather or the constant ads for summer holidays that seem like an eternity away.

However Ms. Mullins, decided to do something about it when introducing the simple yet brilliant idea of ‘Good Deed January.’ She challenged the pupils in the School to photograph ordinary people in their locality ‘doing something nice’ over a two week period. The photographs could be then sent to her in school via a dedicated e-mail address.

Ms. Mullins was amazed with the number, quality and range of photos submitted, from people cleaning dog litter from the Quay to teachers spinning a skipping rope in the school yard to pupils doing house work to motorists allowing pedestrians cross the road.

Altogether 49 pupils submitted photos which were printed off, mounted and displayed in the School Hall for pupils and parents alike to admire. A film montage of the photos was also made and pupils were thrilled to see their works displayed in glorious technicolour on the school’s computer network.

On Monday 28th January the entire school assembled in the Hall where Ms. Mullins presented ‘No Homework Vouchers’ to all 49 of our budding Ger Hores and Jim Campbell before announcing three special awards for the best photos at the Junior and Senior ends of the school. These six super snappers got a framed copy of their work, a small prize as well as the treasured ‘No Homework Voucher.’ Pupils and teachers are already looking forward to January 2014 which won’t be quiet as dreary as in years gone by!

Athbhliain Faoi Mhaise

At a special assembly in the Hall, the entire school were wished a 'Happy New Year' in the languages spoken in our wider school community before the 'Tidy-Up Review Week' was explained by Ms. Kelly.



The second week of school after the Christmas break was given over to the promotion of ownership and pride on what we do in the Faythe School and in our area. We had already done this at the start of the school year in September and it was decided to have a 're-fresher week.' 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.

Once again, 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

TUESDAY –TIDY UP  

WEDNESDAY – WALK

THURSDAY – TOILETS 

FRIDAY – IN CLASS REVIEW

To finish up, Ms. Kehoe’s class performed their song 'Clean Up' which has become a bit of a hit in the Faythe.

Better Late Than Never !!

Earlier this week while sorting out files on the shared folder, five small films made by last year's 6th Class were discovered.
Ms. Cronin and Ms. O'Loughlin had done cookery with the girls, who made powerpoint records complete with music of all their labours.

The films are shown below complete with (our now) past pupils and it is hoped you enjoy them as much as the girls obviously did when making them.

Santa Visits the Infant Classrooms

On Friday 21st December all the Junior and Senior Infants in the school got a lovely surprise when Santa knocked on the door and visited their classrooms. All the children got to talk to him and some of them even got to ring his bell.
At the end of his visit to each classroom Santa gave all the children a gift that was organised by the Parents' Association.

The Magnificent Forty Seven!!

On the last day before the Christmas Holidays, Deputy Principal, Ms. Griffin-Jones hosted an 'Attedance Awards Ceremony' in the Sports Hall. Children who had missed no days at all in the first two terms, 77 days in total, were presented with beautiful laminated certificates to mark this achievement. All connected with the school are delighted that 47....yes forty-seven...children have been in every day so far this year. HSCL Teacher, Ms. Duggan, was also thrilled to present eight other boys and girls with certificates for hugely improving their attendance since this time last year.

WELL DONE TO ALL CONCERNED

 

 

6th Class Presentations

Full details of girls' hard work to follow.....

Christmas 2012

We hope you enjoy the video montage

 

and Christmas greetings from all in the school!

 

 

MUGA Gaelic Football Final 2012-13

Congratulations to all the children who took part in this year's Gaelic Football League and hopefully some of you will go on to join your local club and enjoy Gaelic Football.

The sponsorship and support of the St. Mary's GAA Club Maudlintown is very welcome and huge thanks are extended to Mr. Whelan and Mr. Doyle for organising the running of the League and refereeing all the matches.

A full account of the MUGA Gaelic Football League and Final will be posted shortly.

Until them sit back and enjoy the video record of this year's final.

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.