We attach information from PDST and The Irish Heart Foundation, which both contain very good tips and activities. Please click on the links below to view this information.

The PDST Primary Health and Wellbeing Team have developed a new resource which aims to support the emotional wellbeing of children.

In times of crisis and change, feelings and emotions can be heightened, particularly for children. The sanctuary of the classroom allows children to explore these feelings and to develop coping skills and self-regulation strategies. ‘Breathe’ invites teachers to share some of the techniques that they would normally explore in SPHE class, with children in their own homes.

The beautiful new ‘Breathe’ resource features a range of calming breathing techniques and guided visualisations that the child can use to bring about a sense of peace and comfort in any situation. The resource, which is suitable for children (and adults!) of all ages and class levels, is accompanied by audio recordings of the guided visualisations in both English and Irish. There are currently 25 audio clips on our website and more will be added over time.

The resource is available to access and download from  https://www.pdst.ie/primary/healthwellbeing/relaxationandself-regulationtools

 Learning undertaken within physical education class can be consolidated and enhanced outside of school through the use of these resources.
https://www.scoilnet.ie/pdst/physlit/beyond/

https://irishheart.ie/get-support/coronavirus-we-are-here-for-you/how-to-stay-active-during-the-corona-virus/lets-get-active/

During these difficult days when we have all been asked to stay at home to prevent the spread of coronavirus, it can be difficult to keep the kids entertained.
Therefore, the Irish Heart Foundation has devised the ‘Lets Get Active’ programme to help kids remain healthy, happy and active.
‘Let’s Get Active,’ is a fun weekly activity challenge for children, each week has a different theme and a challenge to do 60 minutes of physical activity every day.
In the booklet, you will find lots of different things to do including, physical activities and educational resources. The activities are designed to include common everyday things you can find at home.

With regards to the Sacraments, no decision has been made yet as to their timeline, as soon as the information becomes available to us, we will forward details to parents. We would like to share a note received from the Diocese Primary Catechetics team:

Over recent days, Deacon Frank McGuinness, Diocesan Director of Youth Ministry, has integrated a number of child-friendly religious education / faith development resources with the Elphin Diocesan website.  They may be accessed via the homepage www.elphindiocese.ie  or directly at https://www.elphindiocese.ie/programme-prayer-resources/ .   Frank continues to add to this resource.  Currently it includes a listing of PG rated movies with faith themes (ideal for Easter holiday viewing) and First Reconciliation, First Holy Communion and Confirmation programmes that include animated videos etc. to stimulate the children’s engagement.

We also take this opportunity to wish you a blessed, safe and healthy Easter break.
Sincerely.

Teresa, Mary & Kathleen
Diocese of Elphin – Primary Catechetics

Dear Parents,
I hope you are all keeping well and your families are all safe. This is a very challenging and stressful time for everybody, including children. Many of them are worried about some of the things they have seen on TV, social media or overheard from people.
In order to avoid stress for both parents and children regarding school work we have put together some activities and ideas that you may find helpful.
We all need to look after our physical and mental health at this time. Spending time talking to your children and doing activities with them would be very beneficial. Above everything else, it is important that the children have some structure to their day and that they enjoy what they are doing as they will be missing the structure and routine of school as well as the friendship and support of their peers.

In the meantime, take care and mind yourselves.
Best Regards,
Audrey Nolan

National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS)

The Department of Education and Skills’ NEPS psychologists have developed advice and some resources for young people to manage and stay well when schools are closed. Please click on the link below. https://www.education.ie/en/The-Department/Announcements/information-for-schools-preschool s-and-third-level-institutions-on-the-coronavirus.html#15

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There are lots of amazing resources online to assist home learning. The following is just a selection:

https://www.seomraranga.com/ is offering a free daily quiz (answers must be in by 3pm!) offering a daily prize of a €20 gift voucher, the winner each day will be announced on Twitter.

https://www.twinkl.ie/offer is offering free access to parents: enter the code IRLTWINKLHELPS.

https://dabbledoomusic.com/p/parents-subscription-full-access/product_id=1122889&coupon_code=19924I Dabbledoo music programme, free at home access

https://www.typingclub.com/ (a free online site to learn touch typing skills)

http://khanacademy.org (free online Maths lessons)

https://scratch.mit.edu/ (online coding tutorials and challenges)

https://www.topmarks.co.uk/ (online games for maths and English practice)

https://rtejr.rte.ie/10at10/ (10 at 10, get active in English and as Gaeilge!)

https://www.youtube.com/artforkidshub (lots of drawing tutorials for kids to follow)

https://www.scoilnet.ie/scoilnet-services/world-book/ (excellent, reliable, age-appropriate information source for students)

https://www.librariesireland.ie/join-your-library (as the libraries are currently closed you can use your library card details or sign up at this link to get temporary card details, use the BORROWBOX app to download 5 books/ audiobooks as you would from the library)

https://www.into.ie/2020/03/18/tips-and-tricks-home-learning/

https://stories.audible.com/start-listen

https://webmail.eir.ie/service/home/~/?auth=co&loc=en_GB&id=165210&part=2

Seachtain na Geailge was celebrated in style in Ballagh NS with a Ceolchoirm of music and dance. For more pictures, see gallery.

The staff and pupils of Ballagh NS had a special treat recently, when the pupils of 4th class entertained us with a wonderful lunchtime drama. The pupils scripted the show, sourced their own props and costumes and even designed brochures. The performance took place on our Astro Turf and the name of the show was Goth Girl. Certainly an Oscar winning performance.