Garda Poster Competition
Once again, we are delighted with the talented artists that we have in Ballagh NS. Look at the fantastic entries for the Garda Poster Competition. Best of luck to everybody.
Aistear – The Farm
Our Aistear theme for this month is The Farm, and we are having a great time learning all about the different animals and machinery you will find on a farm.
Seachtain na Gaeilge – Lá Glas
We had a wonderful day of Irish celebration in the school on Thursday, 16th March as we celebrated Seachtain na Gaeilge agus Lá Glas. A big thank you to all our pupils for making the day such a celebration of all things Irish!!
An t-Earrach
Children in the junior classroom created their own bird’s nest just in time for Spring!!!
World Book Day
Thursday 2nd March was World Book Day and as you can see, Ballagh NS was visited by lots of fantastic characters from some wonderful books.
10@10- Operation Transformation
At 10 minutes past 10 on Friday, 10th February, we took part in the Operation Transportation Physical Activity Challenge, which encouraged all primary schools to simultaneously spend 10 minutes being active. At Ballagh School, we thoroughly enjoyed an action packed 10 minutes, by taking part in lots of fun activities.
Microscopes- Senior Room Microbiologists!!!
We are learning about Microbiology. This is the study of bacteria, viruses, and other microbes that are invisible to the eye. These tiny creatures are everywhere, even on you and in you! Don’t worry, most microbes are harmless to humans.
Less than 500 years ago, people believed that illnesses were caused by evil spirits or poisonous gases. Today, we know that many illnesses are caused by germs and microscopic viruses and bacteria that we cannot see. This is possible because of the microscope.
The first microscope was probably invented by Hans and Zacharias Jansen in the 1600s. These early microscopes had compound lenses, which means they used two pieces of glass. The microscopes were not very powerful. They could magnify something only 20 times.
In the late 1660s, Antony van Leeuwenhoek made his own powerful microscope from one lens. His microscope could magnify things up to 200 times. He discovered cells in blood, animal tissue and plant tissue. He even discovered bacteria by looking at plaque from his own teeth.
Today, people still use compound microscopes, but they are much improved.
There are trillions of mini-animals and microbes that you cannot see. The microscopic world includes viruses, bacteria, protists, microscopic fungi and mini-animals.
Today’s compound microscopes use light to illuminate organisms. Light microscopes are so powerful that they can magnify something by 1,000 times.
A micrograph is a photograph of something seen in a microscope.
Mindfulfulness in the Senior Room
We are integrating mindfulness into our teaching and learning. The practice of focusing your awareness on the present moment while observing your thoughts and feelings in a non-judgmental way – is now being used in our class as part of our SPHE (Social Personal Health Education) Curriculum to build positive mental health and self-esteem.
Studies suggest that for schools to engage in mindfulness it is likely to have beneficial results on the emotional wellbeing, mental health, ability to learn and even the physical health of their students. We’re teaching our future generations to be emotionally intelligent throughout their lives.
Aistear- An apple a day keeps the Doctor away!!!
Oh dear, the doctors and nurses in the Junior Classes have been very busy this week! Our theme for the month is the Doctor’s Surgery. Here in the socio-dramatic group the waiting room has been full of patients waiting patiently for their turn to see the doctor or nurse.
Enrolment 2017
Enrolment Evening Wednesday, February 1st, 2017 from 6 – 7pm
If you are considering enrolling your child in Ballagh National School for September 2017 or 2018,
we invite you to come along with your child, to view the school and meet the teachers.
We look forward to welcoming you on Wednesday, February 1st, 2017 from 6 – 7pm
If you have any queries please feel free to call Ms. Audrey Nolan on (090) 662 5884
Email: ballaghns1.ias@eircom.net Website: www.ballaghns.ie