Principal's Blog
First Holy Communion
Dear Children,
We are all thinking about you today and sharing your disappointment. The present crisis has brought so many changes to our lives and demanded so much from each of us. Tomorrow, Saturday the 16th of May 2020 should have been your First Holy Communion Day, but alas that is not to be. Thankfully our God is not confined to dates and times. He will be waiting with open arms to welcome you when your day comes and we will all celebrate with you. So be patient, talk to God and enjoy His comfort and joy. We, the school community will be with you in spirit tomorrow and will be praying for you at 12 noon when Fr. Joseph is saying the special mass for you in the church.
We are all thinking about you today and sharing your disappointment. The present crisis has brought so many changes to our lives and demanded so much from each of us. Tomorrow, Saturday the 16th of May 2020 should have been your First Holy Communion Day, but alas that is not to be. Thankfully our God is not confined to dates and times. He will be waiting with open arms to welcome you when your day comes and we will all celebrate with you. So be patient, talk to God and enjoy His comfort and joy. We, the school community will be with you in spirit tomorrow and will be praying for you at 12 noon when Fr. Joseph is saying the special mass for you in the church.
Return To Routine April 20th 2020
Routine is very important for children. Try to maintain a routine during the week from Monday to Friday along school hours but with flexibility. Your child will benefit and be much happier. We have to look after “happy” and “safe” before we look at “learning” so please don’t feel under pressure! Engage as much as you can. Not every family will be in a position to participate in Home Learning activities. As a staff, we understand this and value every family’s decision equally. Everyone's main focus should be on keeping safe and healthy.
The Great Isolation Activity Book
Lots of fun activities and suggestions to keep children occupied is available at this link
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gasHX74OYHHH4hrrP5Y823FarA_Tgnuiew?usp=sharing
Hope you enjoy it!
Easter Sunday 2020
To Mums, Dads, children and families
I'm thinking about all of you today and I hope that you enjoy this Easter Sunday as you say your prayers, hunt for eggs, prepare dinner, read the paper, tend the garden, play with your toys, exercise within the 2k radius, or however you spend your day. Mrs. McCloughan and all the staff at Réalt Na Mara GNS
I'm thinking about all of you today and I hope that you enjoy this Easter Sunday as you say your prayers, hunt for eggs, prepare dinner, read the paper, tend the garden, play with your toys, exercise within the 2k radius, or however you spend your day. Mrs. McCloughan and all the staff at Réalt Na Mara GNS
Extended Closure Announced
Réalt na Mara Girls’ School
Donacarney, Mornington, Co Meath, Ireland.
Principal: Mrs. Kate McCloughan Tel/Fax: 041 9887684.
web address: realtnamaradonacarney.ie
e mail: office@realtnamaradonacarney.ie
principal@realtnamaradonacarney.ie
30/3/2020
Dear Parents/Guardians,
I sincerely hope that you and your families are keeping safe and well. We are now in our third week of school closure with the possibility of that closure being extended after Easter. I’m wondering how the children are doing and how you’re coping with work and children at home every day?
Thank you if you have already filled in parent surveys from your child’s teacher, if you have not had a chance to do that you can still submit it on the class blog. It’s very short and it gives teachers an indication of how your child is managing with the work that is set. The surveys which we received so far, indicate that the majority of you are happy with the amount of prescribed work and your child is coping well. Let me reiterate with regard to work given, that every family’s circumstances are unique, some may have to cope with the stress of illness and some with the stress of losing employment at the moment. Others are still working under stressful conditions. We do not want to increase your burden in any way, so rest assured that there is flexibility. The office email and my email are monitored should difficulties arise (both are listed above). I’ld like to hear any good news stories too and will share them on the website. Photos are also welcome and can include other family members.
Following our first staff Zoom meeting we decided to have two way communication between school and home when we enter a new phase of remote learning after Easter. This will be a line of communication via email for some of the children’s work and to promote their wellbeing through connecting with their teacher. We miss the children and we want to see how they are doing in these difficult circumstances. There will be more details and guidelines after Easter for you to follow, on the website and from each teacher on the class blog.
The new RTE 2 School Hub which provides an hour of learning by teachers, for primary school children started today and looks promising. It is broadcast each day at 11am. Today they had lessons on mapping, symmetry, history and Gaeilge. The lessons were stimulating and engaging. It is aimed at 1st to 6th Class but entertaining for all ages. There are worksheets to accompany the lessons and these are graded for different age groups. Have a look at rte.ie/learn , it will certainly give you a break from the “teaching” and I think the children will enjoy it.
Well done and a huge thank you to all parents and pupils for the great work you are doing at home. Undoubtedly, this is a very challenging time for many. Guidance provided by the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) is being updated on an ongoing basis, and is available at http://www.education.ie/covid19 A most useful document for parents with advice on supporting your child during this pandemic with tips and links is available at https://www.education.ie/en/The-Department/Announcements/guide-for-parents-supporting-children.pdf
Other School News
The Board of Management continue to support the school in this crisis and we are grateful for that.
The Meath Coaster is available online at meathcoaster.com. April issue due this week.
Congratulations to Ms. P Campbell (5th Class) who gave birth to a beautiful baby girl last week. We wish her well from the whole school community.
Easter Holidays are due to begin on Friday the 3rd of April. There will be no prescribed homework for those two weeks and it will give you an opportunity to explore the abundance of websites and activities on the optional lists, on the class blogs and on the website.
We remember all our Mums and Dads who are still working at the coal face, caring for the community, protecting us and providing essential services at this difficult time. Thank you on behalf of the whole school community and may God keep you safe.
Please tell your children that their teachers and SNAs are thinking of them every day. We look forward, as I’m sure you do, to when the school reopens and life returns to normal. In the meantime, stay safe and well.
May God be with you in your homes this Easter and enjoy the eggs! They will taste so much better this year.
Kind regards,
Mrs. McCloughan
Donacarney, Mornington, Co Meath, Ireland.
Principal: Mrs. Kate McCloughan Tel/Fax: 041 9887684.
web address: realtnamaradonacarney.ie
e mail: office@realtnamaradonacarney.ie
principal@realtnamaradonacarney.ie
30/3/2020
Dear Parents/Guardians,
I sincerely hope that you and your families are keeping safe and well. We are now in our third week of school closure with the possibility of that closure being extended after Easter. I’m wondering how the children are doing and how you’re coping with work and children at home every day?
Thank you if you have already filled in parent surveys from your child’s teacher, if you have not had a chance to do that you can still submit it on the class blog. It’s very short and it gives teachers an indication of how your child is managing with the work that is set. The surveys which we received so far, indicate that the majority of you are happy with the amount of prescribed work and your child is coping well. Let me reiterate with regard to work given, that every family’s circumstances are unique, some may have to cope with the stress of illness and some with the stress of losing employment at the moment. Others are still working under stressful conditions. We do not want to increase your burden in any way, so rest assured that there is flexibility. The office email and my email are monitored should difficulties arise (both are listed above). I’ld like to hear any good news stories too and will share them on the website. Photos are also welcome and can include other family members.
Following our first staff Zoom meeting we decided to have two way communication between school and home when we enter a new phase of remote learning after Easter. This will be a line of communication via email for some of the children’s work and to promote their wellbeing through connecting with their teacher. We miss the children and we want to see how they are doing in these difficult circumstances. There will be more details and guidelines after Easter for you to follow, on the website and from each teacher on the class blog.
The new RTE 2 School Hub which provides an hour of learning by teachers, for primary school children started today and looks promising. It is broadcast each day at 11am. Today they had lessons on mapping, symmetry, history and Gaeilge. The lessons were stimulating and engaging. It is aimed at 1st to 6th Class but entertaining for all ages. There are worksheets to accompany the lessons and these are graded for different age groups. Have a look at rte.ie/learn , it will certainly give you a break from the “teaching” and I think the children will enjoy it.
Well done and a huge thank you to all parents and pupils for the great work you are doing at home. Undoubtedly, this is a very challenging time for many. Guidance provided by the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) is being updated on an ongoing basis, and is available at http://www.education.ie/covid19 A most useful document for parents with advice on supporting your child during this pandemic with tips and links is available at https://www.education.ie/en/The-Department/Announcements/guide-for-parents-supporting-children.pdf
Other School News
The Board of Management continue to support the school in this crisis and we are grateful for that.
The Meath Coaster is available online at meathcoaster.com. April issue due this week.
Congratulations to Ms. P Campbell (5th Class) who gave birth to a beautiful baby girl last week. We wish her well from the whole school community.
Easter Holidays are due to begin on Friday the 3rd of April. There will be no prescribed homework for those two weeks and it will give you an opportunity to explore the abundance of websites and activities on the optional lists, on the class blogs and on the website.
We remember all our Mums and Dads who are still working at the coal face, caring for the community, protecting us and providing essential services at this difficult time. Thank you on behalf of the whole school community and may God keep you safe.
Please tell your children that their teachers and SNAs are thinking of them every day. We look forward, as I’m sure you do, to when the school reopens and life returns to normal. In the meantime, stay safe and well.
May God be with you in your homes this Easter and enjoy the eggs! They will taste so much better this year.
Kind regards,
Mrs. McCloughan
School Challenges due to Coronavirus
Réalt na Mara Girls’ School
web address: realtnamaradonacarney.ie
email: office@realtnamaradonacarney.ie
principal@realtnamaradonacarney.ie
23/3/2020
Dear Parents/Guardians,
I hope you and your families are keeping well. It is hard to believe that we are into our second week of school closure with the almost certain prospect of that closure being extended from March the 29th. I understand that these are very challenging times for parents and children and that we have all had to adjust our lives considerably. I acknowledge your frustration having to continue your work from home while taking care of your children, a testing time for family life, a test of endurance, patience and resilience. We have a large number of parents who must continue working outside of the home, keeping services functioning and attending to the current Coronavirus crisis and to our sick. It must be difficult for you and your families when you leave home every day to work on the front line. We are all extremely grateful to you.
All of us have someone in the family or extended family whom we are worried about, be it a vulnerable child or adult, or an elderly relation. It is a worrying and uncertain time, especially when we face the unknown. On behalf of the staff I would like you to know that we are thinking about you and the children, that we are all in this together and we will continue to support you at home with work and suggestions which may alleviate the pressure. We endeavour to add some structure to the children’s day and continuity in education through the work put up on the individual Class Blogs. We do not wish to add to your stress in so doing.
We are in unchartered territory when it comes to providing homework for a long period of time from school. I am conscious of the fact that some of you may be unwell over the coming weeks and I do not want to add to that burden. Children are exempt from homework in such circumstances. I am also aware that many of you are able to do wonderful activities yourselves with your children and I don’t wish to bombard you with too many ideas all at once. It is best to strike a balance, prescribing some work that we expect the children to do and giving suggestions that you can freely choose from. The teachers have done an excellent job in this regard so far and I thank them for that.
As time passes we can see that this is indeed a marathon and will continue for some time. Therefore I will try to ascertain how you and the children are coping with the present homework provision and subsequently, as a staff, we will decide together how to proceed in order to support you as best we can. I am also cognisant of these facts, that staff members may contract the virus or may need to look after someone who gets the virus and that new work needs to be taught by a teacher in school.
Finally, may God bless all of you and protect you and your families. This is indeed a time when we should pray as a family every day and we certainly have enough time now. Stay safe, keep your distance and keep washing hands. Bear in mind that like everything, this too will pass and we look forward to the children and the staff being back at school again.
Yours sincerely,
Mrs. McCloughan
Réalt na Mara Girls’ School
web address: realtnamaradonacarney.ie
email: office@realtnamaradonacarney.ie
principal@realtnamaradonacarney.ie
23/3/2020
Dear Parents/Guardians,
I hope you and your families are keeping well. It is hard to believe that we are into our second week of school closure with the almost certain prospect of that closure being extended from March the 29th. I understand that these are very challenging times for parents and children and that we have all had to adjust our lives considerably. I acknowledge your frustration having to continue your work from home while taking care of your children, a testing time for family life, a test of endurance, patience and resilience. We have a large number of parents who must continue working outside of the home, keeping services functioning and attending to the current Coronavirus crisis and to our sick. It must be difficult for you and your families when you leave home every day to work on the front line. We are all extremely grateful to you.
All of us have someone in the family or extended family whom we are worried about, be it a vulnerable child or adult, or an elderly relation. It is a worrying and uncertain time, especially when we face the unknown. On behalf of the staff I would like you to know that we are thinking about you and the children, that we are all in this together and we will continue to support you at home with work and suggestions which may alleviate the pressure. We endeavour to add some structure to the children’s day and continuity in education through the work put up on the individual Class Blogs. We do not wish to add to your stress in so doing.
We are in unchartered territory when it comes to providing homework for a long period of time from school. I am conscious of the fact that some of you may be unwell over the coming weeks and I do not want to add to that burden. Children are exempt from homework in such circumstances. I am also aware that many of you are able to do wonderful activities yourselves with your children and I don’t wish to bombard you with too many ideas all at once. It is best to strike a balance, prescribing some work that we expect the children to do and giving suggestions that you can freely choose from. The teachers have done an excellent job in this regard so far and I thank them for that.
As time passes we can see that this is indeed a marathon and will continue for some time. Therefore I will try to ascertain how you and the children are coping with the present homework provision and subsequently, as a staff, we will decide together how to proceed in order to support you as best we can. I am also cognisant of these facts, that staff members may contract the virus or may need to look after someone who gets the virus and that new work needs to be taught by a teacher in school.
Finally, may God bless all of you and protect you and your families. This is indeed a time when we should pray as a family every day and we certainly have enough time now. Stay safe, keep your distance and keep washing hands. Bear in mind that like everything, this too will pass and we look forward to the children and the staff being back at school again.
Yours sincerely,
Mrs. McCloughan
Catholic Schools Week
Catholic Schools Week took place in the school last week and it was a week when we took time to put God first and pray together as a school community. The theme this year was “Living in Harmony with God’s Creation” and each day had a different focus. It was a week where we celebrated the Catholic identity of our school.
On Monday, Ms. Kirwan’s 5th Class girls and Ms. Haigney’s Cuan Na Réaltaí girls began the week with a beautiful assembly shared with their parents. The praying and singing were most spiritual and we all enjoyed a cup of tea and a biscuit afterwards. Thanks to Gillian, Ruth and Helena from the Parents Association for giving their time so generously to help out.
On Wednesday the hall was packed to capacity with visitors for Grandparents Day. Grandparents give the children a lot of love and much wisdom. The children had prepared some very meaningful readings about their grandparents and hearts were touched with the sincerity of their words. Fr. Joseph lead us in prayer and everyone enjoyed the wonderful singing. We were blessed by having our Grandparents share our assembly and they were blessed in turn. Ms. Eimear Donnelly, chairperson of the Parents Association was once again on hand, organising the teas for the huge turnout. Many thanks Eimear and Helena for all your help, we are fortunate to have such a supportive Parents Association.
Another grandmother has been coming into the school for the past fourteen years to teach the senior children to make St. Brigid’s crosses and once again she arrived in on Wednesday, laden down with rushes and enthusiasm. This is a precious tradition in the school and a heartfelt thanks goes to Ann Hanan, grandmother to Ava in 5th Class for her kindness and diligence.
We finished the week off by celebrating mass in the hall on Friday with Fr, Joseph and the whole school. It was a special occasion and a fitting way to end Catholic Schools Week.
On Monday, Ms. Kirwan’s 5th Class girls and Ms. Haigney’s Cuan Na Réaltaí girls began the week with a beautiful assembly shared with their parents. The praying and singing were most spiritual and we all enjoyed a cup of tea and a biscuit afterwards. Thanks to Gillian, Ruth and Helena from the Parents Association for giving their time so generously to help out.
On Wednesday the hall was packed to capacity with visitors for Grandparents Day. Grandparents give the children a lot of love and much wisdom. The children had prepared some very meaningful readings about their grandparents and hearts were touched with the sincerity of their words. Fr. Joseph lead us in prayer and everyone enjoyed the wonderful singing. We were blessed by having our Grandparents share our assembly and they were blessed in turn. Ms. Eimear Donnelly, chairperson of the Parents Association was once again on hand, organising the teas for the huge turnout. Many thanks Eimear and Helena for all your help, we are fortunate to have such a supportive Parents Association.
Another grandmother has been coming into the school for the past fourteen years to teach the senior children to make St. Brigid’s crosses and once again she arrived in on Wednesday, laden down with rushes and enthusiasm. This is a precious tradition in the school and a heartfelt thanks goes to Ann Hanan, grandmother to Ava in 5th Class for her kindness and diligence.
We finished the week off by celebrating mass in the hall on Friday with Fr, Joseph and the whole school. It was a special occasion and a fitting way to end Catholic Schools Week.
Juniors are Splendid
Ms. Trench and Ms. McQuaid had their Junior Infant girls very well prepared for their first primary school performance and the girls did their teachers proud. They sang a variety of Christmas songs in English and Irish with some beautiful carols. They looked beautiful dressed as angels and their parents enjoyed every minute of their highly entertaining show. Maith sibh cailíní!
A Night to Remember
We had a fabulous evening in Ballymagarvey at our recent fundraising event. The excitement began as we approached the village and feasted our eyes on the fantastic Christmas lights. At the Manor House, guests were greeted by crackling fires, delicious canapés and resplendent surroundings. We relaxed with friends while Joanne played Christmas tunes softly on the piano.
The Garda Band lifted the tempo as they filled the banqueting hall with singing and playing. We danced, we sang and we laughed with friends, past and present. It was a special night in a special place with wonderful people.
Sincere thanks to Mr. Vincent Callan who invited us to this amazing village and treated us like royalty while we were there. Thanks to the committee who organised the event and to all our sponsors who made it possible. Thanks to Mr. Mc Alistair for taking great photos.
The Garda Band lifted the tempo as they filled the banqueting hall with singing and playing. We danced, we sang and we laughed with friends, past and present. It was a special night in a special place with wonderful people.
Sincere thanks to Mr. Vincent Callan who invited us to this amazing village and treated us like royalty while we were there. Thanks to the committee who organised the event and to all our sponsors who made it possible. Thanks to Mr. Mc Alistair for taking great photos.
Fun in the Banqueting Hall
Mingling with Friends at Ballymagarvey
The Manor House at Ballymagarvey
School Community Walking Tall
Parents, grandparents, girls, boys, teachers, friends and pets, all turned out en masse to support our annual fundraiser on Bettystown beach. It was touch and go with the weather for a while in the morning but after lots of prayers and wishes, the rain stopped to make way for a pleasant afternoon. It was a great opportunity to catch up with friends for a chat and even the dogs enjoyed the company. Some chose to do a brisk, energetic walk clocking up steps, while others sauntered along. A huge thanks to the Parents' Association who organised the beach walk and to all who supported on the day.
An Exciting Trip to Croke Park To Support Our Teacher
There is nothing quite as thrilling as the sense of anticipation one feels in Croke Park before an All Ireland football final. We felt that excitement as we took our seats high in the hallowed stadium, looking down on the greenest of green grass that carpets the pitch. As the Meath ladies ran out to battle with Tipperary, the roar of the assembled crowd sent shivers down our spines. Soon the match began and Meath ladies were equal to their rivals, point for point and goal for goal in the first half. Each time Ms. Byrne (5) got her hands on the ball (which was often), our girls waved their flags and screamed loudly. They were the best supporters, willing their teacher and her team to victory, but alas it was not Meath's day and despite a valiant effort, the final was won by Tipperary. Spirits were not dampened and the girls had a tremendous time and a rich experience of Irish culture. I hope this will help to instil a love of football in our pupils and of the GAA, where we all belong. So thank you Ms Byrne for inspiring our pupils to participate in sport which will enrich their lives and keep our children healthy. Tá súil agam go mbeidh an bua ag an Mhí an bhliain seo chugainn.
A Wonderful Beginning to the New School Year
It was all hands on deck as we welcomed our new Junior Infants to our school on Thursday the 29th of August, to begin their first day in Primary School. There was an air of excitement and anticipation to be felt as they skipped into class with their parents. They had many visits to Ms. Trench's and Ms. McQuaid's classes in June so it wasn't quite as daunting as it might otherwise have been. As soon as the children were settled, the parents and grandparents were invited to the hall for tea and coffee by the Parents' Association. We also welcomed in excess of twenty children throughout the school into other classes. I would like to wish all new pupils and parents a happy and successful time with us in Réalt Na Mara Girls School. A míle buíochas to the management team, staff and the members of the PA who made the day work like clockwork. I look forward to another exciting and productive year ahead.
FIRST COMMUNION 2019
The sun shone brightly today as the second class girls arrived to make their First Holy Communion in the Star of the Sea Church. The girls had an attitude of reverence from start to finish, understanding the holiness of this special day when they received the body of Christ for the first time. Fr. Denis celebrated the mass with the children and spoke about how Jesus loved children and how special each child is. The children said their prayers aloud with great confidence, sang beautifully and participated with wonderful enthusiasm in each part of the mass. Credit must be attributed to their dedicated teachers, Ms. McGuinness, Ms. Lynch and Ms. Haigney who prepared the girls so well during the preceding months. Ms. Brodigan accompanied the girls on the keyboard and directed the singing. Sisters of the Communicants sang, while the girls went forward to receive Holy Communion. We remembered Fr. Noel in our prayers and how he had walked side by side with the children through the Do This in Memory programme. The whole congregation was invited back to the school where the Parents' Association had a welcome cup of tea ready for the adults and a wonderful party for the children. We were blessed once again by God today with Parents, Grandparents and Children celebrating together and Teachers, SNAs and school community supporting.
The Holy Spirit Will Give You Courage
These were the words spoken to the children in 6th Class making their Confirmation today by Bishop Tom Deenihan. It was a wonderful community occasion as the girls were confirmed in the faith by retired Bishop Michael Smith, with Sponsors, Parents and Teachers supporting them. The sun shone brightly, the choir were angelic in their singing and the girls themselves looked happy and proud. Indeed as they approach the end of their primary schooling and move towards the beginning of secondary school and their teenage years, the girls will need all the power of the Holy Spirit which they received again today to protect and guide them.
Mini Sevens
On Thursday morning, admidst hail and sleet, Réalt Na Mara Girls displayed great character and tenacity in their battle to win the Mini Sevens Competition in St Pat’s, Stamullen. Despite ferocious tackling, great skill, lightning speed and constant encouragement from Ms. Byrne, victory eluded them on this occasion. However the day ended on a high note as the frozen players returned to delicious hot chocolate in the staffroom. Thanks to the wonderful parents who assisted and supported them.
Grandparents' Day
Our close relationship with the community was celebrated on Grandparents’ Day when the grandparents, parents and siblings of our 3rd class children, joined us in prayer and song. Grandparents enrich the children’s lives in so many ways, often bringing them to school and picking them up. It was a truly uplifting experience for all present and we were indeed blessed. We are grateful to Fr. Noel who led the service, Ruth and Carmen from the Parents’ Association for the cupán tae and of course to Mrs. Roulstone and Ms. Barrett who prepared the girls. Míle buíochas to our wonderful children who filled the morning with joy.
Learning through Fun at the Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition at the RDS
When you take learning out of the classroom it becomes new and exciting as over a hundred of our girls discovered when they visited the RDS last week. Scientific Sue is a super teacher and some of our girls helped her with her experiments on stage and learned some interesting facts.
Do you know which gas is used in fire extinguishers and why?
Do you know what milk of magnesia does to the acid in the stomach?
(answers below)
It was particularly exciting this year because Mrs. McCartan’s and Ms. Brodigan’s classes had been accepted to present their projects out of hundreds of entries. Mrs Mc Cartan’s Class chose to do electronic quizzes and Ms Brodigan’s Class investigated the effect of aging on brain power. Not only did the girls have to test and engage the public, they also had to answer many challenging questions from the judges.
Do you know which gas is used in fire extinguishers and why?
Do you know what milk of magnesia does to the acid in the stomach?
(answers below)
It was particularly exciting this year because Mrs. McCartan’s and Ms. Brodigan’s classes had been accepted to present their projects out of hundreds of entries. Mrs Mc Cartan’s Class chose to do electronic quizzes and Ms Brodigan’s Class investigated the effect of aging on brain power. Not only did the girls have to test and engage the public, they also had to answer many challenging questions from the judges.
Answers
Carbon dioxide is used in fire extinguishers because it stops the fire getting oxygen and it’s cold which cools the fire
Milk of magnesia neutralises the acid in the stomach and this was invented by an Irish scientist called Sir James Murray
Carbon dioxide is used in fire extinguishers because it stops the fire getting oxygen and it’s cold which cools the fire
Milk of magnesia neutralises the acid in the stomach and this was invented by an Irish scientist called Sir James Murray
