What a lovely way to incorporate Maths, English, Science, past and present religious customs, Irish traditions, healthy eating etc.
Fáilte go Scoil Naomh Fiach!
As Principal of St. Fiach’s N.S., I am thrilled to welcome you to our vibrant and close-knit school community. Nestled in Ballinacree, our school is a place where children flourish academically, socially, and spiritually. At St. Fiach’s, we celebrate the individuality of each student, helping them develop into confident and compassionate individuals, fully aware of their unique talents and role in the world.
We are especially proud of our rich tradition of academic excellence, participation in sports and the arts, and our commitment to environmental sustainability through initiatives like the Green Flag program. Our dedicated staff fosters a spirit of curiosity and creativity, guiding students through a range of enriching activities, from Seachtain na Gaeilge Week to Active Week celebrations, where fun and learning go hand in hand.
Our Catholic ethos inspires us to create a nurturing environment where children can deepen their faith, develop lasting friendships, and cultivate a positive attitude towards life. Tá sé mar aidhm againn cabhrú le gach páiste a bheith sásta agus muiníneach, agus muid ag forbairt ár gcreideamh mar phobal láidir agus tacúil.
Go raibh míle maith agat as do spéis, agus tá súil againn go mbainfidh tú taitneamh as d’eolas a fháil faoi Scoil Naomh Fiach.
Ciara Uí Chonduibh
Príomhoide
Máirt na h-Inide – Pancake Tuesday 2014
We are a Health Promoting School!
We are a Health Promoting School!
We have been working with Joan Crawford, of the HSE and her colleague Linda Lyons in developing the many and varied aspects of becoming a Health Promoting School; it links with our Green Flag and Active flag activities, which continue to be promoted on a regular basis. Our first phase consisted of getting feedback from the entire school community on a number of areas; what makes a school healthy? Which areas to prioritise? A realistic timeframe? Areas of responsibility? etc. Our second phase was to collate the information, get advice from the experts, review policies, publicise and then proceed to implementation stage.
Healthy Eating Policy
St Fiach’s has had a healthy eating policy for some years but, with the help of the HSE dietician, parents, children and staff, a committee was formed to review it. The vast majority of children have healthy lunches but the Dietician was extremely helpful in advising as to the finer points, particularly as the 6th level of the food pyramid had been added since the initial policy had been written. This revised policy was distributed to all parents for follow-up comments and has now been ratified by the Board of Management.
Ní neart go chur le chéile! Out HPS committee members; Dónal, Róisín, Elizabeth, Gary, Mark, Caitlyn, Leo, Rory, Dr Bennett, Ms Joan Crawford HSE and Mrs Sínéad Goldrick (Mrs Mary Brown missing from photo)
Hand hygiene was also considered as an important component and greater emphasis is being placed on this throughout the school. In 2012 each class room was equipped with a sink and in November 2013 a UV filter was installed so that the water is safe to drink.
Oral health is also a priority and we appreciate having the dentist calling to the school annually. HSE also promotes the ‘Mighty Mouth’ programme, which helps both pupils and parents.
Hidden sugar in food / food labelling/origin /processing all form part of regular science classes; farm to fork continues to play a significant part in raising awareness for the need for slow food and keeping to the lower shelves of the food pyramid.
Our yard / external environment and activities are constantly monitored by the Active flag committee.
Our classroom / internal environment is monitored by the Green flag committee.
Our spiritual needs are met by regular prayer services, attendance at Mass and preparation for the sacraments on a daily basis.
Grandparents’ Day
On Friday February 14th, Grandparents and special friends of children in 2nd and 6th classes were invited to a prayer service and afterwards to tea in the school. Each child presented a short summary of the project which had been compiled on one or more grandparent or special person in their lives, detailing their appreciation of and love for their special person. Many very beautiful wedding photographs were included in their projects and were much admired by all in the school afterwards. We will continue to acknowledge, appreciate and celebrate the role which grandparents play in our lives.
Music was provided by 5th & 6th classes.
Many thanks to all who came on such a very cold, wet day. Thanks also to our wonderful Parents’ Association who provided tea and buns, which was really appreciated.
5th & 6th class activities
Italia 14!
As part of the European Blue Star project, we studied the Geography, History, Culture – Music/Art etc. of Italy. The part we most enjoyed was exploring Italian food! We had antipasto/salami ++ and a selection of Prima Piatti – we skipped the gelati but will indulge when Lent is over!
Spelling Bee Finalist
Well done to Quentin who represented St Fiach’s in the Easons Spelling Bee competition in early March.
Our World Irish Aid Awards
5th & 6th class are learning about the Millennium Development Goals and are investigating the problems encountered by developing nations, particularly Lesotho. Their display is on the main corridor, which includes art work, posters, ceramics and they even composed their own song.
Back to Basics…
5th & 6th classes reluctantly put away their ipods, phones, tablets and other devices and took to the arts of knitting and sewing recently. They were pleasantly surprised by the results, although they now also appreciate that it is easier to unpick than it is to create….
A stitch in time… tús maith….. ní neart go …… all the proverbs suddenly had a meaning.
Teddies were sold at the Christmas Craft Fair and squares were sown together to make a large blanket which was appreciated by the recipient. Worthwhile lessons on many fronts.
Christmas Shoebox Collection
Once again, the community of Ballinacree has shown how it cares for children everywhere. Another huge number of shoe boxes were collected for those in need this December and many thanks to Tanya Heffernan for delivering them for us.
