Official Opening of our Sensory Corridor

Official Opening of our Sensory Corridor

Over the last few months, we here at SS Peter and Paul JNS have been busy creating a sensory space that can be used and enjoyed by all of our students.

Sensory spaces can improve skills such as balance and hand-eye coordination, but they can also be used purely as a fun treat!

In order to achieve the ideal space that would benefit all our students, one of our talented teachers, Mrs Heffernan, together with our fantastic Student Council, brainstormed ideas. It was decided to transform a plain, white hallway into a jungle themed sensory corridor. Our Student Council, which is comprised of students from Junior Infants up to Second Class, came up with the idea and Mrs Heffernan immediately got to work to make it a reality. They wanted the area to become more colourful and child friendly so, firstly, our caretaker, Pshemeck, painted all the doors in bright, vibrant colours. This enables the children to easily identify the location of the various classrooms.

Sensory equipment was then added such as dome mirrors, a bubble lamp and fine motor wooden games.

Work then started on transforming the bare walls. We were extremely fortunate to have local artist Alison O Grady sketch and paint the jungle scene onto the walls, then both herself and Mrs Heffernan painted lots of jungle creatures to bring the scene to life.

The last task was to create a sensory pathway on the floor. We employed a local company "Retink Graphics" to print and install our design, which beautifully compliments our jungle themed walls. The sensory pathway incorporates a range of gross motor activities which enable the students to get moving whilst also having fun.

Once completed, we had an official opening on Monday 17th June. Representatives from the Local Council, Board of Management, Parents' Association, St Molagas', members of the Student Council and our own staff were all in attendance.The principal, Ms Whelan, thanked everyone for coming and thanked Mrs Heffernan and the Student Council for all their hard work. 

The only thing left to do was for Mrs Heffernan to cut the ribbon, which she gladly did and welcomed everyone in to the Jungle to explore it for themselves!

We look forward to our new Sensory Corridor capturing the imaginations of all current and future students in the years ahead.

 A BIG thank you to all our Student Council members on all their fantastic ideas to make the school a happier place to be.

Ms Whelan (Principal) thanked all the staff for working so hard this year and officially opened the new corridor to everyone.

Mrs Heffernan together with student from SS Peter and Paul JNS got ready to cut the ribbon!

 3, 2, 1...and it's open!!!

L-R: Siobhan Whelan (Principal), Cllr Tony Murphy, Cllr Grainne Maguire, June Gray (Chairperson B.O.M), Veronica Heffernan (Assistant Principal).

 L-R: Laura Bouzzah (Deputy Principal), June Gray (Chairperson B.O.M), Veronica Heffernan (Assistant Principal)

Click on the video below to see the transformation of our 
Sensory Corridor

Céilí Dancing Show

At the end of the year we have our annual Céilí dancing show, where the children can showcase all their dancing skills they have learned throughout the year. This year's show was a great success. A big thank you to our dance teacher, Ms Bissett, for all her hard work throughout the year with all the classes. We would also like to thank the parents who attended our shows and joined in on some of the jigs and reels!!

Make Create Innovate Workshop

As part of the  Creative Schools programme we were delighted to take plart in a STEAM (Science Technology Engineering Art and Maths) workshop with two lovely ladies from ‘Make Create Innovate’ today. The children from first class worked together to design and make doodle robots called Scribblebots using craft and recycled materials, batteries and motors. They absolutely loved it.

For more information on Creative Technology Workshops visit:

www.makecreateinnovate.ie

We would like to take this opportunity to thank Anne Cradden, our Creative Schools director for all our work this year and look forward to working with her again next year. 

   

      

    

 

  

Sports Days

Our annual Sports Days were once again a great success. On Tuesday the 11th June, the Senior Infants and Second Classes kicked off the day with a colourful Olympic Parade around the school. All the other classes came out to watch them and cheer them on. It was the Junior Infants and First Classes turn on Thursday 13th June and once again they were cheered along by students, parents and teachers. 

Junior Infants

Ms Ní Mhaonaigh's Class


Mrs Adderley's Class


Ms Feeney's Class

Senior Infants

Ms O Regan's Class

Ms Donnelly's Class


Ms Moore's Class


Ms O Brien's Class

First Class

Ms McNamee's Class


Ms Mannion's Class

Second Class

Mr Gallagher's Class


Ms O Donnell's Class


Ms Knowles' Class


Mrs Cummins' Class

After the parade all the classes got stuck into an array of physical activities. There was basketball, football shots, tennis, games in the field and indoor hall games. The children all had a fantastic time and were all worn out afterwards. 
A big thank you to Mrs Adderley, our PE Coordinator for organising the days,  to all the teachers and SNAs for all their hard work in making the days a success and for all the parents who came to cheer us along and help out at the field.