Active Schools Flag
Active School Flag 2022/23
St. Mary’s S.N.S is once again working hard to get everybody active in the school. Have a look at all the exciting work that we’ve been doing
Active Flag Committee
Each class elected two committee members to represent them on the ASF committee for the coming school year. The committee also has a number of teacher representatives: Ms. Hogan, Ms. Kenny, Ms. E. Murphy, Ms. C Murphy & Ms. Morris
Introducing our new committee
Ms. Murphy’s 3rd class Amelia Jamac & Luke Keogh
Ms. Byrne’s 3rd class Jessie Smith & Éabha Cahill
Ms. Nugent’s 3rd class Sophie Horan & Cian Harrington
Ms. Heney’s 4th class- Leo Noonan & Sadie Webb
Ms. Steedman’s 4th class- Daniel Flynn & Quinn Benson
Ms. Wheatley’s 4th class- Olly McDonald & Lauren Dunne
Ms. Kenny’s 5th class- Conor Magee & Cara O’ Reilly
Ms. Murphy’s 5th class- Chloe Clarke & Kai Gorman
Ms. Morris’ 5th class – Ava Neilan & Evan Kelly
Ms. Gilligan’s 6th class- Rían Elliott & Zach Geoghegan
Mr. Forde’s 6th class- Alex Lunders & Méabh Daly
Ms Heraghty’s 6th class – David Healy & Ethan Conroy
Ms. Nugent’s 6th class – Sophie Fagan & Kyle Kinane
Swimming
We are delighted to have access to Blessington’s pop-up pool this term. 3rd & 4th classes started their lessons and visit the pool on Tuesdays and Thursdays each week. The children are really enjoying working with Sinéad and Shauna as part of their lessons.
GAA
The children from 5th & 6th classes were delighted to have Paul O Neill the local school’s GAA coach train them every Tuesday this term. Paul has been working on drills, skills and match practise with the classes each week. The children have really enjoyed improving their GAA skills. There have been some new enthusiasts who have subsequently joined the local club due to these weekly sessions.
Active Lines
Our Active leaders are busy putting everyone through their paces after each break. Each class must copy the action of their active leader and help everyone stay active. At the end of the week the active committee choose the class that has made the most effort throughout the winner and they receive a Friday treat. The winners are announced over the intercom by the committee members on Friday afternoons. So far, the winning classes have been Mr. Forde’s 6th class, Ms. Steadman’s 4th class, Ms. Byrne’s 3rd class and Ms. Murphy’s 5th class.
Valleymount Cross Country Athletics
We were delighted to take part in the first cross country event in the school since 2019. Boys and girls from 4th, 5th and 6th classes represented St. Mary’s on the day. The 3rd class children were busy in the pop-up pool. It was a fantastic day and even the weather was kind to us all for once! The children ran in some very tough races and did themselves very proud. Everyone from St. Mary’s were so well behaved and a pleasure to bring to the event.Representing the school on the day were
4th Class
Rachel Conroy
Lily McKeever
Quinn Benso
Noah Flynn
Sean Walsh
Charlie Cronin
5th Class
Liza M
Cara King
Mollie Daniels
Eoghan Fitzgerald
Nathan Lennon
Mason Foy
6th Class
Daniella Halip
Abby McCarthty
Sienna Keegan
Evan Quinlan
Seanan Fisher
Zach Geoghan
Our School Walkway
Our walkway was launched this school year on Friday the 28th of October to coincide with our annual Halloween walk. Each class walked a lap of the walkway and continued out on to the main street in Blessington for our Halloween procession. Once again it was a great success.
Blessington goes bananas for Badminton
Earlier this term, Ms. Morris and Ms. Hogan took part in a badminton workshop organised by Badminton Ireland. Since then each class has taken part in badminton lessons throughout the term. The children have really embraced the game and are improving each week. Ms. Morris’ 5th class will be taking part in a badminton blitz later this month.
Active School Flag 2021/22
As another active year at St. Mary’s S.N.S gets off to a great start, here is all our exciting news.
Active Flag Committee
Introducing our new committee
Ms. Heney’s 3rd class- Leo Noonan & Sadie Webb
Ms. Lucas’ 3rd class- Daniel Flynn & Quinn Benson
Ms. McGrath’s 3rd class- Olly McDonald & Ellie Mulhall
Ms. Murphy’s 4th class- Conor Magee & Cara O’ Reilly
Ms. Beaubien’s 4th class- Chloe Clarke & Kai Gorman
Ms. Nugent’s 4th class – Ava Neilan & Alexander Jambres
Ms. Gilligan’s 5th class- Rían Elliott & Zach Geoghegan
Mr. Broderick’s 5th class- Rhys Fitz- Henry & Méabh Daly
Ms Heraghty’s 5th class – David Healy & Ethan Conroy
Ms. Nugent’s 5th class – Sophie Fagan & Kyle Kinane
Ms. Kenny’s 6th class- Zinnia Gupta & Ruby White
Mr. Forde’s 6th class- Jayden Moran & Erin Long
Ms. Murphy’s 6th class- Ali Fiaz & Sophia Hayes
Each class elected two committee members to represent them on the ASF committee for the coming school year. The committee also has a number of teacher representatives: Ms. Hogan, Ms. Kenny, Ms E. Murphy, Ms C Murphy & Ms McGrath.
Our School Walkway
Our walkway was once again launched on the 27th of October 2021 to coincide with our annual Halloween walk. Each class walked a lap of the walkway and continued out on to the main street in Blessington for our Halloween procession. Once again it was a great success.
Active November
This month 5th & 6th classes have been making great use of the walkway to keep active. Each class has been using the walkway to do lots of cross curricular activities.
Third & fourth classes have been taking part in the Active break challenge. Each class has undertaken to carry out an active activity each day for a month. The ASF representatives in 3rd & 4th classes have been busy motivating their classmates and filling out the Active challenge charts. We’ll keep you up to date on their progress.
Active-Breaks-Poster-English-2020
Santa Dash 2021
Once again our Santa dash was a huge success. All staff and pupils took part in the event on Thursday 16th December. The dash followed the same route as our Halloween walk and Blessington main street was awash with Santa hats and happy faces. The children and staff brought some well needed cheer and got everyone into the Christmas spirit. Even the weather was smiling on us, as it was a beautiful day.
Active School Flag 2020/21
We are once again working towards our Active School Flag. These are some of the activities and challenges we have engaged so far this school year. Have a look at our sports activities on our sports tab.
Our Active School Committee 2020/2021
Class representatives
- Cara King- Ms Murphy’s class
- Max Mooney- Ms Beaubien’s class
- Conal Conroy- Ms Nugent’s class
- Jamie Power- Ms Kenny’s class
- Cillian Taylor- Ms Lucas’ class
- Fiadh O’ Neill- Ms Heney’s Class
- Lewis Toolis – Mr Forde’s class
- Amy Nolan- Ms Murphy’s class
- Jamie Martin- Ms Feely’ s class
- Oísín Quigley- Ms Dineen’s class
- Tara Carey- Ms McGrath’s class
- Daniel Smith- Ms Nugent’s class
- Daniel King- Ms Heraghty’s class
Active Lines
Our Active leaders are once again busy putting everyone through their paces!
Active School Flag Slogan
We have been busy working on our Active school slogan. Well done to everyone for taking part.
Our winning slogan is- ” Dia Duit, Let’s get fit!“
Active School Walkway
The walkway is set out in two sections which encompasses the grass and pathways of the school. The first section is mapped out along the pathways around the school and is 500m in length. This can be used even in wet weather during the autumn/winter months. The second section along the grass area is also 500m and can be used in drier weather. Our active school walkway was launched on the 23rd of October this year.The launch was a great success and was held in conjunction with our Halloween week. Each class took turns to walk the designated route in their Halloween costumes.
Some pictures to follow!
The ASF committee launched our school walkway
Club Survey
We carried out surveys of all the clubs that our pupils are members of. Each ASF class member put their class surveys into a graph and these are displayed on the ASF notice board. The club details are displayed on this notice board also.
Santa Dash
Our Santa Dash December 2020
The Daily Mile
We are delighted to announce that the school will be taking part in the Daily mile challenge in the months of April, May & June. Thanks to Wicklow Sports Partnership for sending our custom made signs.
Photos to follow
Ms Lucas class getting set for the Daily mile
Ms Heney’s class in action for the Daily mile
Ms McGrath’s class all ready to start the Daily mile challenge
Mr Forde’s class about to set out on the Daily mile challenge
The road to Tokyo 2021
Our school is taking part in the Dare to believe programme, following our Olympic athletes on their journey to Tokyo. So far we have four teams up and running, Legendary Leprechauns, Wicklow Warriors, Níos tapa níos airde níos láidre and Blesso blazers. Well done to all the boys and girls in supporting our Olympic heros.
The Legendary Leprechauns in action!
Raising the Active Flag 2021
Our Active Schools committee members raised the Active Flag each morning during Active week. They also received their leadership awards in recognition of all their hard work.
Active Week 2021
Ms Murphy’s 3rd class enjoying Active week and Sports Day 2021
Ms. Heraghty’s 6th class in action during Active week & Sports day 2021
Stars of the Scavenger Hunt 2021
Active School Flag 2019/20
We have been busy throughout the school year working towards our Active School Flag. These are some of the activities and challenges we have engaged in this school year. Have a look at our sports activities both in school and after school, on our sports tab.
But firstly let’s meet the team!
Our Active School Committee 2019/2020
Class representatives
- Jamie Power- Ms Gallagher’s class
- Cillian Taylor- Ms Heney’s class
- Lewis Toolis – Ms Gilligan’s class
- Amy Nolan- Ms Beaubien’s class
- Jamie Martin- Ms Morris’ class
- Oísín Quigley- Ms Kenny’s class
- Tara Carey- Ms McGrath’s class
- Daniel Smith- Ms Nugent’s class
- Daniel King- Ms Heraghty’s class
- Thomas Leitner- Ms Lucas’ class
- Jack Kinane- Ms Murphy’s class
- Leah Richardson- Ms Nugent’s class
- Sean McCudden- Mr Forde’s class
Teacher representatives
- Lisa Hogan
- Gillian Kenny
- Bernadette McGrath
- Geraldine Fleming
Playground Activities
Our school playground is zoned for different games and activities. We have tried to include a range of activities in order to cater for as many different interests as we can. Each class is given a class basketball and this can be played on the court nearest the wire fence. Every class is also given a sponge ball for soccer and this can be played on the other court area. Yard goals and cones are also used to help zone off this area. Class skipping ropes have been provided for all 3rd & 4h classes and these can be used on the area of the yard where the children line up each day. This area also has hop scotch, a map of Ireland and a compass. We plan to include a clock face in the coming weeks so that the children can play chasing games and this can be linked to maths activities during maths week in the future. We have displayed station activity posters in the windows nearest the PE hall, so that the children can do these during their break time, should they wish. Last year we introduced the Craze to break times. An area of the yard is zoned off and the children can take part in activities such as hola hooping, catch pads, bean bag games etc. This area is set up by our playground leaders, who are on hand to help with all yard activities. We hope to do this again in the coming weeks. We are extremely lucky in St. Marys SNS to have such large grass areas within our school grounds. We make great use of these especially at break times, during dry weather. The children bring foam rugby balls onto the grass at break times and play tag rugby. More often than not, chasing, dancing and running games take place too. All class teachers in 3rd & 4th classes have been given a copy of some suggested yard games. They have been introducing these to their classes as part of their PE lessons and encouraging the children to play these at break times. Some of the children are running laps of the yard as part of our Run around Europe challenge (see below). In all of this we try to ensure that the children get the most from their playtime and get a well-deserved break.
A
Active Lines
The children on the Active school committee have been putting everyone through their paces after each break. They have been performing a series of exercises and movements for their class to copy and keeping everyone active. These include- jogging on the spot, jumping jacks, squats, knee lifts, lunges and much more. It is a great way to keep everyone occupied and warm on cold days when they are standing in their lines. Well done to all the boys and girls.
Halloween Walk
Each year the pupils and staff of St. Marys take part in a Halloween walk around the town of Blessington. It takes place on the Friday before the Halloween midterm. This is a sponsored walk organised by the Parents Association, to raise much needed funds for our school. The duration of the walk is usually dependent on the weather on the day. Unfortunately, we had to change to plan B on the day and instead held a parade within the school.
Santa Dash
On Wednesday the 18th of December the whole school took part in a Santa Dash. All the pupils and staff wore Santa hats and everyone ran a lap of the school yard. It was a great way to get everybody up and active before the Christmas Festivities began.
60 minutes a day physical activity challenge
During the months of December and January each class took part in the 60-minute physical activity challenge. Each child calculated all the activities that they did each day over the course of a week. Some of these included: walking/cycling to and from school, traveling by scooter or skateboard, playing a sport during break times, walk while you talk, chasing, skipping, dancing or other playground games, doing station activities (posters are displayed on the windows of the building), active homework given by each class teacher, PE, afterschool sports, training with local teams/clubs.
This was a great success and got everyone thinking about how to increase their physical activity
Run around Europe
Each class has been doing laps of the playground at different times throughout the school day. We do this each year in preparation for our trials for Greystones Track & Field event. This year we have been encouraging everyone to track their laps and take part in the Run around Europe challenge. Some children have been doing extra laps at break times to top up their class scores. The children on the active school committee have been plotting their class progression on the Run around Europe challenge chart. Some of the places that the classes have reached are Vilnius Lithuania, Luxemburg and Bratislava Slovakia.
Active Week 2020
ACTIVE WEEK St. Mary’s S.N.S
(2nd – 5th June 2020)
| TUESDAY | WEDNESDAY | THURSDAY | FRIDAY |
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Spell your name P.E. A- 5 Jumping Jacks B- 5 Jumping Jacks C- 10 Jumps D- Hop on your right foot E- Hop on your left foot F- Crab walk for 10 seconds G- Do 5 sit ups H- 10 Mountain Climbers I- 5 Push ups J- 30 second high knees K- Kick your left foot as high as you can L- Kick your right foot as high as you can M- 5 Jumping Jacks N- 10 Jumps O- Hop on your right foot P- Hop on your left foot Q- Do 5 sit ups R- Do 10 Moutain climbes S- Crab walk for 10 seconds T- 5 Push ups U- Kick your right foot as high as you can V- Kick your left foot as high as you can W- Run in place for 30 seconds X- Run with high knees |
Gratitude Scavenger Hunt in your House 1. Find something that makes you happy. 2. Find a flower to give to someone to make them smile. 3. Find one thing you enjoy looking at. 4. Find something that’s your favourite colour. 5. Find something you are thankful for in nature. 6. Find something that you can use to make a gift for someone. ● 20 minutes on your scooter/bike/flicker. ● Basketball in the garden. ● Balloon tennis (use paper plates for rackets) |
● Set up an obstacle course in your garden using toys and anything your parents allow you to use. ● Game of tag. ● P.E. with Joe (You Tube). ● Keepy Uppies using a football. ● Just dance for kids. ● Gaelic Football skills. ● Hula Hoops. ● Circuits ● Hide and seek ● Musical Chairs |
● Design a logo for St. Marys S.N.S. Active Schools Flag. ● Gardening – or helping in the garden. ● Be creative – make/bake an item. ● Wash the car. ● Dancing to your favourite song. ● Penalty shoot out against Mam or Dad. ● Table Tennis ● Game of Rounders/Football/Rugby in the garden. |
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Y- 5 push ups Z- 5 sit ups. ● 20 minute walk/run within your 5k radius. ● GoNoodle website (choose a few activities online). |
Virtual Sports Day
The Challenges
Challenge no. 1. How many keepy uppies can you do?
Challenge no. 2. Throw a ball behind you, over head into a hoop (bin, box will do)
Challenge 3. How long can you balance on one leg blind folded?
Challenge 4. How many skips can you do without stopping?
Challenge 5. How far can you run in 20 seconds holding an egg & spoon?
Challenge 6. How long can you sit for?
Challenge 7. How many hurling keepy uppies can you do?
Challenge 8. Can you crab walk around your garden or outdoor space?
Challenge 9. How many Jumping jacks can you do in 1 minute?
Challenge 10. Throw a ball into the air and see how many times you can clap, before catching the ball?
Challenge 11. Assume a plank pose in front of you partner. How many times can you high 5 before giving up?
Challenge 12. Join up with a partner and see how long it takes you to do a lap of your garden or outdoor space?
Challenge 13. Standing with your feet together and keeping them together. How far can you jump?
Challenge 14. How far can you throw a welly in a garden or outdoor space?
- Complete 5-7 challenges to achieve a Bronze certificate
- Complete 8-10 challenges to achieve a Silver certificate
- Complete 11 + challenges to achieve a Gold certificate
Take a photograph of some of your challenges, get your parents’ permission and email them to your teacher.
Good luck and enjoy the week!
Congratulations to all our Gold certificate winners
Jude Connolly
Ciara Flynn Caballero
Grace Doran
Liam Teague
Julia Keegan
Jessica Clow
4th class
Leah Roche
Wil O’ Connor
Conor Murphy
