Junior Infants, Senior Infants, 4th, 5th and 6th Classes set off on the bus to explore the natural habitat along ‘The Land of the Giants’ around Clare Lake.. Before we set off, we discussed water safety and the children discussed how we stay safe around a body of water. Even with the damp weather the children were very excited.

We found some minibeasts, lots of natural vegetation and birds! We saw ducks, geese and dogs out for their walk! We found lots of snails. We saw bees and flies particularly near the water’s edge. We found Marsh Marigolds, Daisies, Daffodils, Dandelions, Bullrushes, Yellow Iris, Ivy and many trees including Fir, Birch, Ash and Scots Pine.

The children worked in groups and had fun filling out their Eco Safari journals. The whole experience was again very enjoyable and educational, the children are all great ‘Guardians of the Land’. Please take a minute to view a short video of our Eco Safari below, thanks.

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Well done to the boys and girls of 4^th, 5^th & 6^th classes who took part in the South Mayo FAI Primary 5s Competition in Ballinrobe on 11^th April.

The boys’ team played The Neale & Scoil Chomáin Naofa Roundfort in the group stages.  They had a fantastic win against The Neale with brilliant goals from Eoin McGreal (2) and Conor Lydon. Daniel Clarke worked tirelessly up front and Michael McDonagh was strong in defence throughout. Gerard Murphy made some great attacking runs & linking play.

Gortskehy gave a great performance against a strong Scoil Chomáin Naofa, Roundfort.  Josh Wilkins & Alex Jennings worked hard up front and put Scoil Chomáin’s defence under pressure. Eoin McGreal & Conor Lydon displayed great skill in midfield and created lots of scoring chances. It was a competitive and close encounter and Gortskehy narrowly missed out on at least a draw from this game, losing 1-0.

However, they finished runners up in their group and progressed to the Quarter Finals with a game against Taugheen NS. Another well matched & close game with strong performances from Evan Gannon & Cathal Tierney up front and Bradley Murphy in defence. Some courageous saves from Pierce Donnellan kept us in the game right to the end.  However, it was not to be and the game finished with a 1-0 victory to Taugheen.

Our girls’ team played 2 games against Kilroe & Taugheen in the girls’ competition. Both games were keenly contested.  Although the results didn’t go our way, the girls fought hard with some wonderful runs by Jessica Commins, saves by Ruby Donnellan and superb goals from Kellyann Walsh against Kilroe and goals from Sian O’Toole and Olaith Heaney against Taugheen. They all displayed great attacking runs & skill and never gave up.

Overall it was a wonderful day of sport. Our pupils showed great sportsmanship and gave a great display of their soccer skills. They all represented their school with pride and they should be very proud of their efforts.

Well done to all the participating teams & best of luck to those going forward to the next round.

Boys’ Team:  Pierce Donnellan, Conor Lydon, Eoin McGreal, Gerard Murphy, Daniel Clarke, Josh Wilkins, Alex Jennings, Michael McDonagh, Evan Gannon, Bradley Murphy, Cathal Tierney

Girls’ Team:  Orlaith Heaney, Sian O’Toole, Jessica Commins, Ruby Donnellan, Kellyann Walsh

Here are some photographs of our soccer stars in action!

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Our Reading Buddy program is an initiative where older students participate in a paired reading activity with younger students.

This year, pupils from 4^th/5^th/6th classes (Big Buddies) were paired with pupils from 1^st and 2^nd classes (Little Buddies).  The pupils meet twice a week for 8 weeks.  Each week, the pairs & small groups read aloud to each other, benefiting both students reading & listening skills.

The ‘Little Buddies’ benefit from:

• hearing stories read-aloud (modelling of reading fluency, phrasing and expression)
• having conversations with an older student about topics that interest and involve them (extending their vocabulary, oral language abilities)
• having regular opportunities to practice familiar reading with assistance
• enjoying fun, positive experiences with older school children.

The ‘Big Buddies’ benefit from:

• further developing their own literacy skills
• fostering leadership and problem-solving skills
• improved self-confidence that comes from being looked-up to
• a very real and important reason to be responsible, and an opportunity to praised for positive behaviour

Reading Buddies can promote a higher interest and participation in reading, improvement in social and communication skills.  And, most importantly, it’s just FUN!

Here are some pictures of our buddies in action!

Junior Infants, Senior Infants, 1st and 6th Classes went on a very successful Eco Safari last week here in Gortskehy. Before we set off, we discussed road safety and the children put on their hi-vis vests. The excitement was palpable. We then explored the natural hedgerows that exist close by our school.

The children were very enthusiastic and interested, we brought magnifying glasses and collection jars to help with our search. We found lots of minibeasts, natural vegetation and even a fossil! The children worked in groups and had fun filling out their Eco Safari journals. The whole experience was so enjoyable and very educational. We are looking forward already to our next Eco Safari. Please take the time to view the video of our safari.

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This is a story trí Ghaeilge of life in Agrabah, a land ruled by a feared Sultan, anxious to have his daughter Jasmine married. His chief advisor Jafar is tasked with finding a suitable prince. Scene 1 features local stall traders, princess Jasmine, Aladdin, who is wanted for stealing, and the palace guards. Scene 2 reveals a very demanding princess Jasmine, her ladies-in-waiting, the Sultan, queen and advisor Jafar. Scene 3 shows Aladdin in prison where the Genie also makes an appearance. The final scene has a little surprise and reveals our happy ending.

The children will perform the play in Castlebar on February 13th as part of Féile Scoildrámaíocht Mhaigh Eo.

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Senior Room Christmas Play 2017

Sincere thanks to @GarrymoreGAA for the use of the hall and to everyone who donated prizes for the raffle and supported us on the night.