Cookie Notice

This site does not use tracking cookies of any sort. It does store a Session Cookie. This is a security cookie and ensures that if the administrator of the site forgets to log out of the site, after 10 minutes of inactivity, the site will automatically time out. This cookie is automatically deleted at the end of the every session and contains no personal information. We do not use these cookies for any purpose other than as stated above. For further information please click here.

To reset your cookie permissions please click the reset link at the bottom of this page.


Get me out of here...

Shoebox Appeal – November 2023

Well done to all the children for supporting the annual Christmas Shoebox Appeal - what an array of boxes and colour. Maith sibh a pháistí 

 

Credit Union Art Competition – November 2023

Comhghairdeachas and well done to Síofra from 4th Class who came 3rd in the “First Choice Credit Union” art competition in the 8-10 years age category. She was presented with her prize by Raymond in the Achill Office last Friday. We are thrilled for you Síofra – maith thú.

 

Westport Festival of Chamber Music

On the 8th of September the children from 3rd to 6th Classes enjoyed a trip to Westport Town Hall to see and hear some wonderful music from the Matangi String Quartet. Our Creative Associate – Chris O’Malley – organised the trip. After their performance the members of the quartet engaged in a “question and answer” session with the children which everyone thoroughly enjoyed. We learned that one of the instruments – the viola – was about 250 years old! One of the violins was valued at over €40,000. It was a lovely treat to hear such talented musicians.

 

Siúlóid go dtí an Trá – 01/09/2023

Siúlóid go dtí an Trá ...... Bhí an aimsir go h-iontach an Aoine seo caite agus ag am lóin shocraigh muid ar dul ar shiúlóid go dtí an trá. Bhí an taoide amuigh agus bhí an trá ag féachaint go hálainn.

Last Friday afternoon the children from 3rd to 6th Classes spent an enjoyable hour on Dooagh Beach checking out the rock-pools, looking at shells and seaweed and enjoying the gorgeous weather. Lá iontach

 

Junior Infants to 2nd Class School Tour 22-06-2023

Bhí spórt agus spraoi ag na páistí nuair a chuaigh siad ar thuras scoile le Múinteoir Majella ar an Déardaoin. The children in Múinteoir Majella’s classroom had a great day on their school tour last Thursday. First stop was The Achill Experience and Aquarium where Kevin, their excellent tour guide, was on hand to answer all questions and provide lots of information. Then it was on to the playground in Keel - Páirc na Mara - for a lovely picnic and playtime in brilliant sunshine Finally they had a round of golf at Achill Island Crazy Golf….definitely some golfers of the future to watch Our thanks to Achill Tourism for making the golf available to the children free of charge. Thank you also to the staff of The Achill Experience & Aquarium and to Michael O’Haire for providing the transport. Lá iontach

 

3rd to 6th Class School Tour 21-06-2023

Bhí lá speisialta eile againn inné nuair a chuaigh muid ar thuras scoile go Baile Átha Cliath. We had a great day yesterday (Wednesday) on our school tour to Dublin. There was great excitement on the bus leaving Dooagh at 6am!! We were blessed with glorious sunshine all day long Our first stop was Glasnevin Cemetery where Gráinne, our wonderful tour guide brought us around. We visited Daniel O’Connell’s crypt, the Republican plot and the grave of Emily Weddall, founding member of Scoil Acla. Ciara laid a wreath “Ó Acaill” on her grave. Our thanks to Olivia Sweeney from Achill Island Flowers, for the beautifully symbolic wreath. We also saw the grave of Michael Collins and learned that some people throw a coin on it, which the children also did.

Next stop was Dáil Éireann where we were welcomed by Alan Dillon TD and Michael Ring TD. After some photos with them we were joined by Dara Calleary TD and he also chatted with the children. Our tour guide, Dave brought us inside and up to the public gallery. We were looking down on the business of the house and got an amazing surprise when Deputy Dillon wecomed us officially to the Dáil. He was followed by An Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar!! It was a great honour for us to be mentioned during the business of the House and we very much appreciate it. To further add to the occasion we got to meet An Taoiseach shortly afterwards when he came to speak with the children for a few minutes.

As we returned to the main entrance hall we then met Rose Conway-Walsh TD who introduced us to Pearse Doherty TD and Pádraig MacLochlainn TD. Our thanks to Rose for also spending time with the children, sitting with them outside the House. “Spot the Politician” was very much the order of the day and there were lots of “selfies” taken!! We also saw Minister for Education, Norma Foley and Michael Healy-Rae TD. We wish to say a sincere thank you to all the politicians who made us feel so welcome and took the time to speak with the children as well as all the “selfies”

Finally it was on to Liffey Valley Shopping Centre - no school tour is complete without shopping!! We left Dublin at 6pm (with plenty of bags!) and returned to Dooagh at 11pm. Thank you to Alan Gielty and Pádraig Sweeney for all the driving and patience Ní dhéanfaidh muid dearmad go deo ar an lá iontach. We all had a wonderful day, plenty of happy memories, a day to remember always

 

Robert Henri Project

In January 2023 we were asked by Sarah Lavelle if the school would consider becoming involved in a project being organised by The Museum of Childhood, Ireland in conjunction with Achill Tourism to celebrate and further research the work of artist Robert Henri when he visited Achill from 1913 – 1928. During his time in Achill Robert Henri lived in Corrymore House and he painted many of the local children.

We had a Zoom Meeting with Majella McAllister from the Museum of Childhood, Ireland and also some of the other academics who were participating. There were two parts to the project the children were involved in:

  1. Artist and Sitter Experience

  2. Oral History Project on Robert Henri.

In February the children had a very enjoyable art workshop facilitated by Kate Callaghan who guided them through the principles of portrait painting. In pairs they sat and painted each other – it was a great day and a word of thanks to Kate for all her work with the children.

Next, the children set about talking to their grandparents and neighbours to gather as much local information as possible about Robert Henri and his time in Achill. They collated their findings and prepared a powerpoint presentation.

On Saturday the 25th of March they were delighted to present their work at the inaugural “Children of Achill and Robert Henri History Festival”. It was a great occasion for the children and they thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Click on the following link to read more about the festival https://museumofchildhood.ie/robert-henri-and-the-children-of-achill-island-1913-1928/

Our thanks to Sarah, to Kate, to Majella McAllister from the Museum of Childhood Ireland and to Achill Tourism. Below are some photographs of the children’s artwork. Their powerpoint presentation is on display in the school.

back to top