Gowran National School

The Crocus Project is an Irish initiative whereby HETI provides yellow Crocus bulbs for school pupils aged 11 years and older to plant in memory of the 1.5 million Jewish children who perished in the Holocaust and other Nazi atrocities. The yellow flowers recall the yellow Stars of David that Jews were forced to wear under Nazi rule. 

In order to plant these bulbs in 6th class, our caretaker Jim made this frame (pictured below) to represent the yellow Stars of David. This frame has been placed in the flowerbed, outside the front door, to allow the children to watch the flowers as they grow. 

​6th Class planted these bulbs on the 27th of October. The Crocus blooms around the end of January about the time of international Holocaust Memorial Day (27 January). The Crocus Project is a tangible way to introduce 6th class to the subject of the Holocaust.

6th Class got creative with fabric and fibre this week, creating a variety of Halloween inspired Artwork. Take a closer look below!

The puppet show for 3rd – 6th class went down a blast including hilarious jokes about the teachers and the string puppets doing ridiculous dances. The show was about a cheerful leprechaun guarding his treasure at the rainbow and soon everyone realises friendship is better than any treasure. With the help of friends along the way, they stop one of the most wanted criminal in the world; Hideous Bottom. In the end Hideous Bottom is arrested and the small village live in peace until anther crime comes…..!

By Katie Scriven (Ms. Tighe's Class)

Irish's Travelling Marionette Theatre came to visit us in Gowran NS this week and it was thoroughly enjoyed by all in 5th and 6th class. 

6th Class were on hand to help Mrs O'Connell's Junior Infant class with their Maths trail this week. They showed great kindness to their little partners and assured they got through each section of the trail carefully. Well done 6th Class. 

In our own class we celebrated Maths Week having fun trying out a number of new board games. From problem solving games to developing strategic and tactical planning skills, the children were challenged in a fun and enjoyable way.
Board games are rich in learning opportunities. They satisfy the child's competitive urge and the desire to master new skills and concepts, such as number and shape recognition, grouping, and counting. Board games can foster the ability to focus, and lengthen  children's attention span by encouraging the completion of exciting, enjoyable games.

5th and 6th class thoroughly enjoyed a trail run organised by Gowran Athletic Club recently in Mullaghreelan Woods, just outside Castledermot. Not only were they brought on a 4km run through the woods but they also got to try out a variety of other skills such as hurdling. Big thanks to Gowran AC!

In pairs, 6th class pupils were given the task of researching and presenting a project on a famous scientist. This is how their projects turned out.