Scoil Nasinta

Pheadair
agus Phil

2016

Social Section
Book Reviews
Sports
Improve your
Knowledge
Competitions
and Results

Editors Comment

Dia daoibh go lir!

Hello everyone and welcome to the 2016 Christmas edition of the School Chronicle. We are proud to
be the editors and hope you all enjoy reading the articles in the various sections.
We hope you all enjoyed your first term at school. We have participated in so many activities, apart
from our class work, and its been great fun! The parent/teacher meetings were held on the 25 th
November. Hope all parents were pleased with their childrens progress.
The Silver Circle Draw has concluded. Over 4,400 was raised for the school and this money will be
used to fund various activities during the school year. We held five draws in total. The final draw
was held on Friday 9th December and there were thirty extra prizes to be won. A special draw was
held for pupils who had sold full cards. The prizes were amazing! This years Silver Circle Fundraiser
was a great success. Many thanks to all who supported it.
In November, the Senior Classes went on an historical trip to Br na Binne and visited Newgrange
Passage Graves. We learned so much about the history attached to this monument and were
impressed with what our ancestors created in the past, with only primitive tools. The guide shone a
light down through the passage to show us how the sun shines into the tomb on the shortest day of
the year. Our ancestors used this information to judge the best time to plant crops and it gave them
an idea of the seasons. Remember: - The shortest day of the year is the 21 st December. - nearly
here!
On the first day of Advent, we had our Confirmation Enrolment Ceremony. It was beautiful! We
renewed our Baptismal Promises and our sponsors/parents lit our Baptismal Candles from the Paschal
Candle. They then handed this candle to us the Confirmation Candidates. Our parents, families and
some of our Sponsors were present to witness us signing our names and promising to prepare with
commitment for this Sacrament.
Our Christmas Carol Service was held on Friday 16th December. Our families were invited to this
presentation of Christmas Carols, Poems and Musical Performances. We were brilliant and everyone
enjoyed it. This was our last involvement in Drumconrath N.S. Carol Service, but we, in 6 th Class, have
wonderful memories of the last few years and we will never forget our debuts in those great
Nativity Plays. We also went to Kilmainhamwood Nursing Home to perform for the Residents. Junior
Infants, Senior Infants & First Class performed in their Nativity Plays that morning. And both class
groups were outstanding. All of these performances are great showcases of the talent that is in this
school.
Last Monday, all pupils and staff went for an amazing Santa Walk around our beautiful village and
visited the various historical sites, including the newly erected Garden of Remembrance, the Grotto &
the Protestant Church. During the walk, we learned History, Geography and Nature. Thanks to our
teachers for planning the route & Mrs Tully for all the valuable Educational information which she put
in place for each historical site en route.
On Wednesday the 14th December, all the pupils of this school went to the Iontas Theatre in
Castleblayney to see the pantomime Freezin, a production of Born to Perform group. Some of our
pupils and past pupils were performing. We were so excited heading off. The pantomime was
brilliant! On the journey home, the Senior Classes stopped off in Carrickmacross to get a guided tour
of The Workshouse. This building is steeped in history. We learned so much about Famine Times in
Ireland in the mid-1800s and got a fantastic insight into the lives of families, who suffered hunger &
poverty at the time.
We really appreciate all the trips organised for us by the teachers in this school & we especially
thank Ms. Carroll for her support.
Some of us participated in Soccer Coaching sessions- 10 in total- with Professional soccer player,
Ross Gaynor. He has played against many great teams and met many famous players during his
career. Weve learned some great skills and coaching will resume again in January.

Garda Noel Loughran visited our school two weeks ago and gave the Senior Pupils a talk about Cyber
Bullying and the dangers attached to this. He was a great speaker and hopefully weve all learned how
to protect ourselves and stay safe when using technology and the Internet.
Peace Proms will be held in the R.D.S. on Saturday 4 th February 2017, 4th & 5th classes are involved in
this.
This Christmas, our school donated 74 shoeboxes, which were collected for Team Hope Christmas
Appeal. Well done to everyone who supported this worthy cause!
Everyone is busy preparing for Christmas, baking cakes and puddings, decorating houses, putting up
cribs, posting Christmas cards and writing letters to Santa Claus. Make sure to be good as Santa is
always watching!
The evenings are getting darker much earlier now so if you are out walking or cycling with an adult
make sure you wear high visibility clothes. BE SAFE BE SEEN!
We finish school on the 22nd December, one day after the Shortest Day of the year for a two week
Christmas Break. We think everyone is looking forward to that. Its a time of fun & cheer. Merry
Christmas to you all!
Sln go Foill! Nollaig Shone Daoibh go lir!

Editors:
Niamh Dunne
Aaron Tighe
Kate Floyd
Adam McGahan

Editors:
yd
Adam McGahan

Editors:

Social Section

Junior Infants - Ms. Keenan

Ben went to see Santa in Dundalk. Danny went to play with Michael and Sam at Patricias. Samuel fed the
chickens on his Dads farm recently. Cathy got a scrape on her leg from her skirt. Bobbys Grandad was 90
years old recently. Saidhbhe went to a pantomime last weekend in Kildare. It was called Snow White. Hazel
went shopping in Nobber. Sams Grandad is getting out of hospital soon. Patrick is going to play with his
kittens Marmalade and Laces. Tadhg Gilsenans mum is having a baby soon. Dylan saw his sister recently.
She lives in Latvia. James Donegan went see to Santa Claus in Slane Castle. Isabella put up her Christmas
tree. Sophie Kierans Smiths Mam went Christmas shopping. Tristen has started school from Australia.
Charlie Griffins Grandad went to feed the cows with the bales. Odhrns Dad is having an operation soon.
Elenis Dad put up Christmas decorations. Luke is opening his chocolate advent card each day. Ciarn seen
Santa in the Marches, and he got a truck. Niamh has started going to ballet classes. She loves it. Finns elf on
the shelf hung his picture near the Christmas cards at home. He is playing lots of tricks. Michaels Dad and
sister went to New York. Hes the boss of the house until his Dad returns. Sophie Tighes Mum and Dad are
working hard. James Malone watched a DVD with his Mam and she also bought him a surprise. Tadhg
Byrne played football with his brother Eoin yesterday. Leah had great fun playing on her swings and slides
yesterday. Nra has lots of Christmas decorations up at her house.
Senior & First Class - Ms. Harte
Ruby went to see Santa at Tayto Park. Maria is in a Christmas Ad on the radio. Andrew loves the new ball he
got last week. Amy stayed in her Aunties house and enjoyed a pepperoni pizza. Darragh and Declan got a
letter from Santy, it was about the elves. Noah had lots of fun putting up his Christmas decorations. Amiee
has an elf on the shelf staying with her, shes very cheeky. James C sent his letter to Santa. James OConnor
got a new Nike ball all the way from Northern Ireland. Hollie wrote her letter to Santa. Christopher had a
visit from the Tooth Fairy recently. Rose went to see the Christmas Coca Cola truck. Patrick won a green
belt in a Jiu Jitsu competition. Skaiste enjoyed her visit to see Santa in Ardee. Cara also went to see Santa.
Senan has an Elf on the Shelf called Santa Claus Sophies Elf had a tea party while she was asleep. Chloe
got a lovely ring off Santa when she went to see him. Ella enjoyed swimming in the big pool. Marty had
lots of fun playing handball with Dessie. Eoghan loves his new yellow and blue football. Darragh Mc
Mahons tooth fell out. He is saving his money for something special. Sarah got new shoes. Sarah-Jo is
excited about getting 2 cats.
Mr. Hickey 2nd & 3rd Class
David went to Cork for a weekend. An elf on the shelf appeared on Millies Christmas tree. CJ had a
birthday party and some friends had a sleepover. Charlie will be going to Lanzarote soon. Deirdre and Nikita
were in the panto Freezing we all went to see it and it was epic. Sarah went ice-skating in Dundalk for her
sisters birthday. Harry has a new baby cousin called Ollie. Keeley went ice-skating in Dundalk. Anna was
on LMFM. Eoghan has a new baby cousin. Ben Carolan got Ronaldo shoes. Alex will be going to the Pilo
Hotel in Ashbourne over Christmas. Aprils brother has started to say mama. Jack and Davys grandad
Colman is feeling better after his sickness. Morgan visited Fr. Teds house. Callum also went to Fr. Teds
house. Mrs. Doyle gave her a cup of tea! Callums uncle Gavin will be getting a new car soon. Andrews
kitten killed a bird. Patrick has ordered a new video game Transformers: Rise of the Dark Spark. Natasha
has turned 8. Daniella has a star on top of her Christmas tree that lights up. Lots of us visited Santy in
Causey Farm, Dublin, Trim, Blanchardstown, Scotch Hall, Marshes and Navan. We all have our Christmas
trees up and decorated. We have done Kris-Kindle in our class and its all exciting. Some of us have an elf
on the shelf and its very exciting!
Mrs. Woods Fourth & Fifth Class

On Christmas Eve Conor will visit his aunts house, he is on the countdown to Christmas and his Elf on the
Shelf has returned. Lily will spend Christmas Day with her grandparents and she is so excited. Lily is
spending Christmas in Cork and cannot wait to see her cousins and nana. On the 30th December Sophie will
have a sleepover in Keishas house; Keisha is really looking forward to it. Cian went to Ollies party in
Ardee Community Centre and went Christmas shopping with his family afterwards. On the 19th of
November Sarah has a sleepover at Laurens house with some of the girls; they had a great time playing Pie
Face. Call was eleven recently and got a 2DS. Sophie is getting her room decorated before Christmas and is
very excited. Grace Carry and her family went to see the Coca Cola lorry in her dads work yard. Shane is
having a Christmas party in his house on the 18th December and is looking forward to it. On Christmas Day
Shaunas nanny will join them for dinner; she will spend a lot of time visiting family over the holidays. Ollie
was 10 recently and had a great party with football nets, two bouncy castles and he was so glad his family
and friends were there. Claire, Grace Durnin, Muireann and Conor are all going to the Santa Experience in
Tayto Park. Enas cousins are coming to Ireland from Canada for Christmas and on Christmas Day there
will be 12 people in her house for dinner. Elza is really excited for Christmas, her family are going to spend
some of the holidays in a hotel and granny says its going to be really fancy. Muireanns cousins had a
sleepover last week and they stayed up until half one! Lauren was 10 last month and she had a sleepover
and went to Airbound and Apache too. Kayleighs mam is taking her and her cousins for a Christmas lunch
next week. Jacks aunt Belinda might visit from South Africa over the Christmas period. Katelyn is serving
mass Christmas Day and she is a little nervous. She is looking forward to Christmas dinner with all of her
family.
Mrs. Rowe - 5th and 6th Class
Oran went shopping in Blanchardstown and saw a newly erected Disney Store in place for the Christmas
Season. It looked really nice! We all have our Christmas Trees, Cribs and decorations in place and these
help towards making Christmas magic in our homes and arousing our Christmas Spirit. Katie and Michael
had their piano exams. Katie is part of the theatre group, Born to Perform and was involved in the dance
group. It was a brilliant pantomime. Kellie is a member of the Ardee Band and their concert was held in the
Bohemian Centre in Ardee on Friday 9th December. Millie owns a horse, Jaka, and recently won a
competition, Chase Me Charlie. She won a red rosette. Ellie and Kerrie are going to dance at the All
Scotlands Competition in February. Ellie will dance solo and group, while Kerrie will dance solo. Ryans
brother, Darragh, broke his ankle in October, but got the all clear two weeks ago. He can now resume his
Soccer & Gaelic career. Oisns family renovated their bathroom and are delighted with the job. We had
great fun in class creating Christmas Cards from recycled materials. The best two in each class won prizes.

Book Reviews

*Book Review Ben Carolan 2nd Class

Title of Book: The Gargling Gorilla. Written by: Margaret Mahy. Illustrated: by Mike Phillips. Main character:
Tim is the main character in the story. The story: He has to mind a womans pets. She has a cat, vulture, wolf hound,
a giant chinchilla rabbit and a gorilla. The woman said the gorilla is in the cupboard. Tim fed all the pets but he was
afraid of the gorilla so he stayed away from the cupboard so it was a big challenge to feed them. The woman was back
and she opened the cupboard the gorilla wasnt there. Then he walked in the door.

*Book Review April Floyd 3rd Class

Title of Book: The naughtiest girl in the school. The story: There is a naughtiest girl who lives in England. Her name
is Elizabeth. She was a girl but she was very bold. But when she was told that she would have to go to boarding school
she got afraid. Her friend Joan and her Mam comes to pick her up for good.

*Book Review Katelyn Byrne 5th Class

Title of Book: Dork Diarys Puppy Love. Description: When the animal shelter that, Nikkis volunteers at is too full
to take a litter of abandoned puppies. She decides to look after them herself. Sounds simple, but it isnt. Nikki has to
bring the dogs to school. Characters: Nikki, Brandon, Mackenzie, a litter of puppies a dog, Marcy, Mam, Dad, Chloe
and Zoe. Favourite Character: Nikki. Rating: 10/10.

*Book Review Cian Byrne 5th Class

Title of Book: Horrid Henry. Description: Horrid Henry is an average kid with a normal life. Except for: his horrible
attitude towards his family, school friends, his teacher and especially his brother. He is constantly getting in trouble a
lot. He is the biggest bully in his school and he wants to be King! He is impossible to impress. He thinks he is
amazing, has weird hallucinations and annoys his little brother a lot. Rating: 10/10.
*Book Review - Luseach Carolan 5th Class
Title of Book: Kaspar Prince of Cats Author: Michael Murpurgo Illustrator: Michael Foreman. Setting: The
Savoy Hotel, the Titanic. Main Characters: Lizziebeth, Jonny Trot, Kaspar the cat. Favourite Character:
Lizziebeth Shes fun bright and really cute. She loves Kaspar and thinks Jonny's name is funny. Shes loving, pretty
and funny. The Plot: After the countess dies her relatives come to take her stuff. They go on the Titanic and Jonny is a
stowaway. The Climax: The Titanic starts to sink and Mother, Lizabeth and Caspar went on a lifeboat to the
Carpathian, while father and Jonny get one later. On the Carpathian they cant find Mother, Lizziebeth and Kaspar.
The Ending: They all reunite on the Carpathia and are happy that Kaspar and everyone is safe. They all live in New
York and Jonny is part of the family now. I would describe this book as being: Tense, interesting, descriptive and
amazing. I liked this book: I liked this book because it was interesting and there was a lot of adventure in it. I rate this
book 10/10.
*Oran Mc Mahon 5th Class
Title of Book: Sons of Destiny Author: Darren Shan Setting: A football stadium, a forest and the future. Main
Characters: Darren Shan, Vancha March, Steve Leopard and Desmond Tiny. Favourite Character: My favourite
character is Darren Shan because he is heroic and will do whatever it takes to save his kind. The Plot: Darren must
face his arch enemy to stop the war of the Icari. The Climax: If Darren dies, his arch enemys clan, the Vampaneze,
will win and wipe out the vampires. The Ending: Wouldnt want to ruin it!. I would describe this book as being:
Amazing, heart-racing, unique and interesting. I liked this book: I liked this book because it was a really good read
that made my heart race. I rate this book 10/10.

Book Reviews

*Book Review Niamh Dunne 6th Class

Title of Book: Puppy Love. Author: Rachel Rene. Setting: Nikkis house. Main Characters: Nikki, Brandon and
Briana. Favourite Character: Briana. Shes silly, funny weird and sometimes stupid. The Plot: Brandon finds a dog
and her pups at the animal shelter. There wont be room for them in the shelter for a week. But they need somewhere
to stay. The climax: They find different people to mind them for the week. Nikki takes them on Thursday night. She
has to keep them away from her parents, which is hard. The Ending: Briana, her sister, makes it harder as she covers
them in dirt and peanut butter. In the end, she returns them to the shelter and they get homes. I would describe this
book as being: Funny, enjoyable, good, and worrying. I liked this book: I liked this book because its interesting. I
rate this book 8/10.
*Book Review Robert Mc Gahan 6th Class
Title of Book: Johnathan Livingstone Seagull. Setting: On a seaside. Mainly overseas and the beach. Main
Characters: Johnathan Livingstone Seagull. My Favourite Character: Johnathan Livingstone Seagull is a very
adventurous seagull, but he gets bullied because he focuses on flying and everyone else focuses on eating. The Plot:
Johnathan Livingstone Seagull loves flying, but everyone else is different to him. Even his parents give out to him.
The Climax: His parents tell him it is wrong to shame seagulls when flying and not hunting food and he gets upset
about it. The Ending: Johnathan realises that he is actually very special. He knows now that everyone is different in
their own way. I would describe this book as being: Brilliant, enlightening, great and amazing. I liked this book: I
loved this book because when you are feeling down, just read this book and when youre done it brings you joy.
I rate this book 8/10.
*Book Review Kellie Tighe 6th Class
Title of Book: Alice to the Rescue. Author: Judi Purtin. Setting: At school, at home. Main Characters: Megan,
Alice, Shelia and Linda. My Favourite Character: Alice because she loves Scheming and is very determined. The
Plot: Alice and Megans teacher tells them about an essay competition and the prize is a scholarship to a school in
France. Megan doesnt want to win but Alice does. Megans aunt got engaged and wished that Alice wouldnt go
away. The Climax: Alice goes looking for Megans cat. She finds her in a tree. She climbed up and fell and was
rushed to hospital. She was unconscious for five days. Then she wakes up and cant go to France. Megans wish came
true but it was in the wrong way. The Ending: When she wakes up she isnt herself anymore, but with help from
Megan she is fine. Linda had her wedding and they had a great time. I would describe this book as being: Exciting,
interesting, upset and full of comedy. I liked this book: I like this book because its different. I rate this book 9/10.

Spot the Difference

Sports News
Junior Infants Ms. Keenan
Patrick, Sophie Tighe, Cathy, Odhrn, Charlie, Niamh, Finn, Samuel, James M and Michael go swimming each week.
Niamh wants to go to ballet class. Eleni, Hazel, Michael, Charlie, Ben, and Luke go to Showbiz kids. Isabella goes to
dance classes in Nobber each Monday. Cathy goes to Ju-Jitsu each Monday. Bobby and Ciarn go each Wednesday in
Ardee. Patrick, Tadhg Gilsenan, Odhrn, Ben, Luke, Hazel & Sophie Kieran Smith got a medal for Gaelic football last
Sunday in Meathhill. They are finished training until after Christmas. Sam was going to the training also but he had a
party on Sunday. James Donegan goes to indoor soccer training on the bog road pitch each Wednesday. Tadhg Byrne,
Leah, Nra, James Donegan, Tadhg Gilsenan, Sam, Ciarn, Ben, Sophie Tighe, Luke, Michael and Bobby went to soccer
training with Ross Gaynor recently. Saidhbhe goes to Irish dancing in Drumconrath every week with Niamh and Patrick.
James Donegan goes horse riding with Mary Curtis each Saturday. Danny goes horse riding also with his brother. Michael
goes horse riding each Saturday with Kellie.

2nd & 3rd Class Mr. Hickey

Ross Gaynor held an after-school soccer club and 14 of our class took part. Dean met Joey Carbery and Gary
Ringrose at Ardee R.F.C. CJ and Harry have started with Ardee Celtic. Jack Clarke is almost finished his
swimming lessons. Davy, Jack R and Callum won 6-0 with Ardee Celtic U-10s. Eoghan competed in the Ulster
and Leinster Irish dancing championships in Donegal and City North. Dessie has started playing handball in
Kingscourt. Shayne went to see the Irish Rugby Team. Thomas got a hurling medal for the mini-league. Alex
scored 3 goals at Friday Night Soccer. We have been learning gymnastics during P.E. We went on a Santa run
up through the village and learned some local history on the way.
4th & 5th Class - Mrs. Woods.
Muireann and Sophie got their green belts in Jujitsu, Grace received an orange belt. Well done girls! Cian and
Katelyns dad played in goals at the recent 1996 vs 2016 Drumconrath team match. Elza has her dance show
coming up and is practicing hard. Shane went orienteering with the scouts in Dun na Ri last week. Keisha got a
gold medal in dancing a couple of weeks ago. Ollies football season is over and he scored Goal of the
Season.
5th & 6th Class - Mrs Rowe.
Our Christmas Badminton Tournament is in full swing. It is played on a Round-Robin basis and the finals will be played
before the Christmas holidays. We have learned the various skills attached to playing this game and how to count
matches. The lay- out of the badminton court for singles and doubles is now understood by us all. Uni-hoc was a game we
played after Halloween. This is a very skilful game and holding the hockey stick in the correct position is of utmost
importance. As a team game, this is most enjoyable. Ross Gaynor held ten coaching sessions in Soccer during this term.
These were held on Thursdays for one hour after school. It was brilliant and he is returning in January for another set of
coaching lessons. The local U-21 Gaelic football team reached the B final, but unfortunately they lost. We decorated our
windows with red and blue as this team is compiled of players from Meath Hill and Drumconrath clubs. Drumconrath U13 lost the semi- final of their league, Mark, Peter and Keith were on that team. During the summer the U-12 team won
the league final. Ryan, Peter, Mark, Michael, Oran and.
Keith were on that team. Their photo is in the Meath GAA book 2016

Improve your Knowledge

Junior Infants Ms. Keenan

What 2D shape has four sides & four corners with each side the same length? Ans: A Square.
What do we start opening on December 1st? Ans: Advent Calendar.
Who is the new president of America? Ans: Donald Trump.
What day is Christmas Day on? Ans: Sunday.
What is raining in Irish? Ans: Ag cur baist.

Ms. Harte Senior Infants & 1st Class.

What are the names of Santas reindeers? Ans: Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner,Blitzen
and of course Rudolph with his bright red nose!
How long do elephants live for? Ans: They can live up to 70 years.
Who Lives in the Whitehouse? Ans: The president of America.
What is the Amazon? Ans: The Amazon is the largest river in South America.
What do we celebrate on the 25th December? We celebrate the birth of Jesus - Christmas day.
Mr. Hickey 2nd & 3rd Class

In which city did the Irish Rugby team beat New Zealand? Ans: Chicago

What 2 rivers were in Mesopotamia? Ans: Tigris & Euphrates.

Who was Setantas uncle? Ans: Conor MacNeasa.

How many rings are on the Olympic flag? Ans: 5.

Who defeated Drumconrath-Meath Hill in the U-21 final? Ans: Oldcastle.

Mrs. Woods 4th & 5th Class

On what date does the sun shine directly into the passage at Newgrange? 21 st December
What is the name of the hole the sun shines into the monument through? Roofbox
Dublin is built on what river? Liffey
When we swallow our food it passes from our throat to our stomach through a pipe called __________? The
oesophagus
What length is the small intestine? Approx. 5 metres long

Mrs. Rowes 5th & 6th Class

The Eiffel Tower was designed for a Paris exhibition in 1949. True or False? Ans: False.
What is known as the Science of the heavens? Ans: Astronomy.
Which is not an arm bone humerus, radius, sternum or ulra? Ans: Sterum.
You can see Mount Fujiyama in which country? Ans: Japan.
Where in the body will you find the left ventricle? Ans:Heart.

ompetition Winners

Mrs. Woods Class -4th & 5th Class

Christmas Storys
Conor Gargan 4th Class

- Jack O Shaughnessy 5th Class

Ms. Keenans Class Junior Infants & Senior Infants

Nra McGowan Junior Infants Sam McGahan Senior Infants

Ms. Hartes Class

Handwriting winners

Ella Sheerin Senior Infants - Maria Mc Gowan 1st Class

Art Competition winners Lily Reilly Senior Infants Andrew Mc Cloughlin 1 st Class

Mr. Hickeys Class

Art Competition winners Deirdre Byrne 2nd Class

Alex Reilly 3rd Class

Mrs.Rowes Class
5th Class & 6th Class
Christmas Card Creations 5th class - 1st place Katie Byrne - 2nd place Ellie Carolan
6th class - 1st place Kellie Tighe - 2nd place Niamh Dunne

Gach duine a
dhanamh go
maith!