Tag Archives: Spa National School

News

PHOTOS: Hundreds Brave The Showers To Take Part In Donal Walsh Spa 6K Challenge

.
Fionnbar and Elma Walsh with Principal Peter Linehan in front of the large attendance before the Donal Walsh Spa NS 6k Challenge on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean

DESPITE the showers, a huge crowd turned out for an electric ‘Donal Walsh Spa 6K Challenge’ hosted by Spa NS.

The school organised the popular family fun day in honour of Donal, their past pupil, on Sunday.

“We wanted to honour Donal again in a special way and so our amazing team of loyal volunteers and sponsors worked exceptionally hard yet again despite the challenging conditions to create an event where people would come together for a few hours, have fun and ‘live life’ just as Donal had urged us all to,” said school principal Peter Linehan.

Continued below…

.

“Huge credit must go to our Parents Association who have worked tirelessly over the past few weeks to ensure that everything was ready and that the day ran so smoothly,” added Peter.

Despite a few rain showers on the morning over five hundred people visited the school which was a hive of activity with a fabulous market organised by the students.

Children from 6th classes also hosted fun games and challenges for everyone all day and the large crowd in attendance was also enthralled by an exciting rocket competition.

Tommy McCarthy setting off on the Donal Walsh Spa NS 6k Challenge on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean

The Parents Association had also organised a beautiful food court on site with tasty burgers, teas, tasty treats and ice creams being served up.

Local musician Ian O’Doherty kept everyone entertained with a lively sing song and street performer, Ronaldo Fanzini made a number of appearances and had everyone in stitches with his hilarious comedy show.

Continued below…

.

However, the main event of the day was the ‘Donal Walsh Spa 6K Challenge’ a looped run/walk starting and finishing at the school. Donal’s parents Fionbarr and Elma were on hand to officially start the run/walk.

There was a truly wonderful atmosphere as young and not so young set off to enthusiastically tackle the course.

First home in the men’s section was Oisín Spillane with local lads Eddie O Connor and David Chute a close second and third.

Local girl, Siobhán Daly scooped first place in the ladies section closely followed by Deirdre Curtin and Emma Guiney.

However, there were huge cheers and rounds of applause for the long line of runners and walkers when they crossed the finish line.

Elma Walsh was thrilled with the event; “We are delighted to be back again celebrating the “Live Life” message in Spa N.S. a place where Donal had so many happy days. The committee has again organised a really fantastic day for everyone and Donal would have loved it!” Scroll down for photos…

Setting off on the Donal Walsh Spa NS 6k Challenge on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean
.
Setting off on the Donal Walsh Spa NS 6k Challenge on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean
Setting off on the Donal Walsh Spa NS 6k Challenge on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean
.
Setting off on the Donal Walsh Spa NS 6k Challenge on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean
Setting off on the Donal Walsh Spa NS 6k Challenge on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean
.
Setting off on the Donal Walsh Spa NS 6k Challenge on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean
Setting off on the Donal Walsh Spa NS 6k Challenge on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean\
.

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Entertainment, News, SCHOOLS, WHAT'S ON

Spa National School Prepares For A ‘Night At The Dogs’

.
Launching ‘the Night at the Dogs’ at Spa National School. Photo by Lisa O’Mahony.

THERE was a lot of excitement in Spa National School on Monday at the launch of its upcoming ‘Night at the Dogs’ fundraiser.

The school will host the night at the Kingdom Greyhound Track on Saturday March 11, and it promises to be a fantastic family night out.

All funds raised will be used to purchase a new interactive whiteboard for each classroom in the school.

Continued below…

.

“The organising committee has been working extremely hard behind the scenes and has received such generous support from the families in the school and friends in the wider community. We are very grateful!” said school principal, Peter Linehan.

As well as twelve specially-sponsored dog races starting at 7pm on the night, the committee has organised a wide variety of different novelty activities from bouncy castles to face painting for the younger visitors, to a ‘Battle of the Legends’ with former Kerry footballer, Marc Ó Sé taking on Kerry hurler John Griffin in an 80 metre solo challenge, for the older visitors.

However, the highlight of the night will most likely be the ‘Spa N.S. Wheelbarrow 525 Final’ being organised by the school’s student council.

Six teams of students each led by a local celebrity will compete in a relay race with a difference. There will be prizes for the best dressed couples, lots of spot prizes and post racing music to keep the party going.

The committee has also set up a special ‘Buster Race Draw’ with the lucky winner taking home €500 on the night.

“The excitement is really building,” added Rowena Savage, Chairperson of the Parents Association, “and we invite everyone to come along and enjoy a really fun night out!”

Pupils of Spa National School looking forward to the fundraising ‘Night at the Dogs’. Photo by Lisa O’Mahony.
News, SCHOOLS

Kerry Stars Give Boost To Spa NS Pupils In Their Junior Entrepreneur Programme

Credit Union motor
.

THE children of 5th Class in Spa National School have been working hard for the Junior Entrepreneur Programme (JEP), coming up with the idea of sketching their own set of unique postcards titled, ‘SPA’s Picturesque Postcards’.

And last week they received very special visitors in Colm Cooper and Kieran Donaghy to launch the project.

Spa JEP 2
Colm Cooper visits the pupils in Spa NS to give them encouragement with their Picturesque Postcards project.

Teacher of the class, Niall Morgan, said: “We had a thoroughly enjoyable launch day last Thursday 10th March in the school hall, which was attended by special guests Colm Cooper (AIB) and Kieran Donaghy (PST-SPORT). We sold out of stock on the day and are busy manufacturing more product to satisfy orders in the school and local community. It is a delight to be involved in and has proved to be a resounding success.”

Each pack consists of five postcards involving local scenery and wildlife, 1916 commemoration and an Easter themed postcard.

The class was subdivided into five teams to see the project through to completion: Finance Team, Marketing Team, Production and Design Team, Sales Team and Story Telling Team.

Continued below…

Spa JEP 1
Kieran Donaghy gives encouragement to Spa NS kids with their project.

hannons insertThe project places a lot of emphasis on Team Work, Critical Thinking and Creativity and gives the children great confidence in terms of their Self Esteem and Social Skills.

The JEP is an entrepreneurial education programme specifically for Primary Schools. The programme allows children to conceive, develop and ‘bring to market’ their own business idea and the children gain a real insight into what it takes to create a successful business, whilst also learning about potential pitfalls and unforeseen difficulties that may arise. The programme links seamlessly with English, Mathematics, Visual Arts, ICT and Social/Personal and Health Education (SPHE) in the Primary Curriculum.

 

News, SCHOOLS

Spa NS And Mercy Mounthawk Shortlisted In Bord Gais Energy Student Theatre Awards

hannons insert
.
BGE Shortlist Announcment
The Bord Gais Energy Student Theatre Awards sees four Kerry schools nominated.

SPA National School and Mercy Mounthawk have been shortlisted in this year’s Bord Gáis Energy Student Theatre Awards, and will now travel to a special awards ceremony taking place at the Bord Gais Enegry Theatre on May 5, 2016.

Spa N.S. has been shortlisted in the Best Musical Number category for its performance of ‘”I’m On Strike” in the 4th class production of ‘Santa’s on Strike’ while Mercy Mounthawk has been shortlisted in the Best Overall School Play category for its production of ‘The Plough and the Stars’ by 4th and 5th Year students and in the Best Set category for the set built in their production of ‘Les Misérables’ by 5th and 6th Year students.

Two other Kerry schools have been nominated. They are;  St Michael’s National School in Sneem has been shortlisted in the Best Choreography for the school performance of ‘Follow the Star’ and Holy Family NS in Rathmore has been shortlisted in the Best Direction category for its production ‘Fight for Freedom’ and Sean Burke O Donoghue from 6th class in the school has also been shortlisted in the Best Male Performance in a Leading Role for his portrayal of Patrick O’Connor in the production.

This year, 2,888 entries were received from 346 primary and secondary schools across Ireland and categories range from best overall school musical, best overall school play and best set design to individual categories such as best short scene script, best dramatic critique and best male and female performances in a leading role.

The judging panel comprised of actress Amy Huberman; playwright Marina Carr; Strictly Come Dancing star Tristan MacManus; author Sarah Webb; set and costume designer Maree Kearns; Bord Gáis Energy Theatre manager Stephen Faloon and Bord Gáis Energy communications manager, Irene Gowing.

Commenting on the shortlist, Irene Gowing, communications manager for Bord Gáis Energy said: “For the judges, this meant a really tough job narrowing down our shortlist. I would like to thank all teachers and students in Kerry who entered, as well as the parents who support them. Congratulations to all the shortlisted schools and students and we look forward to the welcoming you all at the awards ceremony on the 5 May,” she continued.

The full 2016 shortlist is available to view at www.BGESTA.ie

News, SCHOOLS

Four Kerry Schools Have Films Nominated For FÍS Festival

kellihers new insert ad
.
Spa NS
Spa NS is amongst four schools in the county to be nominated for the Fís Film Festival.

FOUR Kerry schools have seen their hard work pay off after they have been nominated for awards at the 11th FÍS Film Festival.

This year’s schools will be hoping to emulate the success of St Brendan’s National School in Fenit who took home a top award at last year’s festival (see story here).

Spa National School, Ardfert NS, St. Joseph’s NS Ballyheigue and St. Finian’s NS Waterville are the schools in question that have been nominated and are amongst 20 other schools that were chosen from around the country.

Continued below…

Arthur Spring 2
.

They will attend the award ceremony in the Helix in Dublin on November 3.

There must something special in the water over at the Spa National School it seems, with this being the school’s second nomination for the FÍS Film Festival in three years, with their current nomination coming from the work on their short film entitled ‘William and Mary Together Forever’.

St. Joseph’s NS in Ballyheigue will see its film, ‘The Chase’ entered into the awards while St. Finians NS entered with ‘Micko’s Missing Medals’ and finally Ardfert NS will be hoping that their piece ‘The Fight for Freedom’ will prove triumphant.

“We in Spa N.S. are delighted to be involved in the FÍS Film Festival again this year. FíS is an amazing experience for all students. It allows them to tap into and exhibit all of their wonderful creativity and imagination in a medium that excites and inspires audiences,” said Spa NS school principal Peter Linehan.

“The project encourages and demands teamwork from everyone. It is wonderful to see how all students participate and give their all, from start to finish and how they take real pride in their entry. The FÍS event in Dublin is the ‘icing on the cake’ as the students get the opportunity to celebrate all of the entries and share their experiences with their peers,” he finished.

To enter the festival, primary schools across the country were asked to devise a five minute long film on a subject of their choice.

The film had to be produced by the children and their teachers and entries are judged on imagination and creativity, the originality of the story, excellence in set design, costume design, film direction and production as well as the use of sound, acting and cinematography with those that chose to use special techniques such as animation or special effects to be awarded extra points.

Awards will be made in a wide variety of categories including Comedy, Acting, Storytelling, Adaptation, Animation, Special Effects, Direction, Costume, Editing, Production, Cinematography, Sound, Public Safety, Best Newcomer, Best Junior Class Production and Historical Adaptation, among others.

News, SCHOOLS

PHOTOS: A Treble Double As Three Sets Of Twins Begin At Spa NS

VTOS Open Day Sept
.
Spa first twins 1
The three set of twins who started school at Spa NS on Thursday. From left; Rachel and Grace Stephenson, Ruairi and Abbey Kearney and Cameron and Ethan Quirke. Photo by Dermot Crean

SPA National school opened its doors on Thursday and the teacher of the junior infants could be forgiven for thinking she was seeing double…three times over!

Three sets of twins began their schooldays, bringing to 10 the number of twins in the school.

“They’re not all identical so that helps,” joked junior infants teacher, Valerie Linehan. “We had a lovely day on Thursday and all the junior infants settled in well. There were a couple of emotional mammies rather than children,” she laughed.

“It is unusual to have that amount of twins in the school I suppose,” said Prinicipal Peter Linehan. “It’s great though as they all bring their different personalities to the school and we’re all one big happy family here,” he said.

Scroll down for photos…

Brehon Wedding Insert

Spa first 10 twins
The ten sets of twins at Spa NS with Principal Peter Linehan. Front from left; Ethan and Cameron Quirke, Ruairí and Abbey Kearney and Rachel and Grace Stephenson. Second row; Ria and Ray Moriarty, Peter and Emily O’Connor, Keelin and Grace O’Dowd. Back row; Conor and Marc Brick, Tomás and Liam O’Connor, Charlie and Jack Nolan and Hanza and Maha Hussein. Photo by Dermot Crean
CH Estee 1
.
Spa First 5
Young ladies starting school at Spa NS this week. Photo by Dermot Crean
Credit Union 600x400
.
Spa First 1
Young junior infants investigating the toy box at Spa NS this week. Photo by Dermot Crean
Spa First 4
Young junior infants girls settling in at Spa NS this week. Photo by Dermot Crean
Spa first twins quirke 2
Cameron and Ethan Quirke who started school this week. Photo by Dermot Crean
Spa first class
Teacher Valerie Linehan with her junior infants class at Spa NS this week. Photo by Dermot Crean
News, SCHOOLS

Spa NS To Hold ‘Donal Walsh 6k Challenge’

 

Spa NS Donal 2
Launching the Donal Walsh 6km Challenge at Spa NS on Friday were, in front; Grace Walsh, Mark O’Connor, Blathnaid Walsh, Noah O’Carroll, Gearoid O’Connor, Luke O’Carroll, Sadhbh Walsh, Katelyn Savage with at back, Jenny Crushell, Adrienne O’Carroll, Principal Peter Linehan, Deirdre Falvey and Niamh Murphy. Photo by Dermot Crean

THERE was a real buzz of excitement and anticipation at Spa NS on Friday as the 2015 ‘Donal Walsh Spa 6K Challenge’ was launched.

This will be the second year of the event and the whole school community is busy organising another family fun day in honour of Donal, their past pupil, on Sunday June 7.

“We want to yet again honour Donal in a special way and so the committee is working to create an event where people of  all ages and fitness levels can come together for a few hours, have fun and ‘live life’ just as Donal urged us all to,” said school principal Peter Linehan.

“Huge credit must go to our Parents Association who have been working tirelessly over the past few weeks to ensure that everything will be ready,” added Peter.

The school will be a hive of activity with a fabulous farmers market in operation and children from 5th and 6th classes coordinating fun games and challenges for young and old all day.

The Parents Association is also organising a beautiful barbeque on site with teas and tasty treats also being served up as well.

Ronaldo Fanzini, ‘King Of Mayhem’, will host a lively show to entertain everyone.

However, the main event of the day will be the ‘Spa 6K Challenge’ a 6km looped run/walk starting and finishing at the school.

Donal’s mum, Elma Walsh, will yet again officially start the run/walk at 11.30am.

Everyone is welcome to come along and register from 10am on the morning, but they can also pre-register (for reduced entry fees) at the school.

Please call 066-7136618 or e mail spaschool@eircom.net for full details.

Spa NS Donal 1
Teachers, parents and pupils launching the Donal Walsh 6km Challenge at Spa NS on Friday. Photo by Dermot Crean
SCHOOLS

PHOTOS: Primary Schools Battle Out In Table Quiz

TRALEE DENTAL insert 1

A PRELIMINARY round of the Allianz Cumann na mBunscol Table Quiz for national school children was held in Holy Family National School on Tuesday.

The round was for schools located in the Tralee and St Brendan’s Board area with eight teams from, Holy Family, CBS Clounalour and Spa National Schools competing.

All the questions in the quiz are based on Irish history, geography, GAA and things of general interest around Ireland such as traditions and ancient folklore.

In the end three teams, from Holy Family, Ardfert NS and Spa NS progressed to the county final which is to be held on Monday, May 25 in the Meadowlands Hotel.

The Allianz Cumann na mBunscol Table Quiz has been going since the 125th anniversary of the GAA in 2009.

Scroll down for photos…

At the preliminary round of the Allianz Cumann a mBunscol table quiz in Holy Family National School, were from left: Matthew Browne, Gavin Burrows, Dean Farrell, Dylan Hurley and Adam Curren. Photo by Gavin O'Connor.
At the preliminary round of the Allianz Cumann a mBunscol table quiz in Holy Family National School, were from left: Matthew Browne, Gavin Burrows, Dean Farrell, Dylan Hurley and Adam Curran. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
At the preliminary round of the Allianz Cumann a mBunscol table quiz in Holy Family National School, were from Spa National School, from left: Richard O'Gara, Katie Dwyer, Joe Lenihan, Eoin Walsh, Aodan Behan, Brian Hamilton. Photo by Gavin O'Connor.
At the preliminary round of the Allianz Cumann a mBunscol table quiz in Holy Family National School, were from Spa National School, from left: Richard O’Gara, Katie Dwyer, Joe Lenihan, Eoin Walsh, Aodan Behan, Brian Hamilton. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
At the preliminary round of the Allianz Cumann a mBunscol table quiz in Holy Family National School, were from left: Michael Forest, John Goubran, Tale Anegbod and Henriett Adedeaji. Photo by Gavin O'Connor.
At the preliminary round of the Allianz Cumann a mBunscol table quiz in Holy Family National School, were from left: Michael Forest, John Goubran, Tale Anegbod and Henriett Adedeaji. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
At the preliminary round of the Allianz Cumann a mBunscol table quiz in Holy Family National School, were from left: Sam McCarthy, Ben Quilter, Cormac Lynch and Niall Fitzmaurice. Photo by Gavin O'Connor.
At the preliminary round of the Allianz Cumann a mBunscol table quiz in Holy Family National School, were from left: Sam McCarthy, Ben Quilter, Cormac Lynch and Niall Fitzmaurice. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
At the preliminary round of the Allianz Cumann a mBunscol table quiz in Holy Family National School, were from left: Sinead Forest, Mimi King, Cormac O'Riordan and Dara Hannon. Photo by Gavin O'Connor.
At the preliminary round of the Allianz Cumann a mBunscol table quiz in Holy Family National School, were from left: Sinead Forest, Mimi King, Cormac O’Riordan and Dara Hannon. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
News, SCHOOLS

PHOTOS: Local Schoolchildren Show Vision With Film Projects

Total Cleaning Supplies 1x

Students of St Brendans National School, Fenit at the FIS screening in Siamsa Tire. Photo by Gavin O'Connor.
Students of St Brendans National School, Fenit at the FIS screening in Siamsa Tire. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.

THREE schools from the Tralee area took part in screenings at Siamsa Tire for films they made as part of a national initiative called ‘FIS’.

The idea of FIS (literally translated as ‘Vision’)  is to use film-making as a way of helping children to learn more effectively.

The three schools from the Tralee area which took part were; St. Brendan’s National School, Fenit; CBS Primary School and Spa National School.

There were also several other schools from around the county involved for what was a regional screening of the children’s work.

St. Brendan’s National School, Fenit picked up a category award for their film “Be Careful What You Wish For”. The film, which was created by 5th and 6th classes, was shot in various locations in Fenit and tells the story of four children who discover a genie in a bottle.

Continued below…

O'Neills 2 - New

“We’re delighted to be getting an award,” said teacher at St. Brendan’s National School, Emer De Brun. “It was a very positive experience, the children really got to know what goes on behind the scenes when making a film”,

CBS Primary School were one of the  ‘highly commended award winners’ for their film “Communication Through The Ages” which looked at how methods of communication have changed over time.

“I enjoyed it very much,” said student of CBS Primary, Kerry Obe. “The fun part was making the film and seeing how we could edit it all in iMovie,” said Kerry.

Spa National School’s film takes the viewer on an trip through Spa down the ages, with the children performing as historical characters. Thehad this to say.

“The children loved it,” said class teacher Jacqueline Kelly. “We attended training in the Education Centre for the main part of the year, then in class we did drama and workshops in preparation for filming, everyone was involved,” said Jacqueline.

The bodies that were took part were FÍS were, The Education Centre, Tralee in collaboration with PDST Technology in Education, IADT (Institute of Art, Design and Technology, Dun Laoghaire) and Kerry Film Festival celebrates film making in schools.

Children and staff of CBS Primary at the FIS screening in Siamsa Tire. Photo by Gavin O'Connor.
Children and staff of CBS Primary School at the FIS screening in Siamsa Tire. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
Students and staff of Spa National School, at the FIS screening in Siamsa Tire. Photo by Gavin O'Connor.
Students and staff of Spa National School, at the FIS screening in Siamsa Tire. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.