Learning About 1916 in the Middle Room

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Learning About 1916 in the Middle Room

In the Middle Room we have been learning about the events of Easter week in 1916. We have learned what life in Dublin was like for men, women and children. We have learned about the hopes and dreams of some determined people who decided to rebelas against the British forces in Ireland…beginning in that fateful week. We learned of how many Dubliners were taken by surprise by the actions of the rebels. We read about their bravery against the well organised and armed British army and of the locations where they fought, the GPO, Boland’s Mills, Jacob’s factory, Dublin Castle. We also learned about the Proclamation and our school has received a copy with our National flag like every primary school in Ireland. We learned about the seven signatories of the Proclamation and their surrender and execution.

One of the exercises Ms. Fenlon asked us to do was to design a biscuit to celebrate 1916, using all we had learned about the Rising, the seige in Jacob’s and using some of the ideas and famous names to create them…Katie baked a batch of cookies using ginger, pistacchio and oats…the GPO biscuit which everyone agreed was delicious. Her version for class didn’t contain pistacchios as our school is a Nut Free Zone. Diarmuid baked a cookie based on biscuits baked at the time but included a chocolate chip in each… a small act of rebellion so he named his cookies ‘Rebels’!

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Remembering Mark

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I know for certain that we never lose the people we love, even to death.

They continue to participate in every act, thought and decision we make.

Their love leaves an indelible imprint in our memories.

We find comfort in knowing that our lives have been enriched by having shared their love.

~Leo Buscaglia~

On the 19th of December 2015 Mark Fordham died suddenly. He was in 2nd Class aged just 8 years old. It seems to us now, that like a shooting star, he burned most radiantly because his life was so short. He connected with every child and member of staff in his time with us…weaving a special spell, leaving us heartbroken, but leaving us also with a store of treasured memories.

Mark was dramatic, imaginative and witty and funny- His games required a big group of playmates, eager to find out what fabulous adventure they were going to experience. His games needed the entire expanse of our playground. Each day, walls, leaves, pebbles, rocks and trees were imaginatively transformed into potions, kingdoms and portals to other galaxies and fantasy lands.

Mark was confident, aware of his charisma and he loved being social. When asked in a writing activity if there was anything he would change about himself if he could his answer was simple. It is inscribed on the seat of the throne which stands as a memorial to him.

It reads: “everything is good”

Mark was inventive and very bright academically. He was the centre of attention, someone who rippled with energy and enthusiasm. He loved music. Fittingly “Electricity’ was one of his favourite songs. We have lots of mementos of Mark, photographs of him at work and play, samples of his writing, video footage of his antics in his role of director for a nativity play and singing in the choir at our Carol Service- his face beaming as he copied the conductor’s antics!

Every adult and child who knew Mark was devastated by his passing. Yet no one in our school ever wished to have missed the opportunity to know him, despite experiencing the pain of parting with him. We think of Mark here every day. We see his memorial- the throne and a circular bench set on a circle of paving stones beneath the trees, a constant reminder of him and his dear parents Donal and Patricia.

Mark made us want to be better friends, better teachers, better parents. He showed us that in his short life every moment matters and that every day is a chance to shine. He inspired our school to celebrate every child as a unique treasure trove of talents and gifts who leave a legacy no one can ever fully comprehend.

 

 

 

First Term in the Middle Room

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First Term in the Middle Room

We have had a very busy first term in Second, Third and Fourth Class. We were all busy getting used to keeping our Reading Logs, getting quiet and focused during DEAR, working happily in pairs and groups. Now we go on journeys of the imagination at the turn of a page…at no expense! Second Class has a big event to look forward to this year. Fr. Roche visited to tell them about the Do This in Memory of Me programme and to invite us to some special masses for everyone preparing for First Communion. In September, we invited our grandparents to visit our school on October 9that 1pm. Then we had a couple of weeks to get ready. We interviewed our grandparents…We collected photographs of them…We made portraits of them in oil and chalk pastels…We gathered mementoes to display which reminded us of their love for us… from toys, jewellery, rosary beads, cards, a loaf of Granny’s brown bread and a a bowl of strawberries! We wrote poems about them…composed prayers for them and decorated the corridors and the school hall with all our lovely work. We finally celebrated Grandparents’ Day on October 9th. Our school was so busy and full with grandparents who travelled from Dublin, Meath, Mayo, Kerry and other counties on the day, sharing memories, hugging us, seeing our classroom and meeting our teachers and friends. Our Parents’ Council made lovely tea and cakes for them and they all had a chat. We sang, played music and danced for them. Billy, one of the granddads played accordion with John, a Dad who played tin whistle. They played three songs and everyone clapped and tapped their feet! By four o’clock our visitors were gone and we all went home…

We had our Parent Teacher Meetings then Halloween which is always fun! Our fancy dress parade competition was better than ever this year with lots of homemade costumes and props.