Niall Mór Newsbox

Niall Mór Newsbox
ENFO: Conor Ryan, marine biologist, came to the school on 22 November. He gave an interactive fun workshop on amazing sea creatures and sea plants. The food chain, filter feeding, nutrients, carbon dioxide and photo synthesis were discussed using examples of exciting Irish species. Did you know that the starfish eats by taking it’s own stomach out through it’s mouth and puts it inside the shell?	Cross Country Championships Last September the Cross Country Championships were held in Finn Valley and we had one of our most successful days out ever. Individual medals were won by Róisín Mc Fadden, Stephen Foy, David Mc Guinness, Áine Connell, Siobhán Carrabin and Tara White. Our U-9 boys won silver medals, U-11 girls team won gold and our U-13 girls team took silver at the same event. Following on from this we took part in the Ulster Primary Schools’ Cross Country event held in Fintra in November. Individual medals were won by Áine Connell, Siobhán Carrabin, Orlaith Kelly and Tara White. Team medals were won in all races at the same event. Well done to all our runners for a great performance.
"Dúchas" presented an exhibition of wildlife on 15 October. The children were encouraged to touch the exhibits. The infants picked out the prickly hedgehog and the squirrel as their favourite animals. Photographs of the wildlife are on display in the school corridor.
We were delighted to welcome Frank Galligan back to the school again this year. In early October he visited all the classrooms where he told stories, read poetry and encouraged the children to be creative and to use their imaginations when they write. A very worthwhile and enjoyable day was had by all.	Mini-7s: On Tuesday 12th October , the boys and girls from 4th, 5th and 6th classes went to Kilcar to represent the school in the GAA Mini-7s. The girls were victorious, winning all their games.The boys were runners up, winning all but one game. Both teams played some very good football.The girls continued on to participate in the Regional Finals in Ardara on 21 October. Once again they put in some excellent performances before eventually losing out to Ardara by a single point. They had an excellent day of football. Congratulations to Niall Mc Hugh, 5th class, who recently won the A.I.B. County Story-Writing Competition and to Chanelle Noctor, 3rd class, who won 3rd prize in the Magee Christmas Card Competition. Well done!
Ceilí Dancing: Pupils from 1st class through to 6th took part in an eight week céilí dancing course. Our excellent teacher, Mrs. Finnerty, taught us many dances from the Walls of Limerick to the Sweets of May. The highlight of all was our “Céilí Mór” which took place in The Forresters’ Hall where we were joined by the staff and pupils of Meentinadea school from Ardara.
Glenveagh: Third, fourth and fifth classes visited Glenveagh National Park during November. It was a first visit for most of the children and they thought it was a really interesting and enjoyable experience. The programme for the day included a short film about the history of the park, a talk on the wildlife and plants, games, a nature trail or tour of the castle. It was a worthwhile visit and all the children expressed a wish to go back again.	Annie: The children in the special Class went to see a production of Annie in the Millennium Forum, Derry, on the 17th November. It was a very exciting trip as the class had never been to the Millennium Forum previously. They were not disappointed as the performance was first class. The children thoroughly enjoyed the play. It was a wonderful experience which they hope to repeat again some time in the future.
Notice Board
The school will close on Wednesday, 22 December 2004 and re-open on Monday, 10 January 2005 Parent/Teacher Day: Friday, 28 January 2005 Malawi Appeal - No Uniform Day, Friday, 17 December for the children of Aaron Orphan Care Malawi, Africa. We thank you for your continued support for this orphanage.	It was with sadness that we learned of the passing of Pádraig D. Ó Ceallacháin, former Principal of this school. Master Callaghan, as he was known to many generations of Killybegs children, taught in the school from 1958 until his retirement in 1980. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam uasal!
	We would like to take this opportunity to wish everybody a Peaceful and Joyous Christmas.