Monday, December 6, 2010

Happy St. Nicholas' Day Everyone!


St Nicholas is remembered in many parts of the world every year on 6th December, although in other parts he is hardly remembered at all, except in his guise as Santa Claus, more familiarly known as Father Christmas.

The celebration of St Nicholas on 6th December continues in many places, and some cultures still choose to use this occasion to give gifts to children.

In the Netherlands St Nicholas is remembered on 6th December, but on the eve of the festivities he appears as Santa Claus to give gifts. There are similar celebrations in parts of Belgium as well.

Leave out your shoe outside the door of your bedroom or classroom and see if St. Nicholas' will leave a treat for you.... but remember if you watch for him he most certainly will not come!

Above are some pictures of St. Nicholas giving gifts to the little children just like he does today and another one of putting coins in a poor girls stocking.

Junior Spiders Shortlist 2010


Our class blog has been shortlisted for "Best Blog" in the Giga Spiders (Primary School) Category in the Eircom Junior Spiders 2010.

The Award Ceremony will take place on Friday next December 17th 2010 in the Helix DCu, Dublin.

Unfortunately due to weather circumstances and the busy school calendar our school will not be able to make the journey to the Helix. The very best of luck to all the schools shortlisted, there so much great work by students and teachers throughout Ireland!

Edublogs Nomination

Our class blog has been nominated for "Best Class Blog" with Edublog Awards 2010.


Click on the badge to vote for us please!


Monday, November 29, 2010

How does salt melt ice?



We had to put salt on the step this morning and we see it is now a puddle of water.

Why is this? How does salt melt the ice?

There we learned that the answer has to do with melting points. Most people know that water freezes at a temperature of OºC. Salt dissolves fairly rapidly in ice, lowering its freezing point in an effect known as freezing point depression, and melting it in the process.

You've also probably noticed the effect of salt water on freezing points if you've tried to make ice cream or if you've wondered why the ocean doesn't freeze at the same time as bodies of fresh water, such as rivers, lakes, and ponds.
On a roadway, this means that if you sprinkle salt on the ice, you can melt it. The salt dissolves into the liquid water in the ice and lowers its freezing point.

If you ever watch salt melting ice, you can see the dissolving process happen -- the ice immediately around the grain of salt melts, and the melting spreads out from that point.


Wednesday, November 24, 2010

FAI Champions Sligo Rovers Visit


Can you crack the code?

Today at 11 o'clock Sligo Rovers came to visit our school. The children did lots of lovely artwork to welcome the team after their big win in the aviva Stadium 10 days ago.


The last time that Sligo Rovers won the cup was 16 years ago so we are so happy to get a chance to see it on our own school.

A surprise on the day was that Richie Ryan was presented with the Airtricity Plater of the Month for October 2010. This really put our school in the national headlines!


Go on the Rovers!!!



Sligo Rovers Visit Mercy Primary Sligo with FAI Cup! from Joanne Leydon on Vimeo.

Monday, November 22, 2010

French Toast

This week we are making French Toast. It was very tasty.
We made sweet French Toast which can be a breakfast or a dessert in some countries, it probably came from Spain so we wondered.....

Why is French Toast Called French Toast?
The French came across a way of using stale bread and still making it edible. Dipping in egg and pan frying with butter and spices hides the fact that the bread is past it's 'use by' date
If it was not used it would be thrown out or 'lost'... or "pain perdu"

Much of French cooking follows the same thought processes.
Many of the rich, heavy and creamy sauces that are prevalent in French cooking were created to hide the fact that the meat or fish was, or was very nearly gone off. Obviously these dishes were created before fridges were invented. We are glad that our bread was not stale or it might not have been so tasty!!!

Be careful though, the French do not like to be reminded that their food was often less than fresh...

Click here to learn all about French Toast.

Monday, November 15, 2010

Sligo Rovers Foootball Final

Yesterday I went to the new Aviva Stadium to see Sligo Rover play against Shamrock Rovers. I went on a bus and I came back last night. It was the most exciting match I have ever been to because the score was still 0-0 after 30 minutes of extra time. It went to penalties and Ciaran Kelly the goalkeeper saved the day by saving 4 penalties. The team are coming home with the F.A.I. Cup tonight.

The last time that Sligo Rovers won the FAI Cup was 1994!

It was a brilliant day!
Written by Lauren.

Come on the Rovers!

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Our New School Blog!


We have just launched our new school blog. Here each class can set up their own blog.
If you would like to have a look click here.
We especially like the video introducing our school, it would be nice to use this type of voice over animation and text to movie software in our classroom!
Of course the school website is also still up and running here.

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Winter Poems

Here is a list of the poetry that we will be looking at over the winter months, well done to all the kids who decorated their poems, we all agree that they look great!

Tell us what poem is your favourite and why?
Winter Poems Full

Scrambled Eggs on Toast

This week we are making scrambled eggs on our new portable hob. It is a healthy snack and gives us all the right nutrients for our busy lifestyles! Well done to J.M. for typing this up!
Scrambled Eggs Final

Monday, November 8, 2010

Stone Soup Fable


We are doing the Portugese Fable of Stone Soup in the class this week, we really liked the story and all agreed with its message; what do you think?


A kindly, old stranger was walking through the land when he came upon a village. As he entered, the villagers moved towards their homes locking doors and windows.

The stranger smiled and asked, why are you all so frightened. I am a simple traveler, looking for a soft place to stay for the night and a warm place for a meal.

"There's not a bite to eat in the whole province," he was told. "We are weak and our children are starving. Better keep moving on."

"Oh, I have everything I need," he said. "In fact, I was thinking of making some stone soup to share with all of you." He pulled an iron cauldron from his cloak, filled it with water, and began to build a fire under it.

Then, with great ceremony, he drew an ordinary-looking stone from a silken bag and dropped it into the water.

By now, hearing the rumor of food, most of the villagers had come out of their homes or watched from their windows. As the stranger sniffed the "broth" and licked his lips in anticipation, hunger began to overcome their fear.

"Ahh," the stranger said to himself rather loudly, "I do like a tasty stone soup. Of course, stone soup with cabbage -- that's hard to beat."

Soon a villager approached hesitantly, holding a small cabbage he'd retrieved from its hiding place, and added it to the pot.

"Wonderful!!" cried the stranger. "You know, I once had stone soup with cabbage and a bit of salt beef as well, and it was fit for a king."

The village butcher managed to find some salt beef . . . and so it went, through potatoes, onions, carrots, mushrooms, and so on, until there was indeed a delicious meal for everyone in the village to share.

The villager elder offered the stranger a great deal of money for the magic stone, but he refused to sell it and traveled on the next day.

As he left, the stranger came upon a group of village children standing near the road. He gave the silken bag containing the stone to the youngest child, whispering to a group, it was not the stone, but the villagers that had performed the magic."

Moral: By working together, with everyone contributing what they can, a greater good is achieved.

Stone Soup

Thursday, November 4, 2010

Witch Witch Poem

We are a little late in getting our Halloween Poems up!

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Junior Spiders Awards Entry

We have just submitted our class blog into the Junior Spider Awards. We think that it's great that there is a school internet awards because there a so many brilliant school websites and blogs coming from Irish schools up and down the country.

Good luck to all the entrants!!

In Touch Magazine

Hot off the press!! Here is a picture of the INTO's "In Touch" Magazine that was delivered today.

We are all delighted that our class blog got a mention!

Hip hip hooray!

Monday, October 18, 2010

Interview with our New Principal

Today we did an interview with our new principal Ms. Marguerite Stenson.
We were delighted to get the chance to ask her some questions and record her on a podcast!
She was delighted to take some time out of her busy schedule to answer a few of our questions!
Interview New Principal October 2010

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Scoilnet Favourite Sites

Our class blog has been mentioned on scoilnet today!
There are lots of favourite sites in the sidebar to the right of these posts.
Lately our favourite sites are Oswego Interactive Games and Crickweb.


Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Halloween Buns

This week we are doing our Halloween Baking!
We wrote our recipes out last week and this is our reading in English.
We like baking and cooking and are good at helping Ms. Leydon do the washing up, which is just as important! What a tasty treat!
Halloween Spooky Skull Nests

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Sligo Rovers Visits Mercy Primary School!




Today was exciting day in Our Lady of Mercy Primary School. Sligo Rovers came to visit our school after winning the EA Cup! The school was decorated from top to toe in Red and White!

Here is what some of the children had to say before they arrived!

C'mon support the Bit O' Red!

To visit the Sligo Rovers Official Website click here.








Powered by Podbean.com


Saturday, October 2, 2010

Google Street View Launched in Ireland





View Larger Map
We had great fun with Google Street View today! Here is a shot of our school! You view it in several shots because it is so big! When we went around different places we could see some neighbours in their gardens and some children on yard. It is a bit strange we said and we all agreed that it was good to blur out car registrations and faces. We discussed how we should never share locations with people whom we do not fully trust.

It must have taken a long time to take all the pictures!

Thursday, September 30, 2010

Little Miss Muffet Parody



Little Miss Muffet sat on a tuffet
Eating a Big Mac and Fries
Along came a spider and sat down beside her
'Yuck', it said, 'I prefer flies'

Catch a Rhyme



Catch a Little Rhyme
by Eve Merriam

Once upon a time
I caught a little rhyme

I set it on the floor
but it ran right out the door

I chased it on my bicycle
but it melted to an icicle

I scooped it up in my hat
but it turned into a cat

I caught it by the tail
but it stretched into a whale

I followed it in a boat
but it changed into a goat

When I fed it tin and paper
it became a tall skyscraper

Then it grew into a kite
and flew far out of sight...

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Ms. Finan's Retirement

Tomorrow, on Mercy Day Ms. Mary Finan will be taking Early Retirement. All of the pupils in Our Lady of Mercy Primary both past and present will miss her greatly. We all hope that she enjoys her send off!

Monday, September 20, 2010

Counting Number 1


We are looking at the number one. We can make number 1 with play doh and here is one penguin!

Monday, September 13, 2010

Mercy Sisters Handover



Together with the staff of the school, the Chairperson Fr. Dominick Gillooly and members of the Board of Management, fourteen Sisters of Mercy gathered in the school hall. Prayers of thanksgiving were offered for their dedicated service to education in Sligo for over 160 years.

Text Taken from Sligo Champion Online

Friday, July 2, 2010

Brodie Has Retired!

On the last day of school Ms. Leydon brought Brodie into school. He had written her a letter and even signed his name in dig writing and put it in an envelope. He asked could he retire in one of the boys or girls' houses. He said that he had such great fun this year that he wanted to find a child who was on their best behaviour all day and one that talked in a kind and gentle voice and this would be the best place for him to retire!

Unfortunately it was very hard for Ms. Leydon to decide who should take him home because so many children were excellent all day. We all hope that Brodie is getting the 'Royal Treatment' in his new home and that his new owners are not finding him too much trouble!

Who knows he might come out of retirement for a day or two in 4th class to meet all his old chums and catch up on all the news!

Of course we all remember what Brodie taught us on his first day in 3rd class.....
"Use your brains instead of your brawn!"

Here are a few more games to keep you all busy! Click here.

Thursday, July 1, 2010

Happy Holidays



Happy Holidays to all the children of Our Lady of Mercy! Just a picture of some Maths we finshed this week on Symmetry. Check out the games!
Symmetry Game

Thursday, June 17, 2010

World Cup South Africa 2010


We have been doing quite a bit of work around the World Cup in class recently. Here are some links to different sites that I would recommend for learning about the 32 countries participating in 2010.

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

My Special Puppy by Caitlin



Once upon a time there lived a girl called Cleo. She was fourteen years old. One day on the way to the shop she saw a sign saying "Puppy Sale". So of course she went over and saw a puppy at her feet crying. She said "This is the one" and he smiled up at her! She called him Spike. He was very special to Cleo and Spike was her first puppy.

He loved Cleo as much as Cleo loved him. They had the best time together, and he would even sleep in her room. They had fun playing games like fetch and frisbee together.

Cleo said; "He's my special puppy and I will love him forever!"

William Shakespeare by Saffron




A long time ago a man called William Shakespeare was born. In our days William Shakespeare is famous.

He wrote lots of plays like Romeo and Juliet. It is a good story and I will tell a little bit of it for you all!



Romeo and Juliet
Once upon a time a girl called Juliet loved a man called Romeo. They loved each other but were not allowed to be with each other. So they made a poison drink so that they could be together in heaven. However the drink only killed Juliet because she was so soft and gentle. So Juliet died but Romeo did not.
That was a play that William Shakespeare wrote. It is called a tragedy because it has a sad ending.
"Good Night, Good night! Parting is such sweet sorrow, that I shall say good night till it be morrow."


Siopa na bPeataí


Dilín Ó Deamhas


Friday, June 11, 2010

Sports Fun Day


We had a great day yesterday with our Sports Fun Day in Our Lady of
Mercy Primary School. The excitement started at 8.45am and continued until 3pm. The sports events included;
  • Obstacle courses
  • Wall Climbing
  • Bungee Jump
  • Gladiators
  • Human football Table
  • Giant Chess
  • Face Painting
  • Balloon Modelers
  • Novelty Catering
  • Puppeteers
  • Demolition Zone
  • Penalty Shoutout
The photos speak for themselves! Many thanks to the Parents Association, Sponsors and Sandra McNulty (H.S.C.L.) and Corvenieos for making this great day happen!

Na Mothúcháin ar IWB


  • Tá áthas uirthi.
  • Tá fearg air.
  • Tá tart air.
  • Tá turise uirthi.
  • Tá ocras air.
  • Tá eagla uirthi.

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

Westlife in Croke Park


On Saturday I went to my cousin's house in Dublin. Then I went to Croke Park with them. A new girl band came on first playing Wonderland. After that John and Edward came out. They played 'Ghostbusters', that was very funny! JLS were singing good songs. they played 'One Shot' and 'Everybody in Love'.

Then at a quarter past eight Westlife came out. They were brilliant singers. My favourite song was 'What About Now'.

For the Finale they sang 'You Raise Me Up'. Everyone sang along and it was excellent! At the end they brought the children out. They said goodbye but everyone cheered and they came out again and played another song and gave it a great ending!

By Shane

Monday, June 7, 2010

Anti-Racism Week



L'abe igi orombo X2
l'ibe l'a ngbe sere wa
inu wa dun,
Ara wa ya
L'abe igi orombo


As part of our work for Anti Racism Week we went to Sligo Library. Nikki told us a story about Kasali the cow and three sons. We learned a new song, some African dancing and even some African drumming. We had a geat time!


Monday, May 31, 2010

Tin Whistle Practice

Seamus McCormac has asked that we revise all of this term's songs for tin whistle concert on Monday June 28th. Children are really getting on great and are picking up new tunes very quickly so keep up the practicing! We will sing Oró Sé do Bheatha Bhaile for him in a fortnight.





-- Post From My iPhone