From the Principal’s Desk….
Today our Junior Infants started off the school tour season with a trip to Airfield farm which means we are approaching the end of the year and that the pace of the school is going to speed up.
It already seems like old news that our athletics team and Rang a Sé were representing our school in Morton stadium on Tuesday. They ran incredibly well. Our sprinters ran their best but some days the people beside you are just faster and you just have to accept that. Which they did and prepared themselves for the relay event later in the day. Arthur in Rang a 6 did make the final and managed to get a bronze medal. Our field athletes have a lot less time to practice as we don’t have a way of practicing the long jump or shot putt but they all did incredibly well. Danielle managed to get a silver in the long jump while Arlo and Jake both did themselves and us proud. Edie and Ethan our 600m runners were up next and they both ran their best races giving their all.
Then we were ready for my favourite event, the 100m relays. The under 12 boys and girls both ran brilliant races, all the practices paid off as the transitions were perfect and both teams ran home as the winners. Our under 14s were up next and having seen them run so well last year and knowing how committed they were to their practices I was anticipating coming back with a new record of three trophies maybe more. Our girls team ran their perfect race but they had to deal with the disappointment of not getting knocked out in the heats. Our boys then made it to the finals but the other teams were looking really strong. A false start from another team unsettled our starter but he made it up as best he could with a perfect transition and we were placed near the front for our third runner but a slow transition meant that we were in fifth place for the last 100. The gap closed all the way down the final straight and we were just outside the medals with 20m to go but incredibly were a hair's breadth from second place on the line. Our boys lifted the mood with an incredible never give up and run your best - third place finish. We were now going to be the last in the stadium and late getting home as we waited for the awards. I am so proud of our athletes not because they won but because they did their best each and everyone of them.
On Wednesday our student teachers Emma and Saoirse finished their placement in rang 4. Laura will finish her placement in Rang a 6 today. We have benefitted from having students in the school and we hope that they feel the same. Laura started her observations in the middle of the musical and this week with athletics and a trip to Leinster House on Wednesday she has seen how busy and varied the job can be.
If we have any nice weather look out for a lemonade stand near you as Rang a Dó had the school filled with a beautiful citrous smell.
Our much postponed Run Kids Run raffle will be held on Monday when finally we have the whole school in one place for Rang a 3’s assembly. The extra time has been beneficial as we now look like we will hit 10K or very close to it with our fundraising efforts. Thank you to everyone who has helped with this.
Next week Rang a Sé are off to Delphi for their overnight trip. Rang a 4 will be finding out what Capoeira is on Tuesday with a visit from the Brazilian dance/martial art team. Rang a 1 will be in Fort Lucan on Thursday and Rang a 2 will be in Causey Farm on Friday. At which point we are all going to be very glad of the extended Bank Holiday. Remember the school is closed on Tuesday 3rd June
Last week when I was talking about the Drumcondra test I intended to mention a story about an incredible past pupil of ours. When I taught him in Rang 4, I was telling the class that the tests were designed so that everybody gets something wrong because there are questions that you won’t have covered which helps get the bell curve of results. He took this as a challenge and proceeded to get every single question correct. He hasn’t let go of this determination and is now Cambridge University's captain and winner of this year’s University Challenge. The tables are truly reversed because as I watched the final I had trouble understanding the questions. Well done Oscar.
Finally the choir's outdoor show created a lovely buzz in the yard this morning. We are going to try and recreate that buzz with a performance of our rock band in the very near future.
Have a lovely weekend,
Paul
As a reminder, the Hall is an available space for rental in the evenings and weekends. Any enquiries can be sent to hallrental@rmds.ie. Look out for the flyer on ‘Hall Rental’ in the coming weeks.
Sports Day - Mark the diary & We need volunteers
Sports Day is fast approaching - taking place on June 8th, in Sandford School from 11am - 2pm. Want to be part of Sports Day Fun 2025? We need you . Calling for volunteers to help with the smooth running of our yearly Sports Day. Any help big or small is needed!
Shifts are:
▫️Morning set up 9.30 -11.
▫️Late clean up 2.00 - 2.45.
▫️Afternoon 11 till 1 pm (help with races or on a stall)
All shifts only an hour tops!
We will ensure no one misses their kids races
The more volunteers the better to keep shift times shorter.
Please let your Class Rep know what shift times you are available. Thanks in advance. It will be a super day full of fun activities.
From the PA
